The Blue Knight Rises, Gotham’s G-Men Building Dynasty

April 6, 2012

NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans, it’s been a while since the last article. I have been basking in the Super Bowl XLVI victory a bit more then usual. It’s fun talking to friends you’ve known your entire life when your team is one Super Bowl win away from being a dynasty. If the Giants win another Super Bowl within the next 3 years, they are a dynasty. To be even more specific, the Giants have until 2017 to win another one, which would give them 3 Super Bowl rings in a single decade. I honestly believe the Giants and QB Eli Manning are going to do it. Manning is elite, Manning is a Pro Bowl QB, 2x Super Bowl MVP, 2x Super Bowl Champion and has an Iron Man streak for most consecutive games without missing a start going. The guy is simply a winner and a family man. It’s hard not to like him and root for him.

The team is going to have a lot of players returning from injury this year. Some of the more important names to keep an eye on are CB Terrell Thomas, OL William Beatty, WR Domenik Hixon, TE Travis Beckum, TE Jake Ballard, TE Martellus Bennett, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, LB Clint Sintim, DT Marvin Austin, RB Da’Rel Scott and S Chad Jones. All of these players had injuries last year or have had a major career move. The G-Men need to avoid the rash of injuries that has plagued them since the 2009 season. If they can avoid loading up the injured reserve list and play at full strength one season, they have a nice chance of making it back to the big game and winning it again. Big Blue has proven how deep the team really is.

The 2012 NFL Draft is coming up in a few weeks and there seems to be a mix of areas that fans think are important. I don’t think the Giants will take a RB in the first round but you never know. A linebacker, offensive lineman or tight end could be on the top of the list. I would not be surprised to see them take another defensive back in round one since DC Perry Fewell is a DB guru. I like the extra pick the Giants will get in the fourth round as a compensation pick. Of course, if the best available player on the board is too good to ignore, they will draft him, no matter what the position. Even if it is another defensive end you say? Yes, I do. Nothing surprises me anymore with the Giants drafts. I really want to see the Giants invest in protecting QB Eli Manning this year. I want to see a few new big guys on the roster to contribute to the rotation. I’m convinced this is the year to invest heavily on offensive linemen in the draft and free agency. Surely it’s on both GM Jerry Reese and HC Tom Coughlin’s mind.

What do you think about the Giants roster moves thus far?

RD – nygreporter.com – Happy Easter Weekend!

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


Giants Bag Five After Free Agent Hunting Licenses Are Stamped

March 13, 2012

NEW YORK – It didn’t take long for a new wave of emotion to rush over Giants fans since the Super Bowl win over the Patriots, for a second time, in Super Bowl XLVI. The prospects and free agents are everywhere and there are players for every position. I discussed the fact that the Giants would strike quickly in my article yesterday and the Boys in Blue did not disappoint. News broke before 10:00 AM about the team re-signing CB Terrell Thomas to a 4-year deal worth over $25 million, to the pleasure of Giants fans all over the internet. They followed up by re-signing two more cornerbacks Michael Coe and Justin Tryon. They also signed OL Joel Reinders (6’8″ 317 pounds) and TE Larry Donnell (6’6″ 269 pounds), neither have NFL experience. The entire NFL was set ablaze today with excitement and anticipation of what moves their respective teams might make. I am one of those fans on the most basic level, as we all are, and couldn’t wait to see who the G-Men picked up. Giants GM Jerry Reese does a wonderful job handling these things, even if you cannot see the impact right away, it becomes evident by the end. Jerry Reese, once again, deserves to be NFL GM of the Year!

The Free Agency madness will continue for quite a while but I expect the most damage to be done within the first 48-72 hours. After that, you are picking bones for talent. GM Jerry Reese knows this and knows it makes no difference if you pick up a guy in the first hour or last hour of free agency. The only thing that changes is the level of talent you are getting at a lower price, the further down the rabbit hole you go. I fully expected the Giants to make at least one considerable signing today in an area of need and they did. It just made too much sense not to pull the trigger. If not done by today, then I would have expected them to make two signings tomorrow. Also, prepare to have your hearts broken because there a few fan favorite players that might not be with the team next year. It’s the mathematical part of the game that hurts the most. It’s pure business but a very cold dish to serve.

The Giants have so many free agents this year and very little wiggle room with the cap space. Jerry Reese and the front office will need to make miracles happen. It would be nice to tighten up the defense a little with signing a free agent linebacker with an Antrel Rolle athletic level. But they also need to keep current Giants players under contract for long stretches. There is a lot of work to do but today was a good start. They are not done at all Giants fans, so hold onto your seat. Rumors are still swirling about TE Kevin Boss, WR Steve Smith, WR Plaxico Burress all possibly returning to Big Blue and now news of Dallas TE Martellus Bennett coming to East Rutherford for a visit. Keep an eye on the running backs and linebackers. I think Jerry Reese has made the Giants draft plan a bit clearer with these moves. In my opinion, he still needs to sign DE Osi Umenyiora, S Deon Grant, DE Dave Tollefson, WR Mario Manningham and WR Victor Cruz. Could you imagine the Giants defense if they signed Mario Williams!

Who will be the top three most important free agent signings for Big Blue?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


New York Giants GM Jerry Reese, Take a Bow

February 10, 2012

NEW YORK – The New York Giants are Super Bowl XLVI Champions. I might start every article this week off with that sentence. Giants GM Jerry Reese is a winner. He deserves to win the GM of the Year award at least once in his career. I hope the voters see what he has accomplished and consider him each and every year. It’s funny how quickly NFL fans, who do not like the Giants, get sick of the sports news already after less then a week, such haters.

What can I say? I can watch that stuff all day. I am 100% sure that Jerry Reese has already started digging into the 2012 draft class and is without a doubt on top of the free agent market and the contract situations of current Giants players. I know he went back to work the next day following the Super Bowl XLVI victory, even if it wasn’t from his office or even in the NJ facility, Jerry Reese was working on making the Giants a better team and continues to do that right now, I guarantee it. The G-Men will never be mediocre under Reese but the amount of player injuries is something that really needs to be addressed this offseason, we cannot continue to hemorrhage 20% of the team to the IR List each season, it will catch up to us eventually. But enough of the negative, the good news is that Reese has stacked the Giants with a ton of talent. I’m extremely excited to see the players who went on IR last year get healthy. I’m just as excited about getting star players back as I am for the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, where Reese will kill it once again I’m sure. My opinion on the draft is go 10-year Offensive lineman in round one Jerry. Show Easy Eli that the team is committed to protecting him through the prime of his career. I believe the team should walk away from the 2012 draft with no less then two offensive linemen to throw into the mix. The name of the game on offense is ‘Protect Eli Manning’. I can see the G-men grabbing a TE or RB within the first three rounds as well. The rest of the picks will most likely go to DB’s and LB’s and hopefully they are able to grab a special teams star.

Other predictions and opinions are coming soon with more coverage on the Giants Super Bowl XLVI win. The upcoming NFL Draft in April, where the G-Men will have the 32nd pick, the very last one in round one. Minicamp coverage, Training Camp coverage, player interviews, injury reports, player transactions, trades and everything else related to New York Giants football. So be sure to come and hang out with us during the Giants offseason and discuss Giants football in the comment areas.

What are your thoughts and assessment of Giants GM Jerry Reese and the job he has done with Big Blue in his young general manager career? The man gets an A+ from me. I’m all in.

RD – nygreporter.com – Congrats to the New York Giants Super Bowl XLVI Champions

Check out New York Giants RB Rodney Hampton’s summer football camp at www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to the after school programs for kids!


Super Bowl XLVI Final Game Notes of the Season

February 6, 2012

NEW YORK – That was one heck of a way to end a great season. The Giants defeat the New England Patriots 21-17 in Indianapolis. It took a fourth quarter comeback to win a second Super Bowl for Big Blue as QB Eli Manning wins his second Super Bowl MVP Award. Most seem to agree this win puts Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you can include myself among them. There really is no way to describe the joy I’m feeling now and will feel for a very long time. I’m stuck someplace between numb and bursting with energy. Some where in between shocked and exhausted. I’m running on empty but so happy that it doesn’t matter at this point. The true blue fans have been waiting and anticipating this moment and when it finally arrives, it’s wonderful. So enjoy it!

Thank you to the New York Giants organization including the Mara and Tisch families. Thank you to Head Coach Tom Coughlin, the rest of the coaches and players. Thank you GM Jerry Reese, who has done an outstanding job, since taking over for Giants legend Ernie Accorsi. Go back and read all of my articles about Mr. Reese and you will see I have always been a fan of his work and have praised his draft skills and player transactions. Some of his moves however, had even me scratching my head this past offseason. In the NFL Lockout riddled 2011 year, players were coming and going at will in the NFL and the G-men lost some key players like WR Steve Smith, TE Kevin Boss, C Shaun O’Hara and OL Rich Seubert to retirement or contract situations. Then they lost CB Terrell Thomas, LB Clint Sintim, OT William Beatty, WR Domenik Hixon, LB Jonathan Goff and about ten more guys to the dreaded IR list (injured reserve). 2011 marks three straight years of injury epidemics for the G-men with at least 12 going on the season ending IR list, per year, that’s about 20% of the team going down for three straight years. But the Giants and Jerry Reese made all the right moves that had this team clicking by the end of the season. Congrats you are now Super Bowl Champions!

I thought singers Kelly Clarkson and Madonna did a good job with their respective areas of the nights entertainment. I thought NBC could have done a better job with the trophy presentation and post game stuff but thats why we have remote controls right? I also noticed audio problems coming from the NBC channel during the game. I suggest that Giants fans out there savor this moment and really enjoy this win for a couple of days. Do not get into any talks about the draft or who is signing what contract and when, just relax for a few days and enjoy winning the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLVI Champion New York Giants

QB Eli Manning – Super Bowl XLVI MVP Manning had a great game finishing with 296 yards 1 TD and 0 INT’s. Congrats Champ!

WR Hakeem Nicks – Nicks had a solid Super Bowl performance finishing with 103 yards 0 TD’s. Congrats Champ!

RB Ahmad Bradshaw – Bradshaw played like he wanted another ring and finished with 72 yards 1 TD rushing and 19 yards receiving. AB is a big part of this Championship. Congrats Champ!

DE Justin Tuck – Tuck was emotionally spent following his 2 sack performance in Super Bowl XLVI. God Bless and Congrats Champ!

LB Chase Blackburn – Blackburn was making a lot of plays out there and finished with 1 INT. Congrats Champ!

DE Jason Pierre-Paul – JPP will forever be double teamed now, so he will need to get bigger. He was still causing havoc and blocking passes. Congrats Champ!

TE Jake Ballard – Jake Ballard was injured during the game and finished with 10 yards. Congrats Champ!

CB Corey Webster – Webster played like a Champion and got his ring, great season Corey! Congrats Champ!

RB Brandon Jacobs – Jacobs ran hard and finished with 37 yards. Two rings for Mr. Jacobs now. Congrats Champ!

S Antrel Rolle – Rolle was playing his heart out and creating chaos for the Patriots. Congrats Champ!

WR Victor Cruz – The Salsa King Cruz caught Eli Manning’s only TD pass of the game. Congrats Champ!

CB Aaron Ross – Ross owned the first quarter and really made an impact in this game. Congrats Champ!

LB Michael Boley – Boley had an outstanding game and was the leading tackler for Big Blue. Congrats Champ!

WR Mario Manningham – Super Mario had the play of the game and finished with 73 yards 0 TD’s. Congrats Champ!

S Deon Grant – The veteran safety was fourth on the team in tackles and really whacking guys out there. 3 more years! Congrats Champ!

TE Bear Pascoe – Pascoe filled in nicely for the other two injured TE’s and finished with 33 yards. Congrats Champ!

DE Osi Umenyiora – Osi was causing disruptions for most of the game and really turned up the heat at the end. Pay Osi! Congrats Champ!

FB Henry Hynoski – Hynoski made a couple of nice catches and was blocking like a mad man. Congrats Champ!

TE Travis Beckum – Beckum tore his ACL early in the game and never returned. I’m sure the Super Bowl ring will help him heal. Congrats Champ!

DT Linval Joseph – Joseph did a great job in the middle and is a player to keep an eye on. Congrats Champ!

S Kenny Phillips – KP was second on the team in tackles and was throwing his body into every tackle. Congrats Champ!

DT Chris Canty – Canty had a nice game was clogging up the middle for Big Blue. Congrats Champ!

P Steve Weatherford – The Giants will sign Weatherford long term this offseason. The Weatherman had an outstanding game. Congrats Champ!

K Lawrence Tynes – Tynes had a great game by making both of his FG attempts and his lone extra point attempt. Congrats Champ!

Giants Offense – The Giants offense beat the Patriots defense for most of the game. Now, they are Champions of the World. Congrats Champs!

Giants Defense – The Giants defense held Brady to 17 points. They had 2 sacks and 1 INT. Great Game Champs!

Giants Special Teams – The special teams had a very nice game and have improved a lot since week one. Great Game Champs!

What did you think about the game and Super Bowl XLVI festivities?

RD – nygreporter.com – I’m a bELIever!

Check out New York Giants Team Captain, Justin Tuck’s camp info here Justin Tuck ProCamps.


Super Bowl XLVI Final Score Poll Via Twitter

January 31, 2012

NEW YORK – I decided to ask some of the Giants fans and friends I’ve met on twitter, over the past 2 seasons, what their predictions for Super Bowl winners and/or final score predictions would be. I will list their answers below, I think most of us are on the same page. Some do not want to make a prediction in fear of jinxing the game but I do not think this qualifies as such amongst friends. This is simply guessing for fun and checking out what some of the NFL fans have to say because let’s face it, we all have an opinion on the Super Bowl. Get ready for a party Indianapolis. I started this poll on the Pro Bowl day 1/29/12 and will post it on 1/31/12.

Somehow people think the Giants are the underdogs in this game which is fine by Big Blue. The truth is everyone knows that the Patriots are the true underdogs. Some of the New England players have decided to focus on setting up parties before winning the game. Typical and predictable actions of a second place team. The Giants will focus on winning the game and how to ruin Patriots QB Tom Brady’s day. If you want to get some official New York Giants gear, click on the banner on the right sidebar. You can buy great Super Bowl XLVI merchandise from the Giants official store but we don’t set up victory parties in New York until we’ve won something.

Let’s take a look at some of the final score predictions via twitter accounts. If anyone does not want their prediction listed, simply send us an email at nygreporter@yahoo.com and request to have it removed. Also, it you would like yours added to the list send me a tweet and I will add it. Final score predictions must be in before the game starts on February 5, 2012.

Super Bowl XLVI Final Score Predictions:

1. @nygreporter – Giants win 38-27.

2. Angelina Jolie – Patriots win – No final score given.

3. Brad Pitt – Giants win – No final score given.

4. @nysportsbabe – Giants win 28-24.

5. @BIGBLUE3NY – Giants win 27-24.

6. @MelissaNYG – Giants win 30-20.

7. @JayOTC – Giants win – No final score given.

8. @KrissyLachelle – Giants win 31-24.

9. @gman_bird – Giants win by 2 scores.

10. @NYdocski – Giants win 28-21.

11. @NYGiantsPapi10 – Giants win 31-17.

12. @JaimiePaladino – Giants win 23-17.

13. @GODSONN – Giants win 29-24.

14. @MarcSDuffy – Giants win 38-31.

15. @NY_SportsNews – Giants win 28-24.

16. @Teaieal – Giants win 24-17.

17 @NataliaYank2530 – Giants win 33-30.

18. @OriginalDRose – Giants win 30-24.

19. @PatCDev – Giants win 31-14.

20. @melonsports – Giants win 30-24.

21. @theknickswall – Giants win 34-20.

22. @krishan_mamba24 – Giants win 30-24.

23. @DonCalzoneVIP – Giants win 27-17.

24. @stanbhoy – Giants win 31-24.

25. @JoshBerman – Giants win 27-14.

26. @ErinSharoni – Giants win – No final score given. 

27. @AllJerseyRadio – Giants win 28-21.

28. @NatalieL22 – Giants win 31-20.

29. @Rissachaela2 – Giants win 32-24.

30. @EAMaddenNFL – Giants win simulated Madden game 27-24.

31. Bobby G – Giants win 37-14.

32. @Stefiegirl820 – Giants win 27-24.

33. @NY_Giantsrock – Giants win 28-24.

34. @JerzBoy21 – Giants win 38-31.

35. @dj_elle – Giants win 35-24.

36. @SuzyQOB – Giants win 27-20.

37. @ajcnj56 – Giants win 31-28.

38. @SportsTechieNET – Giants win 24-21.

39. @GMEN36 – Giants win 24-21.

40. @nocycle – Giants win 24-17.

Feel free to leave your own final score prediction in the comment area. Leave your twitter info too.

What is your final score prediction for Super Bowl XLVI?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!


2012 Pro Bowl Game: Same Old Song and Dance

January 30, 2012

NEW YORK – The NFC played the AFC in another Pro Bowl designed to be a sleeping tranquilizer on Sunday afternoons. It got so bad, they had to move it to the evenings. The opening ceremonies and hoopla are more entertaining then the game itself, that is why I say expand them. My final score prediction was an NFC win 47-35 in a high scoring scrimmage of stars. The actual final score was even worse, the AFC beat the NFC 59-41. I sent NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell my previous article with ideas on improving this game. It was cool to see the star players hanging out and interacting but make the Pro Bowl about the game and let the elite and hungry college players have a moment to shine. Give out cars to three types of Pro Bowl MVP. I wish there was an easy fix but there is simply too much money tied up with those star players. Something has to be done.

I’m sure there are some fans out there that didn’t even watch this game. Either way, the game I know everyone will be watching is Super Bowl XLVI next Sunday night at 6:18 PM EST. I continue to say the same thing, watch Eli Manning have an elite game and win Super Bowl MVP for a second time. He is in the zone so deep, that he was must be ready to get on the field already. Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul were voted into the Pro Bowl but skipped it because of the Super Bowl. That was Manning’s second career Pro Bowl and JPP’s first ever but the ring is the thing. The ring is what teams play for at the end of the day. I expect a tough game from the Patriots who are a very good football team but they simply will not be able to match the Giants resiliency.

The Giants will continue their ‘Road Warrior’ mentality by wearing the road white jerseys in the Super Bowl, just like the ones they wore when they beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl back in 2007. There are so many angles to this game including the New York vs. Boston angle which is deep in both cities. The rematch angle, the revenge angle. The Brady vs. Manning angle, the Lucas Oil stadium in Indy angle. Peyton’s house in Indianapolis hosting little brother Eli in the Super Bowl. The Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick relation to coach Bill Parcells angle. The one angle I’m certain will be the most enjoyable is knowing these teams will be playing hard and trying to win a football game unlike the Pro Bowl, which continues to be a disappointment. Congrats to the players voted in and much respect for their skills on the field. This isn’t about the players, it’s about making the event something worth watching.

Do you watch the Pro Bowl every year? If not, why?

RD – nygreporter.com

Check out New York Giants RB Rodney Hampton’s summer football camp at www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to the after school programs for kids!


2012 Pro Bowl Weekend Coverage: Let’s Go NFC!

January 29, 2012

NEW YORK – As all of you probably know by now, there will be no Giants playing in the Pro Bowl because they will be playing in the Super Bowl. Still, QB Eli Manning and DE Jason Pierre-Paul were voted in as starters. Both of those guys deserved the honor but so did a few guys who were not voted in. WR Victor Cruz might be right up there on the top of the list. You could make an argument for CB Corey Webster, S Antrel Rolle and P Steve Weatherford. Most of the Giants lost considerable time with injuries or they might have made the squad too, like DE Osi Umenyiora, WR Hakeem Nicks, DE Justin Tuck and TE Jake Ballard. Still, I’d rather see them all in the Super Bowl.

What can Roger Goodell do to make the Pro Bowl more interesting? One idea is to use it as a tool overseas to showcase the players. This will never happen because the game doesn’t mean anything other then the honor of being voted in. This would discourage new fans overseas and hurt the NFL inevitably. Perhaps more awards need to be given out such as the UFC does with individual bonus pay for a variety of awards. The NFL should do more of the old school things like defensive lineman challenge and skills contests over the weekend. I would also include a ‘Strongest Man in the NFL’ contest, a ‘Smartest Man in the NFL’ contest and a ‘Fastest Man in the NFL’ contest. I’m sure I will watch some of the game but there is no masking the fact that players do not want to get injured in this game and risk their contracts. And who can blame them?

I’m not sure if this is a game that should be played by the highest paid athletes in the game. I believe all Pro Bowlers should have to attend the festivities and be available for press and what not. Let the Pro Bowlers actually enjoy the event with their families and have some player only activities and meals set up for privacy. The question that remains is what kind of a game will be played? Perhaps an old school gridiron game in throwback uniforms but using the most promising prospects in college football? This game should be transformed into a meaningful event using old school gear and uniforms. The Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams MVP’s of the game win cars. Only then can you take this overseas to truly show the history and tradition of American football. Each game ticket can include a 4 hour DVD of game footage from that years Pro Bowl players. They can be handed out at the stadium, something well produced. Pro Bowl players have permanent decal on helmet the entire year following the Pro Bowl. Return to Hawaii once every 5 years. Give the Pro Bowl players diamond chains with the diamond charm of the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl logo or whatever it is that year. Something to go with a Super Bowl ring.

What are your suggestions on how to make the Pro Bowl more interesting and worth while to the fans and players. What is your final score prediction? I’m predicting an NFC win over the AFC by the score 47-35.

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support The Wounded Warrior Project by Clicking Here, You Are Not Forgotten!!


The Brothers Manning, A Real Possibility in New York?

January 28, 2012

NEW YORK – I know you are all thinking the same thing I am. If the Colts are preparing the world for the departure of Peyton Manning, would brother Eli Manning lobby the Giants to sign him right before Super Bowl XLVI? That would give both brothers, two rings against New England, in Peyton’s house in Indianapolis, (what a goodbye to Indy fans, winning the Super Bowl as a Giant at Lucas Oil) are you kidding me? Could the Manning brothers coexist in one franchise? Would this partnership make the Giants stronger offensively? I have all of the faith in the world in Eli Manning, there is no question there. I guess the only people who really know are Peyton and Eli. If you’re Peyton, do you sign for $1.00 or how would that work? Is having the elder Manning on the team strictly for his mind worth it for New York? It’s a head scratcher but worth looking at. And just for fun, could you imagine Peyton Manning as the Giants OC, Eli Manning as the QB and father Archie Manning as the QB coach? Has it ever been done?

At the very least, signing Peyton Manning to the team for next season would be like getting an elite offensive coordinator. If he can come back healthy, you have the greatest backup QB in NFL history. If he is unable to return, give him a shot as offensive coordinator or QB coach. The main question remains, how would the brothers work together? Have they outgrown the competitive games between each other enough to embrace the benefits of such an arrangement or would they regress to petty arguing? This has got to be the most intriguing question of the day, ponder the possibilities in this scenario. I’m sure Giants GM Jerry Reese will read this and at the very least consider it. In fact, he probably thought of this long before I did and has the numbers crunched and an offer drawn up, just in case. Would Peyton motivate Eli or hurt him? Personally, I think these guys can do whatever they want and make it happen. I know that offensive communication during games between Eli and Peyton would be effortless and immediately understood since they have been doing it since childhood together. I think they would eventually click and cause chaos for opposing defenses.

In sounds insane to read these words or contemplate them out loud with friends but the Colts could make it very real. The way the media is covering this story, it looks like the Colts are opting for the controlled crash rather then the abrupt departure. Which makes sense when dealing with one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. If Peyton himself knows he is done physically with the NFL, I would imagine at least a 3 year stint as an offensive coordinator not long after that, I expect him to be successful. How would Eli Manning feel about brother Peyton coming to his team?

Would you like to see the Manning brothers working together on the Giants?

RD – nygreporter.com

Check out New York Giants Team Captain, Justin Tuck’s camp info here Justin Tuck ProCamps.


Congrats to Victor Cruz on Winning The Vizio TVP Award

January 28, 2012

NEW YORK – On behalf of the nygreporter, I would like to say Congrats to New York Giants WR Victor Cruz on winning the Top Value Performer Award given by Vizio and voted on by the fans. I am happy that I have followed his career from training camp back in 2010 in Albany. You knew you were looking at a good football player. He was catching everything thrown to him and had worked out during the lockout with QB Eli Manning in Hoboken. Which was nothing for Cruz who grew up in Paterson, so he is very familiar with Hudson County New Jersey. So Cruz hung out with Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning and played catch on a high school field. Cruz is a star now in the New York and New Jersey areas. The well mannered and friendly ‘Salsa King’ is a good face for New York football and all of the local kids who hope to play for the Giants one day. Expect to see a lot more of him.

How about the job Giants GM Jerry Reese did with this young man? There are three players that need to get paid next year and they are WR Victor Cruz, DE Jason Pierre-Paul and DE Osi Umenyiora. I’m convinced Osi needs to finish his career with the Giants and be signed for a long term contract. The same goes for Victor Cruz who deserves a five year deal in my opinion. I would like to say good luck to Victor and the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. The fans are behind you guys hunting those rings. I’m all in!

The Super Bowl is now only 8 days away and the Pro Bowl is tomorrow 1/29/12 at 7:00 PM EST. Enjoy the game NFL fans!

What are your thoughts on Victor Cruz and the incredible season he continues to have?

RD – nygreporter.com

Giants Fans, WR Victor Cruz won the Vizio TOP VALUE PERFORMER AWARD, check it out here: Victor Cruz Winner


How Do You Beat Belichick and The New England Patriots?

January 27, 2012

NEW YORK – You can be sure of one thing on Super Bowl Sunday, the New England Patriots are going to play unconventional football. The Giants special teams group will need to play their best game of the year. I expect Big Blue to win 38-27 as I’ve said before. Giants DC Perry Fewell will need to have his head screwed on right for this one and stay focused on the game plan. The Giants defense is going to hit Tom Brady often and knock him down every few plays. Keep an eye on those speedy running backs of the Patriots on the outside. I would work on that a lot and defending play action. Brady will throw five or six bomb passes in this game and at least one will get intercepted. Corey Webster deserves a Super Bowl INT for his season.

Some specific players that will need to bring their game to another level are DT Linval Joseph, DT Chris Canty, WR Jerrel Jernigan, LB Jacquian Williams, CB Aaron Ross, RB Ahmad Bradshaw and TE Jake Ballard. There are other players too but if these guys played the game of the year for themselves personally, the Giants might have the lead the entire game. With only one win left until NFL immortality, the Giants must follow the leader and relax as Eli Manning does. He is calm, cool and deadly. The Giants players and coaches know they can beat this Patriots team, they must not let that get to them. Stay focused and relaxed and enjoy the ride, because Eli Manning will not be denied. Giants fans will most likely see a lot of the ‘Nascar’ defense with all defensive ends lined up. This will create havoc and force a turnover or two possibly, hopefully.

My pre-game defensive stars of the game predictions are DE Jason Pierre-Paul, LB Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Osi Umenyiora, S Antrel Rolle and CB Corey Webster. The Giants have five main threats from the Patriots offense, they are QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker, TE Rob Gronkowski, TE Aaron Hernandez and RB Danny Woodhead. The Giants offensive threats are deeper then the Patriots when you look at it. The offensive weapons for Big Blue include QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Hakeem Nicks, WR Victor Cruz, WR Mario Manningham, RB Brandon Jacobs and TE Jake Ballard. Giants special teams coach Tom Quinn is going to need a solid game plan for the Patriots in this game. Expect the desperate Belichick to turn into trickster if the game is close.

How would you stop the Patriots offense if you were the Giants defensive coordinator?

#ALLIN is the twitter trend for the G-men. Along with #DoYouBelieve

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support New York Giants Legend, George Martin’s “A Journey for 9/11” Charity. Never Forget!

side note: The New Jersey Governor’s media department sent me an email asking me about a Giants victory parade and where it should be held. I believe there should be a celebration in both New York and New Jersey. MetLife stadium seems to make the most sense for a New Jersey celebration.