March 6, 2011
NEW YORK – Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, do we have a special treat for you today on our one year anniversary. Happy Anniversary! As the marquee reads above this article, we have New York Giants WR Steve Smith in the house. Steve was nice enough to take some time out of his busy schedule and answer a few of our questions and yes fans, this is the real Steve Smith (he has since added this story to his facebook wall). In fact, Steve Smith will forever go down in history as the first interview ever for nygreporter.com. We are thankful to Steve (and his agent) and very thankful for all of the good things happening to us lately.
Steve Smith comes from an elite college football program at USC. I forgot to mention that I was at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 6th, 2003 and saw USC beat BYU 35-18, Smith was on the USC roster at the time and so was Terrell Thomas. They went on to win the Rose Bowl that season and both eventually made it to the NFL. Not surprisingly, the two former/current teammates are two of the best players on the team. Clearly products from an elite program under the tutelage of solid coaches.
Smith has done quite a bit in his short career with Big Blue. This includes getting himself out of the shadow of another NFL player in Carolina who shares the same name. He is breaking Giants WR records and he’s been to the Pro Bowl. Smith has become QB Eli Manning’s favorite target when the team needs a big play and he never complains when asked to sacrifice for the team. He has a Super Bowl ring and has established himself as a top tier NFL wide receiver. He is also a fan favorite for his laid back and cool style which compliments his skills on the field. No.12 jerseys (Steve Smith Jerseys and Collectibles) be seen all over the tri-state area and you have to sit back and wonder what Smith could possibly do in 2011, that will have fans rooting for him even more? Will he break another record or get back to the pro bowl in Hawaii? We will all have to wait and see but one thing is for sure, Steve Smith is going to play hard and be a huge asset for the New York Giants. Please join us, as Steve shares his thoughts on the G-Men and his NFL career right now.
I cannot think of a better way to say thank you to our readers, then by having Steve Smith do this interview. So, here he is (you get the Apollo Creed intro Steve) the Super Bowl Champion, Giants Record Holdin’, All American First Teamer, Ice Cold Pro Bowl Player, Number 12 Wearin’, Ten Table Ring Havin’, silent assassin Wide Receiver who catches everything in sight, Mr. Steve “One Two” Smith. (you can use the “One Two” nickname Steve)
The nygreporter Steve Smith Interview
RD/Q1: Hello Steve, welcome to nygreporter.com and thank you for doing this interview. With the 2011 NFL Draft coming up next month, my mind always wanders to the rookies and what they have to go through during the transition process. When you first arrived in the NFL after playing football at USC, what were your personal expectations during that rookie season?
Steve Smith: My expectations were to come in and make an impact. Just like I did at USC. Unfortunately, injuries set me back for most of the year but once I got healthy towards the end of the season, I showed what I could do.
RD/Q2: Winning a Super Bowl ring in your rookie season is crazy and something very few NFL players can own. What is your favorite memory from that entire life experience?
Steve Smith: Yeah, it was crazy. It was an unbelievable experience and I enjoyed the whole ride, from beating the Cowboys on the road to beating the Packers and Brett Favre and of course beating the Patriots. I remember it all like it was yesterday and it makes me hungry to get back and win another ASAP.
RD/Q3: By now, the fans have all seen what the Giants XLII Championship ring looks like, it is magnificent. Other then Michael Strahan (with all do respect of course), what player from the 2007 team shows off their ten table bling the most? Is it Sam Madison lol?
Steve Smith: You know what, that’s a good question. I feel like most guys keep it in a safe place, as I do and don’t show it off too much. It’s something we all treasure and don’t want to lose.
RD/Q4: The amount of recent injuries endured by the G-Men has been staggering from a fans perspective. Steve, you are inside the locker room, how frustrating has it been for you personally and for the other players to have to deal with the wave of injuries the past two seasons?
Steve Smith: It has definitely been frustrating but it’s a part of the game and everybody realizes that. That’s why it is important to have good depth and good leadership.
RD/Q5: How are you feeling yourself, Steve? The team was not the same without you on the field last season and we all hope you are back to 100% soon. I would also like to point out, that I believe I was the first person to call you Steve “the silent assassin” Smith. Did you know this was one of your nicknames (do you like it?) and do you have any other interesting nicknames the fans might not know about?
Steve Smith: I am feeling great! I am working hard everyday in rehab and I’m right on schedule. I’ve never heard of that nickname (the silent assassin) and I am not as silent as you may think. Another nickname I’ve gotten from fans is “3rd and Smith” (in reference to all of my 3rd down catches) and then “Scuba Steve” is one from my college days.
RD/Q6: You have seen some drastic player moves since you were drafted by the Giants back in the day (you’re a veteran now). What are the top player acquisitions you have seen since your arrival in New York in 2007? Also, which young Giants player is on the rise in your opinion?
Steve Smith: I think bringing in veteran safety Antrel Rolle was a great move because he is a Pro Bowler at a position we needed help with. I think that one stands out the most but there are a ton of other moves that were important as well. All of which contribute to making us a very dangerous team in 2011.
RD/Q7: What are your goals for the 2011 NFL season? I have practically guaranteed that the Giants will not miss the playoffs for a third year in a row. I do not apologize for my aggression in that statement. Do you feel the same way? Do you think the Giants will return to the playoffs in 2011?
Steve Smith: There is no doubt in my mind that we will return to the playoffs in 2011 and do some damage when we get there. Our one and only goal is to win the Super Bowl, so nothing else matters. Personally, my goal for 2011 is to be 100% healthy for the entire season and help my teammates matter as well.
RD/Q8: The Wide Receiver group has a ton of talent. I can’t remember the last time this group was so deep with good players. How do you get along with your fellow WR’s and who is your best friend on the team?
Steve Smith: They’re my best friends. Hakeem, Mario and I are very close and hang out a lot off the field.
RD/Q9: The Giants have 21 free agents to work on this off season. That is a lot of work to do and something the team has been addressing this past week with a few signings (Ware, Hixon and Reynaud). Do you want to play your entire NFL career with Big Blue? Also, how does it feel to have the Giants all-time record for receptions (107) in a single season?
Steve Smith: Of course I want to stay in New York my entire career. Having the record feels great but it is not something I really think too much about because I am focused on the future and not the past. I’m sure I will appreciate it more when I look back after my career is over.
RD/Q10: Last question Steve, if you were trapped on a deserted island and could only take 3 people with you to help you survive, who would they be?
Steve Smith: My Mom, my brother and Eli Manning.
RD/EI: Thank you so much for the interview Steve and Giants fans look forward to seeing you return strong in 2011.
What a classy guy. What do you think fans? I think he was very generous with his answers and very firm in his beliefs. We learned a little bit about his state of mind and health status, as well as some cool facts from his college days. I am even more convinced now that Steve Smith will be ready for the 2011 season and he will be looking to make big plays for Big Blue. If you’re interested in learning more about Steve or the charities he supports, be a sport and follow/friend Steve on his facebook account http://www.facebook.com/SteveSmith and his twitter account @SteveSmithNY.
RD – nygreporter.com – 1 year anniversary 3-6-11
Here is a link to the photographs we have of WR Steve Smith at the 2010 training camp in Albany.
WR Steve Smith, No.12 – photographs
All photographs are the property of nygreporter.com.
copyright 2010-2011
The Steve Smith Interview: nygreporter Edition 0001
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Posted by robdomaine
March 3, 2011
NEW YORK – It looks like Big Blue is sending a clear message that they intend to address the special teams issue very early. The Giants signed 3 players to short term deals over the past two days. I am surprised by two of them actually. The three players signed are RB DJ Ware (2 year contract), WR Domenik Hixon (1 year contract) and RB Darius Reynaud (1 year contract). All three of these players will see most of their game time on special teams. They may be brought into the game under certain conditions or situations but they will primarily be used on special teams. The Giants also put out tenders on a handful of players including WR Steve Smith, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, TE Kevin Boss, DT Barry Colfield and DE Mathias Kiwanuka.
I was surprised that the team locked up RB DJ Ware for another two years because he hasn’t been the most productive player. But I was even more surprised when they retained RB Darius Reynaud. This only means that they will not be unprepared if the injury bug pays a visit once again. I hope that Ware and Reynaud can contribute more in 2011 and I’m sure they do too because the whole world will be watching this group. Expect some fiery competition in training camp this season.
The return game was atrocious last season and I think there will be a couple of guys on that squad looking for some payback. I expect the Giants special teams to be much more aggressive in 2011. If Tom Quinn emerges with his job intact after last season, it will be the biggest upset since Buster Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson in Japan. Punter Matt Dodge should thank his lucky stars too and do his best to maintain consistency. Coach Coughlin has no patience for inconsistency and he will be very vocal about it.
The CBA talks are not going well but they did decide to extend the deadline a bit which is a good thing. The team will need to devote all of their energy to the 2011 NFL Draft very soon. Some on the staff have already been on the job for months. It’s who they are and what they do. Now that the NFL Combine has winded down, there is nothing left but free agency and the draft to look forward to as fans. And then the quiet season returns in May and June where there isn’t much football news. I expect things to continue to happen with the Giants camp from this moment through the entire weekend. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Here is another look at the three recent signings.
1. DJ Ware, RB #28 – 6’0″ 234 pounds – signed 2 year contract
2. Domenik Hixon,WR #87 – 6’2″ 185 pounds – signed 1 year contract
3. Darius Reynaud, RB #15 – 5’9″ 201 pounds – signed 1 year contract
What are your thoughts on these recent signings by Big Blue? Are any of them a surprise to you?
RD – nygreporter.com – 1 year anniversary 3-6-11
Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org
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Posted by robdomaine
February 28, 2011
NEW YORK – Everyone has an opinion. Some of the fans that make up the Giants Nation, think GM Jerry Reese does an outstanding job handling the NFL draft (you can include me in this group). Still, there are others who think he doesn’t do a very good job. I’m not sure what the fans see that bring them to that conclusion but I will respect their opinion. Some fans are just die-hard Ernie Accorsi advocates and with good reason but they have to remember that Reese was taught by Accorsi and was given his blessing to take the reigns. I would not be surprised at all if Mr. Accorsi still calls the stadium every once in a while, when he thinks a certain player might be a sleeper or steal somewhere late in the draft. There are certain guys who can never get the job out of their system.
You have to understand that Jerry Reese loves this time of the year. He salivates at the prospect of getting a superstar via the draft and letting them grow with the team. Handling the NFL Draft is work but make no mistake about it, the draft is also fun to certain front office people. The war rooms, the prospect boards and ratings, the months of research, Radio City Music Hall in New York and 3 days of madness that can only be compared to the sleepless nights of an Ibiza vacation that leaves one feeling and looking like a zombie. The guys who work on the NFL draft for Big Blue must sleep for a full 24 hours following the draft on Sunday night through Monday and into Tuesday morning.
The Giants staff have been actively observing all of the players at the NFL combine for the past week and have no doubt made their reports on prospects the team might be interested in. Who will the team bring in for the minicamp and training camp? It’s too early to tell but the fact that Head Coach Tom Coughlin is looking to boost the offensive line is a good thing. In my opinion, GM Jerry Reese will be fine and once again bring in premium talent. Some of the players drafted under the Reese regime include WR Steve Smith, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, S Kenny Phillips, CB Terrell Thomas, TE Kevin Boss, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, OL William Beatty, WR Mario Manningham and WR Hakeem Nicks just to name a few. That is not a bad group of players at all. I have full confidence in Mr. Reese and his staff and do not understand why fans would think otherwise. What do you think?
Do you expect New York Giants GM Jerry Reese to have a solid draft in April 2011?
RD – nygreporter.com
Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org
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Posted by robdomaine
February 27, 2011
NEW YORK – I would like to announce that nygreporter has officially cleaned the slate. We have updated the Roster section of nygreporter and we have taken off all of the (rookie) title/monikers of the 2010 draft class. Congrats on making it through your first year in the NFL. We have moved people back into the Roster who were IR as well. This was a very good class of talent. Unfortunately, some of the guys had injuries (S Chad Jones, WR Victor Cruz, LB Adrian Tracy) that prevented them from playing very much last year. Hopefully, the Giants coaching staff stayed vigilant and taught these guys the playbook while they were on the mend. I believe they have and I think fans should get ready for a couple of surprises in 2011, when it comes to breakout stars.
The Giants are a very talented team and just coming into their own. We have got to see some production from the 2nd and 3rd year players or they will risk losing their jobs. It’s that simple. The Big Blue front office will not allow the team to miss the playoffs for a third year in a row and if I’m wrong, I’ll eat my hat. The Giants No.1 overall pick DE Jason Pierre-Paul, like the bionic man will be bigger, stronger and faster this season. The guy looks like a defensive tackle (285 pounds at last count) who can run like a linebacker but it actually a DE. I expect big things from JPP in 2011. Things with DE Mathias Kiwanuka seem cautious at best and JPP would be a solid fill-in for Kiwi and a legit starter candidate in his own right. The defensive end position is stacked for years, GM Jerry Reese is not playing around with the Giants pass rush. Old school theory makes your mind explode when it comes to taking away an opposing offenses passing ability. Shades of Ernie Accorsi here.
Safety Chad Jones is a question mark but he is said to be improving, fans are anxiously awaiting news on his playing status in 2011. LB Phillip Dillard looked great in training camp up close and I believe he will have a solid season. He looks like a natural leader in the MLB position and someone who is intent on winning the game. CB Brian Jackson is one of my favorites. Just a good kid looking to make some big plays and stay on the roster. Many have told me how impressed they were with his college career and I hope he can bring his game up to the next level. It looks like OL Mitch Petrus is a keeper too. DT Linval Joseph might be feeling the heat a little more then the rest of players this season because the tackle position could get thin. The coaches need Linval to perform at the highest level and contribute to the Giants defense. There is one player who didn’t have a very good rookie season and that would be P Matt Dodge. Without consistency, Coach Coughlin will explode on the sidelines all year and that means bad news for Dodge if he can’t right the ship in 2011. The fans want him to do well.
The 2011 NFL Draft is about two months away now but I am already excited about who the team will pick. You will see us talk about draft predictions and which players to watch out for, leading all the way up to draft day itself. I must mention one last ting to the rookie class of 10′. I heard it through the grapevine that you have to play one snap in year two for the rookie moniker to disappear forever, so don’t be surprised if you have to carry helmets and shoulder pads for a day or two more but after that, you’re rookies no more.
Coming Soon, be on the look out for the New York Giants rookie class of 2011 here on nygreporter.com.
RD – nygreporter.com
Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org
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Posted by robdomaine
February 25, 2011
NEW YORK – The Giants defensive backs were solid in 2010. The acquisition of defensive coordinator Perry Fewell had a profound effect on the defense as a whole but the DB’s will ultimately benefit the most. Why do I say this? Because Perry Fewell is widely known as a DB guru and there is no mistaking the fact that he brought the Giants defense to elite status in 2010. The Big Blue D hovered in the top five of total defenses all season and made huge strides from the abominable 2009 season.
The cornerback group is extremely young, with Corey Webster holding the title of “most experienced” with 6 seasons. If you averaged it out, the average amount of game experience on the team is 4 years. When you look at it like this, it makes me think the team will try to bring in a young veteran to compliment Terrell Thomas. The one player that Giants fans are salivating over is the Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha. If the Giants can figure out how to get this star on the team, they will have the best defensive backfield in the NFL, period. The odds on this happening are highly unlikely but Fewell must be in GM Jerry Reese’s ear daily about bringing this guy on board. When you add those CB’s to the awesome Safeties on the team, it’s dynamite.
The NFL Combine has been in full swing this week and it’s a great opportunity to take a look at some of the young talent. I guarantee that Reese and Fewell are considering which cornerback the team will draft this year and have in training camp. The more you look at the CB position, the more you are concerned with depth. Not the starters but depth. I am confident that Thomas, Ross and Webster can handle the job but if if one or two of them go down, the game will change dramatically. I don’t expect all of the players listed below to be on the team in 2011 but I am rooting for all of them to do well. Once a Giant, always a Giant.
Let’s take a look at the current Giants cornerbacks as of 2-25-11.
1. Terrell Thomas, 6’0″ 199 pounds – It is absolutely incredible that Thomas has not made the pro bowl yet. I say that because of his production on the field for the team. He is a huge part of New York’s success and completely underrated in my opinion. In 2010, he led the team in both tackles (101) and INT’s (5) and I expect nothing less then another solid season from him. He is young and hungry and seems to make the big plays when the teams needs them most. He also played in all 16 games in 2010.
2. Aaron Ross, 6’0″ 197 pounds – Ross has become an anomaly to fans. He was an exciting player to watch and played with fire when he first got to town but nagging injuries and missing so much game time has got him down a bit. He only missed 2 games last season due to injury but he still didn’t look himself. He did return some punts (at his request) for the team and did a good job with that but the team needs him at CB. He was questioning his career after 2009 while enduring the grueling rehab process. Something that must be just as tough on a guy mentally as it is physically. Ross is a fan favorite and I am rooting for him to get back to form in 2011. Keep your head up Aaron, we need you man!
3. Corey Webster, 6’0″ 202 pounds – Webster is the eldest statesmen as I mentioned above and the guy with the most game time experience for the CB squad. He finished 2010 second on the team with 4 INT’s and missed only one game due to injury. Coaches and fans have become accustom to seeing Webster around and I expect him to have a good season this year. He is also a fan favorite and someone the team counts on come crunch time. Perhaps he could bring in his Super Bowl ring to motivate the youngsters with that ten table shine.
4. Michael Coe, 6’0″ 184 pounds – Coe played in 4 games for Big Blue last season and was a guy they brought in for depth. His lack of playing time leaves us wondering what will happen with him in 2011. This is another guy who will have to show DC Perry Fewell consistency early and often if he wants to be on the roster. We wish him luck.
5. Brian Jackson, 6’0″ 198 pounds – Jackson is a guy fighting for a roster spot and I have to tell you that I like this kid. He is a good guy with a great head on his shoulders. The NFL is a tough business based strictly on performance but it’s tough not to root for this guy chasing his dream. He is willing to do whatever the team asks of him and I hope he makes the final cut.
6. Brian Witherspoon, 5’10” 180 pounds – Witherspoon was a pick up last year for depth on the team, plain and simple. He went to Stillman college and made the roster by the end of the year. Perhaps, Fewell can see something he likes in this guy that the fans have not seen yet. Once again, he is a Giant and I want to see him do well.
7. Bruce Johnson, 5’11” 182 pounds – Johnson was around for 3 games in 2010 and ended the season on the injured reserve list. This is a guy who might have a roster spot. He seems like he has a little bit of a playmaker in his system but it needs time to flourish. I would not be surprised if the team gave him another shot in 2011. The Giants need help at the CB position and keeping Johnson for depth seems like a smart move since he knows the playbook.
8. Joe Burnett, 5’11” 185 pounds – Burnett is on the reserve future list and will have a tough fight to make the roster. I’m not sure what to expect from this guy and fans will have to wait and see what the team decides to do. He went to Central Florida college.
9. Cary Harris, 5’11” 187 pounds – Harris is another player who is on the reserve future list. I don’t know much about him other then he went to USC. He is a guy that we don’t know much about and will have to see what happens with him.
10. Woodny Turrene, 5’11” 185 pounds – Turrene rounds out the third and final player on the reserve future list. He went to Louisville but once again, I don’t know much about him and will have to wait and see what the team decides to do with him. I hope all of these guys do well and can contribute to Big Blue this season.
What are your feelings about the current state of the cornerback group for the New York Giants?
RD – nygreporter.com
Please support the Eric LeGrand charity walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org
Leave a Comment » | 2010 Fantasy Football, 2010 New York Giants, 2010 NFL Regular Season, 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 NFL Training Camp, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants Injuries, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Giants Training Camp, Giants Transactions, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Combine, NFL Draft, NFL New York Giants, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Fantasy Football, NYG Regular Season, NYG Reporter, NYG Story, NYG Training Camp, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Steve Tisch, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn | Tagged: 2010 New York Giants, 2010 NFL Draft, 2011 draft giants pick, 2011 Giants Draft, 2011 Giants draft order, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 New York Giants Draft, 2011 NFL Combine, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 nfl draft order, 2011 NFL Draft Prospects, 2011 NFL Preseason, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 NFL Training Camp, 2011 nyg draft, Aaron Ross, Big Blue, blogs giants, blogs nyg, Brian Jackson, Brian Witherspoon, Bruce Johnson, Cary Harris, Corey Webster, cornerbacks giants, cornerbacks nyg, Eli Manning, Football, football giants blog, G-Men, giants blog, giants cb's, giants cornerbacks, Giants Stadium, giants website, Jerry Reese, Joe Burnett, John Mara, Kevin Gilbride, Michael Coe, National Football League, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, New York Giants blog, New York Giants blogs, new york giants cornerbacks, New York Giants Website, NFC, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, ny giants 2011 draft, ny giants blog, ny giants blogs, ny giants cb's, ny giants draft 2011, ny giants website, NYG, nyg blog, nyg blogs, nyg cb's, NYG Reporter, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Players, Prospects, Steve Tisch, Terrell Thomas, Tim Mara, Tom Coughlin, website ny giants, website nyg, Woodny Turrene | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine
February 21, 2011
NEW YORK – The Giants linebacker group needs an upgrade. This is something that is a long time coming and something I expect the team will address in this years NFL draft in April. I mean no disrespect to the current Giants linebackers and I think they did a good job in 2010 but the team needs an all pro linebacker to compliment the rest of the defense. New York loves it’s linebackers and fans have stopped being polite and started demanding a top caliber linebacker for the team.
The problem I see with assessing the Giants linebackers are all of the question marks. It would be easy to make the hard choices if GM Jerry Reese and Coach Coughlin had seen all of them perform on the field but that is not the case. Some of these guys have had real game time experience and some of them haven’t. The injury bug hit the LB group just as hard as the rest of the team in 2010. Couple that with having one of the youngest LB corps in the NFL and you can see where I’m going with this. If the Giants can shore up the linebacker position by the start of this season, then the Giants defense is going to be a top 3 defense in the NFL.
Although the expectations may be somewhat unrealistic, the fans still want what they want. I would not be surprised if the Giants brought in a young and proven free agent LB before the season starts. The DE’s are solid and the safety position is squared away. You can be sure the LB’s and DT’s will be thoroughly addressed this off season. Another idea that is picking up steam is the Giants getting another stud CB as well.
Let’s take a look at the Giants linebackers as of today 2-21-11.
1. Jonathan Goff, 6’2″ 236 pounds – Goff was given the opportunity to replace all pro LB Antonio Pierce when he retired after the 2009 season. Goff did a good job at the middle linebacker spot but he wasn’t spectacular. He finished as the second best tackler among LB’s in 2010 behind only Michael Boley. I’m not sure if he will be the starting MLB at the beginning of the 2011 NFL season but it certainly will not be because he did not give it his all. He was also only one of two linebackers that played in all 16 games and remained fairly healthy in 2010.
2. Michael Boley, 6’3″ 225 pounds- Boley has been a great signing for the G-Men and lead all linebackers in tackles last season. This guy hits hard and seems to be all over the field trying to get to the ball. I expect him to have another good season in 2011 and establish some consistency to an area of the team that really needs it. Boley was also the only other linebacker who played in all 16 games in 2010.
3. Gerris Wilkinson, 6’3″ 231 pounds – Wilkinson has had an up and down career for years with Big Blue. He has been plagued by injuries for most of his young career but has enough talent to keep him on the roster. It feels like Wilkinson has been on the team forever but it has only been five years now.
4. Keith Bulluck, 6’3″ 235 pounds – Bulluck is the crafty veteran and he was brought in last season to bolster a LB group that seemed to be in trouble. He had a decent 2010 season for the time he was on the field but once again, he was a player who was effected by injuries. There are questions about him being with the team in 2011 because the Giants will most assuredly address the linebacker group as they look to get younger and faster. Still, I believe the G-Men need a veteran player to be a leader in the locker room and teach these youngsters how to be an NFL LB.
5. Clint Sintim, 6’2″ 256 pounds – Sintim is a player who coaches and fans will need to see more of on the field. Once again, the recurring theme for Big Blue is injuries, injuries and more injuries. Sintim played in 9 games in 2010 but should see more playing time in 2011 if he can stay healthy. The guy is a physical specimen and someone who has the talent and heart to make it big in the NFL.
6. Phillip Dillard, 6’0″ 245 pounds – Dillard missed most of his rookie season with an injury but was getting a lot of praise from the coaches during training camp. He was extremely vocal and seemed to grasp the middle linebacker role rather quickly. Could he be a possibility at the middle LB spot for the 2011 season? Sure, why not. Dillard is one of the guys that fans and coaches have not seen enough of on the field to make an intelligent decision about his future. I am rooting for this young man to do well.
7. Chase Blackburn, 6’3″ 247 pounds – Blackburn is hands down the best special teams player on the roster and one heck of a backup linebacker. His value to the team cannot be underestimated and fans have come to love him for the effort he gives on the field and his lack of complaining when things don’t go his way. He was banged up a bit in 2010 but I expect nothing less then another solid season from this man in 2011.
8. Zak DeOssie, 6’4″ 249 pounds – In the immortal words of the legendary film “Animal House’, Zak DeOssie is a legacy member of Big Blue because his dad played on the team back in the day. DeOssie has made a name for himself as the long snapper and a solid backup linebacker when the situation arises. He has been with the Giants since being drafted by them and continues to be a solid contributor for the team.
9. Adrian Tracy, 6’2″ 248 pounds – Tracy missed his entire rookie season due to injury in 2010 and still needs to show coaches and fans what he can do. I’m not sure what to expect from him but I’m hoping he has healed up and can help out the team in 2011.
10. Kenny Ingram, 6’6″ 229 pounds – Ingram is currently on the reserve future list and he is someone the fans were rooting for before the 2010 season started. He was no doubt brought in for depth and his status for the 2011 NFL season is up in the air for now.
What are your thoughts on the Giants linebackers and what would you do to improve this squad?
RD – nygreporter.com
Please support the Eric LeGrand walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org
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Posted by robdomaine
February 18, 2011
NEW YORK – The Giants weren’t issue free at the running back position in 2010. In fact, it seems like each area had their own problems to deal with and the culmination of all of these seperate group issues lead to the disappointing absence of a playoff berth. Still, the injury bug was a black widow and decimated the team like a virus. We’ve discussed the lack of depth that was exposed due to all of the injuries and tried to put together a decent team to field with spare parts. I mean no disrespect to the backup players but there was clearly a decline in productivity on the field that could not be ignored.
I doubt that the team will suffer the same cruel fate in 2011, because I expect the front office to make the hard choices and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Still, the running back situation could turn into one big headache for GM Jerry Reese. Fans have even talked about using the 1st round pick in this years NFL draft on a running back. That is something I have not heard in a very long time. I do not agree with grabbing a RB in round one, as you all know very well. I still say the team should take a LB or OL/C in round one.
Another issue is the fact that Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent this year and re-signing him must be one of the biggest moves the team will face in 2011. In total, there will be 21 free agents the Giants will need to look at. There is always room for improvement but at what price? Do you let a star go in order to gain a star? There are no guarantees in football and an injury could everything in a moment. There will be a bunch of free agents available this year and fans are still holding their collective breath that there will not be a lock out due to the CBA talks. This is a crazy time to be an NFL fan.
Let’s take a look at the running back position as of today 2-18-11.
1. Brandon Jacobs, 6’4″ 264 pounds – Brandon the Bull had a decent 2010 season but it wasn’t great. He finished second on the team in rushing with 823 yards and 9 TD’s. He also caught 7 passes for 59 yards. Jacobs started last season behind Ahmad Bradshaw on the depth chart and it seemed to be working out fine and keeping him fresh but by the end of the season Jacobs was again the starting RB. Fans have been vocal about their displeasure with him but I still believe in Jacobs and hope he can rebound in 2011. The team needs him to be the bull we all know he can be.
2. Ahmad Bradshaw, 5’9″ 198 pounds – Bradshaw had a good 2010 season finishing first on the team in rushing with 1,235 yards and 8 TD’s. He also had 7 fumbles which cost him his starting role by the end of the year. Ahmad is a dynamic RB that can do a lot of great things on the field but he will not be on the field if he can’t correct the fumble issue. Coach Coughlin has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to turnovers and specifically, fumbles. There is no doubt that Bradshaw is a playmaker and someone you want on your team. Hopefully, the team re-signs him this offseason and he gets the opportunity to make good in 2011.
3. DJ Ware, 6’0″ 234 pounds – Ware missed half the season due to injuries and had less then 30 yards on his carries. I’m not sure how much longer his luck can hold out with Big Blue. The team has only so many roster spots and they need more depth at most offensive positions. Something tells me that Ware has been given ample time to prove himself on the field but the guy can’t seem to stay healthy. He was mostly productive as a kick returner but there is no guarantee that will be enough to warrant a locker.
4. Madison Hedgecock (Fullback), 6’3″ 266 pounds – Hedgecock is a fan favorite and a player that was sorely missed when he went down with a season ending injury at the beginning of the 2010 season. Hopefully, he will be back to his bruising self in 2011 and leading the way for the Giants RB’s. The Giants suffered so many key injuries in 2010 that it seems like all I am doing here is a bloated injury report.
5. Darius Reynaud, 5’9″ 201 pounds – Reynaud was brought in as a return specialist once the team realized that Domenik Hixon would be out for the season. He did a fair job but never won over the fans or the coaches. The team confirmed their distrust by bringing in another returner in Will Blackmon who had an equally shaky season and is no longer on the team. I’m not sure if Reynaud will be on the team in 2011.
6. Charles Scott, 5’11” 238 pounds – Scott is on the reserve future list and someone who was brought in for depth. I have no idea what to expect from this guy in 2011 or if he will even be on the team. I hope the guy turns out to be great and adds depth to the Big Blue RB’s but I just don’t know.
7. Martell Mallett, 6’0″ 207 pounds – Mallett was brought in to the team for the same reason as Scott. Again, I have no idea what to expect from this guy and do not know if he will be on the team in 2011.
What would you do about the Giants running back situation in 2011?
RD – nygreporter.com
Please support the Eric LeGrand walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org
1 Comment | 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 NFL Training Camp, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants History, Giants Injuries, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Giants Training Camp, Giants Transactions, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL New York Giants, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Fantasy Football, NYG Regular Season, NYG Reporter, NYG Story, NYG Training Camp, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Steve Tisch, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn | Tagged: 2010 New York Giants, 2011 draft giants pick, 2011 Giants Draft, 2011 Giants draft order, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 New York Giants Draft, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 nfl draft order, 2011 NFL Draft Prospects, 2011 NFL Training Camp, 2011 nyg draft, Ahmad Bradshaw, Big Blue, blogs giants, blogs nyg, Brandon Jacobs, Charles Scott, darius reynaud, DJ Ware, Eli Manning, Football, football giants blog, G-Men, giants blog, Giants Stadium, giants website, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Kevin Gilbride, Madison Hedgecock, Martell Mallett, National Football League, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, New York Giants blog, New York Giants blogs, New York Giants Website, NFC, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, ny giants 2011 draft, ny giants blog, ny giants blogs, ny giants draft 2011, ny giants website, NYG, nyg blog, nyg blogs, NYG Reporter, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Players, Prospects, Steve Tisch, Tim Mara, Tom Coughlin, website ny giants, website nyg | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine
February 16, 2011
NEW YORK – The New York Giants wide receiver group is one of the bright spots on the team. Along with being one of the bright spots of the team, it could also become a headache for the team. The reason is simple and it is the same question the team must answer every single year. Which six WR’s will be on the roster at the beginning of the season. The G-Men are solid with the starters that include WR Hakeem Nicks, WR Steve Smith and WR Mario Manningham. Those three guys will be on the team for sure. The problems begin to arise after the three starters. In a pool of talented young WR’s, who the heck do you keep on the team?
I expect a lot of people to have their own opinions about this subject and I respect them all. I can only give my perspective on what the Giants will do and who deserves to remain on the teams final roster. I expect one or two will end up on the practice squad if they cannot find employment elsewhere. The one thing that is blatantly clear to me now, is the fact that the New York Giants receivers are big guys. Not one of them are below 5’11” and the tallest guy is a whopping 6’6″. Sinorice Moss is no longer with the team and now the chatter has begun about bringing back Plaxico Burress. Burress coming back to the Giants is a possibility but highly unlikely. I wouldn’t mind seeing the team give him a league minimum contract for a year or two but I’m not sure how Coughlin wold feel about it.
Things are going to be very interesting for GM Jerry Reese this off season, that is of course assuming there will be a 2011 NFL season after the CBA talks. Recent reports say that the talks are not going very well at all. This is something that has fans ripping their hair out and wondering when the greed will end for an industry that makes about 10 billion dollars a year.
But enough about that, let’s take a look at the wide receivers currently on the New York Giants roster and remember this list could change due to trades or any other transactions in the near future.
2011 New York Giants Wide Receivers as of 2-16-11
1. Hakeem Nicks, 6’1″ 215 pounds – Nicks has separated himself from the pack to become the No.1 WR for Big Blue. If not for a injury in 2010 that caused him to miss three games, he would have made the pro bowl in my opinion. Look for him to make the pro bowl this year if he can stay fully healthy for the entire season. This man is a superstar.
2. Steve Smith, 5’11” 195 pounds – Mr. Smith ended the 2010 NFL season on the IR list and missed a total of seven games. This was a huge blow to the team and something fans do not want to experience again. The team and fans have come to depend on Smith in a big way and things were not the same without him. He is also QB Eli Manning’s favorite safety valve.
3. Mario Manningham, 5’11” 185 pounds – Super Mario has been improving each and every year since he arrived in New York. He put together a very nice 2010 season and finished 2nd on the team for WR’s. He was forced to miss two games due to injury but who hasn’t on the Giants the past two seasons. Manningham is arguably the best No.3 WR in the NFL.
4. Ramses Barden, 6’6″ 227 pounds – Fans are hoping that Barden has grasped the Giants playbook while he was sidelined for thirteen games and finished the year on the IR list. Now all he has to do is perform on the field. This guy was praised as the replacement for Plaxico Burress when he arrived. I think it was more because of his height then his talent. That is a lot of pressure to put on a rookie and he didn’t deserve it. Still, the time has come to perform.
5. Domenik Hixon, 6’2″ 182 pounds – Hixon did not play in a single game in 2010 and was put on the IR list (seems like a trend now I bet) during training camp. This really hurt the Giants return game on special teams and also eliminated a big target WR in special passing situations. He will be back in 2011 and the fans will be thankful for that.
6. Victor Cruz, 6’1″ 200 pounds – This kid was lightning in a bottle during the preseason and had fans sitting on the edge of their seats. He is a local kid from Jersey who made the most of his opportunity and landed a roster spot. Unfortunately, he landed on season ending IR list and did not get to shine in the regular season. If the Giants were to cut him, he would be picked up by another team the very same day. He has the aura of a playmaker.
7. Derek Hagan, 6’2″ 215 pounds – After the WR group was clearly decimated by injuries, as you have been reading, the G-Men called on an old friend to come back and help the team out. Hagan did a pretty good job for the seven games he was with the team. He finished 6th on the team at WR, despite not playing for half of the season.
8. Duke Calhoun, 6’4″ 205 pounds – Calhoun played in six games for the Giants but did not get the ball thrown to him very much. Almost not at all actually. He finished with 1 reception for 4 yards in 2010.
9. Michael Clayton, 6’4″ 215 pounds – Clayton was brought in for the same reason Hagan was, the team needed depth at WR. And like Calhoun, Clayton didn’t see the ball but one time for 19 yards.
10. Devin Thomas, 6’2″ 218 pounds – Once again, Thomas is a player that was brought in for depth after the rash of injuries crushed the WR corps.
11. Todd Watkins, 6’3″ 195 pounds- This guy was added to the reserve future list and is a complete question mark.
12. Samuel Giguere, 5’11” 215 pounds – This guy was added to the reserve future list and has seen limited playing time in the NFL.
13. Plaxico Burress, 6’5″ 230 pounds – This is clearly a wild card and something that fans have been talking about recently, now that his release date is close. Reports have come out that say Burress has been working out five days a week and looks in great shape. Will the Giants be persuaded into giving him another shot with the team? I don’t know but I think the man deserves another chance now that he has paid his debt to society.
If you had to pick only six of the above WR’s, who would you keep on the roster?
RD – nygreporter.com
Please support the Eric LeGrand walk this June 4, 2011! Check it out at http://www.awalktobelieve.org
2 Comments | 2011 Fantasy Football, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 NFL Regular Season, Big Blue, Chris Mara, East Rutherford, Eli Manning, G-Men, Giants, Giants Coaches, Giants Draft, Giants Front Office, Giants History, Giants Injuries, Giants Roster, Giants Stadium, Giants Transactions, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Jonathan Tisch, Justin Tuck, Kevin Gilbride, New Jersey, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, NFC East, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL New York Giants, NY Giants, NYG, NYG Blog, NYG Draft, NYG Exclusive, NYG Fantasy Football, NYG Regular Season, NYG Reporter, NYG Story, NYG Website, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Steve Tisch, Tom Coughlin, Tom Quinn | Tagged: 2011 Giants Draft, 2011 New York Giants, 2011 New York Giants Draft, 2011 NFL Draft, 2011 nfl draft order, 2011 NFL Draft Prospects, 2011 NFL Regular Season, 2011 nyg draft, Big Blue, blogs giants, blogs nyg, Derek Hagan, Devin Thomas, Domenik Hixon, Duke Calhoun, Eli Manning, Football, football giants blog, G-Men, giants blog, giants hakeem nicks, Giants Stadium, giants steve smith, giants website, Hakeem Nicks, Jerry Reese, John Mara, Kevin Gilbride, Mario Manningham, Michael Clayton, National Football League, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York Football Giants, New York Giants, New York Giants blog, New York Giants blogs, New York Giants Website, NFC, NFC East, NFL, NFL Free Agency, ny giants 2011 draft, ny giants blog, ny giants blogs, ny giants draft 2011, ny giants website, NYG, nyg blog, nyg blogs, nyg hakeem nicks, nyg ramses barden, NYG Reporter, nyg steve smith, nygreporter, Pat Hanlon, Perry Fewell, Plaxico Burress, Players, Prospects, Ramses Barden, Samuel Giguere, Steve Smith, steve smith nyg, Steve Tisch, Tim Mara, Todd Watkins, Tom Coughlin, Victor Cruz, website ny giants, website nyg | Permalink
Posted by robdomaine
February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine’s Day Big Blue fans!
Do any of you remember all the way back to elementary school; making a bunch of cards and having the afternoon to pass them out to select classmates? Well, I was thinking it might be fun to imagine which Giants would be giving cards to who. I thought about the past season and the up-coming one (knock on wood), and I made up my list of top five Valentine’s Day givers and receivers for the Giants.
So lets jump into it!
- GM Jerry Reese wishes the NFL would be his Valentine and fix this CBA PDQ. I’m sure he is very excited to have the season officially start, so he can begin to make contract negotiations with some of his 21 free agents. Speaking of which:
- The 21 free agents the Giants have are all hoping to get candy covered cards from their front office man Jerry Reese. Not all of them will be signed back but bigger names such as Smith, Hixon, Bradshaw and Kiwanuka are all hoping to hear that the Giants are interested in further employing their services.
- Matt Dodge and Tom Quinn both are hoping for a bouquet of roses from Giants fans; a peace-offering perhaps or at least a shot at one more season. The other alternative is running one or both of them out-of-town. Both coach and punter with pitiful seasons should really be thanking Tom (Coughlin that is) for not putting them out on the street yet.
- Plaxico Burress hopes to get a dinner date this Valentine’s Day with Eli Manning, Jerry Reese, Tom Coughlin and the state of New York. He is scheduled to be released from prison soon and he is hoping that his ex-team is waiting for him at the gate.
- Eli Manning is hoping to fall head over heels, this Valentine’s Day, with a consistent, healthy, and ,one more time, consistent group of pass catchers. He needs a group in there that he can get comfortable with; the significant shuffling due to injuries did not help the franchise QB.
So there you have it! 5 V-Day cards being sent and received by various members of the G-Men. Hopefully, they all get what they wish for and Cupid can work some magic for our Boys in Blue. Let me hear who you think, from the Giants that need a Valentine’s card, or even better, leave some Valentine’s day wishes for your loved ones! I will be thinking very fondly of someone very special (she knows who she is), we cannot be together on this special day but she knows that I care very much about her. From all of us here at nygreporter.com, have a very wonderful Valentine’s Day with the ones you love!
Josh Berman – nygreporter.com
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Posted by Josh Berman
February 10, 2011
NEW YORK – There is no denying the fact that the New York Giants are a very talented football team. I have been one of the fans that said the amount of injuries the team had in 2010, seriously effected their play on the field. The Giants placed 16 players on the IR List in 2010. I’m not so sure that argument applies any longer, after seeing the Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl with 15 of their players residing on the IR list. I like to believe the Giants are a deep team but maybe we have all been wrong. After back to back injury plagued seasons, fans have to wonder just how deep the team really is and what coaching changes need to be made in the conditioning department. The Giants went 8-8 in 2009 and 10-6 in 2010 respectively.
Giants GM Jerry Reese is a draft guru and I’m sure that he will be focusing on depth this year. He will certainly address the offensive line (which did an outstanding job in 2010) and get more talent to help out in that area. OL William Beatty, OL Adam Koets and OL Mitch Petrus are three guys who fans might see more of in 2011. He will focus on improving the cornerback position and quite frankly, he should. Why have a defensive coordinator who specializes in DB’s and then not get him at least two more players of his choosing to coach? This seems like a no brainer. I am comfortable with the safeties on the team but the cornerback position seems to need a little depth. CB Terrell Thomas has been outstanding on his side of the field and lead the team in tackles in 2010.
The linebacker position is another area that must be on the team radar. The current linebacker group has a lot of talented players but they certainly don’t have a Lawrence Taylor playing back there. The G-Men need the next LT to be thrown into the mix and lead that group of young men. Fans still need to see how LB Clint Sintim and LB Phillip Dillard work out but bringing in a young veteran “Patrick Willis” type of player should be a priority in my opinion. As crazy as it sounds, the Giants might need to throw another wide receiver into the mix too. It was painful to see WR after WR go down with injuries and I would not want that to happen again in 2011. NFL teams need two No.1 and two No.2 WR’s on the team these days for just that very reason. Every fourth and fifth WR should be able to start as a No.3 on any NFL team. This is an ideal situation for all NFL teams and hopefully something Big Blue can pull off.
The one area of the team that needs the most help is also the only spot on the team that does not have depth. I’m talking about special teams and boy do they need work. P Matt Dodge and K Lawrence Tynes should both be concerned for different reasons. Dodge should be concerned because of his inconsistent rookie season and Tynes might feel the heat of a team needing a change at the kicker position. The return specialists also had their fair share of problems in 2010. Special teams coach Tom Quinn should also be very concerned about his job in my opinion.
Regardless of the injuries or depth issues, the New York Giants have enough talent to make the playoffs. There is no reason why they should have been watching the playoffs on TV this season with their 10-6 record. I will not guarantee anything or jinx the team but I would be shocked if the G-Men were to miss the playoffs for a third consecutive year. If that were to happen, there would be big changes in New York for 2012. What do you think?
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Posted by robdomaine
NEW YORK – Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, do we have a special treat for you today on our one year anniversary. Happy Anniversary! As the marquee reads above this article, we have New York Giants WR Steve Smith in the house. Steve was nice enough to take some time out of his busy schedule and answer a few of our questions and yes fans, this is the real Steve Smith (he has since added this story to his facebook wall). In fact, Steve Smith will forever go down in history as the first interview ever for nygreporter.com. We are thankful to Steve (and his agent) and very thankful for all of the good things happening to us lately.
nygreporter.com 