Super Bowl XLV Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

January 24, 2011

NEW YORK – I envy the final two teams standing tall after a rough season. The Green Bay Packers will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV and their fans must be having a blast! It doesn’t feel like it’s been four years since the Giants won Super Bowl XLII but it has been. The Packers beat the Bears to advance while the Steelers finally shut up the talkative Jets. All four of these teams deserve some respect for making it as far as they did during the 2010 NFL season. We must also congratulate the Packers and Steelers for getting to the big game and we wish them both luck.

The NFL Pro Bowl will be played next weekend in Hawaii, since NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, changed the game format to have the Pro Bowl played before the marquee Super Bowl. With the collective bargaining agreement looming in the wings, football fans may want to sit back and really enjoy these final two games of the season. Things could be a lot different come the beginning of the 2011 NFL season. I know it will be hard to watch the Pro Bowl with its lack of meaning but just try and enjoy it if you can.

I have to admit that I am gloating internally a bit because I picked the Green Bay Packers to win it all this year. They haven’t completed my prediction yet but they are in the Super Bowl and one win way from being the NFL Champions. If any of our readers would like in-depth Green Bay Packers coverage, I would suggest you check out my friend Jersey Al’s Packers website, Home. I expect this Super Bowl to be a throw back of the classic days of football. Both of these teams match up very well and I truly expect it to be a battle. I’m not sure if it will be a shoot out or a defensive game yet. All signs point to a low scoring defensive battle but things could very easily go the other way with these two outstanding offenses. As I mentioned, I will be rooting for the Packers and the NFC to take the Lombardi trophy home.

The Super Bowl will be played on February 6, 2011 at 6:30 PM EST in Cowboys stadium.

RD – nygreporter.com

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2011 New York Giants Need Changes on Special Teams

January 20, 2011

NEW YORK – The New York Giants need help on special teams and the sooner the better. There have been no reports about any coaching changes or news of any plans to make changes. I am surprised by this because I thought the team would address the special teams squad a week after their season ended. The future of punter Matt Dodge has not been discussed yet and the continued employment of special teams coach Tom Quinn has yet to be determined. Trust me, fans are paying close attention to both of these situations.

I do not believe that Coach Quinn’s job security should be contingent upon the leg of a rookie punter, let me be clear about that. If the woes were strictly limited to poor punting then I would focus solely on the punter but it was much worse then that. The special teams gave up big plays, gave up TD’s and made some boneheaded mistakes. It was painful to watch them on the field and I would cringe every time they lined up for a punt or kick. The return game was no better. The Giants went through a bunch of return men, including bringing in talent mid-season with Reynaud and Blackmon. It feels like Big Blue went through a dozen different returners by the time the regular season was over. This lack of consistency contributed to the team having one of their worst seasons ever on special teams. It was certainly one of the worst I can remember.

I mentioned possibly drafting a return specialist in the 7th round of the 2011 NFL draft (using the last pick). Some people think it is a good idea and some weren’t so sure about it. I made sure to include the stipulation that the return specialist should be a cornerback or wide receiver only. This way they could also double as depth to those crucial positions next year. I have not forgotten that WR Domenik Hixon will be back for 2011 but the truth is that we don’t know how well he will perform after coming back from an injury. I hope he is fully healthy and can be better then ever but I’m not willing to endure another season like 2010 on special teams and would like to hedge all bets. I’m sure that Coach Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese are very concerned about this group and will have the best possible talent on the field by the time the 2011 Giants training camp rolls around.

One position the team will not have to worry about for a while is long snapper. The Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie was named to his second Pro Bowl today and will be the 5th Giant named to the Pro Bowl this year. DeOssie has played his entire career in New York since being drafted by the Giants in 2007.

What changes can be made during the offseason to help the Giants special teams improve in 2011?

RD – nygreporter.com

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New York Giants Safety Antrel Rolle Back in the News

January 18, 2011

NEW YORK – Why? That is the biggest question I ask myself when I hear about players talking in public about house business. I honestly wish Antrel Rolle could somehow reply to this story and tell us exactly what happened because players usually say their words were taken out of context. Until Rolle replies publicly about this, we have no choice but to take what he said from reliable writers and sources as the truth. I just shake my head every time I hear about a player talking about their feelings in public, when will these players learn to just keep their mouths shut in public?

Now when I say players should keep their mouths shut, I am talking about them keeping their mouths shut to the press. I am talking about their personal feelings on another player or coach remaining private. This is not how New York football handles their business and the fans are beginning to get annoyed with Rolle. He is speaking to the press too much about Big Blue for someone who has only been on the team for one year. He happens to be dissing head coach Tom Coughlin, the only coach other then Bill Parcells to bring a Lombardi trophy to New York, since Super Bowl wins were recorded. I am in awe that Rolle would have the nerve to tell the press that Coughlin needs to lighten up because he feels it is effecting his fun. Your fun? Really Antrel?

You know what is fun? Winning a Super Bowl is fun. Playing a season without 16 players landing on the IR List and not turning the ball over 42 times is fun. The Giants are a dangerous team when they are healthy and their second stringers aren’t making mental errors because of a lack of real playing time. The good news is that the Giants are now deep with players who have real game experience under their belts. But Antrel needs to calm down. He is a fan favorite and the players seem to respect him but he will learn what happens to people in New York who like to talk to much. This isn’t Arizona and the fans in New York do not like talkers. He does not want to become a pariah like Tiki Barber has to fans.

I was equally surprised to hear that Kenny Phillips got into the mix and offered some equally judgmental comments. Phillips has been in town much longer then Rolle and I expect him to know better then that. The team stuck by Phillips when he was dealing with a serious injury and he must know that Coach Coughlin had the final word on all of that. All I have to say to Kenny is, come on man.

My advice to Antrel Rolle is simple, the fans have accepted you, shown you love and respect your game on the field. Don’t take the weight of this city on your back because you can’t keep your personal opinions to yourself. You are not bigger then New York or the history of the Giants organization. Take it down a notch and enjoy the fact that you are playing on a solid 10-6 team that had some misfortune in 2010 but will be better in 2011. Think of the millions of New Yorkers and people around the world for that matter, who have to go to work everyday (if they are lucky enough to have a job) in an environment without any fun. You’re better then that Antrel, I know you are.

What are your thoughts about safety Antrel Rolle voicing his personal opinions to the press about Head Coach Tom Coughlin?

RD – nygreporter.com

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Would DE Jason Pierre-Paul Make a Good DT for the Giants?

January 16, 2011

NEW YORK – I was having a conversation with one of my writer friends about the draft and he mentioned the defensive tackle position being a problem in 2011. The Giants will more then likely have to let one go and most think it will be DT Barry Cofield. Personally, I hope the team doesn’t let Cofield go because he is a rock in the middle and one of my favorite players. Unfortunately, there is a very real possibility that he will not return. If it were up to me, I would lock the man down with a four year contract. This situation at the defensive tackle position will no doubt effect the Giants 2011 NFL Draft but to what extent?

There are a number of possibilities that could occur before the draft in April, such as a free agent signing or a trade. One of the more interesting scenarios I have come up with is the possibility of converting DE Jason Pierre-Paul to a defensive tackle. Now before you all rip my head off just hear me out and remember this is only an idea. JPP was drafted in April of 2010 and was listed at 270 pounds. By the time the 2010 regular season started in September, Pierre-Paul bulked up to 285 pounds and was still flying around the field like he was a welterweight. My question is simple, what would JPP do if he put on another 15 pounds (to round it out at 300 pounds) and got those extremely long arms a yard or two closer to the opposing quarterbacks at the defensive tackle slot? It is a very intriguing thought.

It is extremely unlikely that this will happen but DC Perry Fewell has been using the “nascar” defense quite a bit this year. The name of the game is to get the talent on the field. Imagine Tuck, Osi and JPP on the field for every single down the defense played in 2011, that’s scary. Ultimately, Pierre-Paul’s talent at defensive end will prevail when Osi or Tuck decide to retire or move on to another team. But wouldn’t it be amazing if JPP were to change the defensive tackle position forever with his unique combination of size and speed? Where ever the team decides to play JPP, one thing is for sure, the guy is going to be a pro bowl player within a year or two. He is just too talented and committed for things to turn out otherwise.

I would like to hear your thoughts on whether or not JPP would be a nice fit at the DT spot in 2011 or if you feel he is too valuable as depth for the DE spot. Please keep in mind that the Giants will be getting a guy named Mathias Kiwanuka back from injury in 2011 as well.

RD – nygreporter.com

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2011 NFL Draft: New York Giants Debate Begins

January 15, 2011

NEW YORK – Let the debates begin! Giants fans from all over the country are weighing in on what they feel are the biggest areas of need for the team. Since writing my own needs assessment last week, I have been getting messages from our readers about the 2011 NFL Draft. There is a tremendous amount of interest and remember the G-Men have the 19th overall pick in round one.

You already know that I am torn between drafting a linebacker or offensive lineman (Center) with the first round pick. I’ve had members suggest getting a running back or a tight end in the first round. Surprisingly, the running back position has come up the most besides the linebacker slot. I do not agree with using a first round pick on either a running back or a tight end but I certainly think they should be drafted at some point in the middle to late rounds. I still believe in the Bradshaw/Jacobs tandem but have less confidence in the tight end group.

I had left off the tight end position from my initial draft assessment because of the depth with Boss, Beckum and Pascoe but after taking a second look, it might not be a bad idea to grab another. The current linebackers did a great job in 2010 but they were certainly overshadowed by the performance of the defensive line and the defensive backs. Giants fans long for the old days when opposing teams feared the Big Blue linebackers. New York has always been considered a defensive team first and an offensive team second. New Yorkers love a strong defense and DC Perry Fewell has brought them back into the elite NFL rankings. GM Jerry Reese will surely give Fewell a couple of new toys to play with on an already tough defense.

The player research is in full throttle and Giants fans are throwing out prospect names left and right. I would love to hear some of your thoughts on this subject, do not be shy about leaving a comment in the section below. You do not need to be a nygreporter member to leave a comment. I would particularly like to hear some names of sleeper players that I am unaware of. What are your thoughts and what position do you think the Giants will draft in round one?

You can check out my draft by position order here in a previous article – 2011 NFL Draft: New York Giants Early Bird Edition

RD – nygreporter.com

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New York Giants DC Perry Fewell Will Return in 2011

January 14, 2011

NEW YORK – Giants fans can finally exhale with the news that Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell will return to Big Blue in 2011. Fewell was being interviewed by a few teams searching for a new head coach, Denver and Carolina were the front runners but it just wasn’t meant to be.

Denver and Carolina decided to go in a different direction, which means that Fewell will be coaching for the G-Men and honoring the last year of his two year contract. He was extremely vocal about wanting a head coaching position but I still expect him to give his best to the Giants this season. I’m sure he will and I am very excited to have him back for another year. I’m pumped to see how far he can take the defense in 2011. The Raiders are the last team looking for a head coach but all of the experts say it is highly unlikely that Fewell will end up in Oakland.

If Fewell would have been chosen for one of those coaching positions, that would have meant the New York Giants went through four defensive coordinators in four years. They include Coach Spags, Coach Sheridan, Coach Fewell and whomever the fourth DC would have been. That kind of inconsistency is something that does not help a team mesh together or make the players buy into a defensive system. I’m glad Fewell will be around for the 2011 NFL Draft, training camp and all of the preseason games. I think the man has great input and although GM Jerry Reese is Yoda when it comes to the NFL draft, I know he respects Fewell’s opinion.

Coach Fewell has also become a fan favorite and everything I’ve read about the players, tells me they love the guy too. I would have been very upset if the team lost yet another solid coach after short stint. I understand that the Giants organization has to be cautious about locking up staff in long term deals but this might be a good time to offer him an extension before next season. We need some stability at the DC job and Fewell is a great fit with the team, so why wait? Now fans will have to wait and see what the team decides to do with OC Kevin Gilbride. What do you think about the Giants coaching situation?

RD – nygreporter.com

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Giants.com features nygreporter on their Website

January 10, 2011

NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans! On behalf of the nygreporter, I would like to thank Giants.com for featuring us on your official website. It was an honor to be included in your weekly feature and I hope we continue to live up to your high standards. I will leave a copy of the link below for our readers so they can check it out for themselves. Since the nygreporter was created last year, we have been featured or plugged on numerous different sports websites, podcasts and TV shows but none have been as sweet as being featured on Giants.com.

We would also like to thank our readers, who have kept us going since our inception. We would especially like to thank our regular readers, who make up a solid percentage of the nygreporter’s traffic. We would be no where if not for you all. Giants fans have now entered the quiet time of the NFL offseason. Most Giants fans, are fans of the game of football and will no doubt watch the playoffs and the Super Bowl but it just doesn’t have the same excitement as it would if Big Blue were playing. All we can do now as fans is wait for the upcoming NFL draft, check the free agent market, follow the CBA closely, wait for minicamp and training camp and hope that the 2011 preseason games come quickly.

My disappointment over the 2010 regular season outcome has been replaced with the excitement for improving the football team in 2011. The Giants are a very good team to begin with and adding some key players will only make them stronger. Let’s hope the Giants get back to work sooner then later and feed the hungry fans with some good news.

Here is a link to the Giants.com feature –http://www.giants.com/news/headlines/story.asp?story_id=44727

RD – nygreporter.com

PLEASE SUPPORT THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT!!


2011 NFL Draft: New York Giants Early Bird Edition

January 5, 2011

NEW YORK – It’s never too soon to search for improvements. I would like to take an early look at the New York Giants 2011 draft needs. These draft needs will absolutely change by the time the draft arrives on Thursday April 28, 2011. Keep in mind that the NFL now holds the 1st round of the draft on Thursday night, rounds 2 and 3 on Friday night and rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday. The times have not been released yet but that’s the schedule. The New York Giants will have the 19th overall pick in the 1st round.

So let’s take a look at some of the needs for Big Blue. The first two positions that pop into my mind are Linebacker and Center. I would not be surprised one bit to see either of these positions taken in the first round. I would also not be surprised to see the Giants take two offensive linemen by the time the draft is over. I made the same prediction last year but the Giants surprised me by taking a defensive end with the No.1 overall pick. A pick that proved to be awesome because DE Jason Pierre-Paul had an impressive rookie season and he will continue to develop into a beast. If there is one thing that I am certain of, it is the fact that Giants will not take another defensive end with their first pick in 2011.

The Giants will more then likely dip into the free agent market once again in 2011, so I’m not sure where these needs will be on the chart come April. I can only make my guesses based upon what I see today. The Giants need to get more help on the offensive line to protect franchise QB Eli Manning and they need to get a serious playmaker at the linebacker position. I’m not knocking LB Jonathan Goff who did an excellent job in 2010 replacing the retired LB Antonio Pierce. The team still needs more fire from that area and I would be shocked if the G-Men did not pick up a return specialist in the late rounds. Let’s take a look at the early bird special.

2011 NFL Draft – New York Giants Edition, player rankings are current as of 1/03/11.

1. Linebacker/CenterStefen Wisniewski of Penn State is the No.1 ranked Center in the draft by CBS Sports. The No.2 Center on that list is Kristofer O’Dowd of USC.

2. Center/LinebackerGreg Jones of Michigan State is the No.1 ranked MLB in the draft by CBS Sports. The No.2 MLB on that list is Quan Sturdivant of North Carolina.

3. Cornerback

4. Running Back

5. Offensive Tackle

6. Linebacker

7. Return Specialist – CB/WR

Please feel free to give your opinions and your own draft needs assessment in the comment area. I know it’s a bit early to do this but I love the draft and couldn’t wait. As I mentioned, I’m sure this draft order will change a couple of times before April rolls around.

RD – nygreporter.com

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New York Giants Face Trap Game

October 14, 2010

The New York Giants, looking to increase their first winning streak in a year, face the NFL’s punching bag of the last few seasons, the Detroit Lions (1-4), at home in the new Meadowlands Stadium. Easy matchup, one might think. That is where a mistake can be made. As I said, this is a trap game.

The Lions, although having only one win in the season, have more fight in them than meets the eye. Just looking at the games this season, out of the 4 losses, it is very easy to see that those games were not decided until the very end.

In the season opener against Chicago, a blown call nullified a Calvin Johnson touchdown that would most likely assure the win for Detroit.

Then you move on to analyze the Eagles game, and the story continues. The Lions scored a touchdown with 1:55 left, made the two-point conversion, putting the game at 35-32, then on the ensuing kickoff they recovered an onside kick. They were not able to capitalize on that, but again the game was decided on the final seconds.

Against Green Bay, a team that is supposed to be one of the finest in the NFC, once again Detroit was able to push the game until the fourth quarter, the final score being 28-26. These three games could have easily gone either way, and Detroit could be, say, a 3-2 team, just like our beloved Giants.

With that in mind, it is paramount to stay focused and duly prepare for this game. As it is said quite frequently in this organization, “every game is important“. The way the Giants have been playing is impressive and inspiring, however, paraphrasing Antrel Rolle, it is always better to win three in a row than two in a row.

 

Saulo Padua – nygreporter.com


New York Giants 2010 Schedule Analysis

September 11, 2010

NEW YORK – It is the eve before kickoff and all through the night NFL fans are stirring with anticipation and delight. If I was a better poet I would probably finish this…

Anyways, I’m up and restless thinking about the new season which kicks off Sunday. For those of you who know me, you know I get the schedule in March, review it, make a prediction, then put it away. Then, I pull the schedule out after preseason is over and repeat the process. So here is a game by game break down of what I came up with:

Week 1: vs. Carolina

The Panthers, as all Giants fans remember from last season, have an outstanding running game. The Giants have improved on the defensive line but the linebackers are still unproven and a big question mark. Ultimately, I do think the Giants pull it out in a close one. Eli Manning’s proficient and experienced offense beats out Matt Moore this Sunday.

Prediction: Giants 28-24

Week 2: @ Indianapolis

Manning Bowl 2.0 rolls in and its much of the same. The Giants are a very different team from when they last met but big brother Peyton still has his way with Big Blue. The Giants secondary looks strong with Rolle and Phillips (who is now ready for the season) but injuries to Ross and Webster worry me, when it comes to going up against Peyton’s proficient passing attack.

Prediction: Colts 35-21

Week 3: vs. Tennessee

Chris Johnson is another great running back coming to the Meadowlands this season. I think the Giants have improved enough this season that they will have a good answer for great runners. I don’t think Vince Young has enough receiving talent in his stable and Johnson can’t do it all on his own. In a good strong bounce back game, the G-Men win.

Prediction: Giants 21-10

Week 4: vs. Chicago

Lovie Smith is on the hot seat this year and I don’t think his team is going to help one bit. I don’t think the Bears have any answers this year, so as long as the Giants arrive serious and play strong they should have no problem here.

Prediction: Giants 17-7

Week 5: @ Houston

Big Blue hits the road for another AFC South battle. Again, I have questions about the health of the secondary but by this point in the season hopefully everyone is a-o-k.  I think the Giants pull a small upset here as Bradshaw has his first really big day of the season gaining 12o yards or more.

Prediction: Giants 24-14

Week 6: vs. Detroit

I think Detroit is going to have a better season, Stafford is a year older and a year wiser. I don’t think they get past the Giants. As long as the Giants don’t walk in acting like they’ve already won, then they will win. Play the game and get the results you know you can.

Prediction: Giants 35-14

Week 7: @ Dallas

First NFC East game of the season, Giants embarrassed Dallas in their home opener last season, it won’t happen this season. Big Blue falters here, Dallas takes the win in a shoot out.

Prediction: Dallas 42-28

Week 8: BYE

Week 9: @ Seattle

Pete Carroll takes one step forward but releasing T.J. is two steps back. I have a lot of faith in the guy (and not just because he’s sitting on my fantasy bench!) I think cutting him was a mistake. Hasselbeck is left with an unproven, and maybe even untalented group to work with. Giants take this one easy.

Prediction: Giants 28-10

Week 10: vs. Dallas

The NFC East rivals meet again, and again the Cowboys prove to be too much for Big Blue (the Giants get them back in the playoffs though).

Prediction: Dallas 28-13

Week 11: @ Philadelphia

Big Blue rolls in to town looking for their first division win. New running back, new quarterback, same old beating. Giants get them good this time.

Prediction: Giants 14-10

Week 12: vs. Jacksonville

The Giants really play the leagues best running games this season, MJD runs into town and the Giants better be ready. Unfortunately, MJD is a one man team and can’t make up for a poor passing game and a bad D.

Prediction: Giants 28-14

Week 13: vs. Washington

The Giants know McNabb well, they know the Redskins too. I don’t see the Giants having much trouble here. Of course, it is an NFC East matchup, so anything can happen but for this articles sake, it won’t.

Prediction: Giants 24-14

Week 14: @ Minnesota

Whoever made this schedule really wanted to test the Giants run D. AP is ready and waiting to tear Big Blue apart and expose any holes there may be. Normally seeing Farve late in the year could be a good thing but in his own dome? I don’t think so.

Prediction: Minnesota 35-14

Week 15: vs. Philadelphia

It’s the end of the year, the Eagles have had some time to learn, grow, and gel. They don’t let this division showdown go…

Prediction: Philadelphia 28-21

Week 16: @ Green Bay

Aaron Rodgers puts up MVP like numbers and the game is away at Lambeau Field in winter. Giants continue their skid in this game.

Prediction: Green Bay 17-7

Week 17: @ Washington

Giants stumble into the playoffs after this final NFC East showdown where they regain some of their steam. Should be a good confidence booster.

Prediction: Giants 35-17

So the Giants go 11-5, grab a wild card spot behind Dallas. They only go 3-3 in the division which is a tough pill to swallow. The G-Men beat Dallas in the Divisional round of the playoffs but Green Bay beats them in the NFC Championship game. This season should be an obvious improvement for Big Blue. I think the D is significantly improved. The linebackers are probably the weakest part of the team as of now but by the bye week they will be playing well. The O-line has some concerns so look for Eli to be on his back a bit and neither Bradshaw or Jacobs to have a spectacular season.

Overall, the Giants get better. I think they are set up very well for the 2011 draft. Either Osi or Kiwi will leave next season but JPP is a suitable replacement. I think next years draft will have the G-Men taking a running back in the first round, draft O-line in the next 3 rounds, draft a return man, and maybe a punter in the last. Then, after a healthy camp, the Giants win the Super Bowl 512 days from now in Indianapolis.

Josh Berman- nygreporter.com