Tom Coughlin Wins ESPY for Coach of the Year

July 12, 2012

NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans, did you miss me? I have been taking a nice long break away from writing after winning the Championship and the emotional 2011 season. But I couldn’t help writing something about Tom Coughlin winning the ESPY for Coach of the Year, something he really deserves both as a coach and a man. I’m starting to get the itch to write again and could not think of a better way to re-introduce myself to the New York Giants nation, then with a Tom Coughlin article. It feels good to be back.

Let me stop now and officially say, Congrats Coach!

If you ask me, it has taken the media, the football world and even a lot of the Giants fans, way too long to warm up and recognize how good Coughlin is. A lot of the drama is caused by the morons at the major sports shows. The two Super Bowl wins in five years cannot be denied, they will win a third and be named a dynasty and you will still show no love, so let it be known then. I am very excited for this year and to see what a healthy squad can do over 16 games. This is a dangerous team when fully healthy and they just won the Super Bowl with a depleted roster. How about Jason Pierre-Paul? B-E-A-S-T!  I’m going to predict he gets over 20 sacks in 2012. I think rookie RB David Wilson is a very intriguing subject and so is WR Rueben Randle. I’m looking at DT Marvin Austin, CB Prince Amukamara, WR Ramses Barden, TE Martellus Bennett, TE Travis Beckum and WR Domenik Hixon to see what they can do. A lot fans are watching, even though they may be quiet right now but we are all rooting for you guys to have huge seasons. And so is Tom Coughlin and the front office. These guys can make a huge difference in the 2012 season when healthy and clicking with their teammates. They need a shot to do that.

I have always been a big fan of Coach Coughlin, I was never one to criticize him for bad games. By the way, at 65, Coughlin becomes the oldest coach to ever win the award. I have been vocal in the past about OC Gilbride and not caring for some of his play calling. I think this offense is a dynamic but steady OC away from winning two more Super Bowls. The G-Men have the talent, that is for sure, they could be a top offense for the next four to six years if utilized properly. I’m sure of two things about Coach Coughlin, one he is a football guy and two, he is a New York guy. He also looks out for the military and works with the Jay Fund charity, founded in 1996. As most of you know, even his son-in-law is a football player. Giants Pro Bowl OL Chris Snee. Snee will be included in the Giants ‘Ring of Honor’ once he finishes his career with Big Blue and forever be considered one of the best Giants lineman of all time. Without coaches approval, I doubt this marriage would have ever happened, so it’s nice to know that Coughlin is a good judge of character too. I love that the Giants owners continue to reward Coughlin on production with contract extensions, something else he deserves in my opinion. I look forward to seeing Coach on the sidelines for many years to come in the future and enjoy continued success under his watch.

How do you feel about Coach Coughlin winning Coach of the Year?

RD – nygreporter.com

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Playoffs NFL Week 20: Giants vs. 49ers, Game Notes

January 23, 2012

NEW YORK – What an incredible season it has been for the Giants. A month or so ago, fans were wondering if they would make it to the playoffs at all and here they were, finding themselves battling for the NFC Championship crown. If the Giants beat the 49ers, they would be in the Super Bowl once again. Guess what? The Giants beat the 49ers 20-17 in overtime and will be going to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis for a rematch against the New England Patriots. Hollywood could not write a more riveting script. The Giants have owned the Patriots since 2007 including the preseason, regular season and postseason. The Patriots are the real underdogs in this game and face the hungry NFC Champion Giants.

Let me just pause for a moment to acknowledge QB Eli Manning. This guy has weathered every storm thrown his way and really showed the NFL world how tough he is last night. Manning was getting beat down the entire game by a rabid 49ers defense and he kept getting up and performing. I have always respected Eli Manning but the way he played last night brought me to another level of respect for him. Easy Eli is a tough guy and a true Iron Man. I’m glad he is our quarterback and I’m happy that he is getting the respect he deserved all along.

This game was a battle from the opening kickoff until the final FG in OT. The 49ers defense played a terrific game and my hat is off to them. The Giants took a 10-7 lead into the locker room at halftime and seemed to pick up some momentum with a nice drive prior to heading inside. The second half of the game was intense. Both teams were fighting all the way up to the coin toss for overtime and beyond. Make no mistake, the Giants earned their spot in the Super Bowl. I am very proud to say that I am a Giants fan and really proud of what Eli Manning did on the field. Hey Giants fans, we’re going to the Super Bowl, again!

Let’s take a look at my notes from the game.

QB Eli Manning – What can you say about Manning? This guy is simply awesome and for all his quiet demeanor, a true tough guy. He finished with 316 yards 2 TD’s 0 INT’s

RB Ahmad Bradshaw – Bradshaw ran hard as usual and had his hands full with a rabid 49ers defense. He finished with 74 yards rushing and 52 yards receiving.

WR Hakeem Nicks – Nicks got banged up early but returned to the game. He finished with 55 yards.

DE Justin Tuck – Tuck was playing on another level last night and finished with 1.5 sacks.

LB Michael Boley – Boley was doing a lot more out there then the final stats would lead you to believe. He plays with a lot of passion.

WR Victor Cruz – The ‘Salsa King’ Cruz had another superb performance and finished with 142 yards 0 TD’s.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul – JPP cannot be contained and gets double teamed every game now. He was the Giants leading tackler and finished with 0.5 sacks.

S Antrel Rolle – Rolle finished in the top five tacklers once again and played a great game. I love the way this guy plays football.

RB Brandon Jacobs – Jacobs didn’t get in much work last night because they were throwing the ball all over the place and Bradshaw got a lot of work. He finished with 13 yards 0 TD’s.

LB Jacquian Williams – This young man was playing like he wanted to go to the Super Bowl. He is only going to get better and finished with 1 forced fumble.

WR Mario Manningham – Super Mario wasn’t getting many balls thrown his way but still managed to grab 1 TD in traffic. Maybe the biggest play of the game in my opinion.

CB Corey Webster – I’ve been saying it all year, Webster has taken his game to another level and really improved. He finished with 1 forced fumble.

TE Bear Pascoe – Pascoe had only one catch in this game but it was a big one. He finished with 1 TD, his first ever in the NFL. Congrats Bear!

LB Chase Blackburn – Blackburn was second on the team in tackles and I still cannot figure out why they let this guy go in the offseason. Re-sign him Jerry!

DE Osi Umenyiora – Osi was battling a tough offensive line out there all night and finished with 0.5 sacks. He simply causes havoc every game.

FB Henry Hynoski – This guy has really stepped up his game. He has been playing with a lot of heart and making contributions to the team. He finished with 20 yards.

LB Mathias Kiwanuka – Kiwi is a straight baller and was playing with a mean streak last night. He finished with 0.5 sacks.

DT Linval Joseph – I really like what I have been seeing from this young man. Keep an eye on him because he could end up as one of the greats.

S Kenny Phillips – Phillips is such an instinctual player and when he hits somebody, they fall to the ground. His angles and approaches are incredible.

CB Aaron Ross – Ross was out there making plays and continues to do a good job filling in for the injured Terrell Thomas. Good job Aaron!

S Deon Grant – Grant was in the top five for defensive tacklers and has become a force for Big Blue. I hope he retires a Giant in five or six years.

K Lawrence Tynes – What can I say? Tynes kicked the winning FG that sends Big Blue to the Super Bowl. Heck of a kick Larry!

P Steve Weatherford – The Weatherman is a weapon. He had another solid game last night. Consistency in the punting game is a relief for a change.

Giants Offense – This group of players had the toughest game of the year last night and certainly the most physical. They came out on top due to resiliency.

Giants Defense – The Giants defense had a superb game last night. This group has really stepped up in recent weeks and finished with 3 sacks 0 INT’s and 2 forced fumbles.

Giants Special Teams – The special teams play was good last night. Thomas deserves the game ball and Tynes did what he had to do. Still some missed tackles and room for improvement.

What are your thoughts on the Giants performance against the 49ers?

RD – nygreporter.com – WE’RE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!

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


NFL Week 17: Giants vs. Cowboys, Game Notes

January 2, 2012

NEW YORK – Happy New Year everyone! The Giants played the division rival Cowboys in a big game last night for the NFC East Championship. The G-Men and fans were looking to QB Eli Manning to take over the game and get the victory at MetLife stadium. The Giants would not disappoint as they beat the Cowboys 31-14 on a rainy night in New Jersey to make it back to the playoffs. The G-Men dominated this game from the very beginning and all that Giants fans had to do was sit back and enjoy the show. I wasn’t concerned for a moment throughout this entire game and the Giants never gave up the lead. This was a fun game to watch.

The Giants dominated this game the entire first half. It was almost sad to see how badly the Cowboys were playing. The G-Men took a 21-0 lead into the locker room at halftime and they were playing so well that I doubt there was anything to talk about. They came out for the second half and seemed determined to win the game. The Cowboys put up a better fight in the second half but could not do enough to keep the game within reach. Giants WR Victor Cruz is simply a beast and he is doing things out there that elite WR’s do. It is impossible to overlook this young man anymore. The Giants end the 2011 regular season with a 9-7 record and will play the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday at 1:00 PM EST in East Rutherford.

Let’s take a look at my notes from the game.

QB Eli Manning – Manning had one of his best games of the year. He finished with 346 yards 3 TD’s and 0 INT’s. Can you say elite?

RB Ahmad Bradshaw – AB ran the ball hard and finished with 57 yards and 1 TD. He also had 12 receiving yards and 1 receiving TD.

WR Hakeem Nicks – Nicks had a solid game and finished with 76 yards and 1 TD. The emergence of Cruz is overshadowing the Giants No.1 WR.

DE Justin Tuck – Tuck was causing trouble all over the field and finished with 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.

LB Michael Boley – Boley is a beast. He led all defensive tacklers and had another outstanding game.

S Kenny Phillips – Phillips also had a solid game and was the second leading tackler for Big Blue.

LB Mathias Kiawnuka – I have never seen Kiwi play like he did last night. He was in the zone and all around the ball.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul – JPP is a Pro Bowler and he played like it last night. He finished with 1 sack but was all over the place.

WR Victor Cruz – Cruz gets my game ball again. This young man is simply frightening to opposing defenses. He finished with 178 yards and 1 TD. Good luck trying to stop this Salsa machine!

LB Chase Blackburn – Blackburn has done a great job since returning to the Giants. He was making plays again last night.

RB Brandon Jacobs – Jacobs contributed what he could but this game was all about passing. He finished with 16 yards.

S Antrel Rolle – Rolle was out there banging with the Cowboys and finished with 1 INT. Nice job Antrel!

TE Bear Pascoe – Pascoe got a couple of balls thrown his way as the team tries to fill in for the injured TE Jake Ballard.

CB Aaron Ross – I have to take my hat off to Ross who was thrown into the starting lineup by Terrell Thomas’ injury. Great job Aaron!

DT Chris Canty – The big dude in the middle had a great game against his former team. He finished with 1 sack.

CB Corey Webster – Webster had a tough task covering those Cowboy WR’s but he held his own and has had an outstanding season.

OL David Baas – Baas was having a tough time with the Dallas front but held his own and did a good job.

S Deon Grant – Grant hits like a Mack truck out there and last night was no different for the veteran. Solid game for Deon.

DE Osi Umenyiora – Osi returned to the field after missing a month and made himself useful with 2 sacks. Osi is a beast.

FB Henry Hynoski – The rookie FB had his best game of the year at the right time. He finished with 31 yards but was knocking people to the ground with his blocking.

CB Jacquian Williams – The rookie LB was third on the team in tackles and finished with 1 sack. Watch out, he is going to get better next year.

P Steve Weatherford – Once again, the Weatherman had a solid game and will surely see a new contract in the near future.

K Lawrence Tynes – Tynes missed a FG and made one. He also made all four of his extra point attempts.

Giants Offense – The Giants offense was potent and deadly last night. A solid game all the way around.

Giants Defense – The Giants defense was smothering and finished with 6 sacks, 1 INT and 1 forced fumble. They wanted this win.

Giants Special Teams – The Giants special teams still needs work but they are getting better as the year goes on.

What did you think about the Giants performance against the Cowboys?

RD – nygreporter.com – Happy New Year!

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Giants Make Hard Choices to Cut Down to 53 Man Roster

September 3, 2011

NEW YORK – This is always a very difficult time of year for the Giants coaches and staff. I’m sure they would have loved to have kept everyone on the team but it just isn’t the way things work in the NFL. The Giants were forced to cut a bunch of players today in order to cut down to the mandatory 53 man roster. Head Coach Tom Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese can finally exhale after making some very difficult decisions but I’m sure they will also monitor the careers of the players they cut. This is one of the most difficult parts of the job for these men, without question. Having to tell a man that he didn’t make the team, when you know he has given you 110% on the field is a terrible chore but a part of the business. You can view the final roster here Roster or simply click the roster tab on the top toolbar of our website.

Fans were speculating all week about who would be cut and who would make the team. I try not to get into those conversations out of respect for the players but I will answer a direct question if someone asks my opinion about a player. When you’re looking at all of these guys on paper and see you one or two at a certain deep position on the team, you have a pretty good idea if they will be on the final roster or not. A perfect example is the defensive end position. The Giants literally have four guys who could be starters at the position with DE Justin Tuck, DE Osi Umenyiora, DE Jason Pierre-Paul and DE Mathias Kiwanuka (he is a hybrid, I know). Trying to make the Giants final roster at the defensive end position would be a herculean task for any player. There were some cuts that were surprises, like there are every year and some cuts that sting a little more then the others.

I would like to personally wish the players well, who did not make the cut. It’s a shame that everyone can’t make the team based on their hard work and desire. It is never fun saying goodbye to a player who has given his all. Keep your head up and keep working hard. It might not be your time today but dreams do come true! Don’t give up!

The Giants will face the Washington Redskins next Sunday 9/11/11 at 4:15 PM EST for their first regular season game. Be sure to come back and check out our “Game Notes” each and every week throughout the season.

Were you surprised by any of the cuts made or with the Giants final roster?

RD – nygreporter.com

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


Twas the Night Before Training Camp, Big Blue in the House

July 28, 2011

NEW YORK – The New York Giants made a few moves on the night before training camp. Fans expected to see a bunch of transactions but it seems like there were more negotiations, then there were signings. It was also an emotional day for fans as Rich Seubert, Shawn Andrews and Shaun O’Hara said their goodbyes to the press and fans. They have all said they would not mind coming back to New York if the right situation were to arise. It really stinks when you have to say goodbye to old friends but it is a part of life and a part of the NFL. The Giants also released FB Madison Hedgecock who appears to still have health issues. I would like to wish all of you well and the best of luck. Oh yeah, the Giants also released Tiki Barber.

Fans will get to see the players for the first time in a very long time tomorrow when training camp officially opens. One fan favorite, DE Mathias Kiwanuka, will be on hand since signing a new contract today. Kiwanuka reportedly signed for two years and should really heat up the Osi Umenyiora situation. Kiwi made the biggest splash in the news today, as fellow teammate Justin Tuck (new to twitter) decided to tweet the good news to Giants fans around the world. This is good news for the team and the defense as a whole. Kiwi is a dangerous man on the field and will bring intensity to every play. The Giants also signed rookie RB Da’Rel Scott to a four year deal. The Giants drafted him this year in the seventh round. This kid has been very excited to play and fans heard his name more then once at Eli Manning’s “player only” practices over the summer.

The Giants also signed 10 undrafted rookies today. Those players are LB Mark Herzlich, OL Jerriel King, FB Henry Hynoski, S David Sims, DT Martin Parker, LB Spencer Paysinger, DE Justin Trattou, DE Craig Marshall, S Jerrard Tarrant, DT Ibrahim Abdulai. The Giants have also reached out to former Giant punter Brad Maynard, which tells me that they may have had enough of the Matt Dodge inconsistency from last season. I feel bad for the kid but this is a “hit the ground running” league and if players don’t perform they are gone.

Here is a little poem to honor the occasion of training camp opening tomorrow.

Twas the night before training camp,

In the house of Big Blue,

Not a rookie could slumber,

Knowing the work they must do.

The Veterans were nestled,

All snug in their beds,

With visions of hazing,

And taping rookies to sleds.

Coach Coughlin won’t have it,

Because the drills must get done,

So say goodbye to Albany,

And the dorms filled with gum.

Jerry Reese will be smiling,

As he admires the young guns,

With a pacing Perry Fewell,

Reminding players to have fun.

All the boys will be there,

Eli Manning and Justin Tuck,

Pat Hanlon on his blackberry,

And fans to bring good luck!

Are you excited for the 2011 NFL season to start Giants fans?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!


Big Blue is Making Waves Early in the Free Agency Pool

July 26, 2011

NEW YORK – The Giants have started making roster moves. The biggest signing of the day was Boston College star LB Mark Herzlich. This is a kid that seems to charm everyone he meets and he has also shown his inner strength by beating cancer. I do not want to focus too much on him beating cancer (awesome story) because I’m sure this young man wants to put that all behind him and focus on the future. I hope other sports writers will leave him alone about that too. Let the kid play football now.

Giants GM Jerry Reese continues to show why he is an elite general manager in the NFL by having a great morning in the free agent market. The collection of undrafted rookies he has made deals with all bring unique talents to the table. Of course, Herzlich was projected to be a first round pick before he got sick and I have been hearing a lot of good things about this fullback Hynoski.

I will list a few of the players below but this is by no means the complete list. These are just a few players the team has worked on this morning. You can absolutely expect the list of players to grow but I thought I would give our readers a taste of what the day has brought so far. You can expect the madness to continue throughout this week and all the way up until the season starts. The two biggest needs for Big Blue are linebackers and offensive linemen.

Let’s take a look at some of the players the Giants were able to grab today.

1. LB Mark Herzlich – 6’4″ 250 pounds, Boston College

2. FB Henry Hynoski – 6’2″ 260 pounds, Pittsburgh

3. DB David Sims – 5’9″ 200 pounds, Iowa State

4. DT Martin Parker – 6’2″ 303 pounds, Richmond

5. LB Spencer Paysinger – 6’3″ 235 pounds, Oregon

6. DE Justin Trattou – 6’3″ 250 pounds, University of Florida

Which player are you hoping the G-Men will re-sign out of the current Giants free agents?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please visit www.hampscamp.com and donate/contribute to Rodney Hampton’s charity for the kids!