That game on Monday night was a horrible excuse for a defensive performance. The epitomy of New York Giants football is defined by a furious pass rush from a defensive front that wreaks havoc in the backfield. But on Monday night we were humiliated by a prolific Saints offense that was moving the ball against us at will.
So what's the problem? Some people are beginning to murmur that we are simply not good enough in the heart of this 3 game losing streak, but I am not ready to accept that just yet. In my opinion the Giants defense is being over coached because Fewell is making too many substitutions during the course of the game. I understand his mentality when it is third and long and he wants to bring in all of our defensive ends that our pass rushing specialists. But when Pierre-Paul, Osi, Tuck, and Tollefson are all trying to get around there blockers they are all simultaneously getting flushed to the outside, creating a pocket of immense proportions. We all know how that ends with a quarterback like Drew Brees, and with Aaron Rodgers and the undefeated Pack coming to town next week, that shit is just not gonna cut it.
Giants tackles Chris Canty, Linval Joseph, and even Rocky Bernard have not been playing badly. Bernard came in for a play and blew his blocker off the ball and drove him into the pocket, causing Brees to panic and throw an incomplete pass into the dirt. Bernard was immediately taken out of the game after this play because it brought up a third and long passing situation. I think we need to keep the tackles in on third down because the past few weeks on third down the quarterbacks have had way too much time. The tackles need to push the middle effectively this week and force Rodgers to take more drop steps. Then can we blitz some defensive backs! Have we already forgotten the good ol' days when Steve Spagnualo would send players like Gibril Wilson, or Sam Madison on blitzes to get to the quarterback? We must do this against Green Bay, especially if our front four does not generate any success. Blitzing the DB's can be dangerous against Rodgers because it may force him to roll out. But if you force him to his left (because he's a right handed quarterback) it may not be as problematic as you'd think. Especially if everyone in the secondary is expecting Rodgers to roll out.
Speaking of the secondary, along with sending some safeties or corners on the occasional blitz, we need to stick to more man coverage. Our zone really sucks. It's just bad. Plain, period, and simple. So enough of this dancing around before the play, faking like you're going to blitz and then dropping back. It's simply not working. I think it is time to simplify. Stick to man coverage most of the time, and in zone I say go with the simple Cover 3, or Cover 2. I think our zone coverage would have much more success if we sent some DB's on blitzes. But I did happen to catch Jason Pierre-Paul dropping back into coverage on one play on Monday night. Our last defensive coordinator, Bill Sheridan, got fired for that exact idioticy.
On the defensive side of the ball that would be my gameplan. Force Rodgers to roll to his left, keep the tackles in on third down, and less zone coverage. Keep it simple, don't over coach every particular situation. Hopefully we'll be able to have some success hitting Rodgers. On offense however, we really aren't that terrible despite our run game being atrocious. If Ballard breaks up that pass in the first quarter the Giants have 31 total points easily. But we cannot continue to be this dependent on the passing game, especially with the Packers next week. Green Bay has given up three consecutive hundred yard rushing games. Their defense is in fact quite overrated. I really hope Bradshaw will be able to go this week. If he is, I would come out throwing the ball like a demon. Let Eli do his thing. And can we hurry our asses to the line so if Eli wants to change the play he has more than just five seconds? We need to run more no huddle. But if we are able to get Eli going early in the game against the Packers, they will be on their heels for the passing game, and assuming Bradshaws playing we can develop a running game in the second half to keep the ball out of Rodgers hands. The reason I say we will do this assuming Bradshaw is healthy is because I do not have any confidence in any other of our running backs. None.
That brings me to my next point. Our veteran leaders Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs are not playing well. They were both plagued by some injuries for a few games over the course of the year, but they are simply not getting it done. There was a play where Tuck missed a sack on Brees and simply laid there after he missed. Had he gotten up and chased Brees, he would have gotten to him again, but instead he gave up and showed no hustle. And when Jacobs finally did something and scored a touchdown for the Giants when they were down 21-3, he celebrated like he won the super bowl. It's just extremely disappointing to see. Tuck has only two sacks on the year, and Jacobs hasn't had a 100 yard game in quite some time. Why hasn't Coughlin shown these guys a seat on the bench? Even if its just for a quarter to get them pissed off. I think it's because since in years past these players have been extremely valuable to the Giants, which is why they have the role of the emotional leaders that they are now. So maybe the fear is if these guys are benched they will lose the emotion of the team, and maybe they would complain to the media and become a team distraction. That is especially so for Jacobs. But enough is enough! We have lost 3 games in a row and if you don't produce week in and week out you have a seat son. It doesn't matter who you are. Tom Coughlin has to send these guys a message.
Now allllllllllllll of that being said if the Giants decide to upset the Green Bay Packers I will go far enough to say that the teams confidence will soar and there's no way they will miss the playoffs. Heck, even if we lose the game but give the Packers a damn good run for the money and lose a close one, the Giants will stil gain confidence. Sure, if that happened the Giants would be 6-6, but they would still have to play Dallas twice and would not mathematically be out of it. But if we get torched again and Rodgers is standing in the pocket with all day as the Packers accumulate over 500 yards of offense, that will be extremely degrading for the confidence of this team over the next few weeks. So for the love of all that is good in this world, the Giants have to give it everything they have. Not just for a shot at the playoffs but for something more important than that. It's about re-establishing Big Blue pride.
We have to honor the Giant legends of the past and play like a bunch of crazed dogs. And honoring big blue pride goes for us fans as well! We cannot give up on the team. They need us.
So there you have it, that is my entirely unprofessional opinion on the New York Football Giants at this moment in time. But if there's one thing you have to know, it's that regardless of the fact that our backs our against the wall and all odds are against us.
I still bELIeve...
This Blog represents my own personal opinion of everything New York Giants, other opinions are welcome and encouraged to be shared. All blogs are written by aspiring sports analyst and Giants fanatic Anthony Beers.
BELIEVE
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Chad Jones: The Inspiration
Eli Manning will not be the only Giant going back to his hometown on Monday night when the Giants square off against the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome. New York Giants safety Chad Jones was drafted in 2010 in the third round. He had a reputation for being a fighter, a big hitter, and a threatening punt returner at LSU.
Two weeks after Jones signed a four year contract with the Giants, he was in a very serious car accident. This was not a DUI, it was just an accident. Reports say that his femur and ankle were both visible. Doctors were close to amputating his foot to save his life. Fortunately by some miracle Jones was able to survive and not lose his foot. Needless to say Jones' football career was in serious jeopardy.
But Jones was stubborn. His father said that he does not accept failure. Jones refused to use a wheel chair after the accident. He would rather struggle with the crutches. It could have been easy for Jones to give up on his football career and say he was in a tragic accident. There is no doubt that the temptation to quit was there for him. But Chad Jones continued to fight, in the hopes that one day he might be ready to re-join the New York Giants.
Now, only a year and a half later Jones is benching 325 lbs and running a 4'8" 40 time. He will be on the sidelines for the game on Monday night. This will be his first official game with the team and it will be in the city of New Orleans where he was born and raised. Giants cornerback Corey Webster also went to LSU and is a friend of Chad Jones. He refers to Chad as his little brother. There is no doubt that Corey will be giving every thing he has on Monday night for his little brother.
In fact there is no doubt that this whole Giants team will be playing for Chad on Monday night. Sure, the Giants may be motivated to win because they've had two consecutive losses and they need a turn around game, but that will not be the primary motivation. TEAM is the primary motivation. Sometimes you have to forget about all the fluff going into the game as far as where you stand in the division and what the game means and just play for your brothers. Last week our starting middle linebacker was Mark Herzlich, a cancer survivor, and now this week Chad Jones will be on the sidelines after a near death experience where doctors said he would probably never play football again. Players like Chad and Mark gave it everything they had for a chance to be a New York Giant.
That's what footballs all about folks. Playing for your team. Chad Jones and Mark Herzlich are both walking proof that miracles do exist. And now they both want nothing more than to be a New York Giant and to help this team in any way possible. That really tells you something. It is a tremendous honor to be a New York Giant. The fire and determination inside players like Chad Jones and Mark Herzlich is enough motivation to make anybody want to run full speed into a brick wall.
So Giants fans, instead of complaining about the past couple of weeks, why don't we live in the now and look ahead. We are a team. The Giants have a choice to do one of two things. They can come together as a team and show the world that they're gonna fight, or they can roll over and collapse. Ironically this is a very similar situation that both Chad Jones and Mark Herzlich were in for their own individual careers. They could have rolled over and quit, and no one would have thought anything of it.
But that is not what true blue New York Giants do! Herzlich has fought his way onto the starting roster, and Jones has made an incredible comeback to the team in only a year and a half. It's time for the Giants to ask themselves the same question that Jones and Herzlich did.
Are you going to give up? Or are you going to give it every ounce of strength you have to fight.
I have a feeling it will be the second one. Lets go Big Blue. Never quit. Never.
Two weeks after Jones signed a four year contract with the Giants, he was in a very serious car accident. This was not a DUI, it was just an accident. Reports say that his femur and ankle were both visible. Doctors were close to amputating his foot to save his life. Fortunately by some miracle Jones was able to survive and not lose his foot. Needless to say Jones' football career was in serious jeopardy.
But Jones was stubborn. His father said that he does not accept failure. Jones refused to use a wheel chair after the accident. He would rather struggle with the crutches. It could have been easy for Jones to give up on his football career and say he was in a tragic accident. There is no doubt that the temptation to quit was there for him. But Chad Jones continued to fight, in the hopes that one day he might be ready to re-join the New York Giants.
Now, only a year and a half later Jones is benching 325 lbs and running a 4'8" 40 time. He will be on the sidelines for the game on Monday night. This will be his first official game with the team and it will be in the city of New Orleans where he was born and raised. Giants cornerback Corey Webster also went to LSU and is a friend of Chad Jones. He refers to Chad as his little brother. There is no doubt that Corey will be giving every thing he has on Monday night for his little brother.
In fact there is no doubt that this whole Giants team will be playing for Chad on Monday night. Sure, the Giants may be motivated to win because they've had two consecutive losses and they need a turn around game, but that will not be the primary motivation. TEAM is the primary motivation. Sometimes you have to forget about all the fluff going into the game as far as where you stand in the division and what the game means and just play for your brothers. Last week our starting middle linebacker was Mark Herzlich, a cancer survivor, and now this week Chad Jones will be on the sidelines after a near death experience where doctors said he would probably never play football again. Players like Chad and Mark gave it everything they had for a chance to be a New York Giant.
That's what footballs all about folks. Playing for your team. Chad Jones and Mark Herzlich are both walking proof that miracles do exist. And now they both want nothing more than to be a New York Giant and to help this team in any way possible. That really tells you something. It is a tremendous honor to be a New York Giant. The fire and determination inside players like Chad Jones and Mark Herzlich is enough motivation to make anybody want to run full speed into a brick wall.
So Giants fans, instead of complaining about the past couple of weeks, why don't we live in the now and look ahead. We are a team. The Giants have a choice to do one of two things. They can come together as a team and show the world that they're gonna fight, or they can roll over and collapse. Ironically this is a very similar situation that both Chad Jones and Mark Herzlich were in for their own individual careers. They could have rolled over and quit, and no one would have thought anything of it.
But that is not what true blue New York Giants do! Herzlich has fought his way onto the starting roster, and Jones has made an incredible comeback to the team in only a year and a half. It's time for the Giants to ask themselves the same question that Jones and Herzlich did.
Are you going to give up? Or are you going to give it every ounce of strength you have to fight.
I have a feeling it will be the second one. Lets go Big Blue. Never quit. Never.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Time to Wake Up
It is seven o'clock in the morning on a Monday and I am awake on my own free will. Perhaps it's because I thought I had a nightmare about the Giants playing like crap against the Eagles at home. Oh wait, hate to be a debbie downer but that was a reality. Yeah, it looks like the Giants just lost that "trap" game and are looking at a record of 6-4 after being on top of the world two weeks ago. I could rant for pages and pages if I kept writing this blog in paragraph form, so I think I will make this blog more of a list.
-The Giants were beat big time up front on both sides of the ball. The front four couldn't get pressure on Vince Young alone, and on offense we couldn't block a soul.
-Despite our woes on the line we continued to have some sort of stupid commitment to trying to run the ball. Jacobs and Ware looked dreadful. I hate to say it but I think our beloved Jacobs will never be the Jacobs we used to know and love. That is very common in big running backs in this league, but it's up to the Giants coaching staff to see that and do something about it. Benching him may be the right move but I feel they are hesitant about it because of what Jacobs used to be, and how he may be considered a vocal leader of this offense. If Bradshaw remains out it's time to give Da'rell Scott some more carries.
-3 points in the first half. C'mon man. Then to only finish with ten points total? That is embarassing. I think Weatherford was in for more plays then Eli. If you had told me prior to this game that the Eagles were only going to score 17 points I would have said there's no way we could have lost.
-Ballard couldn't catch a cold. I don't understand it, one week he's making behind the back grabs on third and long in traffic then another he is dropping the most routine passes I've ever seen. If he had made the catches that he should have early and if Hakeem Nicks had come down with that deep ball that he should have had then Eli might of had 100 more passing yards right there. Drops had not really been a problem with this team, that was very shocking to see.
-Desean Jackson is the stupidest asshole in the NFL. But he sure is fast. Don't punt him the damn ball for crying out loud. And flipping the ball at a Giants coach like you won the super bowl? I have never been one for promoting injuries but after that someone should have shattered his knee cap, or at least started a fight. What a thug. At least they threw a flag, I didn't know taunting plays can be put into effect as if the play never happened. I had never seen that before in my life.
-The rookies came to play. The fresh Prince of New York looked pretty good with his interception, and I thought Herzlich played very well. Kiwanuka and Canty had good games as well. In fact the defense didn't play that badly but there were two things that were extremely disappointing: 1) Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Osi Umenyiora were very ineffective at rushing the passer. That doesn't make any sense to me one bit. Should have done more blitzing because they were not getting it done. 2) Tied 10-10 with the enemy at home and you allow them to take 11 minutes off the clock and for Vince Young to throw a game winning balloon pass to Riley Cooper??? Cooper looks like a white trash scum bag who lives in a trailer park. How the hell did he score the game winning touchdown of this game? We were in zone and guys in the secondary were just standing around. Makes no sense.
-As much as I love Eli and we all know he had to put up with a joke of a running game, a line that couldn't block a soul, and a receiving core that was dropping everything, you cannot fumble the ball after Cruz's big play. Yes he got hit on his blind side as he was rolling out, but on a night where you had no time the whole game, you have to keep two hands on that ball until you throw. It honestly is more of the olines fault, but you cannot give up the rock. It was extremely frustrating after Cruz made such a good play.
So yeah, those are most of my complaints. And no this is not a broken record, the Giants have started 6-2 and stumbled to 6-4 yet again. But to the fans of Giants nation let me try to end on a high note after this bitter loss. Yes, we have tripped up and our division lead is in serious jeopardy, and yes we have shown some serious highs and serious lows this year. But we are still tied for first and we still have to play the Cowboys twice. The Eagles aren't out of it just yet either. Not to sound like an ass but I thought this division would be a bloodbath at the beginning of this year and it's starting to look like just that. But hey, we are the New York Football Giants and we are going to fight. I expect a sharp performance from this team next week. We cannot go 6-5. New Orleans is a game people will say we are not ready for, that we can't win on the road, and people will say the Giants stink again and have no chance in hell.
So naturally the Giants have a shot at winning next week.
No more moping. No more coming out flat against teams we can easily beat. It's time to man up. Our season is on the brink of destruction. We can never give up, and we wont give up. Keep in mind this Dallas team got there butts whooped by Philly and still have a lot to prove. This is going to be a fight baby, and we have to brush off this loss and get ready for it.
Also despite the performance, it was great to be back at Giants stadium. No matter what happens the magic of seeing your team come out of the tunnel like a bunch of crazed dogs as the smoke rises and the national anthem starts playing will give you goosebumps every time. The memories of going to games with my family are ones that i will cherish forever.
No matter what.
-The Giants were beat big time up front on both sides of the ball. The front four couldn't get pressure on Vince Young alone, and on offense we couldn't block a soul.
-Despite our woes on the line we continued to have some sort of stupid commitment to trying to run the ball. Jacobs and Ware looked dreadful. I hate to say it but I think our beloved Jacobs will never be the Jacobs we used to know and love. That is very common in big running backs in this league, but it's up to the Giants coaching staff to see that and do something about it. Benching him may be the right move but I feel they are hesitant about it because of what Jacobs used to be, and how he may be considered a vocal leader of this offense. If Bradshaw remains out it's time to give Da'rell Scott some more carries.
-3 points in the first half. C'mon man. Then to only finish with ten points total? That is embarassing. I think Weatherford was in for more plays then Eli. If you had told me prior to this game that the Eagles were only going to score 17 points I would have said there's no way we could have lost.
-Ballard couldn't catch a cold. I don't understand it, one week he's making behind the back grabs on third and long in traffic then another he is dropping the most routine passes I've ever seen. If he had made the catches that he should have early and if Hakeem Nicks had come down with that deep ball that he should have had then Eli might of had 100 more passing yards right there. Drops had not really been a problem with this team, that was very shocking to see.
-Desean Jackson is the stupidest asshole in the NFL. But he sure is fast. Don't punt him the damn ball for crying out loud. And flipping the ball at a Giants coach like you won the super bowl? I have never been one for promoting injuries but after that someone should have shattered his knee cap, or at least started a fight. What a thug. At least they threw a flag, I didn't know taunting plays can be put into effect as if the play never happened. I had never seen that before in my life.
-The rookies came to play. The fresh Prince of New York looked pretty good with his interception, and I thought Herzlich played very well. Kiwanuka and Canty had good games as well. In fact the defense didn't play that badly but there were two things that were extremely disappointing: 1) Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Osi Umenyiora were very ineffective at rushing the passer. That doesn't make any sense to me one bit. Should have done more blitzing because they were not getting it done. 2) Tied 10-10 with the enemy at home and you allow them to take 11 minutes off the clock and for Vince Young to throw a game winning balloon pass to Riley Cooper??? Cooper looks like a white trash scum bag who lives in a trailer park. How the hell did he score the game winning touchdown of this game? We were in zone and guys in the secondary were just standing around. Makes no sense.
-As much as I love Eli and we all know he had to put up with a joke of a running game, a line that couldn't block a soul, and a receiving core that was dropping everything, you cannot fumble the ball after Cruz's big play. Yes he got hit on his blind side as he was rolling out, but on a night where you had no time the whole game, you have to keep two hands on that ball until you throw. It honestly is more of the olines fault, but you cannot give up the rock. It was extremely frustrating after Cruz made such a good play.
So yeah, those are most of my complaints. And no this is not a broken record, the Giants have started 6-2 and stumbled to 6-4 yet again. But to the fans of Giants nation let me try to end on a high note after this bitter loss. Yes, we have tripped up and our division lead is in serious jeopardy, and yes we have shown some serious highs and serious lows this year. But we are still tied for first and we still have to play the Cowboys twice. The Eagles aren't out of it just yet either. Not to sound like an ass but I thought this division would be a bloodbath at the beginning of this year and it's starting to look like just that. But hey, we are the New York Football Giants and we are going to fight. I expect a sharp performance from this team next week. We cannot go 6-5. New Orleans is a game people will say we are not ready for, that we can't win on the road, and people will say the Giants stink again and have no chance in hell.
So naturally the Giants have a shot at winning next week.
No more moping. No more coming out flat against teams we can easily beat. It's time to man up. Our season is on the brink of destruction. We can never give up, and we wont give up. Keep in mind this Dallas team got there butts whooped by Philly and still have a lot to prove. This is going to be a fight baby, and we have to brush off this loss and get ready for it.
Also despite the performance, it was great to be back at Giants stadium. No matter what happens the magic of seeing your team come out of the tunnel like a bunch of crazed dogs as the smoke rises and the national anthem starts playing will give you goosebumps every time. The memories of going to games with my family are ones that i will cherish forever.
No matter what.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Early Thanksgiving Celebration
For starters I would like to apologize for slacking with my blogs of late. I have been busy with schoolwork and haven't been able to keep my consistent blog schedule.
Anyways, last week the Giants lost a tough one to the 49ers. The potential tying touchdown was off Mario Manninghams fingertips at the end of the fourth quarter. It was a pretty good football game, but it was tough to turn out on the losing end. Gilbrides mysterious draw plays with under 2 minutes left with Danny Ware still remain a mystery to me, but basically the Giants lost a close game to a good football team. Perhaps we'll see this team again somewhere down the road...
But hey, back to reality. We got our sworn enemies coming to town on Sunday night. It's Giants and Eagles baby and anything can happen. They're 3-6, and we're 6-3. The Eagles will be playing desperate football. We need to put our foot on the throat and eliminate any little hope that team may still have. The dream teams a joke. I don't care if Vick plays or not, how about we blow this team out? The hearts and blood pressures of many Giants fans can use a week off from a close game. Lets bury the Eagles and have them leave feeling like absolute crap.
The truth is it's Giants Eagles, and anything can happen. Some of the most unbelievable football games have been between these two teams. And that's not just a myth, it's true. Any fan of either team can tell you that these games are usually crazy. As far as I'm concerned the records mean nothing. Do we need a comeback game, and would it be much better to be 7-3 then to be 6-4? Absolutely. But the priority is to slaughter the enemy. Vick is questionable, he has broken ribs. If he decides to play make sure that is the worst decision he has ever made. Prince Amukumara has finally been cleared to play and more than anything I want to see him sack Vick on a blitz. This kid needs to play some football!
Bradshaw will more than likely be out for the Giants so we need solid performances from Jacobs, Ware, and Scott. A lot of Giants fans say we need to develop the run game for later in the season when the weather gets bad. Seeing as the Giants typically do have a good running game I can see where most of the fans are getting at. And as much as I love saying Eli has put everything on his shoulders and stepped up, a developed run game would obviously be helpful. The offensive line has had its moments in pass protection, but sometimes their run blocks are a little iffy. We don't need to move up in the rankings and be in the top ten at running the football again, but we need to be able to have success running the ball WHEN WE NEED TO. In other words, I don't think being a pass first team in a pass happy league is anything to be bummed about.
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming to Giants stadium. Anything else going on in this world is irrelevant. We must beat the Eagles, they are the enemy. It doesn't matter who's playing, we're better so lets show it. Last week Steve Smith caught a pass prior to crossing the first down marker, and instead of making an effort for the first, he saw a defender and immediately collapsed and protected his body. They're all babies. Desean, Smith, Maclin. They don't hit people. They're cowards. And Lesean McCoy is effective but it's obvious he has no intentions of running up the middle. Hitting people is the last thing these Eagles have in mind. Perhaps that's why they're 3-6.
That's right Thanksgivings coming early baby and we're putting the turkey on hold. Lets fry up some Eagle and then crush the bones. And on a personal level I have to say, I'm baaaaaack. Yes, that's right Sunday night I will be back where I belong in section 341 screaming like a lunatic. I could not be anymore excited. Thanksgiving is about tradition, and a tradition that will never die is the celebration of New York Giants football. We will break the Eagles. We hate them. Shut up these critics about "second half collapses." It's a new year. The Giants can do whatever they want with it. We control our own destiny not stats from previous seasons.
Lets Go Gmen baby! And in other news how about Timmy Teeb? A 95 yard drive to beat the Jets on Thursday night and he was personally responsible for 92 of those yards. The kids incredible. I think he is the first quarterback running the football with no intentions of sliding I have ever seen in my life time. This guy is just strong, he's got muscles on his muscles. He's 4-1 and deserves respect. He made Revis look silly when he ran right at him. Love it.
Lets Go Giants. We want to play this game. The Eagles don't.
Anyways, last week the Giants lost a tough one to the 49ers. The potential tying touchdown was off Mario Manninghams fingertips at the end of the fourth quarter. It was a pretty good football game, but it was tough to turn out on the losing end. Gilbrides mysterious draw plays with under 2 minutes left with Danny Ware still remain a mystery to me, but basically the Giants lost a close game to a good football team. Perhaps we'll see this team again somewhere down the road...
But hey, back to reality. We got our sworn enemies coming to town on Sunday night. It's Giants and Eagles baby and anything can happen. They're 3-6, and we're 6-3. The Eagles will be playing desperate football. We need to put our foot on the throat and eliminate any little hope that team may still have. The dream teams a joke. I don't care if Vick plays or not, how about we blow this team out? The hearts and blood pressures of many Giants fans can use a week off from a close game. Lets bury the Eagles and have them leave feeling like absolute crap.
The truth is it's Giants Eagles, and anything can happen. Some of the most unbelievable football games have been between these two teams. And that's not just a myth, it's true. Any fan of either team can tell you that these games are usually crazy. As far as I'm concerned the records mean nothing. Do we need a comeback game, and would it be much better to be 7-3 then to be 6-4? Absolutely. But the priority is to slaughter the enemy. Vick is questionable, he has broken ribs. If he decides to play make sure that is the worst decision he has ever made. Prince Amukumara has finally been cleared to play and more than anything I want to see him sack Vick on a blitz. This kid needs to play some football!
Bradshaw will more than likely be out for the Giants so we need solid performances from Jacobs, Ware, and Scott. A lot of Giants fans say we need to develop the run game for later in the season when the weather gets bad. Seeing as the Giants typically do have a good running game I can see where most of the fans are getting at. And as much as I love saying Eli has put everything on his shoulders and stepped up, a developed run game would obviously be helpful. The offensive line has had its moments in pass protection, but sometimes their run blocks are a little iffy. We don't need to move up in the rankings and be in the top ten at running the football again, but we need to be able to have success running the ball WHEN WE NEED TO. In other words, I don't think being a pass first team in a pass happy league is anything to be bummed about.
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming to Giants stadium. Anything else going on in this world is irrelevant. We must beat the Eagles, they are the enemy. It doesn't matter who's playing, we're better so lets show it. Last week Steve Smith caught a pass prior to crossing the first down marker, and instead of making an effort for the first, he saw a defender and immediately collapsed and protected his body. They're all babies. Desean, Smith, Maclin. They don't hit people. They're cowards. And Lesean McCoy is effective but it's obvious he has no intentions of running up the middle. Hitting people is the last thing these Eagles have in mind. Perhaps that's why they're 3-6.
That's right Thanksgivings coming early baby and we're putting the turkey on hold. Lets fry up some Eagle and then crush the bones. And on a personal level I have to say, I'm baaaaaack. Yes, that's right Sunday night I will be back where I belong in section 341 screaming like a lunatic. I could not be anymore excited. Thanksgiving is about tradition, and a tradition that will never die is the celebration of New York Giants football. We will break the Eagles. We hate them. Shut up these critics about "second half collapses." It's a new year. The Giants can do whatever they want with it. We control our own destiny not stats from previous seasons.
Lets Go Gmen baby! And in other news how about Timmy Teeb? A 95 yard drive to beat the Jets on Thursday night and he was personally responsible for 92 of those yards. The kids incredible. I think he is the first quarterback running the football with no intentions of sliding I have ever seen in my life time. This guy is just strong, he's got muscles on his muscles. He's 4-1 and deserves respect. He made Revis look silly when he ran right at him. Love it.
Lets Go Giants. We want to play this game. The Eagles don't.
Monday, November 7, 2011
"You Can't Spell Elite without Eli"- Justin Tuck
What defines an elite quarterback? In my opinion it's the ability to win games. Especially when it's under two minutes and the team needs a score. It's about overcoming any kind of obstacles thrown at you and simply getting it done. That's what great quarterbacks like Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, and John Elway were able to do. Get in the endzone by any means necessary and get the win.
What makes Eli any different?
The fact that there's still any kind of debate as to whether or not this guy is one of the best in the game is beyond comprehension. Here's a guy who has been to the promise land and consistently shown throughout his whole career that when the balls in his hands late in the game he is going to do whatever's necessary to get in the endzone. Then yesterday without his leading receiver Hakeem Nicks and his leading rusher Ahmad Bradshaw he outplays the legendary Tom Brady. Not to sound like a broken record but Eli has taken this team (coming off a pitiful offseason) and put it on his shoulders. Fourth quarter comebacks are his middle name, and it's officially time to start using the word: MVP.
These Giants have an incredible team vibe. They're fighters and almost every game has been a heart attack for fans but the Giants truley believe they can win any game they play. That is an extremely important thing to have, and frankly isn't as common as people might think. Following yesterdays New England game, the Giants danced for joy and picked Coughlin up on their shoulders. That's the one thing that matters the most. The Giants are a team.
The defense has had that Gmen pass rush that we know and love. Second year defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul already has 9.5 sacks. That's typically a solid season for any NFL defensive end and it's only half over. Fewell has done a good job of mixing up the rushing and the dropbacks, and as a result we're getting the turnovers that we need. It's getting extremely hard to find any kind of criticism with this Giants team.
Not to be a debbie downer but the Giants have had several 6-2 first halves since Coughlin has been here. Some have turned out better than others, the obvious one being the Super Bowl XLII season, and some have ended up pretty ugly. But this season has a different feeling to it. Any Giants fan can sense it. There is some magic in the air and our heroes are fighting to the very end week in and week out.
But lets live in the now shall we? Today is a particularly proud day to be a Giants fan. The Gmen were 9 point underdogs yesterday. They were also the first team to shut out the Patriots in the first half since dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Statistical improbablities are just fuel to the fire with this team. Any game is winnable.
Now next week we got San Francisco on the road. More on the 49ers game later but lets just make it clear that the Giants will move the ball no problem no matter who is on the field. The road warrior swagger is back baby, the upset city bus is coming through. On defense we will rattle Alex Smith and get that ball by any means necessary to put it in the hands of our elite quarterback Eli Manning.
I believe in Eli Manning. I believe in the defense. I believe in the coaching. I believe in the New York Football Giants. And if you don't, you can drink a nice tall glass of shut the fuck up.
Gmen Baby.
What makes Eli any different?
The fact that there's still any kind of debate as to whether or not this guy is one of the best in the game is beyond comprehension. Here's a guy who has been to the promise land and consistently shown throughout his whole career that when the balls in his hands late in the game he is going to do whatever's necessary to get in the endzone. Then yesterday without his leading receiver Hakeem Nicks and his leading rusher Ahmad Bradshaw he outplays the legendary Tom Brady. Not to sound like a broken record but Eli has taken this team (coming off a pitiful offseason) and put it on his shoulders. Fourth quarter comebacks are his middle name, and it's officially time to start using the word: MVP.
These Giants have an incredible team vibe. They're fighters and almost every game has been a heart attack for fans but the Giants truley believe they can win any game they play. That is an extremely important thing to have, and frankly isn't as common as people might think. Following yesterdays New England game, the Giants danced for joy and picked Coughlin up on their shoulders. That's the one thing that matters the most. The Giants are a team.
The defense has had that Gmen pass rush that we know and love. Second year defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul already has 9.5 sacks. That's typically a solid season for any NFL defensive end and it's only half over. Fewell has done a good job of mixing up the rushing and the dropbacks, and as a result we're getting the turnovers that we need. It's getting extremely hard to find any kind of criticism with this Giants team.
Not to be a debbie downer but the Giants have had several 6-2 first halves since Coughlin has been here. Some have turned out better than others, the obvious one being the Super Bowl XLII season, and some have ended up pretty ugly. But this season has a different feeling to it. Any Giants fan can sense it. There is some magic in the air and our heroes are fighting to the very end week in and week out.
But lets live in the now shall we? Today is a particularly proud day to be a Giants fan. The Gmen were 9 point underdogs yesterday. They were also the first team to shut out the Patriots in the first half since dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Statistical improbablities are just fuel to the fire with this team. Any game is winnable.
Now next week we got San Francisco on the road. More on the 49ers game later but lets just make it clear that the Giants will move the ball no problem no matter who is on the field. The road warrior swagger is back baby, the upset city bus is coming through. On defense we will rattle Alex Smith and get that ball by any means necessary to put it in the hands of our elite quarterback Eli Manning.
I believe in Eli Manning. I believe in the defense. I believe in the coaching. I believe in the New York Football Giants. And if you don't, you can drink a nice tall glass of shut the fuck up.
Gmen Baby.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Underdogs
First thing's first lets look back on the greatest day of our lives, which also happens to be the last time we played the Patriots in a meaningful game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64HksFibyMA&feature=related
Now that we've got that image really clearly in our minds, does our philosophy with beating this team change that much? Yes there have been several roster changes to both teams since that epic day but both teams still stand for the same thing they did on February 3rd, 2008.
The Giants are still underdogs and fighters. They traditionally have one of the best pass rushes in the league, and right now the Giants lead the league in sacks, not undifferent from our 07-08 magic carpet ride of a season. The Patriots are still favored to win almost every game they play. Everybody still bows down to the almighty Tom Brady and the legendary Bill Belichick. And while people still think they're the greatest team to walk the earth I think it's an important reminder that the Patriots have not won a super bowl since the 2005 season and haven't won a playoff game since the 2007 season. Do we really have to spell it out? They're overrated.
Now the Pats still got game. But the point I'm making is that they're not unbeatable. In fact the Giants match up quite well against New England. The Giants have an incredible amount of talented pass rushers. But it's tough to utilize all of them until the Giants aren't certain the opposing team is in a must-pass situation. If you think about the end of the Miami game where everyone in Giants stadium knew Matt Moore had limited time and had to throw to try and march down the field, it was over. The Giants just sent in all the hound dogs. Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Dave Tollefson, and Mathias Kiwanuka were all having a party. So if Brady's at a point where he has to pass no matter what the game will be over, but oh wait a minute, IT'S NEW ENGLAND. How often do they run in the first place? Maybe occasionally but right now Green-Ellis is hurt and they're starting Kevin Faulk. So the game plan approach is almost exactly like that incredible day almost 4 years ago, find the minimum amount of pass rushers to gain consistent pressure on Brady. If you can go with 4, go with 4.
Brady recently said in an interview that he doesn't even think about the super bowl as a grudge against the Giants at all and it has nothing to do with this game. Let me tell you right now, that's a sack of shit. Teams don't forget. The Patriots have plenty of reasons to be motivated, and Super Bowl XLII is certainly one of them. Brady just said that to avoid controversy. Speaking of controversy, earlier this year everyone tried to make some fluff of what Eli said, when he mentioned he thought he was in the same category of play of Tom Brady. First off I'd like to point out that he is. And second off what the hell was he supposed to say? "Oh shucks Mr. Reporter man maybe one day I'll be as good as my hero Tom Brady," hell no, Eli's got balls. Reporters go to Eli begging and praying that he'll say something to create a story. The truth of the matter is he's a professional so he's not going to say anything, and so is Brady. Both quarterbacks without a doubt have multiple reasons to want to win this game. I expect incredible performances from both of them.
The Patriots have not lost a game when Tom Brady is quarterback at Foxborough since October 2006 against the New York Jets. But as Giants fans know, statistical improbables are just fuel to the fire. These Gmen come to play. They play at the level of their competition consistently and don't be surprised if this game on Sunday is a battle untill that clock hits zero. For me personally, I haven't been this psyched for a game since we played Philly early this year.
Bradshaws status is uncertain with a broken bone in his foot, and Hakeem Nicks is questionable with a hamstring injury. They are two terrific players but let me tell you the Giants are going to come to play no matter who's on the field. Super Mario and Victor Cruz will bring their game and the running game may be hurting but lets face it it's already non-existant. I would be all for giving the rookie Da'rell Scott a chance. Why not when you're ranked thirtieth in the league with running the football? On the Pats side Wes Welker has a neck injury. Antrel Rolle has already made it clear that he is up for the challenge of covering Wesley. I am psyched to see that matchup.
Sunday at 4:15. It will be a battle to remember. Eli Manning and Tom Brady, two of the best quarterbacks in the league going at it. JPP will be joining the "Sack-Brady party" since he unfortunately couldn't be with us for that historic day in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants are fighters, scrappers, underdogs and are going to give these Pats hell. Statistics are against them, but that doesn't matter. Football is about creating your own destiny as a team and accomplishing great things.
Upset city baby, the Gmen are rolling out to Foxborough. Lets get that Road Warrior swagger back. This Sunday will be a game to remember.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64HksFibyMA&feature=related
Now that we've got that image really clearly in our minds, does our philosophy with beating this team change that much? Yes there have been several roster changes to both teams since that epic day but both teams still stand for the same thing they did on February 3rd, 2008.
The Giants are still underdogs and fighters. They traditionally have one of the best pass rushes in the league, and right now the Giants lead the league in sacks, not undifferent from our 07-08 magic carpet ride of a season. The Patriots are still favored to win almost every game they play. Everybody still bows down to the almighty Tom Brady and the legendary Bill Belichick. And while people still think they're the greatest team to walk the earth I think it's an important reminder that the Patriots have not won a super bowl since the 2005 season and haven't won a playoff game since the 2007 season. Do we really have to spell it out? They're overrated.
Now the Pats still got game. But the point I'm making is that they're not unbeatable. In fact the Giants match up quite well against New England. The Giants have an incredible amount of talented pass rushers. But it's tough to utilize all of them until the Giants aren't certain the opposing team is in a must-pass situation. If you think about the end of the Miami game where everyone in Giants stadium knew Matt Moore had limited time and had to throw to try and march down the field, it was over. The Giants just sent in all the hound dogs. Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Dave Tollefson, and Mathias Kiwanuka were all having a party. So if Brady's at a point where he has to pass no matter what the game will be over, but oh wait a minute, IT'S NEW ENGLAND. How often do they run in the first place? Maybe occasionally but right now Green-Ellis is hurt and they're starting Kevin Faulk. So the game plan approach is almost exactly like that incredible day almost 4 years ago, find the minimum amount of pass rushers to gain consistent pressure on Brady. If you can go with 4, go with 4.
Brady recently said in an interview that he doesn't even think about the super bowl as a grudge against the Giants at all and it has nothing to do with this game. Let me tell you right now, that's a sack of shit. Teams don't forget. The Patriots have plenty of reasons to be motivated, and Super Bowl XLII is certainly one of them. Brady just said that to avoid controversy. Speaking of controversy, earlier this year everyone tried to make some fluff of what Eli said, when he mentioned he thought he was in the same category of play of Tom Brady. First off I'd like to point out that he is. And second off what the hell was he supposed to say? "Oh shucks Mr. Reporter man maybe one day I'll be as good as my hero Tom Brady," hell no, Eli's got balls. Reporters go to Eli begging and praying that he'll say something to create a story. The truth of the matter is he's a professional so he's not going to say anything, and so is Brady. Both quarterbacks without a doubt have multiple reasons to want to win this game. I expect incredible performances from both of them.
The Patriots have not lost a game when Tom Brady is quarterback at Foxborough since October 2006 against the New York Jets. But as Giants fans know, statistical improbables are just fuel to the fire. These Gmen come to play. They play at the level of their competition consistently and don't be surprised if this game on Sunday is a battle untill that clock hits zero. For me personally, I haven't been this psyched for a game since we played Philly early this year.
Bradshaws status is uncertain with a broken bone in his foot, and Hakeem Nicks is questionable with a hamstring injury. They are two terrific players but let me tell you the Giants are going to come to play no matter who's on the field. Super Mario and Victor Cruz will bring their game and the running game may be hurting but lets face it it's already non-existant. I would be all for giving the rookie Da'rell Scott a chance. Why not when you're ranked thirtieth in the league with running the football? On the Pats side Wes Welker has a neck injury. Antrel Rolle has already made it clear that he is up for the challenge of covering Wesley. I am psyched to see that matchup.
Sunday at 4:15. It will be a battle to remember. Eli Manning and Tom Brady, two of the best quarterbacks in the league going at it. JPP will be joining the "Sack-Brady party" since he unfortunately couldn't be with us for that historic day in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants are fighters, scrappers, underdogs and are going to give these Pats hell. Statistics are against them, but that doesn't matter. Football is about creating your own destiny as a team and accomplishing great things.
Upset city baby, the Gmen are rolling out to Foxborough. Lets get that Road Warrior swagger back. This Sunday will be a game to remember.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Survived the Halloween Scare
After Cruz's signature salsa dance in the back of the endzone you might as well have put it in the books. The Giants were not going to look back after getting their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter. The Gmen overcame a bit of a scare against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but more importantly the Giants are 5-2 and all alone at first place in the division.
The winless Phins came out pretty strong to start the game against the Giants. Lets face it they were motivated and they gave us a football game to play. Matt Moores dopey rollouts were effective and Reggie Bush had some nice runs. Lets give the Dolphins a little credit when it's due. But at the end of the day our fearless leader Eli Manning, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, proved to be too much for this desperate Dolphins performance.
When I say Eli Manning is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL that isn't an opinion it's a statistical fact. After only 7 games Eli has 2,127 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 5 picks, and an astounding quarterback rating of 102.1. More impressively he has a quarterback rating of 119.3 in the fourth quarter which is the best in the NFL. Not to mention the Giants are really struggling to run the football. They are ranked thirtieth in the league at running the ball. Quite frankly that's a testament to how well Eli has been throwing considering we are 5-2.
How about my man Victor Cruz? Cruuuuuuuuuuuz the third and long machine. His salsa dance gets better every single week. He is the big play guy and his story is incredible. He grew up 15 minutes away from Giants Stadium (that's right say it with me, GIANTS STADIUM), and has been a Giants fan since he was a kid. He is living the dream. The kids a fan favorite and he looks better after every catch. His game winning touchdown against Miami was clutch, and yet another third and long situation. The kids a fighter and the definition of New York Giants material.
Currently the Giants are sitting at the top of the NFC East with a 5-2 record and a divisonal record of 1-1. Everyone else in the division is 3-4 so right now the Gmen have a comfortable lead. But the Giants schedule is about to pick up. In fact statistically speaking the Giants have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. Our next game is against the New England Patriots. Ahhh the beautiful memories we have against them. The memories of the best defensive performance in Super Bowl history. Led by our fearless leader Michael Strahan we ASSAULTED Tom Brady and shocked the world by beating the undefeated Patriots on the worlds biggest football stage. Our quarterback Eli Manning marched down the field, with the Super Bowl, the season, and the hopes and dreams of all Giants fans on his shoulders. I can remember it all like it was just yesterday...
This Sunday the Giants will head to Foxborough to take on the Pats at Gilette Stadium. Much more to come on the Patriots but for now I will leave you with the beautiful memories of Super Bowl XLII. I will also remind you that football is endless. It is time to create more memories against the Patriots RIGHT NOW.
Lets have Brady looking out the ear hole of his helmet shall we?
The winless Phins came out pretty strong to start the game against the Giants. Lets face it they were motivated and they gave us a football game to play. Matt Moores dopey rollouts were effective and Reggie Bush had some nice runs. Lets give the Dolphins a little credit when it's due. But at the end of the day our fearless leader Eli Manning, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, proved to be too much for this desperate Dolphins performance.
When I say Eli Manning is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL that isn't an opinion it's a statistical fact. After only 7 games Eli has 2,127 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 5 picks, and an astounding quarterback rating of 102.1. More impressively he has a quarterback rating of 119.3 in the fourth quarter which is the best in the NFL. Not to mention the Giants are really struggling to run the football. They are ranked thirtieth in the league at running the ball. Quite frankly that's a testament to how well Eli has been throwing considering we are 5-2.
How about my man Victor Cruz? Cruuuuuuuuuuuz the third and long machine. His salsa dance gets better every single week. He is the big play guy and his story is incredible. He grew up 15 minutes away from Giants Stadium (that's right say it with me, GIANTS STADIUM), and has been a Giants fan since he was a kid. He is living the dream. The kids a fan favorite and he looks better after every catch. His game winning touchdown against Miami was clutch, and yet another third and long situation. The kids a fighter and the definition of New York Giants material.
Currently the Giants are sitting at the top of the NFC East with a 5-2 record and a divisonal record of 1-1. Everyone else in the division is 3-4 so right now the Gmen have a comfortable lead. But the Giants schedule is about to pick up. In fact statistically speaking the Giants have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. Our next game is against the New England Patriots. Ahhh the beautiful memories we have against them. The memories of the best defensive performance in Super Bowl history. Led by our fearless leader Michael Strahan we ASSAULTED Tom Brady and shocked the world by beating the undefeated Patriots on the worlds biggest football stage. Our quarterback Eli Manning marched down the field, with the Super Bowl, the season, and the hopes and dreams of all Giants fans on his shoulders. I can remember it all like it was just yesterday...
This Sunday the Giants will head to Foxborough to take on the Pats at Gilette Stadium. Much more to come on the Patriots but for now I will leave you with the beautiful memories of Super Bowl XLII. I will also remind you that football is endless. It is time to create more memories against the Patriots RIGHT NOW.
Lets have Brady looking out the ear hole of his helmet shall we?
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