What the Giants need to improve for the 2015 season. posted by NY Giants Fan

As the Giants enter week 10 of their season, the playoffs are pretty much a foregone thought at this point. It’s time to start looking ahead to next season and see what problem areas need addressing for the 2015 season.

The one area that needs the most addressing is the receiving corps. They no longer have the proven commodities of Plaxico Burress or a Hakeem Nicks, and now with Cruz out for the year with a torn right patellar tendon, the Giants need to find a new go-to option for Eli.

Now the rest of the season is seeing who among the available Giants’ receivers can emerge as the No. 1 option for Eli.

There’s Rueben Randle. The highly touted second round pick has shown flashes of greatness but neither the clutch play or consistent play to become a true no. 1 receiver.

Then there’s Odell Beckham Jr. The No. 12 overall pick was expected to pick up the production that Nicks’ once had a few years back. While he’s been great so far this season, with yet a drop to record, the sample size is still too small to make a definitive decision either way.

Then there’s undrafted free agent Corey Washington, an unknown talent that’s been buried down the depth chart, but with the Giants’ slew of injuries, the small-school Washington has been thrust into a starting role with a chance to prove his potential.

There’s a lot of questions left to be answered for new York, but the Giants have 8 weeks to answer them. Which among Beckham, Randle, or Washington will emerge as the new Giants super star. In a perfect world, all three world, but we all know that we don’t live in a perfect world.

The 2014 New York Giants posted by NY Giants Fan

The New York Giants finished last year’s campaign with a 7-9 slate. Quarterback Eli Manning was pounded last year as he took 39 sacks. As a result, he tossed 27 interceptions which is the worst of his career.

The Giants focused on strengthening their offensive line by signing free agents John Jerry, Charles Brown, J.D. Walton and Geoff Schwartz. But the problem is that these blockers are not exactly among the best in the league, with the latter perhaps the only exemption. Schwartz, formerly of the Chiefs, will take over the left guard spot.

So Manning will probably have to make do with the same type of protection he had the past year. But at least, he’ll have a better supporting cast this time around. The team picked Odell Beckham with the 12th overall pick in this year’s draft and he could form a dangerous tandem with Victor Cruz.

Aside from Beckham and Cruz, Manning will be looking for Rueben Randle or perhaps Mario Manningham. The latter has been injury prone in the past two years in San Francisco, but he is healthy this time and should be able to contribute.

The Giants have not solved their issues in the running back position. David Wilson was their first round pick two seasons ago but has not been healthy enough to stay on the field. The team may have to take a chance on journeyman Reshad Jennings who posted 733 yards last year.

The Giants lost some key personnel up front, most notably Justin Tuck who joined the Raiders. Aside from him defensive lineman Linval Joseph bolted to Minnesota.

Looking forward, the Giants don’t have a lot of options this season. The offensive line is still lacking in talent and Manning appears to be slowing down. The loss of some key players on defense will also hurt. Five to seven wins should be the most realistic target for the Giants.

2013 NFL Draft: Rounds Two - Seven Recap posted by Joe Anello

It was an eventful and unpredictable NFL Draft, even after the craziness that ensued in round one Thursday night. Friday night showcased rounds two and three, while Sunday wrapped up the draft with rounds four through seven. Let’s run through the major storylines that came out of the 2013 NFL Draft!

*Pardon for the delay. This is what happens when life throws the draft, C2E2, and the impetus to change jobs all in one weekend.

-After slipping through the first round despite several reported landing spots, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o became a San Diego Charger. The Chargers traded picks 45 and 110 to the Cardinals for pick number 38, allowing them to move up for Te’o. At that point in the draft, the drama-laden linebacker had great value. The Chargers run a 3-4 scheme, but he can still be a valuable inside presence for them.

-On the very next pick after Te’o was selected, the New York Jets saw a “franchise” quarterback fall right into their laps at number 39 overall with Geno Smith. Smith increases the QB count on the Jets roster all the way up to six, which includes Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Greg McElroy, and David Garrard. Yeah… someone’s gonna get cut. The obvious cut is Tebow. But then who? Do you cut the veteran Garrard, whom you just brought in? Or do you take the massive cap hit and release Sanchez? Or are you giving up on the idea that McElroy can be anything? The drama is ratcheted up in New York, and I’m gonna love every minute of it.

Joe's 2012 Thursday Night Preview: Giants at Panthers posted by Joe Anello

Another Thursday is upon us and with it comes another edition of Thursday Night Football! The NFL Network has an intriguing match-up on display tonight as the defending champs head down to Carolina to take on the hype-machine known as the Panthers. After tonight, one of these teams will be panicky at 1-2.

(1-1) New York Giants at
(1-1) Carolina Panthers

The Giants are going to be awfully short-handed tonight. Receivers Hakeem Nicks and Domenik Hixon won’t be on the field tonight with various injuries, but that leaves Eli Manning with Victor Cruz as the only credible threat. Back-up’s Ramses Barden and Jerrel Jernigan have to make the best of their opportunity to shine. The passing game won’t be the only aspect of the offense affected by injuries though, as starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw is down with a neck injury. How is this offense going to generate points consistently without Bradshaw and Nicks in the line-up? Manning has to find the open men in the flats and slowly pick the Panther defense apart, because he doesn’t have the same level of explosive talent around him. I’d be surprised if Cruz isn’t double-covered every play.

Carolina’s offense is dealing with injury issues of their own, but one of their starts will almost certainly be on the field. Steve Smith is going to tough it out despite a knee injury, giving Cam Newton his veteran target. Running back Jonathan Stewart is less likely to be in action thanks to an ankle problem. But that still leaves DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert to carry the load and get that Giant front four on their heels early and often. I’m not completely sold on Carolina’s offensive line or on Cam Newton’s play as of late, but there should be some running lanes open tonight. Cam will find Greg Olsen when he needs him or else he’ll be handing the ball off.

First Down Friday: Week Two posted by Amari Harris

First Down Friday

Evening football fans,

Week one of the NFL season is in the books and week two is on deck.  We’ve already seen the Packers vindicate themselves on Thursday night football after their week one loss, but this definitely doesn’t look like the 15-1 team from 2011 or the Super Bowl team from 2010.  Everyone had high expectations for the Bears after some offseason upgrades (Brandon Marshall & Michael Bush), and they seemed to justify those expectation with a week one drubbing of the Colts 41-21.  But last night’s game seemed to foreshadow the unpredictability of the 2012 NFL season and it feels as though we may know less after week two than we did after week one (if that’s possible).  Here are my thoughts about this upcoming weekend’s games:

1. Scoring up?  Big Whoop!

Many fans and experts alike took note of the record breaking scoring that went on in week one, and a majority seemed concerned that this was a bad sign for the league.  The fact remains that the NFL has evolved into a more fast paced, passing-centered game that will result in more high scores.  Almost all new developments in the game are designed to enhance the passing game, increase the scoring, and bring more excitement to the game.  The NFL’s researchers know that audiences love the air shows that quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers, and Tom Brady conduct on a weekly basis. 

However, there is still room in this game for punishing defense and an effective run game.  That’s how the 49ers were able to beat up on that 15-1 Packers team from a year ago despite the Pack’s upgrades at several positions.  That’s how the Cowboys were able to get revenge on the Super Bowl champion Giants.  While the passing game will get you points, put you in a position to win games, and get you to the playoffs, defense and the running game keeps the other team off the board, ends games, and wins you a championship.  Some will argue that the last few Super Bowl champions didn’t have great regular season defenses, but if you look at any of those teams playoff runs, you will see that each of those defenses was playing the best at the time.  We’ll see if that trend continues or if the league will completely shift to an offense dominated game. 

Joe’s 2012 Wednesday Night Preview: Cowboys at Giants posted by Joe Anello

The 2012 NFL season kicks off tonight with an NFC East showdown as the Dallas Cowboys head to New York to take on the Super Bowl Champion Giants. I don’t want to fill you with fluff though, let’s dive right into the meat!

(0-0) Dallas Cowboys at

(0-0) New York Giants

The Cowboys are riding into town hobbled. Even though Jason Witten will suit up tonight with his lacerated spleen, he’ll have to be limited, meaning Tony Romo can’t always rely on his favorite target. And when you add a shaky interior offensive line and injuries to Miles Austin and Dez Bryant to the mix, this match-up doesn’t shape up well for the Dallas offense. I would expect to see a lot of hand-off’s to DeMarco Murray early in order to take off some of the initial pressure that comes from playing on opening night… on the road… against the world champs. Even off the edge the Cowboys are going to have trouble. Tyron Smith and Doug Free have swapped tackle spots from last year and they’re going to be tested on those assignments tonight. Despite the issues on offense, the Giant secondary is very banged up, with top corner Amukamara out and Jayron Hosley suffering from turf toe. That means Michael Coe gets the start. Zoinks.

Offensively Eli Manning and the Giants are facing similar issues. Hakeem Nicks is hampered by a foot injury, but he should be on the field tonight. Victor Cruz is at full strength, but he’s going to see double-coverage or a safety over the top on nearly every play. And the Cowboys are improved at corner with the additions of Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr. Oh, and Sean Locklear will see way too much of Pro Bowl rusher DeMarcus Ware. Eli won’t be able to hang onto the ball in the pocket, so look for him to dump off to Ahmad Bradshaw and David Wilson in the flat. Without Jay Ratliff in the middle of the Dallas defense, there’s going to be room to run up the middle as well. Tom Coughlin needs to exploit that gap to its fullest.

Joe's 2012 NFL Preview: The NFC posted by Joe Anello

I simply cannot wait for football to start. I’m been diving into preseason film, tearing through roster moves, and keeping myself awake at night pondering the possibilities of the 2012 season. Since the season kicks off with the Cowboys and Giants Wednesday night on NBC, let’s get right into my season predictions for the National Football Conference! As a preface, let me just say that this entire process is weird. I’ve looked a decent amount of schedules, but these records (which, when all totaled with the AFC, will equal out correctly) are more akin to indications of how good/crappy I think these teams will be. Let’s break it down!

Last year the NFC East turned into a slaughterhouse, with no team able to break the double-digit win mark. That didn’t stop these teams from making headlines on a daily basis though. With Philly re-charged for another run, a franchise QB finally in D.C., the Cowboys in a pivotal year and the Super Bowl champs looking to repeat, there won’t be any shortage of news in the NFC East. To preface these predictions, this division is a crap-shoot. The only team I’m sure won’t win the East is Washington. Otherwise these teams will just beat up on each other, ensuring that no one breaks away.

Philadelphia Eagles

Last year’s dream turned into something more like a nightmare as Andy Reid’s Eagles failed to meet expectations. Injuries and soft play contributed to their woes, as Michael Vick couldn’t stay on the field (as usual) and DeSean Jackson was worried about his contract situation. LeSean McCoy was a bright spot, but he couldn’t carry this team beyond its mediocre finish. Drafting Fletcher Cox and trading for linebacker DeMeco Ryans should boost second year coordinator Juan Castillo’s defensive unit quite a bit. If they can maintain that pass rush, Philly’s excellent corners will be able to take advantage of their match-up’s and show glimpses of the unit they were supposed to be in 2011. They’re primed to improve, but their over success still depends on Michael Vick’s health.

Joe's 2012 NFL Preseason Preview: Chicago Bears at New York Giants posted by Joe Anello

Well hello Bear fans! Back for more preseason fun are we? Well you’re in luck, because tonight’s game against the New York Giants is the famed “dress rehearsal” for the regular season, as most starters should see action into the second half in before they take off the final exhibition game. The Bears will be in New York tonight to take on the Super Bowl champion Giants! (I used TWO exclamation points in that opening paragraph. See how FUN preseason football is??? DO YOU?)

Okay, enough with the crazy. Let’s get into what I expect to see from the Chicago Bears tonight.

-Keep building. The offense came out and put on a sold show last week versus the Redskins, but let’s see if they can do the same against the front four of the Giants, who have a history of making any offensive line look a few notches worse than what they really are. Jay Cutler must continue to get rid of the ball quickly in Mike Tice’s offensive scheme or risk being blown up in a meaningless game. Just like Apollo.

This was supposed to be… an exhibition!

-Speaking of the offensive line… do we have a left tackle yet? I would really like to see this competition (between mediocre linemen) come to a resolution tonight. We’ve been talking about it all offseason, now SOMEONE needs to come out and win the damn job tonight. Whoever looks the least shitty against the Giants’ excellent pass rushers should start in week one. I don’t care if it’s Chris Williams, J’Marcus Webb or Mike Tice himself.

Pick Six: Super Bowl XLVI posted by Randolph Charlotin

1. WR Wes Welker feels it worst, but he wasn’t the only one. He will be kept awake at night by a fourth quarter drop that would had been a first down inside the 20. On the next play, WR Deion Branch let a pass hit the ground as he crossed deep over the middle. On the Patriots final drive, Branch dropped another pass over the deep middle. It appeared the ball was deflected, but the ball did pass through his hands. Lastly was TE Aaron Hernandez on a probable 10-yard gain on the final drive, but he heard the footsteps of the approaching linebacker.

2. Of my three keys to the game, it was the second one that proved costly. New England forced three fumbles on the night and failed to recover all of them. The first fumble, which was recovered by LB Brandon Spikes, was negated by a too many players on the field penalty against the defense. The drive continued and the Giants scored on a touchdown pass to WR Victor Cruz two plays later.

3. A couple of streaks to mention. Giants QB Eli Manning completed his first nine passes. That is a new Super Bowl record. QB Tom Brady didn’t start hot, but eventually found his rhythm and beat the consecutive passes completed record with 14 straight. He added two more, setting the record at 16.

4. Included in that streak was Brady going 10-for-10 during a 14 play, 96-yard touchdown drive just before the first half ended. The 96-yard drive tied a Super Bowl record, which was done by two other teams.

5. It could be a sign of RB Kevin Faulk crossing the finish line. He was deactivated for the game. Faulk returned from an ACL tear this season, but quickly fell to the bottom of the depth chart. If Faulk does hang up his cleats, he might not be alone. G Brian Waters and DLs Gerard Warren and Shawn Ellis may weigh the decision in the off-season.

Previewing (Or Reviewing?) the Super Bowl posted by Charles Bisbee

I’ve been avoiding the internet like a plague all day, albeit a plague that I would desperately like to get a piece of. Previewing a super bowl that has already occurred is a first for me. 

Anyway, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic about this game that has already happened (call it post-causal optimism). I haven’t breathlessly followed every minute’s Gronkowski update, nor do I know the name of Tom Brady’s childhood goldfish, but I’d like to consider myself an informed supporter. And I think the Pats, with or without Gronk, match up favorably with the fighting Coughlins.

The biggest reason (and I don’t think enough writers have covered this) is the revenge factor. The 2007 Super Bowl was the most painful moment in my life as a Boston sports fan. (So painful, in fact, that I slugged a hole in my wall after Plaxico Burress burned Ellis Cobbs on the final play.) The loss left a putrid taste in my mouth and I can only imagine how it tasted to Belichick and Brady, neither of whom has been known to take a loss lightly. This year's rematch features quite a few holdovers from the 2007 game, from both teams. While the Pats have never been a team to publically engage in smack talk, I would wager a goodly sum that there was a surplus of motivational profanities being hurled in the locker-room, pre-game speech. You can never discount the effect and power of the more-motivated squad, especially on the grandest stage.

Obviously, this isn’t the only reason I like the Pats. I’d also point to the gulf in talent between Tom Brady and Eli Manning, between Gronkowski (or Aaron Hernandez) and Jake Ballard, between Wes Welker and Hakeem Nicks (though, admittedly, the Giants receivers are no slouches). Yes, the Giants have the superior defense on paper and you would probably be wise to take Ahmad Bradshaw over Benjarvus Green-Ellis in a fantasy draft, but I think the most meaningful position (quarterback) combined with my theory about the motivational edge should tip the scales in the Pats' favor. I’ll take Tom Terrific and his thirst for revenge over Peyton's kid brother any day.

Months after letting him go as coach, Giants welcome Coughlin to Ring of Honor (Shutdown Corner%

Ernie Accorsi, the team’s general manager who hired him in 2004, and defensive end Justin Tuck, drafted in 2005 –will be inducted into the ring on Nov. 14, when the Giants host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. “It was a great privilege to be the 16th head coach of the New York Giants, and it’s a privilege and a tremendous honor to be a part of those great names in Giant folklore that are in the Ring of Honor,”Coughlin said, via the team website. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Months after letting him go as coach, Giants welcome Coughlin to Ring of Honor (Shutdown Corner%

Ernie Accorsi, the team’s general manager who hired him in 2004, and defensive end Justin Tuck, drafted in 2005 –will be inducted into the ring on Nov. 14, when the Giants host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. “It was a great privilege to be the 16th head coach of the New York Giants, and it’s a privilege and a tremendous honor to be a part of those great names in Giant folklore that are in the Ring of Honor,”Coughlin said, via the team website. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Months after letting him go as coach, Giants welcome Coughlin to Ring of Honor (Shutdown Corner%

Ernie Accorsi, the team’s general manager who hired him in 2004, and defensive end Justin Tuck, drafted in 2005 –will be inducted into the ring on Nov. 14, when the Giants host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. “It was a great privilege to be the 16th head coach of the New York Giants, and it’s a privilege and a tremendous honor to be a part of those great names in Giant folklore that are in the Ring of Honor,”Coughlin said, via the team website. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Months after letting him go as coach, Giants welcome Coughlin to Ring of Honor (Shutdown Corner%

Ernie Accorsi, the team’s general manager who hired him in 2004, and defensive end Justin Tuck, drafted in 2005 –will be inducted into the ring on Nov. 14, when the Giants host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. “It was a great privilege to be the 16th head coach of the New York Giants, and it’s a privilege and a tremendous honor to be a part of those great names in Giant folklore that are in the Ring of Honor,”Coughlin said, via the team website. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports

Months after letting him go as coach, Giants welcome Coughlin to Ring of Honor (Shutdown Corner%

Ernie Accorsi, the team’s general manager who hired him in 2004, and defensive end Justin Tuck, drafted in 2005 –will be inducted into the ring on Nov. 14, when the Giants host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. “It was a great privilegeto be the 16th head coach of the New York Giants, and it’s a privilege and a tremendous honor to be a part of those great names in Giant folklore that are in the Ring of Honor,”Coughlin said, via the team website. [read full article]

From Yahoo Sports