Friday, September 26, 2008

THE EARLY BYE AND PLAXICO

Not the best scenario for a bye week.  Coming off a tough workmanlike team win, it's not a bad time for a rest and reassessment, but when the other teams in your division get their rest in mid-season, it's not ideal.  The next three games are again in the "easy" column.  Seattle is awful, Cleveland is in a mess, and San Francisco has no defense.  Then the fun begins.  But, like Tom Coughlin says....Let's take it one at a time.  Get some rest this week and get ready for a fun 13 week season.

As far as Plax is concerned.  I hope his problems at home are solvable.  The GIANTS made a solid move suspending him.  No matter what happens, he has to contact someone.  There are too many options for him to not contact someone.  He could have called: His Agent, Charles Way, Tom Coughlin, Pierce, Eli, Jerry Reese.  With all these options to do nothing is inexcusable.  This is still the coach's team, and a strong statement had to be made.  I think it will all work out for the team as long as it works out well for Plaxico personally.


Friday, September 19, 2008

BENGALS LOST IN THE JUNGLE

To say the Bengals have been a disappointment since hiring Marvin Lewis would be an understatement.  They lead the league in players being suspended and arrested each year.  They have pro bowl players that don't step forward when needed.  They are by far the most undisciplined team in the league.

This years team is no exception.  Coming to GIANTS STADIUM with an 0-2 record and ranked last in offense.  They are the epitome of individuals playing for themselves instead of as a team.  You will notice all the pre-meditated celebrations for first downs and other small successes.  They are an easy team to dislike.

Of course this also makes them dangerous.  However last week Tennessee ran for 235 yards in a game that featured 40 mile an hour winds.  Their offensive line is awful and provides no protection for 'The golden boy" quarterback Carson Palmer.  If he has time he has some very talented receivers that can get open, but once again the GIANTS defense will work to make them one dimensional and unsuccessful.

Our offense has a chance to make a statement again this week, especially in light of the Monday night shootout from last week.  They can show they belong on the same filed as the other teams in their division.

Another businesslike approach and home win.

spread is 14....We are the largest favorite in the league this week.

I believe we will live up to the billing.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

ALL THE ANSWERS

All you need to know about the game Sunday.
20-29 for ELI with 3 Touchdowns
202 yards rushing from the new three headed monster
6 sacks
one interception returned for a score
200 total yards for the Rams

Not much to analyze there.  

Everyone came out healthy.  McQuarters should be back next week.

This team knows how to play like a team and take care of business.

Cincinnati next week at home......I will preview that on Friday.

Jury duty this week.....

Friday, September 12, 2008

WEAK TOO?

The GIANTS face another opponent that has many questions surrounding them this week. 
 The Rams got off to a horrendous start losing 38-3 to the Eagles in Philly.  Are they that bad?  
This will be the Rams home opener.  Will that matter?  They have a new offensive coordinator, Al Saunders, who was fired from Washington.  They never won anything in Washington under him either.  Is he any good?  Their star running back just ended his holdout and got a new contract.  Is he healthy enough to make a difference?  Their offensive line has one returning starter on it from last year, and he was injured for most of last year and all of training camp.  Can they keep up with the GIANTS defensive line?  The Rams lost their #2 receiver for the year to injury last week in Philly.  Will someone step up and take his place?

This is another one of those games that you just never know which team will show up.

The offense for the GIANTS must score early and often.  They must be more efficient.  Everyone is healthy and happy.  Now we need to score points.  The Rams are weak on the line and missing their best defensive lineman Leonard Little.  The backers and secondary are questionable at best.  Eli must perform and our trio of running backs should have a big day.

On the defensive side, Kiwanuka is back practicing and will play.  They need to concentrate on stopping the run, and make Mark Bulger beat them passing.  He will have little protection, and only one or two options down field.  Tory Holt is still dangerous, but he will command a lot of attention being the only starter in the game.

This is the easy part of the schedule, and as I said earlier, it is always a question on how easy it really will be.  

Spread is between 8 and 10.
GIANTS 23-13

Friday, September 5, 2008

A NICE START

Taking into account that that was the GIANTS 4th game in 16 days, and that game time weather was 89 degrees, It was a nice start.

The offense showed the flashes of what it can be.  The defense showed that they are still strong, quick , and punishing.  Having Plaxico  healthy and happy makes him one of the top receivers in the league.  Brandon Jacobs is developing into a premier power back.  

The special teams will need a bit of work, and 7 penalties is way too many.  But the 35 minutes in time of possession shows they are still the GIANTS, and will run first and manage the game well.

The RAMS are next in St. Louis.  Look for a scouting report on Wednesday.

Enjoy the weekend!

Tiffany's has a great new collection honoring the Giants.  Take a look.  Christmas is right around the corner!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

AND AWAY WE GO.................

Tomorrow night the GIANTS begin the defense of their title.  It will be a tough road with plenty of ups and downs.  The NFL may be the most unpredictable week to week sport in the world.  Looking at the stats, if this wasn't a divisional rivalry with a long rich history, I would predict a huge win.  Two new coordinators for the Redskins along with a rookie head coach.  A brand new offense with a young QB and a rebuilding injured defense.  Their big acquisition Jason Taylor will be a gametime decision.  Their new starting safety and cornerbacks have not practiced in weeks due to leg injuries.  They lost their week 3 and 4 pre-season games by a combined score of 71-3 when their starters played 3 quarters in each game.
Look for a more pass oriented attack from the Burgundy and Gold.  Jim Zorn the new head coach comes from a west coast style and will look for the quick passes and high completion percentage from his quarterback.  The linebackers will be busy and sure-tackling in the secondary will be a must.

As for our G-Men, I have a feeling that our defense will have a plan with a few wrinkles in it.  Look for Kiwanuka and Tuck to drop off into coverage to cut off some short passing lanes.  Pressure will still be our signature on defense, as well as a very stout run defense.
  
Offensively look for the three running backs to play in different situations.  Jacobs, Bradshaw and Ward.  Danny Ware and Reuben Droughns will be returning kicks, and McQuarters fielding punts.  Passes to Toomer, Smith and Burress will be deeper than usual....along with Boss running that familiar seam route down the middle of the field.

It should be fun and exciting.....the spread has gone from 3 to 4 1/2 in the past 2 days.
27-13.

Look for a new novel written by Mark Bavaro, it went on sale yesterday.