BigPete

I know there is dissatisfaction with our coaching staff. but a lot can be said for continuity as well. It is also worth remembering that every change is not necessarily an upgrade.

I think Fewell will land finally land one of the Head Coaching jobs this year. I wouldn't be surprised if Gilbride landed in the mix as well (possibly with a college team).

We are going to see a lot of turnover this year with teams like Detroit, Buffalo, San Diego, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Arizona, New York Jets and Philadelphia all but certain to fire their coaches and teams like Dallas, Carolina, Cincinnati, Tennessee, Oakland and Chicago possibilities for coaching changes

I guess the real question is: if Fewell or Gilbride were to depart, who do you think the viable options are for offensive and defensive coordinators under Coughlin (and why)?

We're really not that far away from being a 3-4 defense. I think we do need an overhaul of our current defense.

 

Osi and JPP can play OLB, possibly Tuck as well. Who knows with Kiwi coming back from injury. Boley and Goff can play in the middle.

 

Defensive Line Wise, Canty played DE in a 3-4 alignment in Dallas. Cofield can move to DE in a 3-4. Linval Joseph can play NT, or rotate in Cofield and move Bernard or Tuck to a down lineman. We'd probably need to add a NT and 3-4 DE in the off season. I definitely think we have some versatility for the 3-4. We already use some 3-3 alignments, with Deon Grant in as a rover safety, and some 5-2 looks with Tuck playing on the inside as well.

We could move to a 3-4 if we chose.

Tuck can play DE similar to Darnell Dockett or Justin Smith.

DE - Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Barry Cofield, Rocky Bernard

NT - Linval Joseph, ?

OLB - Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Matthias Kiwanuka, Clint Sintim

ILB - Jon Goff, Michael Boley, Chase Blackburn, Phillip Dillard, Gerris Wilkinson

Looks to me like we have a very good core of players if we want to move to a 3-4, in fact the only position we really may need to upgrade is a backup NT (although Cofield and Canty can probably do ok).

Coughlin is a good coach, but I think this team needs a change to take it to the next level.

I think we need an experienced Coach

Cowher or Fisher would be very good, Gruden would be a close third.

Fox and Kubiak could all be good options.

I would add Charlie Weis in the mix, he has done well getting the KC offense on track despite limited talent. Russ Grim could also be decent.

I guess a key area is whether we consider our offense or defense to be the biggest problems.

I don't think Fewell is a good option, nor Gilbride this team needs a change of attitude (both could get head coaching gigs).

I actually like the pick up of Jamon Meredith, I think he could develop into a decent guard (if not tackle).

here is what drew boylhart had on him before last year's draft

http://thehuddlereport.com/Free/archive/2009DRAFT/PlayerProfiles/Jamon.Meredith.htm

Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina

 

STRENGTHS

 

Jamon has good size and athletic ability to play his position. He shows decent feet and natural agility. He does a solid job mirroring his man in pass protection and has the athletic ability to go out to the second level and block. Jamon is a smart player and looks to be a strong teammate. He works very well with his line mates and shows leadership skills through his play on the field. Jamon also shows the mental stamina to be a consistent solid offensive lineman for the next level.

 

 

NEEDS TO IMPROVE

 

Jamon needs a lot more upper body strength. Right now, he is playing his position on athletic ability but for the next level he will have to improve his balance and techniques when pass blocking and will have to get much stronger to run block. Jamon looks to have excellent work ethic and, in my opinion, it will just be a matter of time before he is ready to truly compete at the next level.

 

 

TALENT BOARD ROUND 2

 

Personally, I feel Jamon's true impact position for the next level will be at the LG position. I'm not convinced his body type will allow him to be a true LT, but he will be able to play that position in a pinch, which makes him a very valuable player. Because of his multi-position talent, Jamon should be a hot player in this draft and could go high in this draft. So look for Rob's board to see where this kid lands on the value board. It will still take Jamon some time to develop, but when he does, he should be a starting impact LG with the potential to be a starting LT.

I have mixed feelings about this news

It is great attitude that Osi wants to play on, but I think perhaps he should look at getting it fixed now.

I have no doubt that Osi would play to a decent standard, but I fear he won't be able to play to his full ability, it would be something like what Tuck, Jacobs, Bradshaw and Hedgecock faced last year.

It may have been better to shut Osi down now and get him back over the latter part of the season (if possible), if not get him 100% healthy for next year. I suspect this could be a lingering injury that is going be an issue all year.

I think I would rather have a healthy Tollefsen rather than carrying a wounded Osi all year (although even limited Osi is a much better player).

But having said that, I do respect Osi's determination and fight.

I am going to choose to believe that it isn't too major an issue - that it won't hurt Osi's performances too much this year and that Osi could return to somewhere near his best, but frankly I have serious reservations.

from http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2010/07/hip_surgery_recommended_for_gi.html

Hip surgery recommended for Giants DE Osi Umenyiora but he will pass for now

 

Published: Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 6:00 AM Updated: Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 11:14 AM

Mike Garafolo/The Star-Ledger

 

Osi Umenyiora tried to battle his way through a hip issue this offseason, as he figured it was simply another flare-up of a lingering injury that pops up annually during spring workouts.

 

One month into summer, the pain is still there for the Giants’ beleaguered defensive end. And one expert says it won’t go away without surgery.

 

Earlier this month, Umenyiora traveled to the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo., to visit noted hip specialist Marc Philippon, according to someone informed of the trip and Philippon’s diagnosis. The person, who requested anonymity because neither the Giants nor Umenyiora’s camp has discussed his condition, said Philippon recommended surgery to repair side effects from a torn hip flexor that kept Umenyiora out of five games in 2006.

 

The person said Philippon, who has performed hip surgeries on the Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez, the Ravens’ Ed Reed, former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and several other high-profile athletes, scheduled Umenyiora’s operation for the near future. But Philippon, Umenyiora and the Giants’ medical staff eventually agreed to pass on surgery for now and try to manage the injury because he won’t make it worse by playing through it.

 

A Giants spokesman declined comment. Umenyiora’s agent, Tony Agnone, wrote in a text message he was unavailable to speak on the matter because he was visiting clients Monday. Umenyiora, who will report to training camp with his teammates on Sunday, could not be reached for comment.

 

Umenyiora has been able to play through and manage his hip pain the past few seasons. He led the Giants with seven sacks last season and had 13 in 2007 before missing all of 2008 with a knee injury. However, this spring the hip injury was worse than it had been during recent offseasons. The Giants even cited the hip as a reason for his being absent from an organized team activities practice.

 

The two-time Pro Bowl selection has also been frustrated by being relegated to a part-time role last season and said this offseason he wouldn’t be pleased with backing up Mathias Kiwanuka if he was playing his best football.

 

With his hip pain refusing to subside, it’s unclear if he’ll reach top form at all this season.

check out this article from espn

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5407144

Giants sign linebacker Bulluck

 

By Tom Friend

ESPN.com

Archive

 

Free-agent linebacker Keith Bulluck officially joined the New York Giants on Saturday, after nailing a private workout Monday in the oppressive Meadowlands heat.

 

But he unofficially joined them in March in the cold Manhattan rain.

 

Coming off ACL surgery just seven months ago, with no team to supervise his recovery, Bulluck spent most of his spring rehabbing in New York. In the process, he fell back in love with the city of his youth -- and signed Saturday with the Giants, making it the city of his immediate future.

 

Bulluck's one-year deal is worth about $2.5 million with incentives, a league source told ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk.

 

"Just walking the streets of New York gave me my edge back," said Bulluck, 33, a former Pro Bowl player who has spent his 10 NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans. "Some of those walks were tough, man. Like when it's raining or sleeting or it's just cold out. And your knee aches. I wasn't 100 percent at the time. But the energy of it all helped me. Just the people, the good attitudes, the bad attitudes, just the whole vibe of the metropolitan area. If you're from there or have ever been there, you definitely know what I'm talking about. I'd have to say this is a dream come true."

 

Bulluck visited with the Arizona Cardinals after his visit with the Giants this week but it didn't take him long to make up his mind on where to play this season.

 

"He was pretty geeked up about both places," Gary Wichard, Bulluck's agent, said by telephone on Saturday. "Next day he calls me up and he says, 'I've been dreaming about this my whole life. I'm from New York. It's not even close.' It was his dream to play for the Giants. He grew up in New City. Like all kids his age, LT [Lawrence Taylor] was what it is about."

 

A native of New City, New York -- about 20 miles from the Meadowlands -- Bulluck fills a huge need for the Giants, who released middle linebacker Antonio Pierce in February and were trying to replace him with Jonathan Goff and Chase Blackburn.

 

But the Giants also fill a huge need for Bulluck, who'd been twisting in the wind ever since he blew out his left knee Dec. 20 -- two weeks before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

 

"It's just hard when you're a free agent with an injury," he said. "You kind of feel like after all you've done, you're being abandoned."

 

Bulluck had 108 tackles last season in 14 games before suffering his knee injury. Bulluck had started 127 straight games prior to the injury.

 

Wichard said Bulluck's knee isn't an issue.

 

"He is seven months post-operation, he is ready to go," Wichard said. "He didn't want to visit or meet anybody until he could work out for them."

 

Following the 2009 season, Bulluck was only allowed to rehab at the Titans facility through Feb. 28 -- because, as of March 1, he was no longer a member of the organization. And he left town miffed, because management seemed ambivalent about re-signing him.

 

"I asked a couple coaches, and I actually asked the general manager what was up with me," Bulluck said. "And I never got any clear answers. So that told me right then and there what was up. And I understand. It's a business thing. They've got to see how I'm going to be in six or seven months when my injury's healed.

 

"It's easy when you get hurt and you're on a team, and you have a facility to go to. The trainers are going to work with you; you've got everything right there for you. Mind you, I'd never had a major injury before. So this being my first major injury and for me to not be with a team, I felt displaced this whole time. I really felt displaced."

 

With nowhere else to go, he flew to New York on the final day of February.

 

"Well, New York -- that's where I'm from," he said. "My second home. New York, that's where I kind of get my football mentality from. You know the song, 'If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.' I consider myself a New Yorker. So, yeah, you've got to go back to where everything started. I was broke down. My body was broke down, so I had to get back to my roots. Go get back around my friends, my family, like the people I probably needed most at the time, and that's where they all were -- in New York."

 

Through one of those friends, he hooked up with Gary Guerriero, a physical therapist/trainer/strength coach at the U.S. Athletic Training Center. Guerriero looked up Bulluck's stats one day in April and saw that he'd been a Pro Bowl player in 2003, that he'd had 1,057 tackles over 10 Tennessee seasons. Guerriero, a longtime New Yorker, immediately started campaigning for Bulluck to join the Giants.

 

As many as six teams wanted to bring Bulluck in for a look-see, but neither he nor his agent saw any purpose in it. As part of his plan, he left New York at the start of May to work out with trainer Brett Fischer in Phoenix. Bulluck's periodic training partners were Darrelle Revis, Vincent Jackson and his old Syracuse buddy, Donovan McNabb.

 

Around July 1, Fischer told Bulluck he was full-go.

 

Bulluck's first team visit was July 19 at the Meadowlands. He showed up without a knee brace -- a heartening sight just seven months after surgery -- and the Giants staff led him through a series of linebacker drills in sweltering conditions. Head coach Tom Coughlin, a Syracuse alum himself, was one of Bulluck's strongest advocates, but the club wanted to wait a day to see how Bulluck's knee responded. When he woke up Tuesday without swelling, GM Jerry Reese offered him a contract and the starting middle linebacker job.

 

But the Cardinals were Bulluck fans, too, and convinced the linebacker to fly to Phoenix for a workout on July 21. Bulluck hit it off with head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who also dangled his starting middle linebacker job. The Cardinals had earlier lost inside linebacker Karlos Dansby to free agency and had a definite need. But Bulluck slept on it, mulled over the decision for a day and a half and chose the Giants.

 

"I'm a New York dude -- no way I can play anyplace else," Bulluck said. "New York's about toughness ... the NFC East. That's where I belong. ...

 

"I felt like [the Titans] could've signed me at the beginning of last year or halfway through the season if they really wanted me. So they know what's up. They've seen me play, practice, carry myself. Even in big games. They know what type of player I am. So them being my former team now, they don't want to see me on the other sideline, for sure."

 

But they will see him fairly soon -- the Giants host the Titans on Sept. 26.

 

"The game changes now that I'm in New York," Bulluck said. "The game totally changes. I think that the energy that the city brings and the excitement and the fans that all the New York sports teams have will definitely help me out a lot. Just as far as stoking the fire that's still burning. I'd love to help bring another championship to New York.

 

"But I can't just go back there and not be productive. I've still got work to do, and I'm still working towards everything that I need to do for myself individually. I mean, it would've been great to end my career in Tennessee because that's where I started. But it would be great to end my career in New York because that's where it really all started."

 

Tom Friend is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Information from ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk contributed to this report.

But a 2 TE Set takes "The Devastator" off the table ie. the Hedgecock Swing Pass.

Perhaps, but Hedgecock doesn't have great hands, he doesn't have great speed and you are realistically looking at a 5yd to 7yd play. He certainly isn't a big play threat.

whereas Beckum is a legit weapon as a receiver who is a genuine big play threat.

heck, I would take a 10yd+ pass every time

plus it means defenses have another legitimate weapon to cover in the passing game.

Here are my thoughts on a solution to the current labour situation and a new collective bargaining agreement.

There will be a solution to a new CBA, there is simply too much money at stake.

I think the solution will be a slight increase in player percentage, combined with a 17 or 18 game season, a rookie salary cap and a fund for retired NFL players. Both the owners and players will see more money. There will need to be increases in the roster size, perhaps to 60 instead of 53.

How it would work

the 2009 Salary cap was $128m, if 2010 was the under the old CBA, there would have been a salary cap of $135m for 2010.

Under the old CBA, the salary cap for 2011 would have been around $142m and the per team share for owners would have been around $96.7m. (I will use these numbers as the basis of my projections)

Under the old system the 59.5% of the total projected league revenue for the upcoming year. If this changed the player's share to perhaps 60% with 0.5% set aside for various players funds. This would increased the salary cap to $143.2m and decreasing the owner's income to $94.2m.

The players funds would be $1.2m per team ($38m total)

Now if the league also increases the regular season by two games at the expense of two preseason games, it will likely increase revenue by around 1/8.

The salary cap increases to $161m per team and the owners share of the income becomes $103m per team.

The players fund would be $1.3m (for a total of $43m).

Minimum NFL salaries would increase by 1/8

This solution would mean that

1. Players are better off ($161m salary cap per team instead of $142m under the old CBA).

2. Owners are better off ($106m per team instead of $96.7m under the old CBA).

3. There is a rookie salary cap, meaning the veterans get a fairer share of cap money.

4. There is provision for players (and former) players funds ($43m per year)

5. Fans get more meaningful football.

6. Team rosters increase to 60 players instead of 53 players to better manage the longer regular season.

7. Minimum NFL salaries would increase by 1/8

i just hope he contributes.

 

we've got so many guys with potential that it'l be next to impossible for them all to put up big numbers.

I think there is a lot of potential

The front office is very high on Beckum, perhaps he could develop into a Dallas Clark or Chris Cooley style player.

I think the front office would ideally prefer to use a higher ratio of 2 TE sets instead of using a traditional full back. It certainly opens up a lot more possibilities in the passing game.

The key will be how well Beckum improves his blocking this offseason.

Phillips, Rolle, Grant, Johnson. Still crowded.

 

Exactly how many safeties should we be carrying?

Perhaps, but we already had those guys before we brought in Chad Jones.

Have you noticed that we have added a ton of safeties heading into camp, yet are relatively thin at CB?

Heading into training camp our roster has just 6 CBs (Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, Aaron Ross, Bruce Johnson, DJ Johnson, Courtney Brown) and we have 8 safeties (Antrell Rolle, Kenny Phillips, Deon Grant, Chad Jones, Michael Johnson, Shareff Rashad, Seth Williams, Michael Greco)

I expect we will go with 10 DBs on the final 53 man roster - 5 corners and 5 safeties.

I also think with the focus we have on safeties on the roster, Fewell intends on using more nickle packages using three safeties (which has been confirmed by Deon Grant in his early interviews).

As far as depth at safety goes, I don't think the front office is going to rely on Phillips this season (while being hopeful). He is coming back from a serious injury and it is still early in the recovery stage. Setbacks are a very real possibility, also it may take time (perhaps 12 months) for him to get back to playing how he was before injury.

I think it is more likely that the front office will take a 'wait and see' approach with Phillips, they will be cautiously optimistic, but aren't going to rush things. If Phillips is more likely to contribute over the back half of the season. Bear in mind that Phillips' injury was potentially career threatening as well, we don't know how well he will come back.

It is extremely doubtful that Jones will play much of a role this season (it is still if whether he will be able to resume his career). Even in the best case scenario, it is going to be 6 weeks + a lot of rehab before he can even start running, let alone start playing. I expect Jones will be shut down for this season in the near future.

I do think there is room for another safety (pretty much insurance for Phillips). As it stands we have 3 healthy safeties, we are only 1 injury away from Michael Johnson being a starter. I also think the front office would ideally like to upgrade over Johnson, particularly someone with good ball skills and play-making ability. I could see someone like Page being a good (and cheap) option. He could certainly compete for playing time.

If they need a roster spot, I thought they would have put Chad Jones on either IR or the NFI list

On friday the Giants waived QB Riley Skinner.

Whilst that it is not too surprising that he was cut, I wonder what future move is in the works that requires us to free up a roster spot? The Giants recently waived 5 players to make room for the Rookie signings.

Is there a potential move on the cards? either a signing of a free agent, or perhaps a trade.

It is obvious that the Giants want to upgrade our kick returners, and with Chad Jones injury, the secondary could be another position we want to upgrade. The timing of this (a day after Jones injury) seems to hint to me there could be something happening with our DB depth.

I guess the next question is what players are our there (or could be realistic trade options) that could fill either of these roles? I am inclined to think it is more likely to be a trade as there aren't too many free agents available who would be an upgrade over the guys we have (or we would already have signed them).

Perhaps the Giants could be interested in someone like Chiefs safety Jarrad Page

Page is an RFA (hasn't signed his 2nd round tender) and has requested to be traded. Page has skipped offseason practices and is also unlikely to make the Chiefs final roster (The chief have Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis as starters and John McGraw, Reshard Langford, and DaJuan Morgan for depth).

Page is young (26) and coming off an average season last year (only played 5 games), but prior to that had 179 tackles, 10 int, 26 Pass Def, 4 Fumble Rec, 3 Forced Fumbles over 3 years. Page struggled last season before a torn calf muscle landed him on injured reserve prior to Week 7 of last season, but he was a play-maker in coverage in his first two years as a starter. It is also worth noting the Chiefs put a second round tender on him (worth $1.759m).

Page could probably be available for a late round draft pick. With the uncertainty of how well Phillips will return from injury, safety depth is an issue (particularly as I think Fewell wants to use a lot of three safety sets). Page could add good young depth and also a valuable special teams role.

Page didn't sign his tender by the deadline, which means he becomes an ERFA and the Chiefs can reduce his salary for 2010 from the tender amount to 110 percent of last year's base salary. It meanss if the Giants traded for Page, we could have him for a cheap 1 year deal (or maybe a cheap extension).

He has played FS, but also has good size at 6'0", 225lbs. I think this is the kind of player Reese would consider trading for.

I think it is inevitable that this will be a problem down the track, it is just a matter of when. Even if Osi beats out Kiwanuka this year, there is still JPP waiting in the wings.

Osi's attitude may be a reason we drafted JPP, the front office are looking at going in different directions sooner or later.

this is all opposite to what the beat writers are reporting.

 

the beat writers are all saying he is actually embracing the competition and has a great attitude so far.

I suspect it depends on how you look at the comments by Osi. I think the beat writers are being cautious (rightly so)

They are all saying that Osi is happy for now, but that he believes he is a better player than Kiwanuka and expects to be the starter.

I think if you consider Osi's comments carefully there is a double-edged component to it.

- If Osi isn't starting, and he believes he is playing well - that will be a big problem.

Those comments about Kiwanuka's pedigree is just crap. No player should talk about a team mate like that.

As others have said, it is time for Osi to shut up and prove on the field how good he is.

He is also disrespecting Kiwanuka. But based on last year's performance, Kiwanuka deserves the first shot at a starting gig; Umenyiora has to prove on the field that he is better.

from http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/2010/06/15/2010-06-15_osi_umenyiora_ok_with_backup_role_with_new_york_giants__for_now.html

Osi Umenyiora OK with backup role with New York Giants - for now

 

By Ralph Vacchiano

Daily News Sports Writer

 

Tuesday, June 15th 2010, 2:14 PM

New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora doesn't think he'll be a backup for very long.

 

 

Osi Umenyiora opened up the Giants' mini-camp Tuesday the same way he ended his miserable 2009 season - as a second-string defensive end. And he insists he's OK with that unwanted role.

 

Sort of. And for now.

 

"If I truly was not the best player, then I'd be cool with it," Umenyiora said after Tuesday morning's practice. "But if I feel like I am the best player - and everybody in this league knows the type of player I am - the minute in my mind I'm playing the way I'm capable of playing and I'm not on the field, then of course it's going to be a problem."

 

Consider that a bit of a warning shot that Umenyiora still isn't thrilled with a situation that had him threatening to retire back in February. He said most of the right things, insisting that he wouldn't be a distraction and he'd "maintain a positive attitude" no matter what his role ends up being.

 

But he also made it clear that he believes his role as a backup to Mathias Kiwanuka is temporary, and that he views the starting job as his to lose.

 

"I definitely don't look at it that way at all," Umenyiora said when asked if he felt like he had to win the job this summer. "I feel like I'm still one of the best defensive ends in the league in my head. That's pretty much all that counts. If I really decided to start thinking about (having to win the job), it's not going to be good for this team at all."

 

Umenyiora did get some work in with the first team today, as new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell rotating him and Kiwanuka - - something that likely will happen during the regular season, too. Umenyiora said he hasn't spoken with Fewell about the specifics of that rotation or how much playing time each of the ends - - including Justin Tuck, Dave Tollefson and first-round pick Jason Pierre-Paul - can expect to receive.

 

It didn't sound like he planned to have that conversation, either.

 

"All I know is the best players have to play this year," Umenyiora said. "You understand? They have to. We have to win. There's no question about that. There's too much on the line right now. If it ends up that I'm not in there, then I know in my heart that I truly wasn't the best player. And I'll be OK with that."

 

Except that Umenyiora likely would never concede that he's not the best player. He still believes he was the best player last year, despite being benched for Kiwanuka after Thanksgiving ("I just know that when I wasn't in there, was there a dramatic improvement?" Umenyiora said. "Did we get better?"). And when a reporter suggested to him that Kiwanuka won't be easy to beat out for a job this summer, Umenyiora said "You don't think so?"

 

"He's a good football player, no question about that, no argument there," Umenyiora said. "Been to Hawaii though? It's hard. Very, very difficult. You have to be of a certain pedigree to get over there."

 

Still, this all may have been more of a show of confidence from Umenyiora, rather than the defiance that was on display earlier in the offseason. He wasn't demanding his starting job back, as he did back in February. This time he was saying that he deserved it.

 

That's a somewhat softer approach that Umenyiora said he's taking because he knows that his behavior - - which included storming out of a defensive meeting after a dispute with former defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan - - was a distraction to the Giants last year.

 

"That was my fault," he said. "I made the mistake of behaving (badly) last year. It was very selfish of me because I wasn't thinking of the total team concept and looking at the way people would respond to me doing something like that."

 

So, while he said it's "definitely different and it's definitely difficult" being a backup, he's willing to deal with it … for now.

 

"You just have to have the intestinal fortitude to be able to handle things like that, the mental capacity to handle things like that," he said. "If not, then I'd just go out there lay down and not do anything. I can not allow that to happen. No way. I must go out there and play the way I'm capable of playing."

 

And if he does that, he believes he'll be back with the first team soon enough.

 

If not? Well, stay tuned.

 

 

Geez, this guy can't handle competition.

I had assumed this issue had turned a corner and Osi was on the same page as the team.

The problem is that Osi expects to be the starter. I guess he feels that he has paid his dues. He doesn't want to have to fight or earn a starting job based on performances. This is fundamentally contrary to Coughlin's and the team philosophy.

It seems to me the situation with Osi hasn't changed all that much and won't change. There may also be the fact that he wants his big payday.

Sad as I am to say this, it may be time to trade Osi. I don't see how this issue can be resolved long term.

I agree.

 

Our running game had issues, but I blame injuries more than anything for that. Bradshaw had two injured ankles, and Jacobs was running on an injured knee.

 

With respect to pass protection, Eli had his best season ever.

 

And as Blue mentioned, Mitch Petrus is a promising long term option

Personally I think our Oline will be fine, but that doesn't mean it can't improve.

Petrus can also reportedly play center, but he does have ability.

Seubert looks to be a versatile backup at this point in his career. He is certainly an average starter at best.

Don't overlook Whimper as an option at LG, he could really surprise after moving inside from LT.

Having said that, probowl guards are not often available, if we could get Mankins for a decent price (a big if), it is at least worth looking at (albeit unlikely).

Osi recently expressed that he believes he is the starter and that if he had to genuinely fight for the starting spot "it's not going to be good for this team at all"

signs the Osi drama isn't over?

from kffl.com

Giants | Osi Umenyiora believes starting job his to lose

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Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:23:55 -0400

 

New York Giants DE Osi Umenyiora said he believes the starting defensive end is his job to lose and believes his backup role to DE Mathias Kiwanuka is temporary, according to New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano. "I feel like I'm still one of the best defensive ends in the league in my head. That's pretty much all that counts. If I really decided to start thinking about (having to win the job), it's not going to be good for this team at all," Umenyiora said.

Logan Mankins has asked to be traded and is going to be a hold out.

This is largely hypothetical, but if the Patriots are willing to deal Mankins, should Jerry Reese consider making a trade offer?

Left Guard is a position we are looking to upgrade from last year. (Guy Whimper has been taking reps with the 1st team at the OTAs). Mankins would be a huge upgrade

On the flip side, Makins wants a top shelf deal (and deserves it)

The Giants do have players that could be included in a potential trade at positions the Pats need (such as WR) and plenty of good young talent at these positions.

For example, if Reese could work a deal something like: Logan Makins for Hixon/Moss and a 2011 2nd round pick, should we consider the deal?

I read the whole thing, and I dont like this at all. This sounds like exactly the same crap Lewis tryed to pull here. And whats with this no rotating the D-line crap? We need to man up, and creatively blitz at will. I only pray Spags gets fired this year, and comes back home.

How do you figure?.

Firstly our DEs will be rushing the passer, not dropping back in coverage. They will be playing a little wider and get upfield more - great for getting pressure on the QB. Secondly we have that big anchor inside which we haven't had since Hamilton. It looks like we will still have the 4 aces style packages with Kiwanuka and probably Tuck playing inside in situations.

Coverage wise we are going to mix it up a lot more, be more deceptive and make more plays for the ball. We will still have the physical element, but mix it in with different stuff.

Plus we have all the stuff from spags to build on, including the various Blitz packages. We may not require it quite as much to get an effective pass rush, but it is definately in the bad of tricks that Fewell will use. You must remember every time you bring extra guys, that leaves an extra hole. Also the blitz heavy strategy was tried last year and didn't work.

As far as the rotation goes, if a guy is getting the job done and consistently beating his guy, then leave him in there to do the job and just switch him when he needs a breather. I have no issue with that. By the same token if a starter isn't getting it done then the next guy gets his shot.

Bottom line, if you want to get on the field you have to perform. eg: You can't say I am a 3rd down pass rusher and expect to get on the field.

I don't have too much issue with that. After all rotation didn't work for us last year and the Oline seems to work well with the same group.

It also lets a player set his guy up and exploit him later.

It is way to early to make these kind of blanket statements, lets at least see how things shape up in camp.

Personally I think these are positive signs (although it is early) and am happy to wait and see how things unfold on the field. Heck the system worked ok for Fewell in Buffalo and we have alot more talent, particularly on the Dline and an effective offense.

There has been a lot of conjecture about what schemes the Giants and Fewell will be running this year.

While we won't know until training camp and the preseason, here is a little insight into the kind of things we can expect to see.

Personally I find this encouraging and along the lines of what I expected to hear about the new schemes. What do you think?

from an article by Mike Garafolo

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2010/06/giants_to_change_up_their_cove.html

Namely, that new coordinator Perry Fewell will employ various coverages, will exhibit flexibility in his game plans and calls and will design a scheme intended to put his defensive backs in a position to better view the offense and make a play on the ball.

 

“We were very aggressive. We didn’t want to give the quarterback a chance to throw the checkdowns to hopefully discourage him from making those completions,” Giunta said of last year's defense. “Well, now we may give up a few more completions, but we’re going to have more guys swarming to the ball and making hits and tackles on the receiver and ball carrier.”

 

Let me be clear: there are lots of advantages to playing aggressive, press coverage. Giunta listed them right there by pointing out how a man-coverage scheme takes away the “checkdown” and other short passes. If you’re the Giants and you think your pass rush is one of the best in the league, you definitely want to eliminate the quick throw to give your linemen and blitzers a chance to get to the quarterback.

 

But when the rush is off, when Webster isn’t quite himself, when Kenny Phillips isn’t on the field and when you’re protecting a lead of four or more points in the game’s waning seconds, adjustments need to be made and the end zone needs to be protected.

 

From the sound of things (and remember, it’s only June), Fewell seems willing to make those adjustments to vary his schemes.

 

“I would label Coach Fewell as a multiple-front, multiple-, multiple-coverage defensive coordinator,” Merritt said. “He is the furthest from a Tampa-2 guy.”

 

That’s the reputation Fewell had as a disciple of the Bears’ Lovie Smith. But those who played for Fewell in Buffalo said categorizing him as a Tampa-2 coach is far too simplistic of a description.

 

Still, Giunta expects his cornerbacks to play more zone-like techniques this season with the man-to-man matchups coming “later in the down than earlier” in press coverage.

 

“We used to match up on the snap of the ball,” Giunta said. “Now, in certain coverages, we’ll drop to our area and then pick up people as they come through our zone.”

 

Of course, this raises a flag when it comes to players such as Webster, who struggled in playing “off” coverage under Tim Lewis only to be rejuvenated when Steve Spagnuolo arrived with his more aggressive coverage schemes.

 

But Giunta said there will be plenty of opportunities for Webster and the equally-long Terrell Thomas to play closer to the receiver.

 

“They’ll be able to use their tools. They’ll be able to mix in the press, mix in the bail, mix in the off coverage with them,” Giunta said. “We’ll give them the tools and, based on the guys they have to play, they’ll be able to mix those as much as they can. We’ll obviously give them some guidance and direction, but hopefully they’re going to be able to say, ‘Hey, this is how we’re going to play it.’

 

“(Fewell) gives them a lot of leeway. We have to develop that trust factor with the players. Once that trust factor’s there, it’s going to be very, very exciting.”

 

As for the safeties, Merritt is asking them to be more vocal, more active and more aggressive than they were last year. It’s already visible during spring practices, with the safeties often rotating from deep middle to down low and vice versa just before the snap.

 

The veteran presence Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant provide – as opposed to the deer-in-the-headlights look C.C. Brown and Aaron Rouse flashed most of last season – is allowing Merritt to unleash his safeties’ creativity and vary the coverage at the back end of secondary.

 

“We’re rotating, we’re disguising, we’re moving around,” Merritt said. “I say, ‘Guys, I want you to push it. Stretch yourself as far as the disguise package. Give false calls, false dummy calls. Maybe it’s the correct call, but yell it out so loud that the offense may think it’s the incorrect call.’ That’s what these guys – Deon and Rolle – are bringing to the table.”

 

* * * *

 

Giunta is also hoping for more flexibility with his nickel cornerback this season. If Aaron Ross can stay healthy, it will give the Giants the option of playing Ross or Thomas inside against slot receivers instead of having only one player pegged for that position. Both Ross and Thomas have excelled in the slot with multiple interceptions inside.

 

"We may change it by game, depending on who the other team's slot receiver is," Giunta said. "If you have flexibility like that, it really helps. Terrell had a great year in there last year and Aaron, in 2007, that was his deal."

 

The following year, the Giants tried to keep things simple for Ross as a starter by leaving him outside and allowing Thomas to play inside in obvious passing situations. Now, with both having experience at multiple spots, the team believes they can move their corners all over the place.

 

"People won't be able to predict, 'Oh, he's the nickel so we can attack here,'" Giunta said.

from an artcle by insidefootball.com

from http://trainathought.insidefootball.com/2010/06/ota-9-practice-highlights-notes.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Train-aThought+%28Inside+Football%27s+%22Train-a+Thought%22%29

* Back during the rookie minicamp, defensive coordinator Perry Fewell mentioned that he was not a big fan of using a defensive line rotation. Well, that doesn’t mean that they won’t be using a rotation at all, as today, defensive line coach Robert Nunn, in his first year with the team, said that there will be some rotation involved, though the goal is to stick with the hot hand. Nunn also had no complaints about DE Osi Umenyiora, who rotated on the one’s with Mathias Kiwanuka today.

 

* Speaking of Nunn, he’s worked to tweak some minor technique things in order to get the defensive linemen to play the huge role expected of them this year as best as they can. One of the things he tweaked is the players’ stances. For example, rookie Linval Joseph said that a noticeable difference for him is that in college, he was coached to play lower to the ground where as in this defense, the defensive linemen are asked to play with a little more balance.

 

* I keep trying to uncover some more clues for you as to how this new defense is going to differ than last year’s fiasco. Well, I’ll share something that David Merritt, the Giants’ safeties coach, offered which was actually in response to something a player had told me. This year the defensive backs are going to do more of a zone-man approach

 

that, as I understand it, will see them wait for the quarterback to throw the ball.

 

Once they get an idea on where the ball is going, they’re going to break toward the intended target. Merritt pointed out that one of Coach Fewell’s philosophies is that you can’t make play for the ball if you don’t know where it’s going to be thrown, so that’s something that will be different this year.

 

 

 

Clarification: 5:45 PM -- Some people have asked me about my earlier attempt to define the differences you will see in the defensive secondary this year. I went back to my tape and here is what safeties coach David Merritt said.

 

“When you look at this defensive scheme and what we’re putting together, the nucleus of this team is the defensive line. That’s our strength. We feel like now we’re strong on the back end, which we haven’t been in the past. So now you take that and you say, ‘The quarterback has the football. You can’t go anywhere until he throws the ball.’ So why stare down a receiver and play him man-to-man and the quarterback is still holding the ball and he ends up throwing to the opposite end? Ok, let’s focus on the quarterback. Coach Fewell has brought that back to the Giants organization. If the quarterback is still holding the ball, you can’t go anywhere until he throws it. so focus on the quarterback and emphasis on the fact that he’s going to take us to where we want to go and we want that ball.”

 

In my attempt to make sure I was clear on what I was hearing, I asked Merritt if it was like starting out in a zone and then once they identified where the ball was being thrown, going to a man coverage . He said, “That’s exactly right. That’s exactly what it is. It’s not a big difference from what we’ve done in the past, but it is a little more emphasis on the quarterback, especially when we’re playing Cover 3 and Cover 2.”

 

Merritt also said that Fewell “is the furthest from (being) a Tampa-2 guy.” He added, “I would label Coach Fewell as a multiple-front, multiple-, multiple-coverage defensive coordinator.”

 

time to put to rest any talk of a Tampa 2

Also there is the comments a while back from Osi

from http://www.metro.us/us/article/2010/03/26/17/0343-82/index.xml

One of the star defensive end’s pet peeves was the way Sherman had his ends dropping into coverage. Umenyiora said he’s a bonafide pass rusher, so he’s already embracing new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell’s attack philosophy. Fewell, the former Buffalo Bills interim head coach/defensive coordinator, likens the “Tampa Two” defense, which puts an emphasis on the defensive line solely generating the pass rush.

 

“I watched how his [Fewell’s] defensive ends played in Buffalo,” said Umenyiora. “They lined up a lot wider and were allowed to come upfield. And that’s what I excel at.”

 

Umenyiora didn’t want any part of disparaging Sherman’s scheme but he did light up when asked his first impressions of Fewell.

 

“He’s a really cool guy and very energetic,” said Umenyiora. “His scheme best suits the players he has here…his ends at Buffalo rarely came off the field, so I like that. But we have a lot more talent on the line than they did, so I don’t know how he’ll handle that.”

Pete, has D'Qwell ever played MLB in a 4-3 (serious question because I don't know)?

 

Another possible MLB to throw into the trade rumor mix (not really referring to Coefield being involved)....Barrett Rudd. He's going to be an unrestricted free agent in 2011, and has basically said he doesn't envision being a Buc past this season : http://blogs.tampabay.com/bucs/2010/04/barrett-ruud-not-thinking-longterm-with-buccaneers.html

 

If the reportedly cash-strapped Glazers were smart (then again, we're talking about the Glazers), they would try to get something for Ruud now, before he inevitably leaves in 2011 via free agency...Ruud knows the Tampa 2 and would be a great fit, IMO.

I am not sure whether D'Qwell Jackson played in a 4-3 in college (he may have), but in the pro's he has mostly been in a 3-4. However, I think Jackson could be a similar kind of player to Curtis Lofton for the Falcons.

Barrett Ruud would be a nice pickup, we would have to trade for him. Unless we include a player like Osi I don't see a deal happening. Considering they just got a pair of DTs in the draft.

Other players it could be worth trading for include Derrick Johnson, AJ Hawk and Paul Pozlunzy; all of whom are off contract after the season.

For example, I could see a deal like Derrick Johnson for Barry Cofield and a WR (perhaps Moss) being a possibility.

Thanks, Pete.

No worries, glad to help

That'd be a big "bend over and grab your ankles" trade. A proven starter for a second day pick. First of all, I don't really buy that those were the terms of the deal. Second of all, that's a retarded trade.

It depends on who the front office had in mind to draft for that pick.

I am no expert and the front office obviously had a plan of some kind. I suspect the majpor reason Cofield may be on the trade block is that it is very clear they want that big 2 gap DT up front to anchor the defense. That isn't a great fit for Cofield and Canty/Alford have much better ability as a 3 technique DT.

I could still see Cofield traded, perhaps for a MLB such as D'Qwell Jackon, Derrick Johnson or AJ Hawk. I think he is a better fit as a 3-4 DE.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is very possible Cofield could stick around; but I expect he is a better fit as a 3-technique DT rather than a NT for Fewell's system.

But Henderson would be a great pickup and really fits what we want to do. It would very likely mean Bernard is gone.

It would mean our possible depth chart would be something like:

LDE: Tuck, Pierre-Paul

UT: Canty, Alford, Cofield

NT: Henderson, Joseph

RDE: Umenyiora, Kiwanuka

I could see us keeping 9 DL going into the season.