xxi-xxv

Yes that was the Dallas game and their was nothing spectacular about it, the ball hit him square in the numbers and he dropped it. The Giants tried to go to him often that day and he dropped3

he better catch that pass he was wide open from what I remember. I think he played well, but his head got out of the game still too often at times and I think they will decrease as he ages. IMO the TD catch at home against the Eagles(on a day they did everything they could do to take him out of the game)was the point I felt he had turned a corner. He had 1 catch all day and it was a huge one and helped his team win despite the lack of production.

Funny someone mentions a Shockey drop, although they decreased greatly in 05, I was watching NFL Network replay of the Giants/Hawks game yesterday and Shockey played great. There was one crucial drop though that might have put the game away or at the very least given taken the Hawks out of the running game. After Brent Alexanders INT at the Hawks 25, Shockey dropped a crucial 3rd down pass inside the 5 and the Giants had to settle for a FG, extending their lead to 13-7. On the next drive the Hawks scored and made the score 14-13. I wonder had the Giants been up 17-7 if the game would have taken on a different role?

IMO if something better than Carter can be had than so be it. His hands are poor, but at least he stayed on the field this year. I find it funny those FA rankings. They have Tyree as a 59. IMO Tyree is as important to the Giants as any second tier player on the roster.

Skins cap nightmare How would you like to be Eric Schaffer, the cap man for the Washington Redskins? Your boss is the combustible Dan Snyder and your cap is a mess, so much so that two cap experts from other teams who looked at it say it's as bad as they have seen. We pity poor Schaffer, who isn't to blame. It's not his fault Snyder throws money around as if he prints it, snubbing the reality that cap jail will eventually swallow his team whole. "I'm glad I'm not Eric," said one of the cap experts. "That thing is a mess." The Redskins have acted like pigs when it comes to signing players, disregarding the consequences. (Getty Images) According to NFLPA figures, the Redskins have $115.4 million committed in salary for their top 51 players in 2006. The cap is expected to be $92 to $95 million. That means they have to trim $20 million or so. And that's not counting the $2 million or so the team will need to sign its rookies (thankfully, they don't have a first-round pick to pay, or that would be higher). The Redskins have done a decent job trimming their cap down in recent years, but this time it might not be possible -- certainly not without a new collective bargaining agreement. A new agreement could help relieve some of the cap problems, but even with one, the Redskins face a daunting task. "If they reduced everybody to a veteran minimum, and that won't happen, they'd still be $4 million over the cap," said one of the cap experts. "That's before cutting anybody." So how did it get this bad? The Redskins have paid out big money deals under Snyder, and some of them have blown up in the team's face, leading to the chase factor. You chase bad deals with more bad deals to compensate. Thus, they have trouble. When room got tight in the past, they extended players' deals to create room, spreading bonus amortization out over the years. Eventually, though, it becomes time to pay the piper. That time is now. We would liken the Redskins' plight to a family that keeps putting off paying the credit card balance by paying minimums. "All the deals, all the overpaying for years and moving money into future years has caught up to them," said the cap expert. "Last year they had to move $7 million in money into future years. That catches up to you at some point." One cap expert said the Redskins might be forced to let good players walk, and could be forced to field a team with as many as 20 rookies -- or more. If there's a new CBA, the Redskins might be able to get out from under the cap troubles a little easier, although it still will be a lot of work. "Can you imagine the dynamics of what Schaffer is going through?" one cap expert said. "He has to go to Snyder and Joe Gibbs and tell them they have to cut players. That has to be ugly." Cap hell. It's as ugly as it gets in the NFL, and it's a jail that's hard to get paroled out of. Still think the Redskins will be playoff contenders? Gibbs has his work cut out for him this season. Maybe auto racing never looked so good. Around the league There is talk making its way through the league that the NFL and the players association are close to agreeing on a new collective bargaining agreement. There has been steady progress the past week, giving hope to both sides. The NFL has called a special owners meeting for next week in Dallas. All the doom and gloom of the past year regarding a potential agreement has suddenly been replaced by optimism. "There has been some good talks this week," said a league source. One issue that seemed to be clouding the talks was the improved revenue sharing between high- and low-revenue teams. But the word is the owners will wait until after a getting an agreement with the NFLPA before worrying about that problem. The players want a higher percentage of the total revenue, which is believed to be one point that the two sides are close to agreeing on. Don't be shocked to see a new agreement in place in the next week. If that happens, the free-agency period should begin March 3 as planned. With no agreement, the opening of the free-agency period could get pushed back to April. A guy who should be a hot free agent when the period opens, based on talks with some league personnel, is Steelers receiver Antwaan Randle El. He can do a lot of things, but here's something to consider: He isn't a down-the-field deep threat. Randle El is outstanding on the medium-range routes, but he doesn't have burning speed. He's more quick than fast. At one point during last season, the Steelers were lamenting that they didn't have the vertical threat after letting Plaxico Burress leave. Randle El is a quality receiver, and he did have 10 plays of at least 20 yards, so there is some big-play ability there. It's just that he's not a vertical threat, even though he averaged 15.1 yards per catch. A lot of his success comes from the way the Steelers scheme up their offense. They use a lot of bunch formations in passing downs as a way to get receivers open in crossing routes. A lot of times this leads to busts in coverage and wide-open receivers. That helped the team lead the league in yards per attempt. That number is more about scheme than speed. Randle El is an interesting player in this free-agent market. He will help any team that signs him, but don't expect him to be a No. 1 receiver. He is a quality return man, which helps his value. But if you pay him top receiver money, do you want him returning punts and kickoffs? I like the guy, but if you're the Steelers, what do you do? Do you pay him or let him walk? Hines Ward is their go-to guy. They let Burress go last year, so the feeling is they likely will let Randle El go too if the price gets too high. Look for the Jaguars to make a strong push to sign free-agent Saints center LeCharles Bentley. The team would love to move Brad Meester -- who played guard his first two years in the league -- back there to replace disappointing Vince Manuwai, who is a restricted free agent. Bentley would bring nastiness to an offensive line that needs it, and word is the Jaguars have him high on their wish list. The Saints would love to keep him but are believed to be unwilling to put the franchise tag on him. That would be fine with Bentley, who would love to test the market; word is he prefers leaving. Right tackle Maurice Williams recently said that he played much of last season with sore shoulders. Williams didn't use it as an excuse, but he didn't play as well as he had in the past, and he said that won't be the case in 2006. If the Jaguars are to get to the next level, they have to be better along the offensive front. Quarterback Byron Leftwich is a long strider who needs space to make his throws. In fact, one defensive coordinator who has faced Leftwich said part of their plan of attack is to get pressure inside so he can't take the big step. "When that happens, his passes tend to sail," the coordinator said. "That's when he gets in trouble." It's also a reason why a player like Bentley in the middle of the line makes a lot of sense. The Jaguars are also believed to have a strong interest in Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Will Witherspoon, who played for Jack Del Rio when Del Rio was the Panthers' defensive coordinator three years ago. Del Rio, by the way, is still in talks on a contract extension. Word is he's asking for over $4 million per year. That's a good starting point, but he won't be getting that from Wayne Weaver. Look for the two sides to agree on a deal in the $3.2 million range with some incentives included. Del Rio is the lowest-paid coach in the league at $1.2 million, and clearly deserves a raise. But Weaver will be reluctant to give him the mega-deal he wants. One playoff appearance doesn't warrant that, but Del Rio does have this team headed in the right direction. Fair is fair, so he will get a new deal. It just won't be in the stratosphere. If teams are looking for a run-stuffing defensive tackle, check out the name Ma'ake Kemoeatu. He is a 350-pound power player who started for the Ravens last year. He won't bring much in terms of a pass rush, but he is a force against the run. Bentley, one of the NFL's strongest centers, raved about him after facing him during the 2005 preseason. He said Kemoeatu is the strongest player he faced. That's high praise. He's an ascending player, which makes him a good value on the market. There have been plenty of snickers around the league at Mike Tannenbaum being named New York Jets GM. Tannenbaum is not considered a football guy, which has some real football guys scratching their heads. Tannenbaum did have one important thing going for him in his power play -- yes, that's what it was. He was a good friend of new coach Eric Mangini. That meant something. Now Tannenbaum has the task of dealing with a serious cap issue. "That guy's ambitious," said one league source. "It's not a surprise he pulled a coup. That's his nature." Tannenbaum has made a meteoric rise from intern to general manager. It was only a few years ago that some in the New Orleans Saints organization considered him the coffee boy. This isn't to say Tannenbaum can't get the job done. But once again it's proof that when front office personnel and coaches tell the media they have no business writing things because they don't understand the game, we can point to the abundance of lawyer types now taking over the football side of things. Does law school make someone any more qualified to make football decisions than journalism school? I didn't think so. By the way, the Jets have hired a new senior director of football administration. They planned to talk to John Idzik, the Arizona Cardinals director of football operations, but they canceled when they decided to hire an attorney from a prestigious law firm in Washington D.C. The 49ers have interviewed 15 people for the front office position they are creating, but they haven't made a hire. They thought Mike Reinfeldt, the Seahawks vice president of football administration, would take the position, but he declined. Others who have interviewed are Ray Anderson, the executive vice president of the Falcons; Bob Wallace, executive vice president of the Rams; and Bob Ferguson, former general manager of the Seahawks. The 49ers are said to be looking for a person with 20 years experience in the league since they have such an inexperienced front office. Coach Mike Nolan is said to be pushing for an addition. Word is he has had some clashes with Paraag Marathe, the director of football operations. The five-year extension signed by San Diego defensive tackle Jacques Cesaire is a pretty good one for a guy who doesn't start. It includes a $1.25 million signing bonus and has escalators and incentives that can earn him $5.75 million more. For example, if he plays in 60 percent of the snaps and has 6½ sacks, he can earn some of that incentive money each year. He also has a $750,000 Pro Bowl bonus in each year. Cesaire started five games last year at defensive end. His best game came in the season finale against Denver, when he had seven tackles, five solos. The Jets have told cornerback Ty Law he won't be back next season. He's due a bonus of $11 million in March, and there's no way the cap-strapped Jets can pay that. Now comes the interesting question: Does anybody give him a big-money deal? He went to the Pro Bowl at 32 after getting 10 interceptions, but he's clearly not the same player he was a few years back. Any team looking at Law will likely want to give him a one- or two-year deal. Anything more than that would be risky. Saints GM Mickey Loomis said this week the team hasn't made a decision on bringing back quarterback Aaron Brooks. The reality is that decision has been all but made. Just look at the numbers. Brooks will count $8.48 million against the cap this year with a base salary of $6.5 million. The team can save about $4.5 million on its cap by releasing him. The Saints are expected to take a quarterback with the second overall pick in the April draft, with Southern California's Matt Leinart considered the favorite to land in that spot. Some of Brooks' Saints teammates have said they don't expect him back. Re-signing Kyle Vanden Bosch was a top priority for the Titans, and they have to be thrilled they got the deal done Thursday. But if reports of a $15 million guarantee are accurate, that's a lot of money for a guy who has had both his knees surgically repaired. Vanden Bosch is a try-hard player who exemplifies what coaches want. Jim Schwartz, the Titans defensive coordinator, loves the guy. But that's an awful lot to pay out for a player who came to the Titans on a one-year, $550,000 deal last spring. It's not like he's a speed rusher or anything. Skins cap nightmare

Shockey is hardly a disciplined route runner and does not sell plays well when he is not the primary option. I remember all the drops by Tim Carter, especially all the deep balls. Disgusting and no need to keep him around anymore, for all his speed, if he cannot hold onto the ball whats the difference?

Eli does not need a Randle EL, but more of a Proehl type 3rd WR, a guy who on 3rd and 7 will run 8 yards, run a good, crisp route, catch the ball at the marker, fall down and keep a drive alive with sure hands. Our 3rd WR was non-existent in 05 and thats a position of need IMO. Not a superstar, but a guy with good hands and discipline in terms of his routes.

Ben Roethlisberger has an average arm, it is far from strong and scouts and coaches will tell you the same thing. Eli's overall arm strength is better and that has been a known fact, Ben has been more accurate, but he does not have a stronger arm.

probably quite good if Will P. does not return. I like Webster, but he does have much to learn and hopefully Guinta can help in his development. In an ideal world he is #3 behind Will P and another CB. In that scenario I think he best learns and develops as a player.

Bucs could cut him and I have to imagine the media career with TIKI at this point outweighs the financial gains he might be looking for. He and TIKI do that Sirrius show and what better way to market what will surely be a career in media after football than in NY. He has his ring, his brother is a bigger star(think he accepts that) and he has said he would love to play with his brother.

I tend to agree I think that good coaching(which it is no secret I think Coughlin and staff are)combined with continuity leads to those things. I think that cutting down on penalties would lead to the things you spoke of as in year #2 of this regime we saw the strides that a team can make within the framework of the things you mentioned.

In todays NFL I look at it differently, I use to use that, but it changes so much. I look at the strength of our roster 1-53 in terms of ability, experience and versatility, Obviously the stars and "money guys" are who make the team plays, but games in the NFL nowadays are won by having a good solid support system to your star players. I just look back on the KC game as proof as to what it means to have the ability to have guys step in and play a position and help your team win. I think I mentioned before that the 05' Giants remind me a bit of the 85 Giants, a team that was set in terms of star players and needed just a little bit to get over the top the next year. I am certainly not saying we are the 86 Giants, but I do think we are set in terms of who our playmakers are.

I have to disagree on the WR, although I think a nice veteran possesion type, 3rd down WR would be nice in FA I cannot see them drafting a WR in the first round. You mention the schedule and IMO we cannot look at that now as so many things change as the year progresses(what looks hard in March or even September could be a cakewalk by November). I agree on the "little things" assesment as IMO the depth of this team could pay huge divedends in terms of wins and losses.

Do you think that physicality you speak of translates into any changes in spots or do you think that development and consitency within a system that our players are more familar with breeds that brand of football?

Just curious as to what you expect the teams course of action through the draft, free agency and in the season in regards to how the team will do. Keeping in mind the other 4 teams in the division what do you expect EA and companies course of action to be and how do you think it translates onto the field in 06'? I will refrain from my thoughts to see what others think and expand on those ideas to incoporate my plan of attack in terms of my prediction.

Moss is a different beast altogether, as good in the slot as he is on the outside. I liken Deloatchs ability best served to a guy like keyshawn johnson and Wr's like that. Guys who in the red zone use their height to an advantage and use their physical skills to make plays. Moss is equally as good lined up in the slot. TO can be as well(just ask Jason Sehorn).

Deloatch at nickle is fine, as long as you have a #1 or #2 CB who is proficient in the slot spot as Deloatch is not equipped to be a slot CB playing a guy lining up in that position. I like Deloatch in passing situations in the red zone on the outside, his height takes away from plays that have become so prevalent in the red zone nowadays.

DeLoatch is a hard worker, the coaches love him, he has size and speed(for his size that is). I like Curtis a lot and think he is an asset to the secondary. As far as Walker, I think the reasons I have are valid as to why there is a place for him as opposed to some rookie, learning the league, termonolgy of the defense and gameplans. Its not anything else in life, continuity breeds familiarity, breeds comfort. Walker being drafted has nothing to do with it, its his ability to hold a role and his role as a 4th or 5th CB at his salary is fine.

I agree with all your points Money and in turn also appreciate good solid Giants debate. This sounds weird, but the NY football Giants are my passion, my 365, 7 day a week thing. Over the years my love of baseball and other sports(although still strong)has dwindled because of the fact my obsession with football has grown. Anyway getting to my point, inevitably when the "FAB4" get here, can we place ELI SUCKS, EA SUCK, WE TOLD YOU SO threads. I appreciate the opinions of others and quite frankly am open to alternate opinions in regards to the team, but the constant posts, same boring thing after same boring thing ruin it. After the SB, I had no use for the Giants section as it was one giant(no pun intended)post of the same banter. I agree though lets make this section great. I am up for the challenge and look forward to good debate and off season talk, leading into an upcoming season.

IMO continuity in terms of the depth chart is important. Frank Walker does have ability, and would it be the worst thing for the 4th or 5th CB on your roster to have talent(as many have said), know the system and terminolgy(year 3 now) and come at a relatively cheap cost? If the worst thing that one can say about their 4th or 5th CB is that he is not that smart, yet comes cheap, knows the system and has some talent then I will take him. Like I said, the next coming of Champ Bailey? No. A guy who could be a valuable asset to a roster? Sure why not. On a side note and take it for what its worth, I know a guy that met Walker one night out at a restaurant, this friend of mine said Frank was VERY nice, signed all their stuff, took pictures etc. His one impression of Frank was that he was not that sharp, a bit rough around the edges. Who knows, maybe he is a slow learner? I am in no way defending or bashing Walker merely stating that if you feel he has some talent then bringing him back at a cheap price to play the 4 or 5 CB is worth the gamble.

I know that, what my point was is that Mayock(whom by the way said in 04 ELI Manning was the top rated player, not only QB in the draft)said this. I for one have found Mayocks analysis and player evaluations to be quite good. What I was mentioning(sorry if you did not understand)is that Mayock on Total Access Friday would be reviewing the linebackers. I have always liked Mayocks analysis and he has been quite good in evaluating talent. Not to mention he was an ex-Giant

His tender cost would be cheap, he has shown some abilityat times(particularly as a rookie) and suprisingly he has made it through 2 Coughlin camps, something I would have never thought would happen. I like Delotach a lot and think when he polishes his skills he will be an asset as a larger CB, especially in red zone coverage. As far as Buckley went, I think that was a matter of Coughlin being a Parcells believer in that vets win you games in December and January and you are better off with guys that have been there. Remember late season signings in the past of guys like Dave Duerson, Everson Walls, Steve DeOssie, Johnnie Cooks, etc. Do not get me wrong, Walker is certainly not the next coming of Champ Bailey, but I believe in cotinuity and familarity. Certainly if Walker is getting anything more than spot playing time the Giants would be in a heap of shit, but when you factor in certain aspects(cost being one)he would not be an awful option to sit at the bottom of the depth chart.

Its not the news douche bag, ITS THE FACT THAT MIKE MAYOCK SAID IT. Hence the thread you fucking retard!

Mike Mayock(the resident college guy and NFL networks version of Mel Kiper)said on tonights episode when talking about tomorrow feature on the LB class in this years draft that "this draft is the deepest at the LB position that he has seen in years". Something to think about when speculating what the Giants might do in terms of the back 7 this off season.

I would expect Ronde would take less(of course not bargain basement) as this point in his career to play in NY, market his future media career with his twin brother and play with him as well.