OK Jack.....tell us why you really dont like Pierce

[BIGBLUE01]

http://www.giants.com/news/mailbag/story.asp?story_id=37819

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Welcome to "Michael Eisen's Mailbag." Every few days, Giants.com's exclusive Writer/Editor Michael Eisen will pick some of the best questions and comments we receive via email* and answer them right here! If you'd like to submit a question or comment to Michael, click here.

 

I feel that the Giants are being over shadowed by the eagles this offseason. Many people have them as a sure fire pick to win the division and go to the Super Bowl this year. I have Four questions. I think that the Eagles are going to be one of this year’s big disappointments. They lost John Runyan and brought in Jason Peters who gave up a lot of sacks last year, Westbrook is reported to be injured, they lost Brian Dawkins on their defense, and they still lack a true number one wide receiver. Do you agree with this? With all the hype going to the Eagles do you think this could help put a chip on the Giants like the Cowboy hype did in 07? Do you think that the loss of Burress is being overhyped and that it could be more of an addition by subtraction like with what happened with Shockey? I think are current starting wide recievers Hixon and Smith are being severly under rated do you agree?

 

Dear Sean:

 

I’m not going to make specific comments about another organization or team other than to say the Eagles were a very good team last year and I would expect they will be again in 2009. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being overshadowed in June. If you go back and look at predictions prior to the 2007 season, I guarantee you won’t find one that had the Giants winning Super Bowl XLII. Those things are for fans and writers. Players and coaches pay little or no attention to them. So I don’t think the Giants are getting all lathered up because some folks in the media who may or may not know anything about football are picking another team to win the NFC East. If they have a chip on their collective shoulder it’s because of the disappointment they felt in losing their first postseason game. I do think are starting wide receivers are going to be very good and will help offset the loss of players who are no longer here.

 

Hi Mike,

 

Not that I'm too concerned but, we as readers have been hearing a lot about the progression of the WR corps (Barden, Nicks, Moss, and Manningham). How are Hixon and Smith fairing in practices as it seems right now that they are scheduled to be our number one and two receivers? Also have you seen either of the two show unique leadership qualities and lending knowledge to the rookie WR's? Finally what contributions do you see players like Biddle, Rucker, Tyree, Hagan, and Bodiford have this season?

 

Dear Jim:

 

Jeez, you sound pretty concerned to me. Hixon and Smith are on track to be the starting receivers and both played well throughout the spring drills and the minicamp. Both of them are solid, reliable and improving receivers and I think they will have productive seasons. I’m not sure what you mean by unique leadership qualities, but like all the young veterans they have helped the other receivers. As for the other receivers, most of them won’t be here this season. But Derek Hagan will compete for a job, Bodiford had some good moments and Tyree remains a formidable presence.

 

Michael,

 

It seemed to me that Antonio Pierce’s play fell off somewhat last season, especially towards the end after the Plaxico affair. Do you think Antonio’s skills are beginning to deteriorate, was he just worn out at the end of the year or did the Burress incident and his involvement effect his mind set. Do you think Pierce will have a real fight to hold a roster spot this year with the addition of Sintim and Boley. Plus let’s not forget that with the glut of good defensive lineman on the squad the Giants have the luxury of leaving Kiwanuka to man one of the outside LB spots.

 

Dear Steve:

 

Frankly, I disagree with your premise. I think Pierce played well virtually the entire season. Everyone points to two plays – when Pierce was chasing Brian Westbrook – and cite them as evidence that his play declined. But those plays were exceptions, not the norm, and one of them wasn’t his fault. Pierce had 113 tackles last season. That’s 37 more tackles than anyone else on the team had. He was a first alternate to the Pro Bowl. Pierce is solidly entrenched as the middle linebacker. To suggest he would have to fight for a roster spot is way off base. Sintim and Boley are outside linebackers and do not affect Pierce’s status in the least.

 

 

 

Not as fat and slow as you suggest....eh?

[Lubeck]

I'm sorry BB but Eisen is NOT a reputable source. Besides the fact that he is employed by the Giants so would be highly unlikely to speak ill of them, I disagree with his analysis many times.

[BIGBLUE01]

I'm sorry BB but Eisen is NOT a reputable source. Besides the fact that he is employed by the Giants so would be highly unlikely to speak ill of them, I disagree with his analysis many times.

 

I agree, because he is employed by the Giants, that he is bias. But not reputable? You cant get much more reputable than that. And I was referring to the stats. Thats not bias, thats 100% true. He had 37 more tackles than anyone on the team. The only real screw up was chasing Westy. Who doesnt chase Westy?

[ksm7]

I agree, because he is employed by the Giants, that he is bias. But not reputable? You cant get much more reputable than that. And I was referring to the stats. Thats not bias, thats 100% true. He had 37 more tackles than anyone on the team. The only real screw up was chasing Westy. Who doesnt chase Westy?

 

the dog thinks that is a misleading stat, as typically the MLB, especially in the 4-3 scheme, is the team's leading tackler...if you look, 8 out of the first 10 players that lead the league in tackles were MLB, and 17 of the first 30...plus, according to NFL.com, Pierce was credited with 95 tackles and not 137 (not sure who is in the wrong with regards to information, Eisen or NFL.com...). Anyway, the dog isn't a Pierce hater, but stats don't tell the whole story.

[BIGBLUE01]

the dog thinks that is a misleading stat, as typically the MLB, especially in the 4-3 scheme, is the team's leading tackler...if you look, 8 out of the first 10 players that lead the league in tackles were MLB, and 17 of the first 30...plus, according to NFL.com, Pierce was credited with 95 tackles and not 137 (not sure who is in the wrong with regards to information, Eisen or NFL.com...). Anyway, the dog isn't a Pierce hater, but stats don't tell the whole story.

 

I also agree that stats dont tell the WHOLE story. But they do tell that he is not as fat and slow as Jack suggests. And other than the MLB, usually CB's and safeties are high on tackles. So, even though he is in a position that gurantees he will have the chance to be the leading tackler, doesnt mean he automatically will. He has to be good to obtain all those tackles. And I would believe Eisen before NFL.com.

[Martin]

the dog thinks that is a misleading stat, as typically the MLB, especially in the 4-3 scheme, is the team's leading tackler...if you look, 8 out of the first 10 players that lead the league in tackles were MLB, and 17 of the first 30...plus, according to NFL.com, Pierce was credited with 95 tackles and not 137 (not sure who is in the wrong with regards to information, Eisen or NFL.com...). Anyway, the dog isn't a Pierce hater, but stats don't tell the whole story.

 

 

Pierce doesnt have lightning speed but what he lacks with that he makes

up in intelligence (except hanging out with Plax).

 

Pierce is gonna have a good year with Boley next to him and the other

young developing players. I see a very good LB unit this year.

 

Pierce, Boley, Clark, Kehl, Goff, Wilkinson and Sintim

Black burn, DeOssie.

 

 

[BIGBLUE01]

Pierce doesnt have lightning speed but what he lacks with that he makes

up in intelligence (except hanging out with Plax).

 

Pierce is gonna have a good year with Boley next to him and the other

young developing players. I see a very good LB unit this year.

 

Pierce, Boley, Clark, Kehl, Goff, Wilkinson and Sintim

Black burn, DeOssie.

 

Agreed Martin. He is a very knowledgeable football player. His mental toughness is also something to be desired. (see playoff game in 08' vs. GB). I too think the LB corps will be greatly improved. Those other speedy LB's will leave Pierce open to do what he does best.

[UK-Giantsfan]

Replying to ''OK Jack.....tell us why you really dont like Pierce ''

 

Jakk is just a crazy, irrational , but likable fool who absolutely adores Chase Blackburn ...... and hence he has always wanted AP to just disappear

 

 

[BIGBLUE01]

Replying to ''OK Jack.....tell us why you really dont like Pierce ''

 

Jakk is just a crazy, irrational , but likable fool who absolutely adores Chase Blackburn ...... and hence he has always wanted AP to just disappear

 

 

I kinda got that impression. I just wanted to post this to fuck with him more than anything else. But to also bring up some points.

[Martin]

Agreed Martin. He is a very knowledgeable football player. His mental toughness is also something to be desired. (see playoff game in 08' vs. GB). I too think the LB corps will be greatly improved. Those other speedy LB's will leave Pierce open to do what he does best.

 

 

Lets be honest, for a number of years Pierce has not had great talent to work with.

I think this year the LB unit play very well.

[Treehugger]

Eisen is a yes-man for the Giants Front Office but he makes a very good point. Pierce gets a lot of flak for those two memorable mis-plays, against an exceptional runner in his most limited role (coverage). But it only takes one bad, high-profile play for the Hate Wagon to gain a bunch of riders. Ask Shockey or Hixon.

[BIGBLUE01]

Eisen is a yes-man for the Giants Front Office but he makes a very good point. Pierce gets a lot of flak for those two memorable mis-plays, against an exceptional runner in his most limited role (coverage). But it only takes one bad, high-profile play for the Hate Wagon to gain a bunch of riders. Ask Shockey or Hixon.

 

Oh yeah, I totally agree. Bad news travels much faster than good news. It was Westbrook who beat him. That's not a surprise.

[Storm]

I'm sorry BB but Eisen is NOT a reputable source. Besides the fact that he is employed by the Giants so would be highly unlikely to speak ill of them, I disagree with his analysis many times.

 

His analysis sucks every time.

 

And Eisen/Eisen's editor, it's "our" not "are"...not only was it not corrected in the fans post, Eisen himself uses "are"...

[Storm]

I agree, because he is employed by the Giants, that he is bias. But not reputable? You cant get much more reputable than that. And I was referring to the stats. Thats not bias, thats 100% true. He had 37 more tackles than anyone on the team. The only real screw up was chasing Westy. Who doesnt chase Westy?

 

1. The MLB is supposed to have the "most tackles"

2. How many of those were tackles for losses?

3. How many fumbles did he force/recover?

4. Any INTs?

5. Any game changing plays at all?

6. Aside from Eisen's reputable memory, how many other plays was he not only out of position but completely unable to make a play on as he was chasing the back of some tight end or running back...

[ksm7]

I also agree that stats dont tell the WHOLE story. But they do tell that he is not as fat and slow as Jack suggests. And other than the MLB, usually CB's and safeties are high on tackles. So, even though he is in a position that gurantees he will have the chance to be the leading tackler, doesnt mean he automatically will. He has to be good to obtain all those tackles. And I would believe Eisen before NFL.com.

 

actually, a number of sites list him at 95 tackels for whatever that's worth...again, the dog has no real issue with pierce on the field, relative to a lot of nfl linebackers, he is a solid average player there...and of course he isn't guarenteed to be the leader, but his odds grow exponentially when playing that position.

[JackStroud]

I think I've chimed in on this ad infinitum

 

He stinks..... & Michael Eisen is a boob

[NightFire]

Replying to ''OK Jack.....tell us why you really dont like Pierce ''

 

Jakk is just a crazy, irrational , but likable fool who absolutely adores Chase Blackburn ...... and hence he has always wanted AP to just disappear

 

Jakk always wants the backup to play. He's always rooting for the underdog.

[JackStroud]

Jakk always wants the backup to play. He's always rooting for the underdog.

 

thats abolutely not true

 

my motivation is to build an NFL steamroller......certain Giants parts are not up to par

 

certain positions need improvement. and anyone who knows sports knows the lou gehrig story, he came in as a sub for an injured player and never looked back

 

on our team look at corey webster......discarded and ready to be cut an injury allowed him to show he is a near pro bowl caliber player.....just needed some seasoning

 

it happens all the time

 

I called for Collins and Fassel to depart and look what happened

[BurnThePhilFans]

the dog thinks that is a misleading stat, as typically the MLB, especially in the 4-3 scheme, is the team's leading tackler...if you look, 8 out of the first 10 players that lead the league in tackles were MLB, and 17 of the first 30...plus, according to NFL.com, Pierce was credited with 95 tackles and not 137 (not sure who is in the wrong with regards to information, Eisen or NFL.com...). Anyway, the dog isn't a Pierce hater, but stats don't tell the whole story.

 

Can i quote you on that the next time you bash Eli? Cause it should be clear to everyone right now that he's legit.... 4 straight playoff appearances in 4 full seasons as a starter, what is it 17 game winning/game tying drives and a superbowl MVP on the resume

 

[BIGBLUE01]

I think I've chimed in on this ad infinitum

 

Pierce doesn't stink..... & I'm a boob

 

Fixed

[ksm7]

Can i quote you on that the next time you bash Eli? Cause it should be clear to everyone right now that he's legit.... 4 straight playoff appearances in 4 full seasons as a starter, what is it 17 game winning/game tying drives and a superbowl MVP on the resume

 

wow, the dog believes this must indeed be a riveting topic as it has brought out the finest of people...how nice to see the first year law student back in action...

[Nas]

I happened to believe Peirce lost more than a step. Nothing against the guy he's been a star for us.. but the Giants, I think, ultimately either have someone on the roster who will replace him or will make a huge splash next offseason in FA.

[BurnThePhilFans]

wow, the dog believes this must indeed be a riveting topic as it has brought out the finest of people...how nice to see the first year law student back in action...

 

atleast your memory is not failing you yet... kudos on the side step there

[ksm7]

atleast your memory is not failing you yet... kudos on the side step there

 

no side step here cochran...the dog looks beyond the numbers and believes that manning is inconsistent. solid, yes. consistent, no. and he would not be the first average player to be a super bowl mvp, and he won't be the last. he deserves credit for elevating his game over that time period, but make no mistake (and the dog really doesn't want to side track this into the same tired debate), it was the giants defense that carried that team during that run...

[Storm]

I happened to believe Peirce lost more than a step. Nothing against the guy he's been a star for us.. but the Giants, I think, ultimately either have someone on the roster who will replace him or will make a huge splash next offseason in FA.

 

I think we'd call anyone who doesn't realize this a homer.