From SNY’s Wheelhouse….
The gang previews the Giants – Patriots positional matchup for Superbowl XLVI.
The crew evaluates the Giants’ defense and debates whether or not the outcome of the Super Bowl rests in its hands.
Tagged New York Giants News, sny, Super Bowl XLVI |
Big Blue Swept AFC East in 2011
With a growing trend of an increase in the number of lower seeds reaching, and even winning Super Bowls, the best seeds in each of the NFL’s two conferences have obviously not always translated regular season success into postseason accomplishment in recent years.
But, at least one thing has held true for the most part – to represent your conference in the Super Bowl, you usually have to at least play winning football within than conference.
Leave it to the surprising New York Giants to circumvent that notion.
Tagged AFC East, New England Patriots, New York Giants, New York Jets |
Eli Manning told his teammates to get their collective houses in order asap the other day, stressing to “just get it done.” He was referring to the business of making arrangements to get their families to Indianapolis next week for the Super Bowl. Sounds simple in theory, but in practice, it’s not always a cut-and-paste exercise….
From Ben Shpigel of the NY Times:
“They divvied up their allotment of tickets. They figured out hotel accommodations. They discussed flights and transportation and dinner reservations and all of the logistics that demanded attention before the players could resume focusing on, you know, the biggest game of their lives.
“Overwhelming,” said Jim Cordle, the backup center.
“Stressful,” said Henry Hynoski, a rookie fullback.
“A mess,” said Mitch Petrus, a guard.
Center David Baas said he spent a full day and a half making arrangements before finalizing details by Thursday, as the Giants required: which family members could come? Where would they stay? How would they get there?”
Such problems. Thirty other teams would kill to be in their position….Read More
Tagged New York Giants News, Super Bowl XLVI |
Giants
Where to begin with Eli Manning? The guy has been this team’s MVP, hands down, and his development from just one season ago is incredible. He set the NFL record with 15 fourth quarter touchdowns, and has carried his offense with his clutch play. What has become Manning’s calling card is his ability to extend plays by sliding around in the pocket, avoiding sacks and finding an open receiver. Whereas in past seasons, fans would cringe when Eli flicked a dump off pass to a running back while in the clutches of an opposing lineman. Now it’s just one of many ways that Eli has raised his game. He may never truly be in a class with Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady, but there’s no shame in that. He’s the best quarterback this franchise has ever seen, and that’s pretty damn special.
Tagged Eli Manning, quarter backs, super bowl 46, Tom Brady |
QB Eli Manning was still considered a green novice when his Giants were up against the accomplished one – Tom Brady – and the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
This time around, he is much more an equal to Brady and his team is every bit – if not more – talented than Bill Belichick’s bunch. Manning was asked how different he is now as compared to four years ago.
“Anytime you have four more years of experience you should be a better quarterback and a better player – a better understanding of your offense, better control of what’s going on. I think I’ve made improvements in those four years,” Eli said. “I’ve worked hard to try to become a better quarterback and make better decisions and be a better leader. Those are some of the things I’ve worked on.”
Tagged New York Giants Blogs, Super Bowl XLVI |
The Giants and Patriots both worked out for real yesterday. The Giants decided to rest seven players to the Patriots’ one (see below injury update).
Tom Coughlin did not seem overly concerned about any of the injuries, saying the club was just being “smart” and taking precautions.
One of the names on the list was a surprise – KR Will Blackmon (knee) – who Coughlin confirmed was replaced by Aaron Ross late in last Sunday’s game due to the injury.
Coughlin also said the team would keep to it’s normal routine as much as possible and follow an itinerary very close to the one followed in ’07.
“Basically, the format will be the same in terms of how we operate here and what the days off are, when we travel, and what we will do when we start up again,” the coach said.
QB Eli Manning is unflappable in front of the media as he is in the pocket. He is going about his business and isn’t gloating that he has proven his detractors wrong – very wrong. He was asked if he was tired of hearing about his “legacy”, to which he said, “yes.”
“I don’t think that’s anything that I worry about,” Manning said. “My job is to try to play at a high level, try to play football for the Giants. I think the important thing when you play in big games, like a Super Bowl, is don’t let the fact that it is a big game make you think about other things. You have to keep it simple in a sense of this is a great opportunity for this team, for this organization to win a championship. That’s the important thing. That’s what you play for.”
LB Mathias Kiwanuka missed Super Bowl XLII with a broken leg. Not this time. The BC product grew up in Indianapolis and was asked what playing this game in his hometown means to him…
“This is everything that dreams are made of,” Kiwi said. “It is an opportunity not just to play in the biggest game, on the biggest stage. This is America’s game and this is the biggest game of the year. I get to do it at home, in front of my family and maybe people who would not have been able to travel and see me. Just being back out there after being injured and stuff, it is all fun. “
WR Victor Cruz is also living a dream. A dream not even Hollywood could get away with. He was asked if even he could have sold himself this story…
“Not initially,” said the Paterson-born Cruz. “Every step of the way I just tried to play my hardest and whatever opportunity came my way, I just tried to take advantage of it. I understood that opportunites were going to come few and far between and when that small window opens for me I have to jump right through it and make sure I seize that moment and that opportunity. Thank God I have.”
Notes
The Giants will practice today and tomorrow and leave for Indianapolis Monday morning. The Patriots are scheduled to head out to Indy on Sunday afternoon.
More from Geico SportsNite:
Tagged New York Giants News, NFL, sny, Super Bowl XLVI |
We are all still in our respective hovels at this point. It won’t be long until the eyes of world descend on Indianapolis for a state-of the-art convergence of culture, cuisine and yes – football. Here is your daily dose of news and notes…
Nicks, six others miss opening practice session
Gronkowski is the key for both teams
How John Mara brought his father’s team into the new era
Giants’ newest superstar JPP’s humble beginnings
Hometown hero: Kiki set to play biggest game of his life in Indy
Pats should turn to Haslett on how to “Skin” Giants
Gov Cuomo goes “All In” on Giants
Tagged New England Patriots, New York Giants News, Super Bowl XLVI |
Former Giants center Shaun O’Hara joins the Loud Mouths to preview Super Bowl XLVI and discuss Greg Schiano’s departure from Rutgers, his alma mater.
Tagged New York Giants, sny, Super Bowl XLVI |
Here it comes, folks. Let the endless onslaught of redundant questions and answers begin!
Today was the first day of practice for both the Giants and the Patriots. Each team will be trailed not only by their regular local media pools (which includes us) but the national and international media as well. We will try to cut through the grizzle to get to the meat of the news for you.
Here are some highlights from head coach Tom Coughlin’s Thursday media session:
On how practice went today:
“We have been off for a few days, I wouldn’t say the practice was sharp but I believe it was okay. There are a number of guys that were not able to participate today and I think you know who they are but hopefully we will get some of them tomorrow and then as we move along, we will get them all back in preparation to play an exceptional New England Patriot football team who has a 10-game winning streak since the time that we visited there.”
On why seven players sat out of practice….
“We are trying to be smart and not aggravate something that is there that will be able to be managed in a short amount of time and make sure that there is not anything else that happens.”
Tagged New York Giants, New York Giants News, Super Bowl XLVI, Tom Coughlin |
The Giants conducted their first practice in preparation for next Sunday’s Super Bowl showdown with New England.
It was no surprise that RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) sat out as well as WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder). The guess is both will be taking it easier than normal with no game this week.
S Tyler Sash (concussion) was cleared to practice and DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee) was limited as usual.
Also not practicing in full today were CB Corey Webster (hamstring), LB Chase Blackburn (neck), DB Will Blackmon (knee), C David Baas (abdomen) and LB Jacquian Williams (foot).
From the ownership group, two injuries to report: Mrs. Ann Mara fell the other day and broke her shoulder. Treasurer Jon Tisch was hobbling around TIMEX today on crutches in a cast.
Up in Foxbourough, the Patriots’ practice report was exactly the same as it was yesterday. TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle) was the only player who did not participate in practice. No word on when he’ll attempt to get back on the field.
“We’ll just have to see, you know,” Bill Belichick said. “He’s not going to practice today, so take it day by day. I’m not going to try to forecast where things will be 10 days from now. We’ll just take it day by day.”
Tagged Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants News | ← Older posts
