Monthly Archives: September 2009
Last Sunday sideline reporter, and completely useless announcer, Tony Siragusa mentioned that he felt the Baby Rhino, Brandon Jacobs, was tip toeing into the hole. Normally I treat whatever “the goose” says with an eye roll and a call to my friend Q to express my frustration with idiot sideline reporter who adds nothing to the telecast…unless this exchange, taken from an old Giants game, is something you find useful.
Buck: How’s it going down there Goose?
Siragusa: It’s hot and I’m eating a dog.
Buck: How bout the players, how are they holding up?
Siragusa : Not sure, busy with my dog.
Unreal, they pay a fat man, who used to play the game, who knows nothing about the current players to eat hot dogs and sweat on the sideline. Still, his tip-toeing comment did make me eye roll more then usual and even sent me into a fbomb laced tirade that ended with this “if that fat F is still on the air next year I will rip off my skin and douse myself in alcohol….wait would that hurt?” The complete over-reaction got me thinking perhaps he was on to something. Based on the eye test alone Brandon just doesn’t look as though he is punishing players and hitting holes the way he did in 08. Yes he ran for 92 yards and a TD and that’s all good, but if he is not running as powerfully as he once did it begs the question, is he hurt? I let all this go until today when i read this exchange in a Ralph Vacchiano chat:
“I actually do agree with Siragusa and Johnston, to a point. I’m not sure Jacobs is “tiptoeing” to the line of scrimmage, and I think they’re underselling his impact on the offense a little bit. But I do think something’s wrong. He doesn’t look as powerful as he used to be. In fact, just a few minutes ago I asked Tom Coughlin what he thought Jacobs’ problem was. His answer: “Nothing that I want to talk about in here (in the press conference).” My translation of that is that there is SOMETHING going on with Jacobs, though we just don’t know what yet. Whatever it is, he’s not barrelling over opponents the way he used to. He doesn’t seem as aggressive as he once was. And if he’s lost that power and aggression he’s lost the two things that make him the most effective.”
The exchange Coughlin had with Vacchiano is extremely worrying. I’m not saying Brandon is definitely hurt, but know this, the Giants are as secretive, if not more, then most teams in the NFL when it comes to injuries. Kenny Phillips had a “knee problem” until he was shutdown for the year. Aaron Ross had a “minor hamstring” before missing most of training camp and the first three weeks of the regular season. Its a bit conspiracy theory esque but I do wonder if the Baby Rhino is tip toeing for a reason, cause we all know Baby Rhino’s don’t tip toe, they bowl you over till you’re buried in the meadowlands turf, just ask Leron Landry, he’s still there.
Philadelphia Eagles: QB Kevin Kolb has performed in Donovan McNabb‘s absence…no question about it. The 3rd year pro was honored with NFC offensive player of the week for his performance in Sunday’s game against the Chiefs.
Kolb is the first player ever to throw for over 300 yards in his first two starts.
Garry Cobb, of GCOBB.com writes that the rest of the season for the Eagles is going to be very interesting because of the decisions they have to make at the QB position.
I’m not so sure about the rest of the season as much as the future. The way I see it, McNabb will be back after the bye week and Kolb will go back onto the bench. However, Kolb did show something in these two games. Granted it was against two poor defenses, but none the less, for a player in his first two starts to throw for over 300 yards in both games is pretty impressive.
Its possible…that Kolb can be there guy when Donny leaves……POSSIBLY. Before, these two games, I would have said NO F*n WAY.
Dallas Cowboys: Various reports from around the NFL are saying that 2nd string RB Felix Jones will be out at least a week and most likely more with a knee injury. Adam Schefter of ESPN has been quoted saying that RB Marion Barber is “likely” to miss the upcoming game against Denver.
So who does that leave? RB Tashard Choice. In somewhat limited time, Choice carried the ball 18 times for 82 yards and a TD while catching 4 balls for 36 yards as well.
Choice is not a 3rd string RB in this league. In fact, I think he’d be the number one on the team Dallas is going up against this weekend in Denver. Barber’s great, Felix Jones in my opinion is (or could be) Adrian Peterson good, but Choice can still get the job done.
At least right now, it looks like the depth at RB the Cowboys have is really helping them in a tough situation.
Washington Redskins: Peter King of SI.com was a guest of Chris Rizzo (Mad 
Dog) Sirius XM show “Unleashed” this morning and had some very interesting things to say about Mike Holmgren and the incumbent Redskins job.
Mike Holmgren last year, Thanksgiving weekend, I’m sitting in his office in Seattle and he says, ‘You know, I’m going to take this next year off but after that I’ll give you a cool little theory for what I might do.’ I said, ‘What?’ And he says, ‘I’ve coached in the Midwest with Green Bay and I grew up playing and coaching out west — Brigham Young, the 49ers, Seattle.’ And he said, ‘I’d really love to try the East Coast. That brand of football where you wake up on Sunday morning and it’s the most important thing. There aren’t 800 things to do. Where you’re in East Rutherford or Philly or Washington and it’s so important.’
A little excerpt from what King said to Rizzo this morning.
Manningham, Boss, Pierce, Webster, Feagles Just a Few Coming Out For Coughlin’s Jay Fund Gala Oct. 2nd
A host of New York Giants players, including early season standout wide receiver Mario Manningham, tight end Kevin Boss, linebacker Antonio Pierce, cornerback Corey Webster and punter Jeff Feagles will be on hand to support head coach Tom Coughlin’s “Champions for Children” Gala set for this Friday, October 2, in Manhattan. 
The latest additions to the guest list also include wide receivers Dominik Hixon and Sinorice Moss; fullback Madison Hedgecock; quarterback David Carr; placekicker Lawrence Tynes; linebackers Chase Blackburn, Zak DeOssie and Gerris Wilkinson; and offensive linemen David Diehl, Rich Seubert, Chris Snee and Shaun O’Hara.
They will join a distinctive roster of current and former New York Football Giants players at the event including Giants’ quarterback and Super Bowl XLII MVP Eli Manning plus Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs for the fifth annual fundraising event at Cipriani’s. The event features a red carpet reception, silent auction, dinner and entertainment. WNBC Sports anchor Bruce Beck will serve as master of ceremonies.
The players will walk the red carpet, host tables and interact with fans as Coughlin’s Jay Fund Foundation raises money to provide financial assistance to families of children with cancer. The event will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
For information about corporate tables, individual tickets and sponsorships contact Keli Coughlin at 904-543-2599, keli@tcjayfund.org or visit www.tcjayfund.org/fundraisers. Information is also available by calling New York City event headquarters at 212-627-1000.
The “Champions for Children” Gala will honor Anthony Sichenzio, Managing Director of Newedge Group, and Gary R. Chartrand, Executive Chairman of Acosta Sales and Marketing, this year for their strong sense of civic commitment and their philanthropic efforts on behalf of children. Sichenzio has devoted himself to several charities that benefit children and families affected by September 11th and Chartrand and his company have raised more than $50 million on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Following the “Champions For Children” gala, the Giants will travel Saturday to Kansas City for the Sunday, Oct. 4 game against the Chiefs. The Giants are on top of the NFC East, going undefeated in their first three games against the Washington Redskins (23-17), Dallas Cowboys (33-31) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (24-0).
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About The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund
Founded in 1996, The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation was created in the honor of Jay McGillis, a member of the Boston College Football team who developed leukemia while a member of the team. Tom Coughlin was inspired by the courage, compassion and faith he and his family demonstrated during the course of his illness and it is the mission of The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation to assist children with leukemia and other cancers and their families by providing emotional and financial support to help improve the children’s quality of life and to help reduce the family stress associated with going through this crisis, allowing them to focus on what matters most – the health of the child. Further information is available at www.tcjayfund.org.
Today’s pre practice report now has another name to add to its lengthy list, the newcomer? Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle/foot), but don’t fret
, Coughlin expects him to be ready for sunday. Apparently this is an old injury Bradshaw re-aggravated on Sunday. He is getting treatment today, will not practice and is wearing a boot for the time being (not so assuring) but Coughlin said he should be able to play with it Sunday (more re-assuring). And now your ten other injured Giants.
Chris Canty (calf) Kevin Dockery (hamstring), Domenik Hixon (knee), Adam Koets (ankle), Kareem McKenzie (knee), Hakeem Nicks (foot), Aaron Ross (hamstring), Clint Sintim (groin), Justin Tuck (shoulder), Danny Ware (elbow)
Good news is Chase Blackburn, who thought he had broken his ankle Sunday is not on the list and neither is Rich Seubert, the newcomers are the aforementioned Bradshaw and McKenzie. If McKenzie can go the Giants O line can keep there streak of 36 straight regular season games started. An amazing record, Tom Rock points out that in that time only two other Giants have started every game….any guesses?
The Giants finished third in ESPN’s power rankings. A respectable finish behind Baltimore and the Colts, but one wonders why the Gmen aren’t 1 or 2 considering they finished with a better record then the Ravens in 08 and tied with the Colts. All three teams are currently 3-0.
Matt Mosley takes a look at who is weighing in on the decision. According to Mosely ESPN.com’s Mike Sando, Paul Kuharsky, Jeff Chadiha and John Clayton are the voters who decide on the “Power Rankings.” According to Mosley, Chadiha had the Giants at 1, Kuharsky had them at 2 but Clayton had them at 6, behind the Ravens, Colts, Jets, Vikings and Ravens.
I love Claytons’s analysis but this seems to be a classic “ESPN, what is hot now” ranking. It is clear the Saints and Vikings are much improved but both teams have yet to prove they can be successful through a full season. In fact the Vikings needed a wing and a prayer to pull out there third victory while Big blue absolutely trounced the Bucs. Yep the Bucs are awful, but you play the schedule given to you. Fortunately these rankings mean nothing, but I expect more from ESPN’s lead analyst. In other words while the Broncos sit at 3-0 (and could be considered a hot pic) I guarantee they will not make the playoffs…write that down.
Cowboys tackle Flozell Adams was fined for his tripping penalty which lead to Just Tucks’s partially torn labrum, but it’s clear he did not learn from his mistake, or just doesn’t care. Here is some footage of Adams from last nights game against the Panthers trying the same dirty trick.
For the record Adams has been the most penalized player in the NFL in the last 2 years. It’s clear Adams has lost a step and has been forced to use different methods, including dirty ones, for getting a leg up on opponents. This happens often to older lineman, and the good ones usually get away with suspect play, but this seems to be getting a little too usual. Adams tried the same trip move on Osi the same game he took down Tuck with the trip. We will see if the NFL looks further into the matter.
The following New York Giants will be wearing pink cleats on Sunday in honor of Breast Cancer awareness month: Eli Manning, Kevin Boss, Michael Boley,
Mathias Kiwanuka, Domenik Hixon, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora.
Players around the league will wear the pink cleats just as Major League Baseball has certain players use the pink bats, and what a great idea it is. I have members of my family who have dealt or are dealing with this disease so I’m sure the cleats will have me thinking of the fam come Sunday. This is a wonderful decision on the NFL’S part and I am happy to finally see it. Throughout the month the NFL will support the cause by having pink wrist bands, pink goal post paddings, pink gloves, pink sideline hats, pink decals on helmets and a whole lot more pink. The majority of the items will be signed and auctioned off for the cause. Way to go NFL, and thank you to the players representing the GMEN sunday. It takes a real man to wear pink, and a sympathetic one.
- Bit bizarre that Hixon is representing the gmen as he may not even dress, perhaps this will be changed.
Is there really anything more to say about the Giants’ bludgeoning of the Bucs?
Probably not, but I’ll give it a try anyway.
- Offensive game ball goes to Ahmad Bradshaw, who ran for 104 yards on 14 carries for a ridiculous 7.4 yards per carry. Bradshaw has proven that he is a valuable part of this offense, and he needs to get double digit carries every game.
- Defensive game ball goes to Terrell Thomas, who had three tackles and an interception; the game’s only turnover. It’s tough to choose just one player to give the defensive game ball after a shutout, but no one player really stood out; it was a team effort.
- Although they dominated the Bucs’ offense, it was surprising to see that the defense recorded no sacks of the slow-footed Byron Leftwich. The Giants disappointingly have only 3.0 sacks so far this season.
- Madison Hedgecock should never be featured in the passing game. He may be the best blocking fullback in the NFL, but if he dressed up as a receiver for Halloween, no one would buy it. Does he even have fingers? I’m not sure.
- Sinorice Moss is BACK! Maybe my pre-season prediction that he wouldn’t win MVP was a bit premature. With Domenik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks out, Moss had to do something to show that he belongs on an NFL roster, so he’s safe for now. For now…
- When Hixon comes back, he needs to be the full time kick returner. For the second time in two weeks, Moss slipped and fell while returning a punt. Bradshaw replaced the ineffective Moss on punt returns, but he’s too valuable on offense to risk using as a returner.
- Lawrence Tynes needs to stop missing chip-shots.
- Three out of five ain’t bad. The Giants scored their first three red-zone touchdowns of the year. It turned out that the way to fix the red-zone offense was to play against a team with a really bad defense.
- Garbage time report: New Giant Gartrell Johnson looked pretty good, running for 23 yards on 6 carries. He also had another nice run called back due to a penalty. He may not ever see much playing time in close games, but he looks like another good find by Jerry Reese. And it’s not like he came out of nowhere. He was drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round, only a few picks after the Giants took Andre Brown.
Bonehead of the Week: Flozell Adams 
Deja Vu?
No, Adams is just that big a low-life that he has become the first ever back-to-back Bonehead of the Week!
As John Fennelly pointed out earlier today, Flozell Adams again tried to trip a defender (#76 at the top of the screen).
This time, the quarterback was in no danger, as he handed the ball off to his running back, and the defender was already out of the play.
I don’t know what I can say about Adams that I haven’t already said. But it is past the point of ridiculousness. The NFL needs to do more than give him another slap-on-the-wrist fine.
Roger Goodell needs to send Adams a message with a minimum of a one-game suspension.
Flozell Up To Same Old Tricks
Big Blue Interactive is running a clip from last night’s Dallas-Carolina game….the clip clearly shows Cowboys’ OT Flozell Adams attempting to trip Panthers DE Julius Peppers…….SEE HERE
Some guys just don’t learn…..
Chiefs Trade QB Thigpen To Miami
Apparently the Dolphins are not ready to hand the ball to Chad Henne or Pat White. They traded an undisclosed draft pick to Kansas City for backup QB Tyler Thigpen.
Thigpen was four-deep on the KC bench, even though he was the only QB on their roster to have success in a Chiefs’ uniform. The Giants will be up against Matt Cassel, who only attempted 18 passes last Sunday vs Philadelphia despite being down 17 or more points for the entire the second half.
Some Injured Players Possibly Coming Back
DT Chris Canty, WR Domenik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks and CBs Aaron Ross and Kevin Dockery all aim to get back on the field this week for the Giants. OT Kareem McKenzie (knee) and LB Chase Blackburn (ankle) are still uncertain.
Coughlin Pleased With New Faces
Tom Coughlin handed out compliments several new Giants for their contributions in Sunday’s 24-0 victory in Tampa.
Safety C.C.Brown, RB Gartrell Johnson and OT Will Beatty all received props from the head coach.
As reported last week, the Eagles had brought in the ageless Jeremiah Trotter in to practice and “tryout” with the team.
Well, it seems he has passed the test. The 4-time pro bowler has been signed by the Eagles on a 1 year deal for the league minimum.
With the birds on their bye week, Trotter will have ample time to get up to speed with an already quite familiar playbook and be ready to go come week 5.
For more on this story, click here..
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