Friday News and Notes
In training camp, no one thought the season would hinge on one game this early on. The threat level is bordering orange into red. The season could be in danger.
This week’s game against San Diego, and almost every game from here on out, will be “must-win” affairs.
Coach Tom Coughlin has his group on high alert and even Eli Manning has a sense of urgency about him.
“You don’t always like to put too much pressure on one game, but I think in this scenario that’s kind of what you have to do,” Manning told The Daily News. “We need to get a win going into the bye week and get back to playing our style of football.”
The Giants went from first to third in the NFC East in one fell swoop last Sunday, and with a challenging schedule ahead, they will need all hands on deck to secure a playoff spot.
Canty, Boley Readying Their Returns
Yes, you heard correctly. DT Chris Canty practiced in full yesterday and is likely to rejoin the lineup this Sunday vs San Diego. LB Michael Boley worked about half the snaps and could possibly dress Sunday as well.
The Giants need Canty in the worst way to augment their sagging DL rotation. Boley is a top-notch LB against the pass. Needless to say the Giants have missed them both.
As for Aaron Ross, the team is still not sure when he will be able to play, but the Denver game on Thanksgiving looks like the soonest that he’ll be back.
Help at Safety – Anyone?
We have heard nothing about a possible move at safety, which is unnerving. The word is out that that C.C. Brown and Aaron Rouse are pitiful in pass coverage, so why haven’t the Giants explored other options?
With a half-season remaining, GM Jerry Reese will be at fault if the team does not find an answer soon. You can blame the coaches, but it’s apparent the talent is not there, so there is only so much that they can do with these guys.
Someone mentioned bringing back James Butler. Bad idea. First off, Butler was signed to a 3-year, $14 million contract by the Rams before the season. A trade for him would be idiotic. Second, he has missed four games with a sprained MCL. Third, he was never a very good cover safety to begin with.
I’d like to hear some real suggestions. Better off, we need to see a solution. The pass rush was supposed to offset the poor safety play, but that hasn’t happened. Anyway, the Giants can’t hide these guys any longer.
Something’s gotta give.
