Tag Archives: Linval Joseph
OK…well as long as no one was injured in the last ten minutes, I think I’m ready to unveil my final roster projection for 2011. We still have two preseason contests to go, but right around now is when the decisions start to become clear. So let’s jump right in with QB.
QB Keeping 2: In 2011, NFL teams now have the luxury of dressing 46 players on game day. This essentially means that the 3rd string QB is no longer an “emergency option.” The Giants have chosen to forgo the 3rd QB all together since 2008, and I’m not so sure that changes this season. Obviously Eli is the number 1, but he heads up a current corps of 4 talented signal callers.
David Carr (first pick ever of the Houston Texans in 2002) is my favorite to win the job, and not just because he is less expensive than the other veteran alternative. Yes he is about 2 million cheaper than Sage Rosenfels, but he is also equally talented and more versatile. Quite frankly, I expected him to win the starting job in San Francisco last year and I still think he will be a starter again in this league before he retires. Rosenfels may also be trade bait for another CB (more later).
I don’t see Ryan Perrilloux, the raw first year player out of LSU/Jacksonville State making the team despite the new accommodation on gamedays for QBs. The roster is too tight in other areas to find room for a project at a position with an established starter.
Tagged Andre Brown, DJ Ware, Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, jimmy kennedy, Linval Joseph, mark herzlich, Matt Dodge, Terrell Thomas, Tyler Sash, Victor Cruz |
QB: A-
Let’s state the obvious. Eli Manning is the starter. Continuing with the obvious theme, Manning needs to improve.
I don’t want to hear one more excuse about the players around him, injuries, or any other outside factor. He is supposedly the chosen one, the franchise symbol. Yes, many of his interceptions last season bounced off receiver’s hands. Yes the run game bottomed out at times in 2009. Yes, two seasons ago he surpassed 4,000 yards in the air. It doesn’t matter. He’s being paid to be a leader. If a receiver can’t catch, teach him how. If a member of your offense is obnoxious and overbearing in the huddle/locker room, handle it.
David Carr is my favorite to win out the back up job. He is capable, a favorite among the coaching staff, and frankly cheaper than Sage Rosenfels.
I expect the Giants to keep 3 QBs this season and that job will go to Ryan Perrilloux . The team feels that they may have found a solid investment in the young QB out of LSU and would like to develop him further.
Tagged Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown, Devin Thomas, Domenik Hixon, Linval Joseph, Mario Manningham, marvin austin, Steve Weatherford, Tyler Sash, Victor Cruz |
When you write a column or a blog these days, it really doesn’t matter how much you know (or think you know) about the subject matter at hand.
The masses will come out and challenge you on your virtual pulpit and force you to defend your stance. Then, there’s the alternative: you can give in.
Tagged Chad Jones, DeSean Jackson, Dez Bryant, Eli Manning, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jerry Reese, Linval Joseph, New York Giants Blogs, Phillip Dillard |
The official Giants inactives have been announced and there are two variations from our GFB projections.
Duke Calhoun will join Cruz in sweatpants on the sidelines. Interesting to see who guns for New York on punts.
Surprisingly Linval Joseph is also sitting this one out. This leaves the Giants with only 3 DTs.
This means at least one of two things: Justin Tuck is going to rotate in fairly often to get Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi on the field. Perry Fewell was serious when he said that the Giants won’t be rotating D-linemen as often as they did in the past.
Tagged Duke Calhoun, Linval Joseph |
A 7 point loss?…we’ll take it. This was no ordinary game for the Giants. No the game didn’t count. However, meaningless or not, the Giants found themselves with their back to the wall in the early month of August.
A 24-17 defeat is not exactly disappointing when you consider the circumstances. New York played the entire game with a third string QB. How many times have you witnessed a third string QB even play a series at the pro level, let alone an entire game?
That said, here’s what we learned:
-Rhett Bomar had an oppurtunity to solidify a roster spot and perhaps the nod for immediate backup to Manning. He struggled tonight and despite some good plays, including an impressive deep toss to Steve Smith in tight coverage, Bomar did not play up to par. He seemed to struggle more agasint Pittsburgh’s reserve players and was unable to keep a critical pass to Tim Brown in bounds on the final drive. In a regular season game, his play would be unnaceptable.
I still expect a veteran QB to be brought in after final cuts. The Giants waited on two major free agent signings this year (Keith Bulluck and ShawnAndrews). Just because they didn’t look to make a deal this week, don’t overlook the possiblity of a veteran presence being added.
Even if Jim Sorgi is healthy by Week 1, the fact remains that he is a veteran with very limited “hands on” experience. Bomar is a young player with very little experience period.
If Kerry Collins is cut by the Titans, the Giants will likely be interested.
-Victur Cruz was unable to match his explosive first game. His single catch for 10 yards coupled with his botched punt returns likely didn’t wow the coaching staff. He’s a work in progress but he is probably still in good shape roster wise.
Sinorice Moss was barely used tonight (if at all). Regadless of Moss, Cruz has shown the same amount if not more potential that Moss has in a fifth of the time. The Giants want to see what the young man can do. There is no sense in cutting him, only to see him wind up with another team as a main offensive weapon (see Ryan Grant, Packers 2007).
There are two other threats to Cruz’s claim for the final WR spot. Rutgers alum Tim Brown had a nice catch towards the end of the game. Unfortunately, that catch came on the same throw mentioned earlier by Bomar. The ball sailed too close to the sidelines for anyone to haul in with both feet in. Brown is likely headed to the practice squad. His main selling point this training camp was his return game prowess. He hasn’t been used thus far in a game situation as a return man though. The Giants like him and if he clears waivers they’ll have an oppurtunity to keep him.
Travis Beckum is also an indirect challenge to Cruz’s spot. Beckum is techinically a TE. However, he has promise as a slot receiver. He also showe some nice blocking ability tonight. despite being undersized. If the Giants choose to bring in 3 true TE’s and Beckum, Cruz might run into problems. This isn’t likely though. Scott Chandler isn’t making noise.
-DJ Ware was carted off the field waving and smiling to the fans. In all seriousness, that may have been because he was completely out of it. The Giants confirmed that Ware did in fact suffer anotehr concussion tonight. Ware makes Sinorice Moss looks like a pictures of health. He simply can’t stay off the injury report. For this reason, and the fact that he has now suffered multiple concussions, the Giants may have to part ways with him (or at least place him on IR). Aaron Ross’s big return tonight could help him solidify a return job, which would lessen the need for Ware on the roster. That said, Ross may see time as a starter this year and at the very least he’d be the nickel corner. Andre Brown will have to nail down the other return job for the Giants to feel comfortable.
-The defensive line made a statement on the opening drives. Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora had a good night and made plays in the backfield. Chris Canty got decent pressure, as did Rocky Bernard. Bernard helped the Giants escape the first half with a goal line stand when he laid on top of the Steeler ball carrier an extra few seconds to keep the click winding down to 0:00.
Interestingly enough, Jay Alford entered the game after Linval Joseph. It would appear that the Orange, NJ native is now 5th on the depth chart at DT. Jason Pierre-Paul flashed potential tonight, but left the crowd wanting more. He let a sure sack slip through his grasp.
-Kenny Phillips and Keith Bulluck played 1 series during the first half. Bulluck, making his Giants debut was in on a tackle deep in the redzone. Phillips looked good after nearly a year away. The Giants hope that both him and Antrel Rolle become a staple tandem in the backfield for years to come. Both players have enormous potential and both players are from the legendary U.
Tagged Aaron Ross, Andrew Brown, Antrel Rolle, DJ Ware, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jim Sorgi, Justin Tuck, Keith Bulluck, Kenny Phillips, Linval Joseph, Osi Umenyiora, Rhett Bomar, Rocky Bernard, Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith, Tim Brown, Travis Beckum, Victor Cruz |
Cannot Report to Camp Until Signed
The Giants open camp this Sunday and they have yet to reach contract agreements with their top two draft choices, Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph.
Things may loosen up in the next dew days, however. The player selected directly before Joseph, Zane Beadles, signed a four-year, $4.2 million deal with the Denver Broncos today.
It is suspected that Joseph will be signed by Sunday, but JPP may end up missing time – something many agree he cannot afford to do.
Tagged Jason Pierre-Paul, Linval Joseph, New York Giants |
Giants Have A History Of Finding Gems In Round Two Of Draft
In the new millennium, the Giants have done well with some of their first-round draft picks (Jeremy Shockey, Eli Manning (via a trade) and Hakeem Nicks), but the reality is they’ve gotten more production out of their second-round 
selections.
Many first-rounders have been either washouts or have yet to emerge. William Joseph never made an impact on the DL and is long gone. DE Mathias Kiwanuka is starting this season, but he’s been slow to develop. CB Aaron Ross can’t seem to stay on the field and S Kenny Phillips’ future is uncertain.
This year’s top pick, DE Jason Pierre-Paul has arrived to mixed reviews. Some experts say the sky’s the limit, while others have panned the pick mercilessly.
Conversely, all of the Giants’ second-round picks since 2003 are still here and are thriving. The list is a smattering of Pro Bowl-caliber players: DE Osi Umenyiora, G Chris Snee, CB Corey Webster, WR Sinorice Moss, WR Steve Smith, CB Terrell Thomas, LB Clint Sintim, OT William Beatty and DT Linval Joseph (above).
All of these players are either starters or key contributors. Moss is the exception. He has been injured more often than not and for several years now, he’s been on the bubble during training camp. Somehow, he has always managed to survive. Domenik Hixon’s injury almost assures he’ll be back again this season
Osi, Snee and Smith have been Pro Bowlers. Terrell Thomas may be on his way. Webster, too.
Both Sintim and Beatty are regarded as having high-end potential by many talent experts around the league. After seeing limited duty in their freshmen campaigns, Sintim is now the starting SAM linebacker and Beatty is challenging for a starting spot on the offensive line.
Linval Joseph has conducted himself like a pro since he arrived at Rookie Mini-Camp. The Giants hope he will give them a solid presence in the middle of their defensive line. Thus far, he has given little reason to believe otherwise.
The second round is where GMs make their money and the Ernie Accorsi / Jerry Reese regime has made a killing the past eight years.
I always say the first round of the draft is the pomp and the second round is the circumstance. I like the circumstances the Giants have put themselves in the past few seasons.
Tagged Clint Sintim, Linval Joseph, New York Giants, New York Giants Blogs, New York Giants News, Will Beatty |
Rookies Get Good Taste of What It’s Like to Be a Giant
Yesterday I was privileged with the opportunity to attend Day Two of the Giants’ annual Rookie Mini Camp.
I joined a small group of media people that included the local beat reporters in observing the latest crop of youngsters chosen to don the vaunted Giant blue.
The morning session contained two influential outside forces that made everyone a bit uncomfortable. The temperature, which rose to the mid-80′s by 11am, and a ridiculously loud rock music festival being held in the parking lot.
The team did get some things done, however. The results were mixed, as few players were able to distinguish themselves. Coach Tom Coughlin made his rounds, checking each unit as they worked through drills in his steward-like fashion.
First-round selection Jason Pierre Paul was hindered by back pain that Coughlin classified as back spasms. JPP later told us that it wasn’t spasms but a pinching sensation that he gets at the beginning of football training each year. He said it 
usually goes away after a few days. Coughlin commended JPP on fighting through the pain.
“He suffered a little bit” said Coughlin “but he hung in there.” The coach also told us that his new DE was versatile and “he learns every time he goes out there.”
You can see why the Giants liked JPP enough to take him at #15. He is a good natured kid with a lot of natural talent who they feel they can mold into a quality football player. He has a fairly steep learning curve ahead of him though.
Second-round pick Linval Joseph could easily pass for a veteran. He stoked his lagging teammates on the field as if he had ten years in the league. “I like to keep everybody up tempo, upbeat.”
He was very much at ease with the media as well. He shows confidence in himself and his game and had no problem discussing his recent weight loss. “I really try to stay in shape. I sleep in the weight room.”
When I asked him if he heard that scouts called him “a player made for the NFC East” he replied by saying “it doesn’t matter what division I’m in.” He especially liked the word “smashmouth” when I mentioned it to him and reiterated that he liked to hit people.
Some quick hits…..
Coughlin said second-year QB Rhett Bomar has to show that “he is the second-best quarterback” if he is to make the roster. It would also help if he could hold for kicks.
The place kickers were both game, but Sam Swank seems to be a better candidate to challenge Lawrence Tynes this summer than Austin Signor.
The punters (Jy Bond and Matt Dodge) kicked in the the afternoon session which was held indoors due to the noise. Both showed they can kick, but the job may go to the one who can hold for kicks. That was Jeff Feagles‘ job. Coughlin did not rule out Feagles coming back to tutor the young punters. “He’s available.”
Of the walk-ons and free agents who may have a shot at sticking with the team…….hard to tell since everyone was in “shells”, but Ohio State TE Jake Ballard showed good hands and RB Andre Dixon of UConn looked impressive on offense.
On defense, CB Seth Williams of Richmond, LBs Lee Campbell of Minnesota and Micah Johnson of Kentucky and former marine DE Brandon Crawford could continue to get their shot next month at mini-camp.
Tagged Giants Rookie Mini Camp, Jason Pierre-Paul, Linval Joseph, New York Giants |
Giant Fans Should Be Pleased With Draft Thus Far
If you told me yesterday the Giants were going to walk out of here with both Linval Joseph AND Chad Jones I would have laughed at you. No way they get that lucky.
While everyone is whining about the Giants not selecting a MLB, I was shaking my head at Big Blue’s new found wealth at the positions in front and behind the linebackers.
If Linval Joseph is as good as advertised, they wont need a MLB behind him because no one will get past him anyway. Sort of like a jack-knifed tractor-trailer on the Gowanus. Let’s just say he jams thing ups.
He simplified his approach for us. “I like to stop the run,” Joseph said. “I like to hit the running back. … But on third down, I like to get outside and hit the quarterback.” There you have it….
The Giants have cover safeties in Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant. Don’t forget they still have Michael Johnson, as well. If by some longshot Kenny Phillips can contribute this season, that makes for a very strong group of safeties.
The one thing they were lacking was a fierce hitter to give opposing WRs something to fear while crossing the middle. That is why Jerry Reese chose Chad Jones. He may not be the greatest cover man, but he makes up for it by blowing up receivers. One shot from this kid will have a receiver rethinking his career choice.
My fear is that in this pass-centric league, Jones will get targeted by the NFL and get himself suspended. He’s not a dirty player, he just hits extremely hard. He will daze more than few Eagle, Redskin and 
Cowboy wideouts. They will be in the huddle peeking out to see if Jones is out there waiting for them. After getting embarrassed last year, Reese decided it was time to retool his defense. Mission Accomplished.
Marc Ross, the Giants’ head of college scouting, says Jones is nowhere near being complete. He can do plenty, including return punts. He’s fearless and he’s big with the potential to get even bigger. After Jones goes through the Giants strength and conditioning program, he could come out around 230 lbs. All muscle, too. Yikes.
What about middle linebacker…?
Jerry Reese told you he was happy with the guys he had. He didn’t lie. Last night he passed on some good ones to take Joseph and Jones. That leads us to believe the onl MLB they would have considered to compete with their trio of in-house candidates was Rolando McClain.
They need an NFL-ready, or experienced player in the middle and this draft simply does not have that. There’s always the possibility they can get one in a trade between now and camp, so this thing is not settled yet.
I see them taking one today, but only for depth purposes. Today will be a day of value picks. An offensive lineman here, a corner there. Maybe even a tight end. Pitt’s Dorin Dickerson was I guy wrote about awhile back, he could be a possible. He’s a special teams demon and another one of those athletes that just jumps out at you. Lee Campbell is a linebacker from Minnesota that the team likes as well.
Other notes…..
Seattle continued their good fortune yesterday, landing Notre Dame WR Golden Tate. They didn’t have a 3rd rounder, but have two fourth-rounders today.
Gil Brandt is still going strong. He was one of the legends brought out to announce a selection by their former team. “He’s like Bert Parks” one observer noted, “He’s only relevant one day a year now.”
The Bears finally got to pick last night. They chose Florida safety Major Wright, who will have his hands full as a rookie trying to cover three receivers at once.
The Redskins did not make a trade to move into either round last night, so they remained uncharacteristically idle. I can’t see how this will help them.
Dallas only had a second-rounder last night, using it wisely on Penn State LB Sean Lee. I went on Penn State radio right after the Giants took Joseph explaining away why the Giants passed on Lee. The Penn State fans wanted Lee to go to the Giants. I said “He’s a player the Giants were considering, but Joseph will make a bigger impact.” No pun intended.
The Eagles did their usual jockeying around to get the defensive players they wanted, landing South Florida Safety Nate Allen in Round 2 and Washington DE Daniel Te’o-Nesheim in the third round.
Tagged 2010 NFL Draft, Linval Joseph, New York Giants News |
