Tag Archives: Shaun O’Hara

According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk……..

Center Shaun O’Hara has pulled out of the Pro Bowl since he will undergo surgery. O’Hara had ankle and foot injuries and played in just six games this season. Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil will take his roster spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team..

It is absolutely the right move here for O’Hara……knowing the kind of guy he is, there’s no way he feels he’s worthy of the spot after only playing in six games this year.  Plus, he’s not physically up to it and needs to get his health issues in order before next season.

With O’Hara, Rich Seubert and Adam Koets all coming off surgery, you would have to think the Giants will be looking for help / depth at center in the off-season.

Tagged Adam Koets, Carolina Panthers, National Football Conference, Pro Bowl, Rich Seubert, Ryan Kalil, Shaun O'Hara, sport |

Several Giants Lineman Scheduled to Go Under the Knife This Winter

Let’s get caught up with some injury news and happenings before the season gets too far in the rear view mirror, shall we….

The Giants have several players that will be needing off-season surgery. One of them is DE Osi Umenyiora, whose knee and hip kept him from practicing in full all year.

The injuries did not prevent Osi from having a great season. A league-leading 10 forced fumbles and 11.5 sacks was worthy of Pro Bowl consideration, but the nod went to linemate Justin Tuck instead.

Although the team officially listed Osi’ s injury to be a knee every week, it is his hip that will be operated on in the near future. He opted to play through the pain this year rather than have the operation last summer and miss the season.

(more…)

Tagged Adam Koets, David Diehl, Justin Tuck, Mitch Petrus, New York Giants Blogs, Osi Umenyiora, Rich Seubert, Shaun O'Hara, Shawn Andrews |

Yesterday the Giants fielded only 2 offensive linemen in their normal slots. While Kareem McKenzie and Chris Snee stayed put on the right, the left saw Rich Seubert at C, David Diehl at LG, and Shawn Andrews debuting at LT.

The results speak for itself as New York stomped Seattle in a 41-7 rout. However, as mentioned earlier this evening, the victory had casualties. Both Diehl and Adam Koets (who spelled Seubert multiple times at C), suffered injuries. While the severity of the injuries are still unknown, the theme will likely be recurring in the near future.

Shaun O’Hara is not getting any younger or healthier. A Pro Bowler, team leader, and local product, O’hara has been a key member of the organization since arriving in 2005. Now, he is out indefinitely with a similar injury to the one that ended Strahan’s 2006 campaign prematurely. It is not likely that the Giants will continue to pay out a Pro Bowler’s salary in 2011 for an ailing player. (more…)

Tagged Adam Koets, Chris Snee, David Diehl, Kareem McKenzie, Mitch Petrus, Rich Seubert, Shaun O'Hara, Shawn Andrews |

All week we have heard speculation about the situation at C for the Giants. When it became apparent that Shaun O’hara would be forced to spectate, the odds on favorite to replace him was Adam Koets.

As most of you know, Koets replaced O’hara earlier this season for multiple games and despite some expected falters, was an adequate solution. Despite this, the Giants have made opted to rearrange the O-line a bit more. Rich Seubert will be shifting over from LG to snap while David Diehl returns to his 2006 guard spot.

Last but not least, the must anticipated installment of Shawn Andrews into the starting lineup will occur today as the former Eagle will get a crack at the LT job.

Tagged Adam Koets, David Diehl, Rich Seubert, Shaun O'Hara, Shawn Andrews |

As expected, Shaun O’hara will definitely return to his starting role today at C.

Also as expected, Tynes’s sprained ankle will keep him out today. Shane Graham will  take over the kicking duties today.

On a related note: Michael Vick will be inactive (Emergency 3rd QB) for Philadelphia today. The Eagles will also be without HB Jerome Harrison who they acquired this week via trade.

Tagged Shaun O'Hara |

The Giants offensive line came together nicely last week, and with the Lions next on the schedule, I wouldn’t want O’Hara to rush back if he’s not near 100%.

Tom Coughlin also added that both Kenny Phillips and Ahmad Bradshaw are sore, but that it’s not a setback.

Keith Bulluck is walking better but there is no update on him.

Tagged Ahmad Bradshaw, giants, Injury Update, Keith Bulluck, Kenny Phillips, Shaun O'Hara |

The 3 -o Bear’s are coming to town Sunday night and the NY Giants need a win to gain some momentum in the division and for them confidence of the team.  However the Giants have hit the training room with a rash of serious injuries that is sure to impact this team moving forward.

Pain in Neck: The biggest blow to the team is loosing Mathias Kiwanuka with a bulging disc in his neck.  After practice earlier this week, Kiwi underwent a CAT scan were he was diagnosed with a bulging cervical disc.   He is out for a undetermined period of time time.  The versatile  Kiwanuka leads the team with 4 sacks and has had major success from the defensive line and linebacker position in this new Fewell system.

Bum Ankle: The anchor of the offensive line, Shaun O’Hara is still shut down as the Giants try desperately to get him healthy.  Adam Koates takes his place; however his on presence is greatly missed on the field and the in locker room.

Turf Toe: If “turf toe” holds out Keith Bulluck from Sunday Nights game the Giants could be in for a long night.   Clint Sintim, who is an up and coming player would take over for the injured Bulluck, however the young Sintim has not yet quiet exploded on the scene as Giants fans had hoped.   Sintim’s job will be primarily be to keep Bears running back, Matt Forte in check; however Detroit and Dallas couldn’t keep him off the scoreboard.

Matt Forte already has over 200 yards and 3 TD’s receiving out of the back field.

Missing in Action:  Can Perry Fewell please create some stunts for Osi Umenyiora?   No one is happy that he is once again non-existent in the Giants weekly defensive stats and showing shades of 2009.   He has a total of 6 tackles?  Maybe he isn’t being used correctly?

Osi currently has a knee injury and listed as questionable.

Back Surgery: Safety Michael Johnson, is now out for the year after receiving successful microdisectomy surgery.

Linebacker U: Chase Blackburn (knee) and Phillip Dillard (hamstring) are probable and will be greatly needed to stop Devin Hester on special teams.  The Giants special teams have been horrible.

Big Play & No Play:  Mario “Big Play” Manningham (concussion) is probable and is always needed for the big play ability he showcases week in and week out.  With a bit more consistency Manningham could be a star.

Darius “no play” Reynaud (illness) practiced fully and is probable. Reynard has been a HUGE disappointment in the return game.   He is averaging 6….yes, 6 yards a punt return.  The Giants sorely miss Domenik Hixon who in 2008 averaged 10.1 yards a punt return and in 2009 averaged a 15.1 yards per return.

Tagged Giant Injury Report, Keith Bulluck, Mario Manningham, Matt Forte, Michael Johnson, Osi Umenyiora, Phillip Dillard, Shaun O'Hara |

With final cuts days away, the Giants find themselves in a precarious position. Injuries have thrown the availability of several key players into question and providing adequate depth to remedy the situation may force the team to cut players that deserve to stay.

To help untangle the mess, I’ll be posting installments that break down the depth at each position group over the next week.  Today we start with perhaps the most important position group, the Offensive Line.

There are currently 10 players on the roster that have a legitimate shot at landing a spot on the line. The importance of this position and the recent injury problems it has encountered suggest that the Giants would like to retain between 8-9 players. Nine may be too high however, due to the roster issues we will be discussing throughout this series.

Guaranteed a roster spot are last year’s starting 5 (David Diehl, Rich Seubert, Shaun O’hara, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie), Will Beatty, and rookie Mitch Petrus.
Adam Koets, Shawn Andrews, and Guy Whimper are each fighting for what will likely be one remaining spot.

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Tagged Adam Koets, Chris Snee, David Diehl, Guy Whimper, Kareem McKenzie, Mitch Petrus, Rich Seubert, Shaun O'Hara, Shawn Andrews, Will Beatty |

There is an old philosophy in football that you win the game in the trenches.  Well, it appears that philosophy is still alive and well these days in Giants’ camp.

The Giants are pinning there 2010 hopes on their offensive and defensive lines, stockpiling quality players who are versatile and can be used in multiple formations.  It was the formula for their 2007 championship season, and with many of  the same players still in place, the team feels a need to get back to those basics.

On offense, the Giants have an excellent passing game, if you haven’t noticed, led by the veteran (dare I say it) Eli Manning.  Steve Smith has developed into one  of the game’s finest receivers.  Their young wideouts are coming along nicely.  Hakeem Nicks could be on the verge of stardom as well as Mario Manningham. Kevin Boss is a quality tight end.

That alone should give you an idea that the Giants are going to pass the football this season.  But this is a Tom Coughlin team. 

They want to possess the ability to run the football with authority.

Every RB is coming off an injury that either slowed or shut them down last year.  Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown were either all sidelined or compromised by injury.

This year, all three are making their way back.  Coughlin wants to make sure they have the support they need up front.

The line, which is coached by the heralded Pat Flaherty and Jack Bicknell, Jr., is looking to re-establish itself as the league’s top unit.  There are some old faces, but their are some new ones as well and lots of interesting tweaks.

It all begins with C Shaun O’Hara, who is coming off elbow surgery.  O’Hara is a Pro-Bowl caliber, unselfish player who has been the only center Eli Manning has known in his pro career.

The guards, Chris Snee and Rich Seubert, are tough as they come.  The tackles, Kareem McKenzie and David Diehl, have been getting it done several years straight, now.

Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese know a good thing doesn’t last forever.

That is why they have been augmenting the line with young, versatile players.  Last year, they used a second round draft choice on UConn tackle Will Beatty and selected Arkansas guard Mitch Petrus in this year’s draft.

Beatty, according to Reese and OC Kevin Gilbride, will be pushing for  a starting spot this year.  Thus far, he has not seen much action with the starting unit this spring, but he did get some playing time in place of McKenzie last year.

Petrus, by the Giants’ admission, is a player in the mold of Seubert.  He is tough kid who has the ability to be devastating run blocker and an excellent pulling guard.

Kevin Boothe, who can play any position on the line, tore a pectoral muscle, may miss the season.  In his place, the Giants are hoping Guy Whimper, a 2006 fourth-round pick can make the transition from tackle to guard.

Whimper has been getting an extended look at guard this spring.  It appears this is his last chance at a spot on the Giants’ roster.

The team still has 2007 draft choice Adam Koets, who can also play anywhere on the line, including center.  Other players who will have a shot at making the club are: Herb Taylor, a free-agent pick up who has had stops in Kansas City and Denver; practice squad players Jake Bender and Rueben Riley and two undrafted free agents – Dennis Landolt of Penn State and Ohio State C Jim Cordie.

The goal is to get some of that smashmouth mentality back into the offense that can take over games in the second half and late in the season.  They also want to improve their red zone and short-yardage percentages….

The Giants feel they have enough experience and depth on the offensive line to reassert themselves as one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks.

Tagged Chris Snee, David Diehl, Giants Offense, New York Giants, New York Giants News, Shaun O'Hara |

Shaun O’ Hara Back From Iraq

The Giants’ center is as tireless off the field as he is on.  O’Hara has just returned from a goodwill trip to Iraq with the USO to support the troops.  He is also gearing up for several charity events to benefit his foundation. I’ve been attending quite a few charity events myself these days, and O’Hara always seems to be there when I walk in….

Paul Schwartz of the Post has MORE…

Blackout Frenzy Hits New York

Don’t know why Jets fans are fretting the possibility of Jets games being blacked out.  Currently, the general public does not know how many non-premium seats the Jets have open so this may simply be a ploy to sell some tickets.

At last count we heard it may be in excess of 10,000 seats.  We know the upper bowl (which carry no PSL for Jet games) is sold out.  The most expensive seats are gone. The premium seats are ineligible to be counted. So that leaves the end zones in the lower two tiers.  The Jets will either lower the prices on these seats or attach club access to them in order to make them ineligible.  Either that, or they can just buy up enough seats each game to dodge being blacked out.

The Giants have no worries.  According to sources the team has approximately 1500 open PSLs and they are going fast.  The Giants may end up getting legitimate sellouts.  Getting 2014 the Super Bowl might give both teams a boost in sales as well.

Beatty Will Challenge At OT

According to OC Kevin Gilbride, second-year OT Will Beatty will be pushing hard for a starting spot.  The coach likes Beatty’s athleticism and footwork.

That will put some pressure on current starters David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie.

“They are going to do everything they can to keep him seated just where he has been which is on the bench. If they don’t (play well), then we will work him into the lineup,” Gilbride said.

Notable Quotes of the Week

“Sports fans, and especially football fans, are not intimidated by weather” – Mark Lamping, the CEO of the New Meadowlands Stadium

“We were a team.  That’s what teams do.  I don’t think we relied on any one person more than we should have.  We had superstars for sure. Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms, Harry Carson, George Martin, Joe Morris, but I don’t think anyone thought of themselves any higher than anyone else.  It really was a team of equals. We went out and we played – we really played for each other more so than anything else.  It was a great team.    You usually don’t see that type of teamwork anymore.  That’s what I miss the most about playing in football.  Playing with guys like that.” - Former Giants TE Mark Bavaro on the ’86 Giants.

“I think its exceptional. It may be the nicest ballpark in the NFL. The seats are terrific, the interior’s great. You go inside after the first quarter to get a coke and a pretzel you may not come back out because its so comfortable in there with the couches and the big screens you may just stay in there. Its really a magnificent ballpark.” – Sean Landeta, former Giants punter on the New Meadowlands Stadium

Tagged Mark Bavaro, New Meadowlands Stadium, New York Giants, New York Giants News, Sean Landeta, Shaun O'Hara, Will Beatty | ← Older postsNewer posts →