No one will ever forget Giants’ WR David Tyree‘s amazing catch vs New England in Super Bowl XLII.
Tyree only managed to play another year after his moment in the spotlight. In fact, that was his last reception as a pro. Since then, he’s faded into the background.
But now, thanks to this year’s rematch between the Giants and the Patriots, he’s more relevant than ever.
by Craig Santucci on November 5th, 2011 at 7:20 am
A short flight to Boston and I am in enemy territory.
I did not attend the Super Bowl between the Giants and Patriots at the University of Phoenix in Glendale Arizona, but I am making the trip to Gillette Stadium Sunday to see these two teams get it on!
The Giants “Catch 42″ Super Bowl win does not seem so far off in the past but in an NFL lifetime. Four years makes a world of difference who a football teams is and once was.
Since 2007, the New York Giants and The New England Patriots have grown older and more experienced with their franchise quarterbacks still leading the way.
However, as we all know each year the quest to win a Super Bowl starts with the right mix of young and veteran players.
In 2011, the Patriots have moved toward experienced players with the re-signing of Kevin Faulk and the additions of Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth. The Giants have bucked the system and aimed for youth and inexperience—avoiding free agency almost entirely.
Coach Tom Coughlin and Coach Bill Belichick are deep-rooted with success in the NFL and have had a personal relationship that dates back to the dominant 1980s New York Giants.
Link Recommended by Charles Costello on August 24th, 2011 at 7:26 am
I don’t always agree with New York Times’ columnist William Rhoden, and this is another example. In this video, Rhoden talks about how Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress will never again experience the high that they did on that February night in Super Bowl XLII.
I disagree. Manning is still in his prime and has the talent to take the Giants back to the Super Bowl. (And yes, I realize the same can be said for plenty of other players and teams around the league.) Burress, I believe, will have a big year for the Jets (assuming he’s healthy), and who knows where that will lead.
First off, we would like to take this moment to remember all of servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of this great nation.
For without them, there would be no America, no us. Americans are known for their resilience and passion. Nowhere in American life is that depicted more than on the gridiron.
With all this lockout talk and angst over whether there will be a regular football season this year, we bring you a short video to remind you what the NFL is all about.
It is titled This Is The One, narrated by Giants’ Hall Of Famer Frank Gifford….enjoy
We figured during the summer months (aka the NFL dry season) we’d import some video for our readers each Friday to fill some dead air.
Today’s video is anything but. Giants fans of all ages will eat this first selection up with a fork and spoon.
Here is a ten minute clip from NFL Films’ America’s Game series.
It is about the 2007 Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. There is some rare footage here and interesting anecdotes from Eli Manning, Michael Strahan and Tom Coughlin.
The piece is narrated by Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winning actor (and lifelong Giants fan) James Gandolfini
Tight Ends Coach: Mike Pope
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Gilbride
Tight Ends: Kevin Boss (Starter). Darcy Johnson, Michael Matthews, Martrez Milner, Lee Vickers, Travis Beckum
Overview – Mike Pope, the NFL’s dean of tight end coaching, has been handling receivers for nearly 40 years. He is the only player or coach that has participated in all four of the Giants’ Super Bowl appearances.
Over his long career Pope has developed many Pro-Bowl caliber tight ends including Mark Bavaro, Ben Coates, Rodney Holman, Steven Alexander and Jeremy Shockey. Soon they’ll be adding Kevin Boss’ name to that group. This season Pope will be asked to integrate an explosive rookie – Travis Beckum of Wisconsin – into the fold.
Kevin Boss - A fifth-round draft pick in 2007, Boss assumed full-time duties in November of that season after Jeremy Shockey broke his leg. He played flawlessly down the stretch making many a key play including a 45-yard reception in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII.
In the beginning, Boss did not seem to be as imposing as Shockey was, but he has filled out since then. He has excellent hands and a solid YAC (yards after catch) average. Last season, Boss caught 42 passes for 502 yards and 6 TDs in 15 games.
Michael Matthews – At 6’4″, 270 this free agent pickup from Georgia Tech has been a very productive part of the Giants rushing attack as a blocker the past two seasons. With all the new faces arriving in camp this summer, Matthews will find himself fighting for a roster spot.
Darcy Johnson – Johnson was active for every game last season, and at 6’5″, 267 he showed some prowess at both receiving and blocking. He is also on the bubble and will be challenged by newcomers in camp.
Martrez Milner - Milner spent 2008 on the practice squad after being signed as a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 4th round of the 2007 draft.
Lee Vickers - Vickers is a 6’6″, 275 lb former defensive lineman turned tight end. Since 2006, he has spent time with three other franchises before the Giants signed him in March.
Travis Beckum – Taken in the third round of this year’s draft, Beckum is also a former defender turned tight end. He is an intriguing prospect, not as big (6’3″, 240) as the rest of the group, but faster – which is why it is being said that he may be used as an H-back.
The Giants don’t normally employ an H-back, so it remains to be seen how the Giants will use him. It is very possible he will be used as a slot receiver, in an attempt to get another big body into opponent’s secondaries.
Outlook - Boss is the man. He has proved that he can be a complete player. Now, it is up to Kevin Gilbride and Eli Manning to utilize his talents to their advantage. Beckum will create mismatch problems for defenses with his size and speed. Again, it is up to the coaches to dial up his number and for Eli to create a rapport with him. With all of the new talent coming to camp, the Giants may only carry three TEs, so Matthews, Johnson and the others will have to earn that other spot. Matthews has the inside lane on that right now.
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Senior Columnists: Craig Santucci, Charles Costello, Jon Wagner, Dan Orlando, Dan Stack, Dr. Bill Chachkes
