Street & Smith's doesn't like Big Blue

by Ed Valentine on Jul 5, 2007 6:53 AM EDT in New York Giants News

Being the thorough, conscientious blogger that I am I picked up a copy of Street & Smith's Pro Football preview edition a couple days ago to see what the S&S experts had to say about the Giants.

That, and the fact that there is a six-page spread of cheerleader photos inside.

Anyway, the magazine didn't have very many nice things to say about Big Blue.

Here are some samples.

On Coach Tom Coughlin.

"Coughlin was given a one-year extension through 2008, which means he must win in 2007 to stay. ... Coughlin's often-frantic sideline demeanor is reflected in his team's undisciplined nature and penchant for mistakes and penalties, a connection his bosses either ignore or don't recognize."

On Eli Manning.

"This is a big year for Manning. He's shown steady, but slow improvement his first three years, but he still isn't a 60 percent passer. ... He just hasn't made that jump yet to where he's a quarterback you win because of. You can win with him, but now without Tiki in there, the Giants are going to have to win because of Eli."

On replacing Tiki Barber.

"(Reuben) Droughns joins large-framed holdover Brandon Jacobs as the Giants try to make up for Barber's absence with two backs, neither of whom are accomplished receivers like Barber. If Jacobs and Droughns can combine for anywhere close to Barber's 1,600-yard plus rushing average over the last three seasons, the Giants will be very happy."

On the draft (which the magazine gave a D).

"Aaron Ross is a solid corner, but passing on OT Joe Staley in Round One can definitely be questioned. ... Solid prospects from top to bottom, but the inability to upgrade the offensive line earlier in the draft lowers the final grade."

On GM Jerry Reese.

"Hard for me to figure out what they're doing other than marking time until the next coach. I don't see how Coughlin survives without Tiki Barber. I just don't see where they got a whole lot better. ... Maybe Jerry Reese sees things I can't see."

By now, I'm getting used to this kind of bashing when it comes to previewing the 2007 Giants. How could they not pick a tackle in the first round? How will they replace Tiki? Will Eli ever be a guy you win 'because of?' Where did they get better?

I see where all of these are legitimate questions. I think, though that the Giants were a team that underachieved last season. They had enough talent to be far better than 8-8, and I believe that even without Barber they have the talent to be much better than the 5-6 win team most prognosticators seem to think they will be.

At least, that's what I have to believe.

Your thoughts?

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Comments

S & S

Coughlin--The connection between his behavior during games and team's lack of discipline is one I never thought of, but it makes sense.
Win because of Eli?--That would be nice, but I hope not a necessity.
Jacobs--Okay, I'll finally say it: he'll make us forget about Tiki. With the depth of receivers team has, Jacobs won't have to run many pass routes.
Draft--I disagree. Time will prove me right.
Reese--Let's hope he sees what the crowd doesn't.

by george cronin on Jul 5, 2007 7:41 AM EDT reply actions

sorry

i just refuse to believe this is a 5-11 or 6-10 team. the staley thing has been blown way out of proportion. its not like hes fuckin tony boselli. and i think this D can be alot better when its not ravaged my injuries like it was last year (look what they did at full strength @dallas). im not saying this is definetly a playoff team but i feel like 7-9 would be the worst case scenario, with a potential to win 10-11 games. as of right now, im going to predict 9-7.

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Jul 5, 2007 8:02 AM EDT reply actions

I'm with you

I just don't see how this is a 5-win team. It's a team that will compete for a playoff spot, though it may or may not make it.

by Ed Valentine on Jul 5, 2007 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Me too

So, I guess he is saying that we downgraded? I kind of like hearing this because we usually play better when we are picked to be last.

by Max G-Men on Jul 5, 2007 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Agree

Grading our draft a D is certainly underranking it. Especially since the grade was based on us passing on an unproven olineman.

I do believe for us to compete for a playoff spot we will have to have an increased completion percentage and overall improved play from Eli. I want to see that Manning leadership!

If Eli has a better season than Jason Campbell, I win a case of beer.

by BattleshipLorenzen on Jul 5, 2007 11:56 AM EDT reply actions

Grading our draft

Their assessment doesn't make much sense....."good prospects top to bottom" but then they drop a grade of D on the draft. Seems drastic.

The one thing I do agree is about Coughlin's demeanor on the sideline. You have to pick your spots, and Coughlin is just way too excitable all the time.

And I was even a bit suprised about their assessment of Manning.....contrary to other experts their "steady, but slow improvement" is quite complementary in comparison. I for one thing Manning will be very good, but still expect it to take possibly two more years. Every QB tells you it takes 3-5 years before you really "see the field".

www.billkohut.com

by bk0831 on Jul 5, 2007 12:04 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed about the draft

How can you say, basically, that you like the players they took ... but, since there was one they didn't take you kill them? It's like a teacher saying 'this is a very good term paper, but it's not the way I would have written it' and giving it a crappy grade.

by Ed Valentine on Jul 5, 2007 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Tiki was a huge loss

I believe Tiki was the heart and soul of the G Men and losing him really will hurt you guys tremendously. Jacobs might turn out to be a fine back, but he won't be as productive as Barber.

There is no question Eli will have to step it up or it will be a long year for Giants fans.

by Terry @ Big Blue View on Jul 5, 2007 3:35 PM EDT reply actions

Non-Sense....

Yes, I agree that Tiki was our guy but people do move on and retire. Just as people were probably saying that of Rodney Hampton before Tiki took over. You won't know until it is show time, and if and when Jacobs comes up big, people that were pessimistic will take a step back and recall saying that of Jacobs will never be like a Tiki Barber wind up eating their words. All that I am saying is wait and see how this season goes, then you could bring the facts to the table. Until then, its all just non-sense.

by Max G-Men on Jul 5, 2007 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

succession of running backs

Remember, Charles Way was the Giants best back. When he went down, some wrung their hands and maoned that Tiki was no more than a third down back, etc., etc. Besides, there were always doubts about Tiki until Coughlin taught him how to carry the ball (Something Tiki doesn't seem to remember or appreciate.) Jacobs will be more than okay, and it looks as though Ahmad has the right stuff. RB is one position the Giants don't have to worry about.

by george cronin on Jul 5, 2007 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

Running backs

I agree with most of what you said. Denver has shown that, if you can block, just about anybody can run. I think Jacobs-Droughns-Bradshaw will be fine, though maybe not the central focus like Tiki. And yes, it has always burned me that Coughlin is largely responsible for Tiki becoming a great player, and Tiki continually stabbed him in the back.

by Ed Valentine on Jul 5, 2007 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions