New York Giants' notes, 12.30.08

by Ed Valentine on Dec 30, 2008 11:00 AM EST in News Comment 12 comments

Let's get away from the Steve Spagnuolo speculation for a little bit and see what else is going on around the New York Giants right now as they rest and get ready to defend their Super Bowl title.

Ralph Vacchiano points out that Plaxico Burress' suspension has ended, technically, but doesn't expect him around the Giants during the playoffs. A bigger concern to the Giants, Vacchiano points out, is that they aren't certain Brandon Jacobs will practice at all during the next two weeks. I didn't realize Jacobs came out of the Carolina game that banged up.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride is on the short list of candidates for the Oakland Raiders' head coaching job. Say what you want about Gilbride, but losing both coordinators in the same off-season is not a recipe for success the following season.
The Giants and Titans are favored to reach the Super Bowl.
ESPN's Matt Mosley is out with his NFC East evaluations. Interestingly, he couldn't bring himself to give the Cowboys an 'F.'
Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders says Derrick Ward was the NFL's most effective running back in 2008.
Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports says 2008 was the year of the Giants in the NFL.

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Oh no

another post season w a below average Jacobs? Not good. He seemed good to go in the Panthers game.

by ProudYankee on Dec 30, 2008 11:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I am wondering

if he suffered another injury, or a setback of some kind last week. I thought he practiced some before the Vikings game, and now the Giants are talking about him not practicing at all before their first playoff game. It just doesn’t sound kosher to me.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 30, 2008 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mosley

Biggest need: The Giants are in pretty good shape across the board. I suppose they could use another pass-catching threat at tight end, but that’s being greedy. This team is stocked right now. It will be interesting to see what happens if Ward leaves in free agency.

Wow, I would have said a play-making LB, a #1 WR (assuming Plax is gone), and OL/LB depth. Surprising that MM suggested TE as the #1 need. Did he not watch Kevin Boss emerge as a solid red zone target and the backup TE’s get into the act in his absence?

by Cody K on Dec 30, 2008 12:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

I was thinking the same thing. Kind of shows how clueless Mosley is. We definitely need a playmaker at LB. A big receiver that can out jump and muscle corners is key. If that’s a #1, then fine, but if not I think it’s the size that matters.

by potroast on Dec 30, 2008 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think MM is wrong here

LB is the biggest need. Followed, I believe, by DT and probably some depth on the offensive line.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 30, 2008 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wish we knew what the injury was

His last action was Dec. 21 against CAR, he claimed to be 100% at the time. B/C of the week off against Minn. — which is looking smarter every time the Giants release a list of the crippled and maimed on their team — he will actually have THREE weeks of rest before the Div. game. In a football season that’s a long time, unless they’re not releasing the extent of the injury. Can’t hate for keeping info secret, but I think we all know our chances are minimized without the Jake.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Dec 30, 2008 12:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Shanahan

There is another opening because the Broncos fired Shanahan. That shocks me. I thought he was as safe as any coach in the NFL.

by potroast on Dec 30, 2008 5:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wow!!!!!!!!

Maybe Spags is staying. I have to think the Broncos don’t take a chance on an Assistant Coordinator to fill their spot, but now Shanny can fill one of the other spots in Cleveland or Detroit.

I think this might be good for keeping Spags for at least one more year.

by losangelesmets on Dec 30, 2008 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm gonna disagree with that

just from the standpoint that the Broncos have long suffered under Shanahan’s “reputation” (I always thought he was overrated) and total control over the operation. Now they have a chance to get a true GM and bring in some young blood as HC. I hope that’s not the case, but if it is, and if they want Spags, then he would be smart to take a good long look. Denver’s offense is good but needs help on the D, has a decent owner who seems more or less hands-off, and, as we all know, Denver is a nice place to live. Great school system and all that (hat tip to Mike Hampton for that one).

Save the neck for me, Clark.

by Mr. Met on Dec 30, 2008 8:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs