Chatting with 'Revenge of the Birds'

by Ed Valentine on Oct 22, 2009 9:28 AM EDT in New York Giants News

Here is this week's chat with Charles Golden, lead blogger for SB Nation's Arizona Cardinals blog, 'Revenge of the Birds.' Of course, it's complete with what turn out to be bonus cheerleader photos for you.

Charles Golden: OK, first question I have to ask each week.....What is your current injury situation and how will/could it effect Sunday's game?

Ed: Well, the Giants are an injury-riddled mess. Safety Kenny Phillips out for the year with a knee injury, leaving us very vulnerable at safety (see all the discussion on BBV about 'Bad, Bad C.C. Brown.') Chris Canty, Aaron Ross and Michael Boley, also all key defenders, are out. So, defensively this team has been weakened and has not, truthfully, been the dominant group it was expected to be. Not that that can't change. How about the Cards injury situation?

Charles Golden: Anquan Boldin is the big injury at this point. He suffered the dreaded "high" ankle sprain last week and didn't practice yesterday although both he and head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that they were encouraged by his progress. Boldin told reporters after practice that he'll most likely be a game time decision which for him doesn't sound very promising. Normally Boldin emphatically proclaims that he's going to play, especially in big games, so this might be just a case of trying not to break the bad news until game time. Others on the list include Stephen Spach (a tight end who wouldn't be missed), Steve Breaston (limited) and Beanie Wells (also limited). Breaston would be a huge loss, especially when if Boldin were also out, but most likely this is just a precaution because he's been slowed by a bone bruise suffered in the preseason. Wells is a new injury but with his past it's worth watching as the week progresses. Outside of those though there are no significant season ending injuries to speak of, at least not yet.

Ed: OK, so Arizona is 3-2. Give me an assessment of your team thru five games?

Charles Golden: Well so far I think the Cardinals are sort of the same team that we saw last year during the regular season (aka Jekyll and Hyde). They'll play some great games, they'll play a great half every once in a while followed by a putrid half and sometimes they'll just flat out lay an egg. The offense has been picking up steam throughout the first five games after sputtering out of the gates thanks to some injuries at the wide receiver position. The defense has shown flashes of being very good, especially the run defense, but their overall level of success is greatly dependent on their ability to rush the passer. When they can pressure opposing quarterbacks this is a very good unit but when they allow any quarterback to get comfortable they will be beat.

Charles Golden: The Giants started the season very nicely until running into the Saints. Are the Giants an elite NFC team or did they benefit from playing some weak teams to start the season?

Ed: Both. Of course they benefitted from a schedule that saw them play Washington, Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Oakland (the NFL's junior varsity) in four of their first five games. And a couple of areas of concern got exposed Sunday by the Saints, who probably have the best offense in the league. But, this is definitely an elite team. Eli Manning is playing the best football of his career. They have a talented group of receivers. They still have that running game. Defensively, they still have not played up to their ability level, but they have not been anywhere close to healthy, either. The Giants have a lot of big-name players on their defensive line, but that group has been inconsistent. I expect that to change as the season wears on. Are the Giants the best team in the NFC? Maybe, maybe not. If this defense ever gets healthy, though, I still think the Giants have a chance to be special.

Ed: So, question I love to ask. If you could take one player off the Giants roster and put him on your team who would it be? Why?

Charles Golden: Wow, interesting question. Normally I'd probably flip a coin and take either Osi or Tuck but the Cardinals just switched to a 3-4 defense and I'm not positive that either would be best suited in that defense. The next place I'd look is offensive line considering that the Giants are routinely mentioned among the league's best. Without knowing the details of each of your starting five I'd take whichever tackle is better.

Ed: Interesting. In all honesty in a 3-4 the guy who might fit your team best is Mathias Kiwanuka, a speedy defensive end who also has outside linebacker experience.

Charles Golden: Interesting. He'd be a heavy OLB, kind of like LaMarr Woodley but he'd probably still be an upgrade over our guys. Our OL play has been so poor though that I'd probably still stick with one of your tackles

Charles Golden: The Giants have reputation as one of those teams that can consistently put pressure on teams with their front four. How has the pass rush been so far and if you had to game plan around slowing them down, what would you do?

Ed: Well, the pass rush has actually been an issue thus far. 'Performance' has not matched 'reputation.' The Giants have 14 sacks, but have had three games in which they got zero sacks. Sunday against New Orleans pressure was non-existent. Osi, Tuck, Kiwanuka and the rest of the guys have to start playing to their ability level on a consistent basis.

Ed: Prediction for Sunday?

Charles Golden: Hopefully the Cards study the Saints tape and try to use the same plan of attack. I'll go with Cards 35-31. Yours?

Ed: Oh, I'm sure the Cards will try to attack the Giants in a lot of the same areas. Basically, find 'Bad, Bad C.C. Brown' and throw it to whoever he should be covering. That should get you at least two TDs. Anyway, I think the Giants were really stung by last Sunday and I think you are going to see a huge effort this week. I will go 30-24, Giants.

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Almost every game hinges

on the pass rush, but when teams like the Cards and Giants lean so heavily on their QBs for offensive consistency it becomes even more of a factor. I think an important element might be where the pass rush comes from. Getting a rush up the middle is far more disruptive to a timing offense. I would like to see Tuck slide into DT more this week, with Kiwi out at DE. It seems Robbins and Cofield just can’t get that push anymore, as evidenced by the Saints game.

by rzor on Oct 22, 2009 9:43 AM EDT reply actions

I was thinking along the same lines

I’d like to see that rotation too. Let’s get as many of our pass rush specialists out there at the same time as possible. That being said, I think our D-line will have an easier time this week simply because the Cards’ O-line is not as good as the Saints’.

by potroast on Oct 22, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed ...

I know of no QB who can be either Joe Montana or Ryan Leaf depending on whether or not he is pressured, than Warner.

Get to him early, and you’re in control. Don’t get to him, and he will shred you.

by Shofner85 on Oct 22, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I really think we are going to see an embarassed defensive unit

Explode this week..Every player I bet did some serious soul searching this week after that debacle against the Saints (I no longer refer to them as "the ain’ts). We can be assured that the Giants have been focussed on that this week and will be leading into Sunday…To the man, they have to have realized how bad they played..I can’t imagine anybody wanting to line-up against them this week.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

I hope so

as I am getting up at 1.15 in the morning to watch the start of this game!

I will tape it as well – but intend to watch to halftime unless it is either a major blowout or a real dire game.

by G Fan in England on Oct 22, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Do you think.......

it’s really that simple? Do you think players are motivated by anger and a bad performance. The Giants D line has been average. The D line has gotten little to no pressure when they only rush 4.

The Giants offense have taken other teams out of their game plan with big early leads. Allowing our defense to concentrate on our pass rush and not worry about the run. Before Sunday’s debacle. The only close game we were involved was vs Cowboys. What happened in that game? Our D line was a non-factor. They over pursued. No containment. We allowed 250+ rushing yards.

I’ve been a Giants for about 40 years. The span of my entire life. Last season was a 2 seasons. Through week 9 the Giants had 30 sacks. Spags blitzed and blitzed often. As the season progressed it appeared he blitzed less and less. In the last 9 games we had 13 sacks. In that time span the Gmen had two 4 sack games. Meaning in the other 7 games the Giants had 5 sacks. That’s not going to get it done. The talk was the Giants d-line wore down. IMO Spags stopped blitzing was more the reason than the Giants were worn down. Your Dline will wear down if you continue rushing 4 guys vs 5, 6 or 7.

The saga has continued this season. We have 15 sacks in 6 games but 11 of those sacks came vs terrible offensive teams. Oakland attempted 13 passes. We had 6 sacks. We saw how terrible the Jamarcus is.

The Giants unquestionably have the talent on the Dline. The only way to fix it is putting in some blitz packages. The Jets are a good module. The only way to bring consistent pressure in the NFL is by blitzing. Eagles have done it for years. So have the Ravens. The teams that bring constant pressure do it with blitzes.

Live by the blitz. Die by the blitz. Yeah! Yeah! But as we witnessed Sunday. You’ll get murdered with no pressure.

by FrankB0318 on Oct 22, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

You make good points here Frank..

I too have rooted for the Giants..(I must be older than you though) 47 years..It is actually longer, but my Dad had me in his lap watching the games and I had no clue what I was watching until I turned six.
You are right, the Giants need to start turning the heat back on..and yes I truly believe as they look at the films from Sunday’s game, they’ll get fired up..Funny thing about getting embarassed..It fires you up…At least guys like you know what this is all about..We both suffered years of pure misery. The younger guys here haven’t had to deal with that..but really you and I both know how this game works…If I get embarassed last week, I am going to be a raving maniac this week.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions

If the Days of Dave Brown and Kent Graham weren't misery...

I don’t want to know what is.

Although they did win the Division the first year I remember football, so it couldn’t have been that bad.

"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E

by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 22, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

God Tito..you just

Gave me Heartburn..LOL!!..“Burp”!!

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

What, no Danny Kanell ??

How soon they forget …

by Shofner85 on Oct 22, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I was at the game

where they started the “what the hell, lets play kanell” chants. I think it was my first game, actually. man, did that suck.

by daveh873 on Oct 22, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh boy..I forgot Kanell...burp!

by Bobbiblue on Oct 23, 2009 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I didn't mention Kanell

Because he actually did bring us a division title.

"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E

by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 23, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

thanks for giving us our S back.....

by r c a on Oct 23, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Devil's advocate

I believe the Giants are the better team Sunday, and I think they’ll win. But it’s worth noting: The Cardinals are the defending NFC Champs and a good, dangerous football team in need of a big win. Point being, should the Giants lose Sunday, it’s STILL not a big deal. 5-2 is a good record, and the 7 post-bye games at full strength should be a good stretch. I can’t imagine the atmosphere among Giants fans if they drop this one, but it won’t be me! Weeks 1-5 have bought the Giants 2 losses to remain in my good graces for now! That said, Giants, 24-10

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Oct 22, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

Ed, you are on your game today, nice trifecta.

If pride has anything to do with anything, the Gs come back in a big way. I’m expecting big things from our running game this week. We’ve got to keep Warner and Co. off the field. No disrespect to the Cards but I think the Cards passing attack will not kill us the way the Saints did. Webster will be tied up with Fitz all day and we may have an advantage going against Boldin if his ankle sprain is bothering him. Breaston may also be slowed a little.

Key on defense is what it always is, pressure. I think that Warner holds the ball a little longer than Brees but that won’t matter if those imposters from last week show up and we can’t get any pressure on the QB.

Head to head, I’ll be keeping track of the Smith vs Boldin stats. It wasn’t too long ago that a lot of fans thought he should have been the answer to the G’s prayers at receiver (thanks Jerry, for being smarter than us).

It’s a long season fellas. I like the way we are looking. Yeah, we took a beatdown last week and the Saints do look awesome, quesiton is, have the peaked already? They look like the 2007 Pats and the Pats lost a little steam at the end of the year. I am really happy for the week 10 bye. We’ll get some players healthy for the stretch run and should be peaking at the right time of the year.

by njgiant on Oct 22, 2009 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

As usual..all good commentary here..

Simms…Your right 5-2 is not the end of the world..the objective is getting to the tournament…Hoot.. I agree that if they at least play competively we can’t knock them for that..and as for the Raiders rejoicing our loss..Well, they and the Chiefs actually helped us out it was like having a supporting cast!!..We still have control of our division..So who’s rejoicing?..We should be!!..Thanks Raiders and Chiefs!!

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Let's not jump on the 5-2 so quickly

IMO, losing 2 in a row to the “better teams” will cause us to lose a little credibiltiy as well. I see this as a must win for the Giants. Gs have got to go out and show that last week was a fluke. We lose this game and that “elite status” takes it on the chin.

by njgiant on Oct 22, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

who really cares about credibility tho?

us fans do, yes, and so does the media. but lets not forget that the last team to bring us that trophy had almost no credibility going into the postseason, and was picked to lose by all 3 networks(ESPN, CBS, FOX) each playoff week. so who really cares about the credibility? we know what we got.

by wilddre22 on Oct 22, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I get what you're sayin wild

and yeah, I think we know what we got, and right now, that maybe the 3rd or 4th best team in the NFC.

by njgiant on Oct 22, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Well..of course we don't want to lose a game like this..but

We came back in 2007!..Really I don’t see us losing this one..Boldwin is hurt as is Breaster..both are questionable..Kurt is not going to have many dependable targets, and they are facing a real running attack this week..I don’t see the Cardinals looking as strong as they did last year combine that with a really angry defense and it does not look good for the Cardinals this week.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Fluke???

I’m not sure last week’s loss was a fluke. The poor quality of play (defensively) was surprising, but New Orleans is a good quality football team and was pretty much at full strength. I think the Giants are also a good quality football team, with over a third of their projected defensive starters out of action. I expect a much better showing this week, but I hope the lesson of last week was that there’s more than one good football team in the league and you have to bring your “A” game to any and all contests. I like the Giants chances more either as their injured players return, or other teams also suffer their own multiple losses to injury. But when the talent gap is narrow, injuries and level of play can be deciding factors and while the first can’t be helped, the second can, and the Saints were just too good of a team to not show up against. In the sense that I think a fluke is an unlikely occurance that shouldn’t have happened and won’t happen again, I’d argue against it, for if the defense plays as uninspired as it did against New Orleans, they’d get beat by the Saints something like 8 to 9 out of ten times.

by Cranky50 on Oct 22, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe I should clarify,

I don’t think the loss to the Saints was a fluke, they’re a great team at full strength. I do think that the beating they issued was a fluke. If these two teams were to play again on Sunday, the Saints may very well win again but not in that fashion.

by njgiant on Oct 22, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Whoever played at home would have won that game. The Saints are good but who knows how they will fair in playoff weather…. Both teams need Home field advantage…

Week 6 Wrap up…Tell me what you think

http://tightend.blogspot.com/2009/10/week-6.html

"Don't Be Afraid to Stand on a Pile of 'No's' for one 'Yes'"

by curiousg87 on Oct 22, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice job

I like the Jaguars new identity, if for no other reason they don’t have one, the “hyphens”! lol

by Hootman on Oct 22, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Great pic of OchoCinco

Love the guy or hate the guy, that is a perfect example of going “all out”. Didn’t see that game but I hope he made the catch. That’s a hellova effort.

by njgiant on Oct 22, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Your right Cranky..

That loss was not a fluke..That loss was not overlooking..That was plain and simple getting whacked by a really good team..So far we have walked over weaker teams for a change but not being fully prepared for strong teams is inexcusable. I think the players know that and will respond accordingly..the Cardinals are a good football team..and our guys schedule doesn’t get any easier, so your right on our guys need to bring their ‘A’ game every week from here on out..If they come in and play their butts off and lose, I can accept that.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

The most important thing to remember...

Yes it was not a fluke, yes it was not overlooking the opponent, but it was also not the Giants playing their best football.

"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E

by tito (eight and oh) on Oct 22, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly..that sums it up Tito

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

See my clarification above.....

The loss was not a fluke, but the beating was.

by njgiant on Oct 22, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I haven't said this yet

But, if only the Giants would’ve ran the ball more earlier and converted a few more third down conversions, then that by itself would minimize the Saints scoring opportunities. We lost by 21, but perhaps that means maybe they only win by 14, 7 or one point(s)? This is all in hindsight, but we seemed to uncharacteristically get out of our game plan!

Afterall though, we did put 27 up on a solid defense. That has to account for something!

by Hootman on Oct 22, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

The sad thing is

We got out of the game plan early. We should have ran the hell out of the ball. Oh well, game over, bring on the Cards and some offensive adjustments.

by njgiant on Oct 22, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah NJ..the beating was a fluke..not the loss

Unlike the Giants we know..Actually,. the game was alot closer than the final score indicates..Normally, when our guys put up 27 points that equals a win..Our defense fell asleep for some reason…We are starting to beat a dead horse this week, guys..I don’t see that same performance this Sunday…Including believe it or not from Brown.Whom we all have been beating to death all week..We really can’t simply pin the blame on him alone..It was the whole defense..It was awful and they know it and probably have already fixed it..I don’t think this was a ‘physical talent’ problem..I feel it was more of a mental preparedness problem…Bottom-line, this team of ours will bounce back..I am annoyed about the game they played, but fortunately for us..in recent years our guys rebound. 40 years ago, we would be in misery..

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

If....

I agree, there were a lot of “ifs”. If….the Giants had won the coin toss, been offense and scored on their first posession…..if Webster would have held onto the possible interception on the first Saints drive…..then maybe it’s 7-0, 10-0 or 14-0 Giants early, the crowd is quieter and maybe the Saints start wondering “are we in over our heads”. And “if” that had happened, maybe the defense would have arrived. It’s still who wins the SECOND meeting between the Giants and Saints that will have have won the war, but the Giants, particularly injured on defense, just don’t have the option of not giving their best shot each and every time out the rest of the way if they want to win.

by Cranky50 on Oct 22, 2009 1:35 PM EDT reply actions

If.....

If Tim Hightower hadn’t of fumbled inside the five yard line against the Colts, maybe the Cards go up 10-0 and they go on to win the game instead of getting throttled 31-10.

Then we’d be 4-1 going against you guys at 6-0 and this would be a “NFC TITLE GAME PREVIEW.” Maybe, if our if’s played out right.

Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

by Bezekira on Oct 22, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions

still could be an NFC title preview....

NFC West and East both look like the other 3 teams are a bunch of train wrecks.

Get into the playoffs, take it from there.

And as both the Gints and Cards have experienced…that first round by doesn’t really matter, nor does the #1 or 2 seed .

..."I predict...the Giants are #1"...

...."That's not a prediction meatman, that's a FACT OF LIFE"!.

---Carl

by FreeBradshaw on Oct 22, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

To Be Honest!!!

I am a Cards fan and I also respect the G-Men……But all I hear is the Saints this and the Saints that even on giants.com I think the loss has and will cloud the upcoming game.
The Saints are Great This year but haven’t played great opponents ether…. Your D line is lacking in all your 5 wins this is more of a concern than the Saints loss…. If your D-Line shows up Well then… but if not I think it will be a long game for the G-Men….
Good Luck

by will-i-am on Oct 22, 2009 2:56 PM EDT reply actions

SORRY BUT

The G-Men and Saints have played the NFL’s lowest ranking teams and gone undefeated up till their match up!!!! this Game will be the tel tel for the G-Men!!!! Pray for SNOW!!!!!!
and good luck!!!!

by will-i-am on Oct 22, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

who have the cards played?

the jags, the seahawks, now that’s impressive.

by r c a on Oct 23, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Your right..Exactly right..

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Giants Fans

Don’t forget about Steve Breaston. He’s a solid threat that can burn single coverage. Be cautious with him.

Brad James

by the Bradfather on Oct 22, 2009 9:48 PM EDT reply actions

Yes Breaston is a good ball player..

But I heard he was hurting and Boldwin is also hurt..Are they going to be able to play?..If not then that could be a problem for the Cards.

by Bobbiblue on Oct 22, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey there, Sir Whirly from ROTB

Breaton was on the injury list last week against the SeaHags, and we saw what he did against them. Breaston has been on the injury report since week 1. So he is good to go. Boldin we are concerned about. Maybe y’all will see some Early Doucet. Hehe.

A man from Dallas who bleeds red, not silver and blue.

by Sir Whirly on Oct 23, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions