New York Giants News & Notes: Pierce Contract Situation & More

by cjmulrain on Nov 21, 2009 7:04 AM EST in News Comment 35 comments

Ed posted about Antonio Pierce's injury last night, and it's definitely not good news. Mike Garafalo reports a little more about Pierce's contract situation and that of replacement Chase Blackburn. Also from MG comes a preview of the game against the Falcons.

Speaking of Giants' linebackers, Giants' rookie Clint Sintim is leaning on "one cool dude," aka Danny Clark. Whether that's a good thing or not I'll leave up to you.
Giants legend (and my all-time favorite player) Michael Strahan was brought into practice yesterday to give the Giants a surprise pep talk. According to Strahan:

"They're as talented as any team in the league," he said. "It's just a matter of believing in their talent and the talent of the guy next to them. If they do that, they'll be just fine."

The general theme out there seems to be that the next seven days will define the Giants season. It's certainly hard to say that's wrong right now.
The Giants are going to be looking for "big play opportunities" against the Falcons. That's quite alright with me.
Hakeem Nicks has made a list of impact rookie wide receivers. I was a little skeptical of the Nicks pick back in April, but I have been pleasantly surprised so far - next to Steve Smith he's been my favorite player to watch so far this year, and the two of them have a bright future for the Giants.

0 recs | Comment 35 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

AP

AP is integral to the play calling & setting players up, but as far as making plays on the field I don’t think we’ll see too much of a drop off. We’ll find out now just how much the “QB of the defense” title really means.

by potroast on Nov 21, 2009 8:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

QB of the defense

What does it really mean? Except for AP, I can’t recall a LB on any NFL team at any time whose physical inadequacies on the playing field were consistently excused on the basis of his superior signal calling ability. I could be wrong. Can anyone cite another example besides AP?

by blue gonz on Nov 21, 2009 8:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well you had Teddy Bruschi for a while

tho maybe his inadequacies weren’t exposed as much cuz he had 3 LB’s surrounding him instead of 2..

I’m not sure I’d say the same about Ray Lewis cuz he’s obviously still in the top 5 MLB’s in the game.

One thing I’d say, guys like Bruschi and Lewis…they are definitely not the athletes they used to be and who they play with definitely helps mask what they really are/were.

AP has played most of this season with Chase Blackburn and Danny Clark as his 2 outside Backers.

Those 2 aren’t even the athlete’s Pierce is. So think about that. We all know Pierce probably is a shell of himself, yet he’s playing with 2 LESSER athletes to his sides.

If we had 2 more athletic LB’s on the outside..like if Boley and Sintim were 100% the whole year…I think there’s a chance we say …“AP seemed to have bounced back this year”.

"It ain't over till its over"---

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 21, 2009 9:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well..

Blue you raise a good point here..There have been traditionally a slew of MLBs calling the shots on defense..That is the ideal position to make spit second adjustments on defense, however I really can’t think of one whose “Brains” overcame what they lacked in “Brawn” on the field..You still need all eleven guys hitting and tackling..AP certainly has declined somewhat in that part of his game…but you need a guy with both brains and brawn on defense making calls..Especially when your facing guys like Peyton Manning..Most of his antics at the line of scrimmage are intentional bullshit to throw the defense into a frenzy..You need a guy back there that can recognize the bull from the real check-offs and act accordingly..But again whoever that guy is he needs to hit and tackle and cover as required on every play. There is no room for a guy out there that can’t fulfill both roles..It’s adjust and crush.

by Bobbiblue on Nov 22, 2009 12:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sad on the AP situation

I mean first off I hope he recovers…that sort of injury is no joke. It kind of explains the Giants luck this season tho. Its just one of those things that either happens or just gets worse over time and is what it is right now.

For happy news….yes, Hakeem Nicks is going to be a hell of a WR. Gonna be interesting to watch the careers of Nicks, Desean Jackson and even Miles Austin to see who develops into the best WR in the East. I know DJAX and Austin got a head start (and Steve Smith is probably ahead of Nicks…but I wouldn’t call Smith a big play guy).

And speaking of big play opportunities. I wouldn’t mind them either, even if they chuck one down field a time or two. As long as its to the aforementioned Nicks of course. If not, it’d like to be HAM so I could post my HAM picture again…haven’t don that in a while.

"It ain't over till its over"---

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 21, 2009 8:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Comparing AP's physical inadequacies to those

that might be attributed to Bruschi or Lewis is a stretch. Anyway, I don’t recall anyone defending the presence of B & L on the playing field by citing their playcalling skills as compensation for physical inadequacies. There might be a quote or two out there to support that idea about those two, but certainly nothing like the years-long defense of AP along those lines. More importantly, as Bobbi pointed out, in the last four games AP’s decline has seemed steeper and leads me to believe that most ,if not all, Giants’ LBs would be a better physical presence than AP at this point. We don’t know for sure who will replace AP, although Chase looks like the chalk. I’d like to see the young guys get more playing time no matter what.
As for declining physical skill of L & B, they can’t be denied., and it’s hard not to believe that with better OLBs AP might have looked better as well.

by blue gonz on Nov 21, 2009 9:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

AP's future?

Obviously, this injury can be a season-ender, but what about beyond that? But first, why does it seem like the Giants are being stubborn? Another player (Eric Barton) has already been put on the IR for the same injury, so why are the Giants waiting to see what happens in six weeks? I don’t understand!

Now, assuming AP won’t play the rest of the season, what about next year? Like concussions, this is a spinal injury, another area of concern for a players future. Not knowing the severity of AP’s injury, could this be a career ending injury? Unlike the minor injuries that heal and may never come back, this is the spinal area. I’m thinking this could be something that will never heal 100% and could reoccur at anytime!

I know it’s too early for any prognosis, but, could there be an injury settlement in the future?

by Hootman on Nov 21, 2009 10:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Geez

They just found out about the injury. Why do you say they are being stubborn? I’d say they are being prudent and not making a rash decision.
They could very well end up putting AP on IR and doing it sooner rather than later. At this point, I’m sure they don’t have all the information yet.
And it’s way too early for “injury settlement” talk.
We don’t have all the information, and really the Giants don’t either at this point.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 21, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

By no means was i knee jerking the situation and want him to go to the IR imediately

It’s the notion that the Giants want to, or wait for six weeks idea and then they’ll take it from there! Any injury that pertains to the head or spinal column is one thing, and everything else seems minor, so-to-speak?! I think of Brian Westbrook as an example. Was he brought back too soon? If AP is cleared within an allotment of time, can or will this reoccur with even more serious consequences? That’s all i’m thinking about.

I know it’s too early for diagnosis>prognosis type of decisions, because it just happened, but this is an injury to the spinal region that should be treated with prudence rather than ignorance.

Why set yourself up for an indefinite timetable of six weeks when there is more at stake here, AP’s career and non-football future?! Thats all i’m going for!

by Hootman on Nov 21, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Injury settlement?

Could be.
Stubborness? Seems that way, particularly in light of Bradshaw. He’s not close to being himself. Why not put him on IR, let him have his operation now and a longer time to heal? They say that the worst that can happen is the fracture can break. Maybe that’s the worst that can happen to his foot, but an injured foot can lead to an injured ankle or knee or both.

by blue gonz on Nov 21, 2009 10:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Here some options

Option 1

We put AP on the sideline and have the Def look over to get the call. We’ve all seen it before on college. The team lines up and gets ready to hike the ball and just when you think it’s going to happen, the entire team stands up and looks over at the coach and says a collective “What do we do?”

Option 2

Put that magical speaker helmet on another linebacker who’s on the field and let AP talk into the other end.

So far, AP pointing and tapping his helmet hasn’t been impressive anyway. So, here our chance to train someone else to tap their helmet and point at the obvious.

Oh look an empty backfield….. I might be a pass Tap Tap Tap

by EverBlue on Nov 21, 2009 11:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Get well soon AP

You’ve been a respected leader on this team, and you’ll be missed. I don’t know what kind of relationship you’ve developed with your LB coach now DC, but I’d like to think Sheridan is smart enough to solicit your thoughts on the LB corps on the field with the Falcons offense. If he doesn’t, then you’re no wall flower… tell him anyway… who you believe ought to be out on the field. Forget about who has earned it… time served on the roster… LT hadn’t earned his starting spot on the field right out of college with time served. Granted… easy decision… no LT on the roster today. But are there quick, aggressive, athletic play makers on the bench, waiting for the coach to get the feeling that adequate time and experience has been afforded to their development process to merit starting work on the field? Does the value of quickness and cover skills on the field, relative to years of experience but relatively lacking in quickness and cover ability, win the day when lining up against a Hall-of-Fame TE and an offense without its starting running backs? If we see Blackburn and Clark out there as the primary LBs, then Sheridan is saying no.

by buljos on Nov 21, 2009 11:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

If he has the discs fused...

…he’s likely done. Anyone know if that’s been talked about yet? It’s a pretty common treatment for this problem.

by Jonathan. on Nov 21, 2009 2:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

What was that they all said

that the Giants were one of the teams that had the most depth across the board.

Now we find out if it is true or not.

If we win or lose tomorrow it will not be because AP did not play.

We know TC operates on a time served basis – but it is becoming time to see if some of the draft picks from the last couple of years are ready to play and if so are they good enough for the league.

We all agree we want Boley and Sintim on the outside but who will go in the middle. I think TC will lean towards Clark rather than Chase.

The other thing we are looking out for is if and when Ross gets in the game and at what position.

by G Fan in England on Nov 21, 2009 3:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Giants cetainly are deep, but not at LB...........

by giantsNYrangers on Nov 21, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Depends on deep

We have 8LB on the roster excluding DeOssie who is the LS – so you have to figure at least three of them are capable of playing the position!

by G Fan in England on Nov 21, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I feel gmen are gonna draft or sign a MLB.

Giants arent going to feel confident going into next yr with what they have on the roster. Nobody is proven, nobody is truly exciting coming up. This is a legitimit super bowl team. MLB is a very important position.

by giantsNYrangers on Nov 21, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Blackburn

He has experience in the middle. I have never, ever seen Clark take a snap in the middle. It’s Blackburn, backed up by Goff.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 21, 2009 7:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Clark had

pre Giants experience at MLB? Anyway, chances of using Clark there are dim. I do expect to see a lot more of Goff and Sintim than we have.

by blue gonz on Nov 21, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

PS

Yeah, he did. When JR picked him up, he gave as one of the reasons the fact that Clark could play all three LB spots. Clark was quoted as saying he was primarily an MLB, but could play outside as well. Still, I’d be surprised to see him there tomorrw.
Let’s not forget that Blackburn has done well when he has been at MLB in the past. Until I see he can’t, I fully expect to see him do a good job. AP’s loss is a problem, sure, but the guys coming back from injuries should make up for his loss, and there’s a chance that those who were most critical of him might be validated if Blackburn proves to be a plus for the D. I refuse to watch approach the next to games as a gloomer/doomer. After they’re in the books….another story

by blue gonz on Nov 21, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It's make or break time

I’m expecting a huge day for the Giants tomorrow, because for the first time this season, they really need this win. I believe this is the best football team pound for pound, and if they’re going to be, every game is do or die. For some reason, this team needs everyone to doubt them before they can perform at the highest level. I’m expect nothing less than kicking butt, week in and week out until the end of Super Bowl XLIV. C’mon G-Men, let’s do this!

by YankeeDudeL on Nov 21, 2009 3:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Before this season even started ...

I thought it was likely the last for AP, even though we didn’t address MLB in the draft. Can’t imagine him back now.

Last year on the contract usually is such a small cap hit, and with the salaries being back-loaded (anyone know what AP’s base would be in 2010 ?), it’s usually extend him or cut him time.

by Shofner85 on Nov 21, 2009 4:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

$4,750,000, Im pretty sure

by giantsNYrangers on Nov 21, 2009 6:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

With all the helpers

With all coaches the giants have on line we don,t have nothing to worry about.. T.C only has to go to his p.c and see what we got to say. and he will put in any player we want .right

by muttsey88 on Nov 21, 2009 4:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

AP is done as a Giant.

I think the fact that AP has 1 more yr on his deal is irrelevent. I think Reese and T.C. both realize and have realized for awhile now is that Pierce is not the player he used to be. I personally think the Giants would have let him go at the end of the season anyways and now with the injury it’s over. Pierce was a good player for a few years for the Giants, had a good playoffs in the super bowl yr. The Giants will either draft or sign a MLB before next season.

by giantsNYrangers on Nov 21, 2009 5:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

All of the pre draft talk

was about positions other than LB, except for 57, who brought up our (now obvious?) weakness there as our first priority to address almost as often as he advocates installation of a 3-4. If there were others who agreed with him I can’t recall, but no one did with such persistence.
Good call, 57.

by blue gonz on Nov 21, 2009 7:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

there's only so many LB's you can keep.

They drafted Kehl and Goff in 2008 and from what I read, they really liked Goff and he was next in line for the MLB position.

I mean the obvious one that the Giants passed on was Rey Maualuga, but they chose Hakeem Nicks instead.

I think first off they gotta see what they have in Goff. He missed all of last year so basically he’s a rook this year.

Blackburn is also a solid backup.

"It ain't over till its over"---

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 21, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I understood the rationale,

agreed with it wholeheartedly. Thought if AP’s decline continued, Goff could be eased in.
Nevertheless, the way things have worked out, 57’s concerns (shred by none/perhaps a few BBVer) became reality. For that, I tip my hat to him.

by blue gonz on Nov 21, 2009 8:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think we are getting a little ahead of ourselves here..

We have a big game tommorrow ..and it is pre-mature to start talking about signing or drafting a MLB at this point..Even though AP is hurt, he will be on the sidelines coaching his backup throughout the game..Whether it is Blackburn or Goff, they’ll be getting plenty of help…We all know the situation with AP’s declining play..I would argue that the injury has alot to do with his recent decline..I would much prefer discussing his replacement after we win the Super Bowl in January.

by Bobbiblue on Nov 21, 2009 8:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I share your confidence

that B/G will get the job done. As for next year’s draft, I more than agree that it is bootless to speculate about it at this point, although fans being fans, some have and will no doubt continue to do so. Draft chatter is for the Hot Stove League and Ed rightly confines his postings re them to that season.

by blue gonz on Nov 21, 2009 9:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

AP, New blood

I would never wish that anyone get hurt but, in this case I think it is a blessing in disguise for the Giants. AP has never been the same since the Eagles smoked him twice at the end of 08! We should be gratefull for the great years he gave us after coming over from the Redskins. AP is done! We need someone from within ,or a draft pick, or a free agent MLB next year.

USA Today recently did a feature on the top rookie receivers. Hakeem Nicks was not mentioned. If you look at the stats Hakeem is leading in all categories except receptions, but he missed at least 3 games.

We have better talent now than in our Superbowl year , but we have 4 straight losses! It is obvious how much we miss Steve Spagnolo, and how incompetent KG is! Jerry, please give us two new coordinators next year. These clowns dont have a clue.

by 56Giant56 on Nov 21, 2009 11:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Charlie Weis is gonna be available for an OC position ...

by Shofner85 on Nov 22, 2009 7:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know what I'm asking Santa for Christmas:

Weis as our OC, and John Fox back as our DC. While they’re shopping for big names like Shannahan and Cowher, Buffalo won’t net either. I’ve heard they were throwing around Gilbride’s name (much like Oakland was last year), which is more their speed. And I expect Fox to get the axe in favor of Cowher in Carolina. So, this might be a possibility.

Side note: I just heard the Giants have the #1 ranked D? How is that possible?

by YankeeDudeL on Nov 22, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs