New York Giants Notebook: 12.10.09
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Dec 10, 2009 8:39 AM EST
in News
59 comments
Good Morning everyone, here are some of the headlines making news around the world of the New York Giants:
- Brian Westbrook practiced with the Eagles yesterday, and Andy Reid has not ruled him out of playing against the Giants on Sunday. (Philly.com)
- Domenik Hixon was a big hit when he made a surprise appearance at Bloomfield Middle School yesterday as part of the NFL's "Play 60" program. (Bergen Record)
- In case you were wondering, Archie Manning said if the Super Bowl comes down to his undefeated former team vs. his undefeated son, there is no question who he would root for. (CNNSI) What I want to know is: when the Giants shock the world again over the next 6 weeks, and get to the Super Bowl against the Colts, who is he going to root for then?
- The Giants say they aren't worried about Michael Vick as a constant Wildcat threat. The fact that they aren't worried worries me. (NJ.com)
- It's been 9 weeks since TE Travis Beckum caught a pass, and the Giants think its time he catches another. (NJ.com)
- Steve Smith is running a contest on his Facebook page to vote him into the Pro Bowl, and win the chance to attend the game in Miami. If you are on Facebook, make sure you are following Steve. He puts some great videos up, just candid stuff with him and other players, it's usually pretty funny, and he also interacts with the fans who follow him as best he can. Welcome to the new world.
- This is only really newsworthy because of who he is, but the Giants signed DB London Fryar to their practice squad yesterday. He is the son of New England Patriots legend Irving Fryar.
- Finally, Gary Myers in the Daily News talks about Tom Coughlin giving the Giants a pep talk in the pregame huddle before Sunday's game against Dallas. I was asked two weeks ago if I thought Tom Coughlin was starting to lose this team. I said absolutely not, I think these players would walk through a wall for him. They may not always like him, and he may not be the most fun guy to be around, but they know he is a coach that can help them win a championship.
Final thought from me: I'm not convinced they've turned a corner yet, because they still didn't run the ball well Sunday, and if Jay Novacek came out of retirement to play TE for the Cowboys he would have caught at least 5 passes in that game. Expect the Eagles to attack that part of the field even more than Dallas did. The Giants need to be ready for it. Weather not expected to be a factor Sunday night, it will just be chilly, with temps in the 30's.
Beat the Eagles, and it's all there: the playoffs, the division, and maybe even one last home game at Giants Stadium in the post season.
One last thing about the weather:
It's 85 degrees here today. Wind Chill of 82. How's YOUR weather?
Have a good day.
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Jim, we have to kill you now
85 degrees? Up here in lovely Upstate NY we had our first significant snow of the season yesterday. Thank you very much!
Um yes, 85 sir. It was chilly in the house this morning though, I set the AC too low :)
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Dec 10, 2009 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
Ouch!
Now I really have to hurt you! LOL!!
by Ed Valentine on Dec 10, 2009 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
85 ain't the picnic he's making it..
I can’t breathe when i get in my car the AC blows out heat for a good 15 minutes and I soaked with sweat, smell bad and need another shower.. all leading me to be grumpy and piss off the fiancee :( Was in Gainsville, FL last week and it was in the 30s at night, i kinda miss it..
Yep, time to break out the snow shovel
I love living due east of Lake Ontario! Nothing like having lake effect snow potentially dumping 2-4 inches per hour for a day or two!
Jim can have that stupid 80+ degree weather. lol Though, i’ll admit, i’ll have to wait for at least another 6 months for the potential for 80 degrees. Let the dawn of cabin fever begin!
I don't miss my snow shovel, I left that with the new owner...
I miss my damn NY hardrolls…some deli clown down here told me when I inquired that they got too many complaints from customers saying they were stale…So that is why they sell sponges and call them friggin hardrolls..You have to leave them out on the kitchen counter for a few days..You can’t bake them in the oven for awhile because the dang EMS and Firetrucks show up.
Shovelings no big deal
It’s therapuetical when thing’s aren’t going your way (Giants losing w/ no chance). lol But, i did have to shovel for two hours this morning. My area received 22 inches of snow in about a half of day. Other areas within close proximity got 3+ feet of it. You get use to it after living here for so long!
But, if i didn’t know any better, you like hardrolls? lol I’m not a roll expert, but wouldn’t you want them soft? I’ve had rolls from restaurants where you literally had to use a steak knife to cut it. It’s like i was cutting a hockey puck. lol IDK, perhaps you could make your own or see if Publix or Winn Dixie could hook you up? Though i’ve never had a NYC’ish roll, some people may miss certain local stuff! lol
85 degrees in FL, perhaps...
…but your pizza, bagels, and Chinese food still suck down there in comparison! ;)
by Step up and make big plays on Dec 10, 2009 8:54 AM EST reply actions
+1
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 10, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
Actually, I hate to further make you hate me, but with all of the New Yorkers down here, we have quite a few places to get a very good pizza, at least one place with a good bagel and shmear, and excellent Chinese food.
Plus, did I mention its 85?
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Dec 10, 2009 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
bastard.
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 10, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
It was great going to Bucs games in the late 80s/Lightning games in the early 90s...
…when one would see more NY jerseys than sweaters of the home team. It took a couple decade for a generation to “grow up Buccaneer,” so to speak. Until the arrival of Dungy, most fans seeimgly attended Bucs games to see the opposing team.
by Step up and make big plays on Dec 10, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
I'm sweating!
Plenty of very good places to fill your gut…better than 10 years ago. We also have all Cuban joints. Not too big on Cuban food, but not bad. Beach volleyball and football year round!!! Was able to secure our seats for the Carolina game…MUST DESTROY EAGLES.
by Last year in Sec 127 on Dec 10, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
did I mention
set up a cot in your garage, my dear old friend
I need a break from the cold northeast already
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Dec 10, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
85 is too hot this time of year
And yeah we have plenty of NYers bringing in great Pizza’s, just no good bakeries or bread is garabage, Laspada’s Subs and Publix Subs are the closest to good as you can get in raiy florida…
But Atleast we get the GMEN on local TV EVERY week!!! Sit on my couch watching it in high def, dolby 5.1 and cheap beer, no DUI’s, it is definitely the Sixth borough!
I actually agree with the Giants take on Vick
They have to treat him as a QB that can run, not a wildcat threat alone. It was obvious last week that he still chuck the rock again. I don’t know that its really the “wildcat” when he is under center, since he’s as much as a QB threat as a runner.
Also, with Beckum … don’t you actually have to throw to your TEs for them to make catches?
Beckum
Yes, of course. TC said yesterday that they had some stuff in the game plan last week for Beckum, but he came up hurt. My guess is we will see a couple of things for him this week.
by Ed Valentine on Dec 10, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
I always thought it was stupid that we called it the wildcat at all
how is it different than any other team’s second QB taking a snap?
"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
spread eagle
I liked that name for it.
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
"Osi is probably one of our worst db's but he did alright there"
In Omaha, Nebraska
it is currently -2 degrees, and we got about a foot of snow.
Are they doing the Pro Bowl between the last playoff game and the Super Bowl this year? How is Steve Smith gonna play in that and still be ready for the big game the following week?
Something tells me he'll manage.
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 10, 2009 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
For some reason
and I can’t recall where I heard it…but I did hear:
That players selected for the Probowl players of the Superbowl teams would not be participating in the Probowl.
Maybe I misheard, or maybe it’s team/player preference.
Again, I have no reference.
"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
forgive that grammar, I erased half the sentence and tried again not realizing my new 2nd half didn’t fit the 1st half
"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
Becks
I’d like to see what Becks can do. I’d like to know what Bossman can do too!
Gonna need all hands on deck this one,
From the brief times we’ve seen Beckum tho, you can tell he can catch. Not sure if he’s a YACer but I think they would benefit by still keeping Hixon off the field on offense, and putting Becks in (who, obviously is a bit farther along than Barden).
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
I'd love to see some creative formations with Beckum...
…like a double H-back set with Boss or something. Maybe it would surprise the opposing defense and keep them guessing a bit.
by Step up and make big plays on Dec 10, 2009 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
WHOA!!!!
Different formations? Keep em guessing?
HANG HIM!! He’s a WITCH!
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 10, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
straight up heresy...
I mean, this is the Giants O we are talking about here…creativity and independent thought are not permitted.
by Step up and make big plays on Dec 10, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
yeah...they talk a good game...
i remember when beckum got here….it was Hback this, Hback that.
well i find it odd that we’re asking him to be more of a TE or WR, than a true Hback.
KG probably doesn’t even know how to utilize an Hback. For a guy who got playing time in week 1 vs. Washington we’ve yet to see him line up in the backfield.
"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT
beckum vs. barden....
Beckum is a flat out liability when playing as a traditional TE…he doesn’t have the size to block. Good hands, good speed, and decent size (as a pass catcher).
I think what it boils down to is that Beckum is not a liability on Special Teams where Barden is.
I refuse to believe that Beckum is more polished than Barden when playing outside as a WR.
If anything, I want to see Beckum getting some snaps in the backfield like a tru H-Back is supposed to….or maybe in the slot. I wouldn’t put him on the line unless your 100% committed to passing to him…i would not ask him to block.
I just really hope that we can sure up our ST play so we can find a way to let Barden play without asking him to be a ST player.
It’s not like Smith, Manningham, and Nicks are out there playing special teams….
"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT
Only thing I'll say...
is you must’ve not payed attention to Beckum at Wisconsin.
He sure as hell is more polished as a WR than Barden.
I don’t wanna sound like I’m knocking Ramses…but Travis Beckum was an All-American TE at U-Dub not cuz he was a TE…
He’s listed as a TE, has the size of a TE (and surprisingly…was one of the top 3 strongest TE’s in the draft, so its more a technique thing on why he doesn’t block…so maybe coaching is bringing that along?)
Maybe the do finally use the H-Back this week?
I think we’re all spoiled with what Hakeem Nicks is doing…that is making an impact as a rookie. Rookie WR, and TE for that matter, just don’t make that huge an impact, especially when you have starters already there.
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 10, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
I like Beckum...
I do. but i look at him as a pass catching TE…someone that is best utilized in the slot or coming outta the backfield….or in a 2 TE set where he’s not asked to block.
and i thought that he was used mostly as just that in college, a pass catching TE. He’s good enough speed to get free from LB’s…but I’m not sure if he is best utilized on the outside up against Philly’s corners.
How can we say he’s more polished at WR than Barden is? Beckum is a TE / Hback…not a WR. We haven’t seen Barden do anything this year…being on the bench, but we’ve seen Beckum since week 1 and i’m not sure what he’s done thus far to make you think he’s more polished at WR than Barden.
"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT
Well
If Beckum won’t be there to block at all why don’t we just bring in another WR for that play?
by mclaren_is_the_best on Dec 10, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
If he was lining up ouside...
i would agree with you.
but if he’s in the slot…or on the line in a 2 TE set his skill set would be better utilized.
At least he can give the illusion that he’s blocking….so it could confuse defenses. or try to match him up 1 on 1 against some slow footed LB.
"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT
***
But Beckum ran a whole lot of WR routes, and was lined up as a WR a whole lot, at Wisconsin.
Injuries were the only reason why he fell to the 100th pick.
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 10, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Also...
if you’re so convinced that Barden should not be activated because of guys like Smith, Manningham, and Nicks….why lobby for Beckum to play outside at WR?
If we’re set at WR and WR is not a problem…why let Beckum take time away from the other 3?
"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT
I'm convinced Barden should not be activated...
cuz he’s not ready. 3 WR is one thing, but they Giants could use a 4th, no?
He’s gonna time to get ready. If he was ready, he would be.
Beckum is a TE, played “TE” in college, but lined up on the outside, against Big 10 CB’s, more often than he was an actual TE.
He did a whole lot of the stuff that Barden did, those fades to the back corner of the EZ and a whole lot more.
He’s just a whole lot farther along simply cuz of his college experience and competition. His ‘excuse’ is that he’s been injured, while Barden just isn’t ready yet.
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 10, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
we def need a 4th option at WR
I still think the reason why Barden is on the bench is because of his special teams play though.
Just not enough room on the active roster for him to play unless he’s going to contribute on ST…and he’ll never be better than Hagan in that area.
speaking of Hagan…what about him as a 4th option? Giants seemed pretty high on him after that 3rd down catch in Dallas on week 2….i think that was the last time i saw a ball go in his direction.
I wouldn’t mind seeing him out there because of his ability to go up and get the ball…
"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT
I just wanted to say
Between what you and Andi have already said, i think it’s pretty simple why Beckum, let alone Barden haven’t got the playing time. KG is more of a WR friendlier OC to begin with, meaning, out of Smith, Ham and Nicks, thats three viable options, right there. If need be when they go 4 wide, then you have the vet in Hixon. Then, you also have Boss within any combo of the WR’s mentioned. It’s seemingly a log jam to get any playing time out of Beckum.
Overall though, perhaps KG only wants to use Beckum in certain situations up until this point? Though he has been dinged up and inactive from time to time, he’s losing out on valuable practicing time which is needed for game time!
No one can convince me
…that saying “Barden – run to the back of the endzone and stick your hands up in the air” has no value whatsoever. Even if he’s just a decoy.
I left my swagger in my other pants.
I'm a big supporter of Barden
and not just because of his size….he’s got great hands and uses his body to shield defenders.
It’s not like we’re asking Micah Rucker to go out there….now that kid was the definition of a “project”….truth is, Barden was a 3rd round pick, all this “project” talk is silly b/c if that was the case…. well the giants got duped and made a very stupid choice for a 3rd rounder.
I think the only thing keeping him off the field is that he can’t play ST. And I think it’s a shame we haven’t tried to explore more options in an effort to get him out there. but that’s just me.
"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT
I like winter
and I live in a colder and more snow filled environment than most Giants fans (being further north and all). Still, the first snowfall turns the rest of my fellow city-ites into utter fools who do not knwo ho to drive, so yesterday on the roads was quite harrowing.
wind chill -20 degrees
Yeah, that’s “minus 20”, but at least it’s really sunny. Extreme weather here in Chi-town. It will be 35 and snowy on Sunday. (I’ll be thankful for the warmup!) Good weather for watching football, or basketball. Enjoyed the St. John’s victory over Georgia yesterday and the UConn vs. UK game was very good also.
hertford?
mid-30s in hArtford
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Dec 10, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
Since you asked.....
It has been in the low 40’s and high 30’s all week here in San Francisco. F*ing freezing because very few of the structures out here are prepared for the cold. Case in point: my apartment building was built circa 1910 with little to no insulation so when it’s cold, the apartment is freezing and when it’s hot out, the apartment is hot!
But I love the cold this time of year. It’s better than the typical California weather this time of year, where it’s typically in the mid 50’s and sunny.
As always, GO GMEN
Besides the weather (it's negative 14 with wind chill here, or was) lets talk football --
- I agree, I do not think they turned the corner. There are flaws that won’t immediately go away or be solved this season - lack of a running game and weak and spotty D play. I’ve also come to think of the sports press as being pretty damn Palinesque, meaning dementedly stupid and silly and self-delusional. Maybe its because the league puts pressure on them in some way, I don’t know, but the Giants flaws are there to see, and they are serious, and the team wins without really fixing any of those flaws and some ignoramus
in the sports press — bunch of tadpole heads - say things like the Giants power running game was back, the pass rush was ferocious, blah, blah… all lies and idiocy- like death panels and birther expostulations. The Giants played with heart. The Giants have BIG HOLES, too many to go far if they manage to get into the post season. This is not the 2007 team evolving into its prime. This is the 2009 team devolving out of its prime. New blood and time is the only cure. That said, I hope they beat Philly.
but really, do you?
I’m trying to figure out if “ZILLAG” is an acronym that means “secretly hates the Giants”
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Dec 10, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
come on Jim!!
you don’t want to know how the weather is here in sunny Cabo San Lucas…… But I can gladly tell you is 75 degrees now
damn...
85 for Jim in Florida, now I hear 75?
I’m in my refrigerator trying to warm up right now…..
"It ain't over till its over"---
If there's anything I'm sure of, its the Sun coming up in the morning, and Steve Smith.
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 10, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Thats when you know it's cold out
Come inside to grab a cold beverage out of the fridge and it seems like a hand warmer!
tell Tony Romo we said hi
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Dec 11, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
Here in São Paulo, Brazil
75 degrees in a very rainy day…humidity is killing me
Yeah, we like NFL here in Brazil.
leave it to a liberal
to inject politics into a sports blog. I don’t recall any sportswriter or broadcaster or anyone else suggest that last weeks win solved all the Giants problems. Most suggested they played with more intencity, not winning the super bowl. How’s that for palinesque? {sounds like a bar in jersey]
by jerseybillfromva on Dec 10, 2009 8:50 PM EST reply actions
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