It's Friday, so Ernie P. is in the house

by Ed Valentine on Dec 11, 2009 10:00 AM EST in News Comment 28 comments

Time for our weekly swap of questions with Ernie Palladino, long-time Giants beat writer and current wizard of Giants Beat. Hopefully, you will find this week's installment entertaining. And, don't forget to check my answers over at Ernie's place.

1. Where in the world is Kevin Boss?

Ernie's Answer: Well, I know he's still with the team because I saw him in the locker room Wednesday. But you'd never know it by the way they're using him on offense these days. After coming up with a big effort against Atlanta, he's virtually disappeared. One lateral and one catch against Dallas? C'mon. Personally, I don't see any reason Boss shouldn't be used in a similar fashion as Jason Witten is with Dallas. He may not be as established as Witten or any of the league's other tight ends, but Boss is a heady, smart, and reliable pass catcher. I realize they have to keep him in a lot in max protect, but there's no reason he can't chip a guy and then loop around for a safe, short throw over the middle that he can turn into an eight or 10-yard gain. The skinny post should be a staple for him. Instead, it seems like he's being used as strictly a blocker, a responsibility that should go to Darcy Johnson.

2. Do you believe losing to the Eagles the last three encounters, including the one that eliminated the Giants from the 2008 postseason, will factor into Sunday night's game?

Ernie's Answer: Oh, yeah. The players are saying no, but who really wants to go on a losing streak to a division rival. Besides, these two teams hate each other -- the Giants with their New York swagger and Philadelphia with their smaller-city inferiority complex. It is kind of interesting, though, that this whole series has been one of streaks. The Eagles have beaten the Giants the last three games. The Giants won the three games before that. The Eagles won the two before that, the Giants three before that, the Eagles four before that. Don't quite know what that says about the two teams, except that once they get that taste of beating their Turnpike rivals, it's hard to get it out of their mouths. So, yeah, the Giants are going to want to snap this thing. Besides, if they don't, it's going to make it that much harder getting a playoff spot.

3. Given the state of the secondary, how would you defend DeSean Jackson this time around?

Ernie's Answer: Take Olivia Newton-John's advice. Get physical! Put Terrell Thomas right up on his nose and let Thomas slam him with a forearm every time Jackson tries to get off the line. And it wouldn't hurt to bring a safety in there to bracket him in coverage. The guy is so fast and elusive -- Thomas said he makes himself thin -- that slowing him up at the line is about the only way to contain him. At the same time, play plenty of nickel to try to contain other folks like Jeremy Maclin and TE Brent Celek. It's also something the Giants couldn't accomplish the first time around, and that led to a 54-yard scoring pass off a busted coverage.

4. Now that the Giants have a little space between themselves and the .500 mark, what do they have to do from here to get a playoff spot?

Ernie's Answer: Well, obviously, they have to beat Philadelphia and Carolina to get to 9-7. If they beat the Eagles, they can actually give up that middle game to Washington, providing they get help from the Eagles and Cowboys the rest of the way. Everything would be so much easier if they just swept these divisional games, but you know the Giants. Nothing ever comes easy for this team. So we're looking at some nail-biting no matter how Sunday goes. Realistically, I'm not thinking about a divisional title, even though they have a tiebreaker over Dallas. But they could be in line for the sixth playoff spot. That's why it's so advantageous to have these conference games coming all in a row. They'll need tiebreakers when all this is done, and with 8-4 Green Bay ahead in the conference by a half-game, and 6-6 Atlanta a game back in conference games, it's going to be a tight fit if they all finish even. Whatever the case, the Giants haven't given themselves an easy road to the postseason. But it's doable.

(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com)

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Jackson

will be hard to stop at the LOS as all the Eagles do is have him off the LOS or in motion.

If you miss the jam at the LOS on either of these it will be 6 points!

We need quick pressure as that will limit how far downfield Jackson will be when/if McNabb releases the ball.

I guess McNabb will not be coming to use the Giants telephone this game.

by G Fan in England on Dec 11, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions

Good point about playing nickel...

…guys like Dockery, B. Johnson, and Ross are all going to have to punch above their weight class (a.k.a., step up and make big plays) if we are going to contain their passing attack.

by Step up and make big plays on Dec 11, 2009 10:08 AM EST reply actions

Question 3...

should be the universal answer on how to stop all WR’s. I just see inconsistencies with our Secondary. Webster especially…I thought after the SD game he would have made big improvements…which he did vs. ATL…than Brandon Marshall just made some terrific plays in the denver game, but the Dallas game was an abomination.

Webster gotta get his hands on these receivers coming off the line. And now we’re seeing it with Bruce Johnson.

What happened to the Bruce Johnson that was playing physical in week 1 and jamming Roy Williams in week 2.

I know these guys have the ability….but sometimes I wonder why the heck they’re giving these WR’s a free pass off the line?!?!

"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT

by andiamo708 on Dec 11, 2009 10:09 AM EST reply actions

We obviously have to beat Philadelphia and Carolina to get to 9-7?

By my math, Ernie, we can achieve the same record by beating only Washington and Carolina, which may just be enough to propel us into the playoffs, depending on how things shake out.

by Step up and make big plays on Dec 11, 2009 10:11 AM EST reply actions

If we beat Philly

There is no reason why we can’t go 11-5 or 10-6

Washington – NFC East game always tough, but we can beat these guy’s
Carolina – Don’t want to overlook these guys we should be prepared to battle
Minnesota – They will most likely have nothing to play for , Brett will only play a half if that, We shoudl be able to get a win against the backups

We must beat the Eagles though, I don’t care how.

by Late for Dinner on Dec 11, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

There will be some subtle irony...

…if we beat Minnesota in the fashion that you suggest, considering last year’s game against the Vikings.

by Step up and make big plays on Dec 11, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions

Boss is not Witten,

very few tightends are in this league. Boss is young and will make a mark of his own for sure.

"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."

Simon Noble

by dubious on Dec 11, 2009 10:48 AM EST reply actions

If Witten was on the Giants ....

with this coaching staff, he’d be doing what Boss is doing, and not much more productive.

I dunno if Boss was on another team that he’d be as productive as Witten, leaning towards not on that one, but he’d sure as hell be productive.

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

How come no one covers Steve Smith?

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 11, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

I think skills wise they seem pretty much the same I think.

Not sure speed and such but most tightends have a knack for getting open in the zone. Boss will come around but only if Eli looks his way. I guess it helps Witten to have a best friend as the QB :)

Simon Noble

by dubious on Dec 11, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions

We're lucky Boss

is a selfless type of player. Boss could be a star in a different type of offense. Check out Visanthe Shiancoe. He was invisible in New York.

by njgiant on Dec 12, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

The way the Giants utilize Boss is a disgrace. Talent-wise he could be one of the best TE in the NFL. On ESPN’s fantasy update the recommended starting Boss this week vs. Eagles. The Eagles allow the 2nd most points for opposing TE. I understand a team can’t play call based on fantasy points. We’ll see how our coaches game plan by how much Boss is included in the game plan.

Posted in the wrong thread by mistake.

by FrankB0318 on Dec 11, 2009 11:00 AM EST reply actions

Eagles D and TE's

Football Outsiders came up with an awesome nickname for the Eagles defense. The named it "The Death Star," and by that they meant that it’s very imposing and scary, but has that one fatal weakness – not being able to cover running backs and tight ends with their linebackers.

And they’re right. We simply can’t cover RB’s and TE" (TE’s especially) with our linebackers. We get our best cover linebacker, Akeem Jordan, back from injury this week, but I’d be shocked if the Giants don’t look to exploit the Eagles’ weakness covering TE’s. Boss should have a good day.

by JimmyK on Dec 11, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions

Who should I start for my Fantasy Team then?

Boss versus the Eagles? Or, Gates versus the Cowgirls? My homerism cost me a couple weeks ago when after the ATL game I thought Boss would become a staple in the Giants offense. Boss got me 3 points that game while Gates racked up 20-something.

by Larry Soprano on Dec 11, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

I’ve always played fantasy football with the philosophy that I ignore the matchups and always start my best players. If I have a couple players with similar talent, then I’ll look at the matchup, but in the case of Gates vs. Boss, I’m starting Gates 100% of the time without even looking at who they’re playing.

by JimmyK on Dec 11, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

Thats a no brainer to me

Gates for sure……Carpenter can’t cover him so watch for him to be a big problem on Sunday.

Simon Noble

by dubious on Dec 11, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions

Ed,

I always pore over the Palladino interview friday and never comment because it’s damn comprehensive and there’s really nothing to add or argue. But I just wanted to chime in after all this time to say I enjoy it a lot.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Dec 11, 2009 11:33 AM EST reply actions

Ernie's a great guy

He has been around the Giants, and pro sports, for a long time. I appreciate the fact that he considers my work credible enough that he is willing to be a presence here — and share what I do with his folks.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 11, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions

Unpopular Target / Beating a Dead Horse

The whole Kevin Boss thing? Sorry but that’s on Gilbride. When Boss stays in to runblock – NOT his strength at all – it hurts the team exponentially because (a) they’re not utilizing his strengths and (b) he’s a TERRIBLE run-blocker!! It’s just so ridiculous. Now, there will be times that the Giants would have to call passing plays w/ Darcy Johnson in there to keep the D honest.

But – HEY KEVIN GILBRIDE, NEWS FLASH HERE – there are no rules against, say lining up Boss in the slot. OR splitting Boss out wide.

What Gilbride is doing to Boss is a total crime against this team. For all of the hard work Boss puts in and for all of his talent, it’s really a shame to watch Gilbride continue to ignore him in the offensive game-planning.

I know that some people like to jump to Gilbride’s defense and that others will say that “the players need to make more plays”…..buuuut when your team has a guy that’s a huge target, a mismatch waiting to happen, has excellent hands, is tough as nails, and keeps his mouth shut and doesn’t complain….and he still doesn’t get factored into the offensive gameplan? It just doesn’t make much sense to me.

Other than some unwillingness to include him for some ridiculous reason……I just don’t get why he’s not a much bigger factor in this offense. It simply doesn’t make any sense. Great question Ed, and great response Ernie P.

by Cody K on Dec 11, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions

yup...

or the famous…“well the giants never really use their TE’s in the passing game”…

it’s just an excuse and it sounds better than saying “i have no freakin’ clue”.

"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT

by andiamo708 on Dec 11, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

Read KG's Transcript

from yesterday. There are plays called for Boss that wind up going elsewhere just because of coverage, etc. KG says the biggest problem with Boss is he sometimes has difficulty getting off the line of scrimmage and getting open. Interesting.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 11, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

yup.

I mean…we can all argue that since there are missed plays and since KB is not catching passes that they need to use him….but there is such an animal as a receiver is ‘covered’.

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

How come no one covers Steve Smith?

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 11, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions

I diagree with the run blocking

http://profootballfocus.com/by_position.php?tab=by_position&season=2009&pos=TE&stype=r&runpass=&teamid=-1&numsnaps=25&numgames=1

Kevin boss, run block, #3 (used to be #1 a few weeks ago)

Pass blocking, he isn’t too great.

He’s rated #2 overall mostly because of his run blocking, although his pass rating is pretty nice too.

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"

by Willgfass on Dec 11, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

TERRIBLE Run Blocker?

According to PFF Boss is rated 3rd this season for TE in run blocking. Last year, he graded 14th in run blocking. Average but not terrible. Using PFF data I’m not sure how Boss has gotten the reputation as a terrible run blocker.

His pass blocking is terrible. He’s 53 out of 60.

by FrankB0318 on Dec 12, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

tiebreakers

Giants have clinched the season tiebreaker over GB. If GB beats Pittsburgh, Giants would have the better conference record if they ended up tied overall; if GB loses to Pittsburgh they’d tie Giants on conference record but Giants will have the better common games record. Win over Eagles would almost certainly give the Giants the eventual tiebreaker — Giants would have to lose to Redskins, Philly would have to beat Dallas, Philly would have to lose to SF, AND Giants would have to beat Minnesota, and even then it would go to strength of victory or something we can’t determine now.

by hankwebb on Dec 11, 2009 3:36 PM EST reply actions

well this would be interesting

If everything stayed the same and GB/ Giants stay tied , then if the Giants hold the tiebreaker we could have the top three teams from the NFC East? I can’t remember that ever happening before? Has it?

Simon Noble

by dubious on Dec 11, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

it happened in both 2006 & 2007

Eagles, Cowboys, Giants in ’06
Cowboys, Giants, Redskins in ’07

"[The Giants] beat us down. We were beat by a grown-man team, a team we want to be like one day. They came in here and took it to us. Out-manned us, out-gunned us. ... It wasn't even close." - Raheem Morris, 9/27/09

by cjmulrain on Dec 11, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions