BBV chats with 'Hogs Haven'

by Ed Valentine on Dec 17, 2009 7:12 AM EST in News Comment 73 comments

The NFC East rival Washington Redskins are up first in what is now a three-week season of must victories for our New York Giants. With that in mind, I chatted Wednesday with Kevin from our Redskins blog, 'Hogs Haven.'

Kevin: First, I've read all your previous chats about Osi, Tuck, the problems w/ the secondary..so I'll link those...the injuries to the secondary have been tough w/ moving players around...my question is... the Giants defense is 9th best in yards against, but 5th worst in points against...why is that? Bad offensive turnovers?

Ed: Has nothing to do with the offense. The offense has been terrific. It has to do with not being able to make a play when they need one. Blowing assignments that lead to big plays, not being able to get a run stop when they have to. Oh, and the fact that the kicking game/coverage teams have been awful. So, it always seems like a short field.

Kevin: Did you agree with Coughlin's decision to keep Sheridan? I read that Kiwanuka said there were "communication" problems which he described as "getting calls and understanding what you’re supposed to be doing."

Ed: Yes, I did. Switching coordinators right now is pointless, really. Can't change the whole system or staff right now. Sheridan is not without fault, and if the season goes up in flames he won't be back. But, a lot of this is on the players. A lot of guys have not lived up to their names and blown assignments, linemen getting ridden off the ball and poor tackling are on the players. Not the coordinator. So, plenty of blame to go around.

Kevin: Not to mention his secondary is depleted...Corey Webster and Aaron Ross both got banged up...you heard if they're going to play?

Ed: Webster is day to day. Ross is fine, and he has been playing at safety, and playing pretty well for being new to it, for several weeks now.

Kevin: Right tackle Kareem McKenzie is out and William Beatty the rookie is in. Is there a big drop-off there and should the Skins overload that side? Robert Gallery was out last week for OAK and the Skins made the Raiders pay dearly.

Ed: I'm sure the Redskins will try to work Beatty over. But, Giants fans are actually happy about this. Beatty, a second-round pick, is a player. McKenzie is a fading veteran and the job should belong to Beatty next season, anyway. The kid is going to be good, and we want to see him on the field.

Kevin: Hard to believe the Giants are ranked 23rd in +/- turnovers at -4...what's your prediction for Monday?

Ed: Well, I'd like to say we'll kick your butt all over the field and make you wish ... well, you get the point. But, I have no idea. Will the Giants team that played its guts out the last two weeks show up? Will the team that gave zero effort against Denver show up? Will they continue to make stupid mistakes on defense and special teams? I don't know. This team should be much better than it is. But it isn't getting the job done. I just know we need to win.

Kevin: OK, last question, back in May when we chatted, I asked you if you had any concerns w/ the new WR core...

you thought you'd be OK if Mario stepped up and Ramses Barden came on...Nicks is a stud like we thought...how would you rate the WRs now? What happened to Ramses?

Ed: The wide receivers, believe it or not, are actually a strong suit on this team. Our Steve Smith is the best Steve Smith in the league. He has already broken the team's single-season reception record, and might get to 100+. He is uncoverable (think Wes Welker) on short to intermediate stuff. Nicks, like you said, is total stud. Love the kid. Mario Manningham is frustratingly inconsistent. He is a game-breaker with the ball in his hands, but his route-running needs work and he drops too many balls. Barden is a mystery. In camp I thought he would be a star, but he has only been active for a couple of games. The Giants say they would like to activate him, but he is a liability on special teams and the 4th or 5th WR has to be on the coverage teams. I think Ramses will get his full opportunity next season to surpass Domenik Hixon and maybe even Manningham. I can't wait to see what he does with it.

Ed: The Redskins have played much better in recent weeks. They looked like a train-wreck early on. What has changed?

Kevin: You got a couple hours? Well, the offense has played better with the Shermans (Lewis and Smith) calling the plays. Cerrato stripped Jim Zorn of the duties before the BYE. The offensive line has been swiss cheese to say the least, and then during half-time of the ATL game, Off line coach Joe Bugel ripped the team a new one and they have played better. The addition of LT Levi Jones is a big key as well. He's gone against the best the last several weeks and kept Jason's back clear accept for a handful of times at most. Devin Thomas & Fred Davis have finally come on as well.

Ed: You guys have to play both the Giants and Cowboys in the last three weeks. Obviously, you can have a big impact on the playoff race. You find that position kind of enjoyable?

Kevin: I'm just happy they're competitive at all. It's pathetic that we have to root for someone else's playoffs run...but keeping Dallas out will surely rise a smile out of me.

Ed: I'd like it if you did that, too. OK. Who will be the coach next season?

Kevin: Shanahan is my guess. VInny Cerrato and him are already buddies, so it makes sense (in Snyder's and Cerrato's delusional minds). It's frustrating...just as the Skins are showing continuity, they blow it up again and bring in a new coach.

Ed: Speaking [of] continuity, is Jason Campbell the long-term answer at QB? Or, is he playing out the string just like Jim Zorn?

Kevin: Well, the long term plan SHOULD be draft Oline in the first 2 rounds next year...let Campbell run that offense next year .. then draft a QB to groom behind a top line....BUT...Campbell is as good as gone. Snyder and Cerrato have already flown to watch Colt and Clausen practice. It's maddening. JC has taken some BRUTAL hits this year. Like Stafford, whoever they draft will get hurt.

Ed: OK. So, who is making the playoffs? Giants or Cowboys?

Kevin: I didn't like the Cowboys at the beginning of the year. I'm still amazed their record is as good as it is. Giants.

Ed: Last question. It's my signature one, and I have to ask because my guys at BBV always kill me when I don't. At this point, which Giants player would you most like to put in a Redskins' uniform?

Kevin: its a great question .. I want Mara as my owner. I might even consider Plax as owner.

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

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Player from the Redskins we would like to have...

I would like to have Orakpo. We’ve talked lots and lots of times about not having an impact LB. For a rookie, he has really come on with 4-5 sacks in the past few weeks. A young guy like that (low cap number) would go a long way towards us being or building a dominant D. If we could trade defenses with the ‘skins, we’d probably be the #2 seed.

by lboogie25 on Dec 17, 2009 8:02 AM EST reply actions

I agree

He is the guy to have.

Let’s hope Sintim is the poor man’s version next season!

by G Fan in England on Dec 17, 2009 8:12 AM EST up reply actions

Orakpo

He is a beast and would love to buy his Giants Jeresey… damn we need a sick LB bad. Hope we draft Brandon Spikes.

by gobs56 on Dec 17, 2009 8:18 AM EST up reply actions

Another Nice, honest exchange Ed..

Interesting that Kevin chose the owner over a player to be on their side of the fence.

by Bobbiblue on Dec 17, 2009 8:58 AM EST reply actions

Oh and I must make my weekly "Pretty Picture" comment..

Watch out lady, if that gets in front of ’Tiger’s Eyes’..You’ll be ‘Tabloid Material’..Sounds like he needs a date.

by Bobbiblue on Dec 17, 2009 9:01 AM EST reply actions

LOL!!

Yeah, Tiger probably hasn’t had one in a few days.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 17, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions

Redskins player?

Can I say players? The entire defense?

Its its just one player, I say a healthy Haynesworth.

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 9:03 AM EST reply actions

I like Orakpo..A healthy Haynesworth would be great..As long as we can be assured..

We wouldn’t suffer anather “Canty Experiment”..

by Bobbiblue on Dec 17, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

The Canty experiment...

is just that..an experiment. He’s a 3-4 end who’s playing DT.

Haynesworth plays DT. They played some wierd 4-3 style D in Tennessee, with Big Al as the Nose Tackle…but he’s just a beast who would thrive anywhere.

I could imagine him collapsing the pocket and actually freeing up Osi, Tuck and Kiwi.

Orakpo would be good. I think he’s actually be a down lineman for us, tho if Clint Sintim is a LB, Orakpo could be for the Giants too.

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly..and he didn't have anytime to make the transition because he was hurt..

Maybe with a full healthy off season and camp he’ll prove himself worthy..

by Bobbiblue on Dec 17, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

no doubt.

Canty’s year one (so far…..) has been a waste aside from the Cowboys game (go figure…).

I think he and Boley would’ve benefited a ton from being able to go through the motions in training camp and pre-season.

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

B & FB

Right on. Canty needs time. It’s way too soon to make any kind of judgement about him. Mt guess is down the line we’ll be damn happy with him. I/m not even sure I want to give up on Rocky so soon.

by blue gonz on Dec 17, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

Rocky's had plenty of time tho...

Canty’s switching positions, younger and more athletic.

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions

I have to admit:

It’s tough to make a case to keep Rocky.

by blue gonz on Dec 17, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

I don't like to think about the draft much at this point in the season..

But if CJ Spiller is sitting there waiting to be picked, we need to snag him..That kid is going to wreak havoc in the NFL.

by Bobbiblue on Dec 17, 2009 9:24 AM EST reply actions

now we're on the same page Bobbi....

also, Brandon Spikes is not a good fit. He’s constantly injured, not that smart of a LB…and also, not really all that fast.

Jon Goff is probably a better long term option. Either that, or sign a MLB. No more rookies at LB.

Spiller is an impact type..he could be for the Giants what Desean Jackson is for the Eagles.

Not sure if he’s as fast as DJAX…but he’s sure as hell close and a bit bigger too.

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

I like Spiller too

While we do have playmakers, it would be nice to have a homerun hitter. This guy is a true threat.

by njgiant on Dec 17, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

You know I was thinking that after watching D-Jax burn us and the all around threat he is

that maybe the Giants should go in that direction and Spiller is that guy. He’ got Chris Johnson speed out of the backfield, great hands and can return kicks.

My only issue I have is teams that rely on big plays on O to win all of the time always seem to flame out in the playoffs. Their like basketball teams that rely on 3 point shooting to win they look great doing it and you wish your team could be like that but then somebody with a great D and more balance figures them and the big play team can never adjust they just start forcing things and making mistakes epsically in big games. 07 Pats and Colts could not do it. 05 Colts could not it. 03 and 04 Colts. The 06 colts won becasue they ran the ball and Peyton just managed games. 03 Chiefs 02 Raiders 01 Rams 00 Rams and 00 Vikings. 98 Vikings all of the Marino Dolphin teams. The 99 Rams are the only realy big play team I can think of that won it all and unlike the 00 and 01 Rams they ran the ball a lot more, that was one of the biggest critisims of Martz compared to Vermiel. Dick wanted Balance, Martz wanted a TD on every play which led to turnovers in that Super Bowl vs the Pats.

I still say build up the D and o-line. Control the clock and the line of scrimage. THats how you’ll beat big play teams, keep them off the field and get them out of rythm. The Giants have good skilled guys they need to fortify with O-line and get the D back to were it was. They have some pieces they just need solitfy D-Tackle and they’ll improve drasticly on that side of the ball.

by Landeta on Dec 17, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions

I feel ya......but I still like that Spiller kid.

by njgiant on Dec 17, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

Not really to get big plays...

tho they would be nice…but to get an impact player.

I don’t think that where the Giatns are gonna pick, it seems its either 19 or farther down, they are not gonna get a impact DT.

Spiller, who may be gone anyway…could be a huge bang for the buck at that position.

They can solidify the rest of the team farther down (or maybe they even trade down!)

Spiller, if available…should be the pick.

He’s a RB too, and ball-security is no the problem. Him and Jake (and AB too..) would be a nice 3-headed monster.

Aside from him not being available at their pick…I can see them passing if they thing Andre Brown can still come back. Achilles’ injuries are no joke and who knows if he’ll ever re-gain his NFL speed.

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions

Spiller

Will not be there for our pick, so unless we trade up try again.

In football, you can always maim a person if you wanted to. -L.T.

by gobs56 on Dec 17, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

true...

that’s why I say “if available”.

The whole Chris Johnson comparison will make someone grab him high in the draft.

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions

absolutely

he’s Chris Johnson from a bigger school. I saw him in the game against UMD back in October, and he was just unreal – he had one of the most incredible TD runs I’ve ever seen.

"[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 17, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

If we take Spiller

we would have 5 RB’s on the roster.

by mclaren_is_the_best on Dec 17, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

Ware's not a definite.

and we were slated to have 4 this year.

Nothing’s a definite with Andre Brown either; Achilles injuries are tought to come back from.

I see 2 definites with AB and Jake…..nothing else is set.

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions

and Spiller might be better than either of them

remember when people criticized taking Tuck b/c we already had a bunch of DE’s?

by cjmulrain on Dec 17, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

exactly..

The Giants most def. need to take a pass rusher or 2 this draft. Maybe these guys are getting complacent?

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

We have much bigger needs than more pass rushers

Younger guards, safety, DT etc. etc.

by mclaren_is_the_best on Dec 18, 2009 4:17 AM EST up reply actions

Also Sintim is practically a pass rusher

in college

by mclaren_is_the_best on Dec 18, 2009 4:18 AM EST up reply actions

To be honest

It would be no different than carrying 7 WR’s, which shouldn’t be the case next year. But, by going across the board with all of our RB’s, there are a few question marks. Health is one major factor. Jacobs, AB and Ware have had their share of injuries and even the rookie Brown is out. Whether your playing hurt, or your out, it’s counter productive to the offense if you have no one healthy. Even Gartrell Johnson shouldn’t be considered a long term fixture.

All for not though, even if say Spiller did happen to fall to the Giants, this would all but seem to be a luxury pick. Automatically you get a three for one deal. A contributor in the running / passing game and he is a dynamic returner also.

by Hootman on Dec 18, 2009 8:03 AM EST up reply actions

Anyone else going to the Game?

I’m taking my Pops for his Christmas present. I got 2 tickets in the Lower Level for $10 under face value off of CL down here in the DC area.

by Larry Soprano on Dec 17, 2009 9:26 AM EST reply actions

I'll be there

I’m not sure where my seats are, my friend has the tickets, but I know they are lower level and we got them at face value

by da cut on Dec 17, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions

I'm going

by cjmulrain on Dec 17, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

I was going to try to get there..My brother lives there and asked me..but I can't make the trip..

But if you all hook-up somehow, when you meet him you’ll get an insight about me..same personality..Dry but crazy humor..He’s much better than I am at tailgating, though..You can throw anything on the grill and he’ll eat it..cow-balls, fresh breaded fried horse-shit, don’t matter to him..Just have fresh rolls.

by Bobbiblue on Dec 17, 2009 5:08 PM EST up reply actions

Oh, an example..When we got together for our Dad's funeral last month..

He made this sophisticated what he called a “Protein Drink” for me..I drank the damn thing..and it didn’t taste bad but I refused to let him tell me what he put in it..If you hear strange ‘gutteral’ sounds above the crowd noise, follow it and you’ll find him.

by Bobbiblue on Dec 17, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

My

condolences for your Dad, Bobbiblue. Did you inherit your style of humor from him? I get LOL"s from your posts.

by Jolly on Dec 17, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks Jolly I appreciate that..Yes I did inherit my Dad's humor..

Its been tough not watching or talking before and after games like we have all my life, we were inseparable rooting for the Giants..I am getting over it, but still find myself reaching for the phone on game-days..My wife catches me and just hugs the phone away from me.. We were able to watch the first half of the season this year, I would drive up to Daytona to watch them with him every week..He saw them go 5-0 and only missed a few losses..It is sad when you reach the point where you start losing your loved ones..but yes I inherited his humor..although he probably would not appreciate some of it..I think I have a tendency to lamely bring it up a notch..lol

by Bobbiblue on Dec 17, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions

+infinity

and amen.

by Jolly on Dec 17, 2009 8:58 PM EST up reply actions

the player id take from the skins would be Laron Landry

So I could put him on the practice squad so big boy could run over him every day in practice – it would remind Brandon of how to run hard.

by wilddre22 on Dec 17, 2009 9:55 AM EST via mobile reply actions

him and CC Brown could discuss

on who’s let up bigger big plays…..

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

Laron is a hot head...

and at times his play suffers because of the fact.

but he’s a terrific player IMO…and I would take him in a heart beat.

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

by andiamo708 on Dec 17, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

He’s just a bigger Michael Johnson. NFL playbook broke him down during the Saint’s game and he is as much responsible for that loss as the kicker. Probably more so. He bit on a TE crossing pattern twice while they went over the top right in his AOR. The same exact decision making Coughlin questioned Johnson for during the press conference after the Eagle game.

Watch him again this Monday night. He’ll be undisciplined trying to repay BJ for that posterization he can’t get forget.

by lboogie25 on Dec 17, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

Landry getting trucked

one of the best shots of all time.

by njgiant on Dec 17, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions

yeah i agree lboog

laron seems like wasted talent, who takes bad routes, makes bad decisions, and takes dumb penalties. we have enough of that already.

by wilddre22 on Dec 17, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

vs. the saints....

tough task…for anyone.

He’s the best Safety in the EAST IMO.

his biggest problem is that he’s just too over zealous…over perusing guys, late hits, getting himself outta position.

I’d still take him and put him on the giants in a heart beat. Put him back there w/ KP…it would be amazing….IMO.

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

by andiamo708 on Dec 17, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

hell...if Taylor was still alive

they’d have the best Safety tandem in football….

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

by andiamo708 on Dec 17, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

Landry

Yea, Laron Landry is a hitter…he cannot cover for crap. When Taylor died, they moves Landry to FS where over-committing on plays has been killing this team. They moved him back to SS a lot last week and we saw the Laron of old making big hits on RBs and getting after the QB.

by Kevin Ewoldt on Dec 18, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

he's been torched a few other times too.

he would’nt be much better for the Giants than Rouse.

Tho..back there with KP?

Yea…we miss #21…big time (the other #21….I wouldn’t be opposed to him suiting up either..as long as he put a muzzle on it).

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

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 17, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

really?

Mosley has referred to him as the best Safety in the East on numerous occasions…and I thought he played terrific in week 1 vs. us, minus the stupid late hit on jacobs.

I think most NFL people would put Laron among the best Safeties in football…..

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

by andiamo708 on Dec 17, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Landry was TERRIBLE in the game against us!!! He had all kinds of missed tackles, going for big hits, flag for personal foul, he was a completely unhinged that game looking for payback. He was called on it numerous times by the broadcasting crew and killed by skins fans.

by lboogie25 on Dec 17, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions