A little disrespect for the Giants
by Ed Valentine on Jul 14, 2009 11:00 AM EDT
in New York Giants News
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PrintAhh, what is that scent I am picking up? Could it be? Yes, it's ... the sweet smell of disrespect.
That scent hasn't been around our New York Giants for a while. A Super Bowl title, followed by a 12-4 season that included an NFC East crown will bring well-earned respect.
Yet, scrolling around the Inter-Google for Giants' stories Monday evening there they were -- a pair of stories dissing the Giants. OK, so full disclosure demands that I tell you one of the stories was actually e-mailed to me by loyal BBV follower 'John W.' Disrespect, though, is disrespect.
What in both of these posts was so egregious that it has me all worked up on a beautiful summer day?
I resigned myself months ago to the fact that the hated Philadelphia Eagles are the Flavor of the Month among pundits, many of whom suddenly seem to think the Eagles are the greatest thing invented since cheesesteak and that the Giants are yesterday's news.
But both of these audacious posts were foolhardy enough to predict that the Giants will finish third -- yes, third -- in the NFC East behind not only the Eagles but the Dallas Cowboys as well.
First up among these blasphemous and unrepentant posts is Andy Benoit of NFL Touchdown. Here is some of what Benoit said in a very comprehensive preview of the Giants.
This year, every potential dimple of cellulite in the Giants’ firm, golden thigh has been obfuscated. Running back Derrick Ward, who gained 1,025 yards backing up 1,089-yard starter Brandon Jacobs, left in free agency but was replaced by shifty third-year pro Ahmad Bradshaw. Ingenious defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo took the head coaching job in St. Louis, but most observers are confident in his understudy, former linebackers coach Bill Sheridan.
Every issue is covered. Except the one about replacing Burress. Reese probably could have filled the gaping hole at wide receiver by trading for Arizona’s Anquan Boldin or Cleveland’s Braylon Edwards. But instead of paying a premium for sure-things, he rolled the dice on Draft Day, selecting North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks at the end of Round One and Cal-Poly’s Ramses Barden in Round Three. It’s a questionable risk for a team that’s ready to win now. But Reese has that glittering ring. So instead of saying what?!, we can only say hmmmm ...
Bottom Line
The defense is outstanding. The first string is loaded with playmakers, the second string is loaded with experience and just about everyone is under 30. Thus, New York’s season rests on the offense. More specifically, it rests on the wide receivers. If the Giants can put together a threatening passing attack, they’ll be similar to what they were 18 months ago. If not, they’ll be similar to what they were six months ago.
The other blasphemous post came from the Bleacher Report, a site that I usually pay little attention to. After this, I will go right back to not paying attention to BR, which will help my mood. BR's NFC East preview is actually complimentary toward the Giants, but still has them finishing third.
Gone are Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. Eli Manning's top target is now Steve "The Other Steve" Smith. But Brandon Jacobs, Amhad Bradshaw and their stout defense will carry them to success, as it did in Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
I suppose the Giants could finish third. Eli could get hurt. Ditto for Brandon Jacobs. Bill Sheridan could prove to be more Johnnie Lynn than Steve Spagnuolo. The vaunted offensive line could start showing cracks. The Cowboys could, for once, actually play up to their potential.
I think you have to be delirious, though, to look at the talent and the accomplishments of the teams in the NFC East in recent years and conclude that the Giants are -- on paper -- the third-best team in the division. Either that, or you are a Dallas fan.
I guess, though, the disrespect might be a good thing if it becomes a trend. The Giants did just fine in 2007 when the supposed 'experts' thought they weren't good enough. Maybe that will be the case again here in 2009.
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Well put Ed
I mean I think these guys are stating what everyone else is stating. We have no proven WR’s, which I feel in turn could be an advantage. We were rated 28th in the NFL with our corps which i thought was laughable, some teams on there just did not belong ahead of us but regardless, they are saying the same stuff- Great Defense, Great O-line, Great Running Game, Good QB, and NO WR’s. Cant blame them, we will just have to show them I guess that we do have formidable WR’s for sure.
Disrespect...
That was exactly got our team a ring…That fired them up..I hope to see more disrespect..Our guys thrive on it and will respond to it…As for WRs..I think people should pay close attention to who they have and who they drafted…These guys are talented..I wish Amani was re-signed because he in my opinion is a leader at that position, and could tutor the rest of the corps of receivers, but I know they have the group that will result in a solid passing attack. Plax is a tax…We don’t need that..Our team needs guys that think more about family and their fellow team than they do bars and night clubs….and Eli I remember him being asked if he visited NYC, and he said “I can see it from my apartment”…He wears a black suit with brown shoes..He is my kind of guy..a workhorse..and this year his leadership will rise to the top..He is a normal “Joe”..He doesn’t hang out in bars, he collects antiques. Our guys need more disrespect..The more the merrier, our guys will show them this year.
Ok, but why is Dallas better?
I don’t think any honest Giant fan can argue against the WR corps being an unknown and we all saw how the offense ground to a halt at the end of last season. Seeing as how that is the only real negative either of these pundits are relying on, what is their rationale for Dallas’ improvement? They also lost their premier WR (though they have Roy Williams, who is more talent than production), have an old and overrated OL, questionable DBs, and a less-than-scary front 7 outside of Mr. Ware. What have they done this offseason to suggest that the Cowboys are in any better shape than us?
And the Eagles?
Why does everyone all of a sudden think the Eagles are so unbeatable. I’m pretty sure they’ve never won a Super Bowl.
You don't get points for past success
Everyone starts out the year at 0-0. They have done a lot of radical and seemingly big moves, so they will get lots of love for it, simple as that. Besides, they DID make the NFC Championship game last year, almost making the Super Bowl.
And for them
that’s about as good as it gets.
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Jul 15, 2009 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow..
Dallas is definitely not better. No way. Dallas is good don’t get me wrong but that defense can’t stop anyone. I’d say we are on par with the Eagles. It’s funny how no one talks about their suspect WR’s too. Yea Desean Jackson might be shifty but he is a decent #2 at best., the guy is the same size as me. Kevin Curtis isn’t a definitive #1. Who is to say Maclin will be better than Nicks right out of the gate. In fact the knock on Maclin is he can’t run routes. There WR’s are just as questionable as ours.
AGREED
totally on dallas and the eagles wr but come on they are gonna think that the eagles o line is as good as the g mens no way. and their d line is no way as deep as ours i guess they feel the lb’s and db’s are better to put them ahead of us!! every place else i look our def is 2nd to pittsburgh
Actually
I’m a colts fan, so I obviously respect the Giants very much. I was cheering for them in the superbowl and in the playoffs. But I think the Eagles are going to have a great season. I think 13-3 is not out of the question for them. I also think the Giants can finish third if the Redskins, yes, the Redskins can improve their passing game. The division is the Giants’ to lose this season, but I have a feeling they just aren’t the top team in the division. (I just pissed off a LOT of giants fans for saying I think the eagles will be better)
by Colts_and_Cavs_in_09! on Jul 14, 2009 12:40 PM EDT reply actions
LOL!!
I think yours is the majority opinion. We disagree, but we got used to it a long time ago.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 14, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't you remember who the sexy pick was last year?
Jacksonville.
I have a similar feeling about this Eagles love.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jul 14, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Dont you worry I dont think the Colts can beat either the Steelers or the Pats …so I guess there will be a lot of unhappy fans in Indiana … On a Big Blue note … No team with Donavan “Puke in the SB” McNabb scares me and America’s Nightmare may always be the chic choice but lets see Romo play good when it matters..Big Blue has its issues but to be picked third in our division is pretty funny.. I hope it drives us the way it did in 07’ and I think it will.. I figure 10-6 ..or 11-5 is about right and we will contend for the Big trophy in Jan..
Whatever happened to the saying “Defense wins championships”? I guess we need to start saying “Wide receivers win championships”. The Giants look to have the best defense, best O-line, best running back corps and we’re picked 3rd?!?! Me thinks that some people are just writing things to get a reaction.
Bleacher Report
Now, as Ed has said many times, predictions done in May, June and July don’t mean anything, they’re just reasons for fans to have a discussions, however what baffles me about the B/R post is that it cites the fact that the ’Boys got rid of T.O. and their defense remains the same?!
They lost Greg Ellis and Canty! And they didn’t pick up anyone of note to shore up the losses.
The Giants on the other hand boosted their already formidable defense. And they got rid their own problem child, i.e.Plax.
That makes no sense to me.
Now as for the Eagles did they really improve their team that much? I think it’s already been said here before that the Giants matched them move for move in the off season. Plus when you compare their schedules the Eagles have a tougher draw:
Giants get to stay home for
San Diego
Carolina
Atlanta
Arizona
The Eagles go on the road for
San Diego
Carolina
Atlanta
Chicago
The Giants get their bye week in week 10. The Eagles in week 3!
I am looking forward to this season.
Like I said
In general, BR is not a source worth of spending much time with. In this case, it did help me work up a little rant, though.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 14, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Ain't no difference betwen you and BR
I’m in that category as well, but the hate for BR is absurd.
Anyway, anything written now is a bit premature and just used to create discussion. Once Aug 2 comes around, then we’ll really be talking Giants football.
http://nygiants247.blogspot.com/
by NewYorkGiants24.7 on Jul 14, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
absurd
as in unjustified? I’ll defend Ed over BR any day. It’s garbage, they somehow google-bombed enough toget on google news, that’s the only reason they are ever discussed.
What's the difference between BR and any other blogger?
Yeah, some blogger’s have legit credentials and know their stuff. Others don’t. What’s the difference between voicing your opinion here to there?
http://nygiants247.blogspot.com/
by NewYorkGiants24.7 on Jul 14, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
If you think
this site, which gets interviews with players and official press releases from the Giants isn’t better than BR then I have a suggestion for you. Go to BR!
by Ed Valentine on Jul 14, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not saying BR is better
but the hate for it is ridiculous. Could a BR get Giants press releases? Work hard enough for it, sure, why not?
Some recent headlines from BBV:
Will the UFL drain NFL rosters?
Spotlight: Mathias Kiwanuka
Eli Manning vs. Ben Roethlisberger: Another perspective
Should BJ have called out Romo?
Land of the Giants: Defense Edition
Some recent headlines from BR:
New York Giants Kevin Boss: Underrated and Underutilized Perfectly
Brandon Jacobs Rips Tony Romo: “He’s Not That Good”
Is Eli Manning The Long Term Answer To The New York Football Giants?
Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora are Bound For Greatness
Will the Giants Really Miss Derrick Ward?
I got no issue with you or the work you do here. I like it a lot. But what’s the difference between your opinion pieces and theirs?
http://nygiants247.blogspot.com/
by NewYorkGiants24.7 on Jul 14, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Anybody else a little disappointed?
Reading Ed’s great intro (hooked me right in) I click on the jump… to read someone else talking about wide receivers, without even acknowledging the stats that show their argument to be spurrious. Does any pundit across this nation have a unique point of view on the Giants? If you are going to denigrate them, find something different to talk about. It’s getting to be like a stuck record. Great point nygiants had about all of a sudden receivers win championships, which is exactly the same mindset that selfish glory-hogs like Meshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, TO, and Chad Johnson had in mind when they started acting like the WR was the most important cog in the machine.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Jul 14, 2009 3:44 PM EDT reply actions
Originality
Everyone just keeps going over and over and over and over the same stuff w/the Giants. Just gotta get on the field and see what happens.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 14, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
People always underrate the Giants...
…and overrate the Cowboys.
Worst case, the Giants finish 10-6 and make the playoffs.
by New York Sports Jerk on Jul 14, 2009 4:05 PM EDT reply actions
Whoa!
SJ … now you’ve followed me over here? Oh, boy! BTW, you’re right about the Giants.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 14, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Well I figure...
…if the Yankee season goes down the toilet, at least I’ve still got the Giants to keep me occupied.
For what it’s worth, you do a hell of a good job with these blogs.
by New York Sports Jerk on Jul 14, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair
worst case is actually missing the play-offs, which is possible. the NFL has so little room for error in it’s schedule, that one bad loss puts you in danger.
Third Place
In a division that has recently seen three out of the four teams make the playoffs ( 06- 07 / 07-08 ) I wouldn’t be surprised to see the third place team in the East make some noise in the playoffs – everyone seems to say that the Giants weakness is the WR corps – also – how do they know that Nicks or Smith or Moss or Hixon wont have good years – they dont – and they all dont have to either and who exactly are the proven wide receivers in the East right now ?
Roy Williams ? – Santana Moss ?- Kevin Curtis ? and what exactly does proven actually mean ? – Third place with the Cowboys in second – I dont know about that one
Ed your right on Bleacher report, they can't be taken seriously
but SERIOUSLY, what the FUCK (sorry..) is with the Eagles love?
How about this…the Giants finis 10-6, win a Super Bowl by beating the 3 best teams in the league (not arguably, FACT!). Then what do these broken condom columnists predict for the Giants in 2008…8-8, 5-11. Fluke, no respect.
NOW, the Eagles. Sneak into the playoffs at 9-6-1 (1 tie!!!!), only because the Raiders decided to show up on Week 17 and the Bucs choked. The Eagles DID beat the Gints, but lost in the NFC Chamionship game…TO THE CARDINALS.
So the Giants go 10-6, beat the Bucs (who cares about that right..), beat the 14-2 Packers. the 15-1 Cowboys, and the 16-0 Patriots….and they predict dogshit the next season.
The Eagles..go 9-6-1, go on a run of course at the end, beat the Giants as we know. But lose to the 8-8 Cardinals..
Yet the Eagles are the darlings of the offseason and they are predicted to go 14-2.
Now THAT"S a rant. Mind you, I know the Eagles are good. They are the top contention for the Beast with teh Giants.
But I don’t understand how they are the darlings all of a sudden and the Giants are sacks of shit again.
When you’re team may just end up having the best defense in the league, and you’re offense is even remotely competant, that means you’re a team to be reckoned with, regards of what your offense is.
..NFC Beasts in DENIAL!
I follow all of the NFC East SBblogs because the great thing about everyone else is that you all talk about the Cowboys!! See how much of BloggingTheBoys is dedicated to talking about you guys?? Not very much, unless overrated, meat wagons with quickly deteriorated legs think they need to speak out of turn.
Talk all this trash about losing TO as if there’ve been no additions other than the ones ‘by subtraction’.. You all seem to overlook the proven up and comers in Felix Jones’, the Marty B’s, The T Choice… ringin any bells?? All of this promise that’s already shone up in real games?? You shipped off your future in D Ward , your present in Plax and are left clinging to the past :o)
See you all September 20!!! Can’t wait.
BloggingThe Boys...
…doesn’t have time to talk about anybody else because they’re too busy getting their hopes up year after year, only to have them dashed in December and January.
The last time the Cowboys won a playoff game I was a junior in high school … I just celebrated my 30th birthday.
Keep telling yourself Romo and Phillips are going to get it done, it makes your failure when it counts even more delicious.
by New York Sports Jerk on Jul 14, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
haha!
I love it :o) There’s a reason you guys get ‘underrated’ year in year out, its a surprise when you come out the other end with a winning record!! I do love the strategy of abandoning anything that works when it comes to your offense… would be wayyyy too easy to be consistent :o) and I thought we loved the drama in Big D!
The Cowboys are definitely consistent
You can always count on them to lose a big game.
by New York Sports Jerk on Jul 14, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions
so far..
You are correct sir.. Lotta disappointment to go ’round!
But we’re looking up and onward, and I honestly think you guys took steps back this off season. Deep-down you know its true!! Though as fellow beasts of the east, I have no doubt you’ll persevere. I’ll give you guys your #2 back :o) but the Boys are switchin spots with the Iggles. In that I agree; wayyyy too much Iggle-love in the league
Don’t get me wrong. Got tons of respect for the organization, even warmed up to lil Manning after he helped bring down the Pats a notch… you guys just happened to be hosting the biggest Boys bashin session going on today :o) So I gotta take ya down a notch
One Star Year, huh?
What is that, your rating for the way the Cowboys performed last season? It’s accurate.
"We're Rock Stars... We're Lakers."
-- Lamar Odom
"We had the skull-and-crossbones on our helmets, the black jerseys, and the whole bit... and we lived it."
-- George "The HitMan" Atkinson
"WE STOMPED YOU OUT!"
-- Michael Strahan
by 5_Giant_Raider_Clipper_Laker_13 on Jul 14, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
One unified star..
…as opposed to a team full of individual stars :o)
..but your take on it was real clever too there, 5GiantRaiderClipperLaker13….
I don't think we should allow...
dual football allegiances at this site
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Jul 15, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Wait...
You were 17 in junior high? Must have been that pesky 7th grade math that set ya back some eh ;o)
You should learn to read
“I was a junior IN high school.”
Not surprising that a Cowboys fan would be illiterate.
by New York Sports Jerk on Jul 15, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
shite.
..freudian slip! Man, I hate giants fans.. but for some reason you’re like this bloated corpse. I know I shouldn’t poke it with this stick but I just can’t help it! Just love the smell of decomposing playoff hopes blossoming into mere dreams..
Who would know better about that smell..
…than a Cowboys fan?
by New York Sports Jerk on Jul 15, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
reminds me of high school
Wasn’t nearly as long ago for me… believe me, stench around here’s all too familiar!
sniff
Still got that new purgatory smell
Derrick Ward is 28. I don't see that 28+ Running back position = future.
I like D-Ward as much as any gints RB, but the guy is replaceable. Those 1000 yards will come from somewhere
And overrated meat wagons with deteriorated legs pretty much sums up your geriatric offensive line.
by FreeBradshaw on Jul 14, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions
by future...
..I mean the very very near future.. when Jacobs’ knees literally explode on Sept 20. And it’ll be Brady James going low, the Rat going high!!! And D Ware kickin him in the nuts just for fun!!!
Hey, we’ll keep Kosier on his feet for a season if we gotta prop him up with sticks!!! we’ll see you in the Playoffs brutha!!
Well we do know
that Mike Jenkins would be nowhere near that pile if it happened ;)
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Jul 14, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions
aint about gettin owned douche..
just havin some fun :o) so cry. Cry cry cry that a wretched cowboys fan has raided your precious little circle-jerk.
With that, I do bow-out cuz this threads gettin old
Disappointing, fellas
Just came across the back-and-forth with the Cowboy troll. C’mon, Giants fans. Let’s be better than to get into juvenile fights with trolls. This place has been built on intelligent discussion, and it is going to stay that way.
who's issuing warnings...
….for name-calling? Do you have to be a Giants fan for it to be acceptable? I realize this isn’t a democracy, but does it have to be Ed’s world? Pretty boring… think these guys got a kick out of defending the big blue ;o)
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