Land of the Giants: Toot, Toot - It's about time

by cjmulrain on Jul 22, 2009 7:00 AM EDT in New York Giants News

After 33 years in the swamps of Jersey, the Giants have finally joined the 19th century with the construction of a train station at the Meadowlands complex. The line will only be open on days when big events are scheduled and will run from the Hoboken station with only one stop in between. I'm really excited for this news, because getting to the Meadowlands from Long Island has always been a hassle. Traffic is always miserable and taking the bus from Port Authority isn't much better. Even for those who won't be taking the train to Giants Stadium, this should hopefully alleviate some of the traffic, leading to a more pleasant experience for all. So kudos to the New Jersey Sports Authority and the MTA for finally getting this done.
ESPN.com gives us a Giants training camp guide with a blurb about why to go and a list of things to do in the Albany area, as well as links to the schedule and a map/directions to the complex. I'm a little disappointed that I'm gonna be passing through Albany three days before camp begins, but considering I've already convinced my girlfriend to go to Cooperstown and a minor league baseball game on our vacation, I doubt she'd be willing to stop anyway.
The "new Cincinnati Bengals" surprisingly have no interest in convicted felon Michael Vick. In other non-news, the Giants are also downplaying their interest in signing OJ Simpson to a long-term contract.
Corey Webster answers Mike Garafolo's summer questionnaire, pegging safety Michael Johnson as a sleeper breakout player for the 2009 season and discussing his goals for the season. I'm expecting big things from Webster this year, and if he's right about Johnson the secondary could be a real strength for the first time in a really long time.
Finally, ESPN.com lists the Giants WR battle as the second most intriguing position battle in the NFC. As sick as I am all the wide receiver talk this offseason, I am legitimately interested in how it's going to break down once camp gets going. At this point I almost feel like any of the seven or eight guys competing could end up at any slot from #1 receiver to practice squad. Nicks, Smith, and Hixon are probably safe from the practice squad, but there's no guarantee that any of them will be the #1 guy. The rest is all up for grabs. Should be fun to watch. All I know is I'm ready for football to get here.

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Comments

Train

About time! Now if people actually use it, this new stadium might truly become “green”.

by potroast on Jul 22, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

might not be easy to tow a grill on NJRR

by queler on Jul 22, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

Nicks, Smith, and Hixon are probably safe from the practice squad?

of course they are. nicks was their number one pick. smith and hixon are probably going to start. do you think the giants would put them on the practice squad and have another team scoop them up? why would you even make that statement

by bmanley620 on Jul 22, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

"probably going to start"

that was sort of the point I was going for though, that right now it looks like Hix and Smith will probably be the starters, but it wouldn’t shock me if Moss and/or Manningham were flat out awesome in camp and bumped one or both of those guys to the bench. What if Hixon is awful in camp, and Barden and Nicks are looking awesome.

You’re right, there’s almost no chance one of those guys ends up on the practice squad, but I more meant that there’s no guarantee on which guys will be on the opening day roster. If Hixon looks like the 5th best receiver in camp, maybe they’ll look to trade him or “Tyree” him. It’s just a wide open battle, as far as I’m concerned.

by cjmulrain on Jul 22, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Toot Toot

Though you are a Giants fan, it’s a shame your from Long Island….
It’s NJ Transit running the line, not the MTA

by Bradzo6 on Jul 22, 2009 1:59 PM EDT reply actions

you're right

I did a quick google search when I was typing it and the MTA site was the first one that came up, so I thought that and Jersey Transit were one and the same. Looking into it further the MTA site just says it is “partnering with Jersey Transit” to bring fans to the Meadowlands.

by cjmulrain on Jul 22, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

toot toot

isnt that something lawrence taylor is fond of doing?

Lets hope that when gut check time comes again the Mets will pass it with flying colors.

by kendynamo on Jul 22, 2009 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

New Gmen stadium

Being originally from Ct,and driving the 3.5 hours from there each way,never gave it much thought about the subway.Probably took you as long.Good to see progress.Re.Recievers.This will be a fun camp,nothing like a little competition.Those that excel will only make us better.Heres to a great year!

Tom Tallmadge Sr

by coosaw on Jul 22, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions