Rouse hopes to contribute quickly

by Ed Valentine on Sep 26, 2009 7:00 AM EDT in New York Giants News

The newest New York Giant, safety Aaron Rouse, is looking forward to how he can help his new team and not backward at what happened with his old one, the Green Bay Packers.

"When it happened, of course, I was surprised, but I wasn’t trying to find answers. Immediately my focus went forward, to continue to play in the NFL and the Giants were right there. Now my focus is here and getting the win down in Tampa and continue winning," Rouse said. "I am looking to contribute what I can. Come in and get on the same page as the other players out there. Making sure that we are all on the same level. Anytime you come into a team where the season has already started, you are going to be a step behind, but the coaches and the team are doing a great job of making me feel welcome. Again, I have a lot of meetings and I have to put in a lot of hours."

Rouse thinks he can learn enough to make a contribution Sunday against Tampa Bay.

"You know the defense is pretty much the same, it’s the terminology that is totally different. You have to get used to terminology and when you figure out things, oh yeah that is the same, but we called it something different. So you just have to get the terminology down and get ready for the coverage," Rouse said. "I have to put in a lot of hours with the coach. I am a great studier, I learn fast, I learn on the job very quickly, but my main focus is making sure I do what is asked of me and contribute where I can."

KENNY PHILLIPS STUFF: KP's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is doing his best to diffuse the talk that Phillips injury is career-threatening. this is what Rosenhaus said via Twitter. "After discussing Kenny Phillips' medical situation with several specialists, I'm pleased to say that the future prognosis is very positive! ... Furthermore, this injury will NOT have a significant impact on Kenny's NFL career. All the negative speculation is off base and unfounded." Nice try, Drew. But we know your job is to help your client. Giants coach Tom Coughlin is also convinced Phillips will be back next season. "I am, yeah. First of all, what we have done is in the best interest of the player and the New York Giants because we feel like this young man has an outstanding future.
A reader e-mailed the other day to ask about defensive end Maurice Evans, who was waived by the Giants at the end of camp. Evans was picked up by Tampa Bay, then released. He was added to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad on Wednesday.
RealClearSports, which aggregates the various power rankings from the mainstream media outlets, ranks the Giants as the league's best team.
NOTE: Want to know a little bit more about yours truly? Check out ESPN's 'Blog Huddle' today, where I am lucky enough to be this week's featured SB Nation blogger.
The stats below show how the Giants rank after two games. They are, to say the least, very un-Giants like.

Team Stats - Game Averages

	Pts	Yrds	Pass	Rush
Off	28.0	389.0 (6th)	289.0 (5th)	100.0 (22nd)
Def	24.0	325.0 (16th)	157.0 (4th)	168.0 (27th-T)

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Comments

Still like this pickup

even tho all the reports from Cheesehead land say he isn’t all that good.

At the very least, I think he’ll be a bit better than CC Brown, for what that’s worth.

What the f$%k is the internet?

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 26, 2009 7:43 AM EDT reply actions

We know the guy plays the run well, and you have to think he plays hard from his tackling numbers. You can look at almost every safety in the league and say ‘weak in pass coverage.’ That’s why they play safety and not corner. The key is to eliminate mistakes and make the right reads. The Giants had to feel Rouse was the most talented player available.

by Ed Valentine on Sep 26, 2009 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions

He's tall too...

I remember him from that 07 draft, thinking why is a 6"4 safety who runs a 4.5 sliding in the draft?

Reading the scouting reports seem that his problem in coverage has always been that, but you’re right, he’s a safety for a reason (and a reason why KP was so good, cuz he was pretty good in coverage for any DB).

As long as Rouse is a good tackler, Id don’t care what he does in coveage (unless he becomes toast…). Phillips and now CC, their main jobs was to clean up the front 7’s mess on the ground game anyway. I think Phillps did play this “rover” position, cuz he really didn’t have man coverage duties, he just sort of ran around the field and wreaked havoc.

As long as he tackles people, he’ll do fine.

What the f$%k is the internet?

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 26, 2009 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions

I do care what he does

in coverage. We finally got rid of the guy that was a sure tackler, but always got toasted on big passing plays … James Butler. It sucks that we have to live through that again. I’m just hoping the Giants’ coaches can get through to him in a way that the Packers couldn’t.

by potroast on Sep 26, 2009 9:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

well...

we did pretty good with James Butler, don’t ya think?

Yea, he was toast a lot, but the fact we have guys like T2 and CWeb getting so much better in man coverage, its not like if we had a James Butler 2 it would kill them.

What the f$%k is the internet?

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 26, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, we did well with him

but I used to argue on this site all the time when he was here that we won in spite of him.

by potroast on Sep 26, 2009 1:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Rouse is a bit faster than Butler and taller

I don’t expect him to be a coverage master but he should be fine.

by Major on Sep 26, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I need to come clean, lol

I’ve been thinking about this but was afraid to post it.

Phillips and now CC, their main jobs was to clean up the front 7’s mess on the ground game anyway. I think Phillps did play this "rover" position, cuz he really didn’t have man coverage duties, he just sort of ran around the field and wreaked havoc.

Seeing how Rouse played the “rover” at V-Tech, and he is big, what other player on the Giants D that starts, pretty much has disappeared? Danny Clark?! Athletically, he’s probably an upgrade, and i’m sure his covering skills are better. He also seems like a sure tackler. I think you may or may not have to tinker with how Boley and Pierce lineup, but my concept is team speed. Though i did think of one problem, Rouse getting engulfed by lineman, but Clark does that anyways! I’m sure Rouse can get to point B quicker!

Then in the secondary, you still have Webster to lock up his guy, and then Michael Johnson to do his thing, and then a combination of either Bruce Johnson, Thomas, Dockery (when healthy) and Brown to round out the other CB and S to compensate for whatever deep range Rouse may lack. Perhaps Rouse is more comfortable in the middle of the field to the LOS?!

This is just a half-baked idea that i had. I remember Thomas Davis moving from S—>LB and i think, Urlacher was a tweener out of New Mexico?!

by Hootman on Sep 26, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions

yup on Urlacher.

I think he actually gained about 20lbs to play MLB.

The rover is a popular position in college. It all depends on CC obviously. I think he’s the starter until he proves otherwise (which in preseason, doesn’t count).

What the f$%k is the internet?

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 26, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Rouse

After reading his comments, This guy sounds very intelligent and well rounded. If he plays anywhere like he thinks we the Giants well have luck out.

by Olddiehard on Sep 26, 2009 8:11 AM EDT reply actions

Rouse

This also, maybe his wake up call too

by Olddiehard on Sep 26, 2009 8:13 AM EDT reply actions

I think your right on..

Sometimes a fresh start is an opportunity to prove yourself.

by Bobbiblue on Sep 26, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Major wake up call

Not only do you get released from a team that had injuries of the same position (Bigby & Collins) but you almost cleared waivers from all teams.

I say, play with a chip on your shoulder!

by Hootman on Sep 26, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Maurice Evans?

I guess NFL teams are seeing something in him that the public can’t? I was certain that we lost a “gem” bc we had so many DEs (before all the injuries). I was surprised that TB released him as well. Whats the deal?

by 732jerseyP on Sep 26, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions

I don't know

Maybe we all looked for something that really isn’t there.

by Ed Valentine on Sep 26, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Evans

is now with the Panthers

by G Fan in England on Sep 26, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

The saftey issue

As far as I can remember I don’t recall the giants having 2 cover safties in their prime..we have always had 1 big hitter & 1 with range..KP was both..in the same mold as G.Wilson with a lil more range..with that said CC & Rouse will be fine if M.Johnson goes down…then we got problems..

i dunno maybe I just like the colors

by Mr.Williams on Sep 26, 2009 10:31 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

He does seem very motivated

to put the necessary hours in to pick up the defense. I am hoping though, that when he says the defense is pretty much the same (with different terminology) he means GB’s defense last year. Didn’t they switch to a straight 3-4 this year?

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 Sep 26, 2009 10:54 AM EDT reply actions

I caught that too

And yes, they did switch to a 3-4 this year. I found that odd also. That’s why i was thinking that any player in G.B. making mistakes, it’s the transition. Rouse surely wouldn’t be immuned to this.

I just hope that the Giants (i’m sure they won’t) don’t put Rouse in a position where his head is going to spin. I’m thinking they’ll give him situational calls that he can deal with and then ease him into the D as we go along!

by Hootman on Sep 26, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I Think!

I think he meant “safety” wise…..playing safety in the NFL from a 3-4 to 4-3 is pretty much the same, it is very different from the linebacker and Defensive End positions when switching schemes. Safety not as bad.

B.G.

by Blue Gates on Sep 30, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions

we need the running game to step up!

If we play “traditional Giants football” – running game, ball-control, control TOP, etc.. – we can keep the defense off the field as much as possible. As powerful as our offense has looked in the passing game, we need to grind it out on the ground and let the defense rest a little.

I’m expecting a big game from Jacobs. He’s going up against D. Ward this week. You don’t think he wants to put up the bigger #‘s? I’m hoping for a big game from Kiwi too. He’s probably going to start and get plenty of playing time. Show us why you should be a starter. And somebody find Osi. He’s been M.I.A., other than his TD.

by M. on Sep 26, 2009 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

agree.

would like to see better running game.

But its not like they are the Colts offense with Big Bro. The passes the Giants are doing are all slants and ins and all that stuff; mainly chain moving stuff.

There’s really no reason that if teams continue to stack the box that this ball control pass O can’t work.

As for Osi, it hasn’t been the sacks, but I highly doubt he’s doing nothing. The run D? Osi’s always been pretty good on that, so that needs to improve. He’s getting pressure like he always does tho, that’s not the problem. Romo has always been a slippery bastard, so its not anything out of the ordinary.

What the f$%k is the internet?

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 26, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

Just because the balls getting some air time, doens’t mean we’re not controlling the clock.

"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."

by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 26, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Red zone

I think the Giants are play on thin ice, Unless we learn how to score TD’s from the red or green zone’s. We can’t depend on turnovers for points.

by Olddiehard on Sep 26, 2009 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

That is exactly right..

Our 2-0 record if you really look at it is worse than our 0-2 2007 start..Our guys are giving up a ton of rushing yards..and now we lost Kenny..Not good..somebody needs to step up..and why did Canty and Boley get paid a huge amount of money to stand on the sidelines and watch a football game?..and we have to pay to watch?

by Bobbiblue on Sep 27, 2009 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions

What?

2-0 is NEVER worse than 0-2, especially when you didn’t play great football to get to 2-0. Good teams win games when they don’t play their best, and it leaves a lot of room for optimism because there are obviously things the Giants can do better. As for injuries, you’re kidding right? You can never predict them — it’s football and people get hurt.

by Ed Valentine on Sep 27, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Don't get me wrong Ed

I am extremely happy we are 2-0, I am simply saying our team hasn’t played as well as we would think at this point..and yes injuries occur and you can’t help that, but Canty and Boley (who did play well while he was in there) have injuries that are rather mesmerizing…We are giving up too many yards rushing with the guys we have on the field..and our secondary is hurting big time..Hopefully Rouse’s fresh start and quick learning will help..

by Bobbiblue on Sep 27, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions

You're right about those things

But 2-0 is 2-0. There is lots of room for improvement, and a ton of reason for optimism.

by Ed Valentine on Sep 27, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

not to mention

the Giants got the snot kicked out of them by Dallas and Green bay in the games you’re referring to… that stunk. I’d rather beat the Cowpies ugly as hell than dominate a game and lose it

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Sep 27, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL!!!!

How the hell is this year worse?

The run defense was just as bad in 2007 remember! THis year’s Cowboys game and that years game there is one glaring difference, Eli Manning has gotten much better

What the f$%k is the internet?

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 27, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Free

I’ve only been a Giants fan since 1956..Our defense has not been playing to its full potential so far..and without that traditional defense we are in trouble. Don’t be fooled by a 2-0 record..trust me, I don’t know how long you have watched and rooted for them, but I am seeing some troubling things on defense..and also, yes Eli has improved, but our running game sucks..Brandon keeps trying to run it to the outside instead of up the gut where the holes are.and where he can punish the defense. What did they get last week? 34 yards rushing?..We gave up 269?…If it were not for overated Romo, sucking we would have lost that game..Now we’ve lost Phillips..Laugh all you want but 2-0 is decieving…and TC is preaching that very point.

by Bobbiblue on Sep 27, 2009 9:46 AM EDT reply actions

yeah,

we’ve gone from an A+ team to an A- team in a matter of weeks…

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Sep 27, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions

what about 3-0?

and the running game doesn’t suck, even before that trouncing on Sunday. They just aren’t “incredible” like they were last year.

This isn’t the team you’ve been watchin since 1956…I’ve been told numerous times by someone who was born in 1956…but has been watching since the late 60’s so he knows what he’s talking about too.

This is simply a different team. Not the defense that was there with Tuna or even the one that was as great as it was in 2007.

But possibly the most balanced Giants team in their history. Give it time. The overall talent level on the team is legit and can only help as the injured guys come back.

What the f$%k is the internet?

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 29, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions