Ten reasons to watch the final game
by Ed Valentine on Jan 2, 2010 8:45 AM EST
in New York Giants News
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PrintIs there any reason to plan your Sunday afternoon around the final game of the New York Giants 2009 regular season against the Minnesota Vikings?
I know all of the reasons not to watch, and not to care. The Giants are out of the playoffs for the first time in five seasons, and in the grand scheme of things it is a meaningless "play it only because it is on the schedule" kind of game.
Still, there are plenty of reasons to be interested in the season finale. Here is a list of 10 of them.
- You have to root for Eli -- Giants quarterback Eli Manning has done everything he possibly could to try and get his offense to overcome the team's putrid defense this season. He needs just 120 yards for the first 4,000-yard passing season of his career. I hope he gets it before Tom Coughlin lets David Carr finish up.
- Ramses Barden -- One game won't prove or disprove anything, but I sure am hoping the Giants see fit to finally activate the 6-foot-6 rookie. And that they give him a chance to get on the field for a while.
- Bill Sheridan -- Probably your last chance to curse him out or throw things at the TV when he puts Justin Tuck in coverage (by the way, did you see Minnesota's Jared Allen in coverage Monday night?). Maybe you simply want to enjoy watching his Giants' coaching career come to an end.
- The rest of the kids -- Sunday is another chance to look at Will Beatty, and to see if Jonathan Goff can be the middle linebacker of the future (I hope he can). Also, maybe we get a truly extended look at Clint Sintim.
- Brett Favre -- If the Vikings choose to play him at least some on Sunday, maybe the Giants defensive line can take out some of their frustrations on the old man. Watching Favre get hit is always fun.
- Remember that 'honey-do' list? -- Your wife doesn't have to know that this is a completely meaningless game for the Giants and you are just watching it so you can ignore the stuff she wants you to do for one more Sunday. Oh? She reads Big Blue View, too? Oops, sorry about that.
- The arrow should be pointing up -- The Giants have been amazingly inconsistent this season. If recent form holds, though, they should actually play well in the season finale. In reality, what I am really curious about is whether the team plays hard or just mails it in before heading home. I keep seeing speculation questioning whether or not Coughlin ever had a good read on this team, and that might give us some indication.
- Steve Smith -- He needs just three catches to become the first receiver in franchise history to catch 100 passes in a season. Let's hope we see the Smith scenario at least three times. What is the Smith scenario? Throw to him, catch, fall down. Repeat over and over.
- Last chance to say goodbye -- Probably the final call as Giants for C.C. Brown, Kevin Dockery, Danny Clark, Rocky Bernard, Fred Robbins and a bunch of other guys. So, after Sunday you are out of opportunities to scream at them and tell them how worthless they are and how the season is all their fault.
- It's football, it's Sunday and it's the Giants -- Why wouldn't you be in front of your TV?
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com)
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forgot 1
it’s the last time to see giants till sept.
by jerseybillfromva on Jan 2, 2010 9:03 AM EST reply actions
Last chance
for a close up of TC’s (comical) puzzled scowl when something breaks the wrong way for the Jints.
But that's more fun ...
when the temperature is freezing, and his cheeks are bright red (a lingering effect of the ’07 Championship Game ?), and this one will be in-doors.
I've read that Coughlin
doesn’t expect he’ll activate Barden…but he says that Barden is wowing them in practice like Manningham last year. That’s a good thing peoples.
I’d like to see him…but I also could care less, as long as the coaches know what they got (and Coughlin seems to know).
And yea..why the hell would anyone not watch it? I dunno if he’ll play any backups..they’re playing for next year and to erase the foul taste of last week. This week’s probably not gonna do it..but a big win will help ease the pain quicker
In the 2010 NBA draft the NY Knicks select.....Nate Robinson. 5"9 PG from Pringles' Doghouse U!
It's a college thing
TC likes to redshirt rookies and pays homage to people like Derek Hagan who have no future with the team.
I’m a huge TC fan but this is something I really disagree with in the personnel department.
Good to see we have Barden who will basically be a rookie again next year.
I’m burnt on this subject but I’m tired of seeing us in the ‘green zone’ and the defense playing us MAN to MAN on the outside and since we height disadvantaged we have to focus on the middle of the field or work a pick to get someone open. Then the middle of the field is crowded and we wonder why we can’t run the ball.
I’m watching just as did i the mid 90’s when things were really bad -
Give’m hell Big Blue. Hey Osi – prove us wrong!
It's not paying homage
It is recognizing that only so many players at a given position can play at one time. Barden would have been the 5th wide receiver this season, and would have had to play on the coverage teams. Simply, he stinks at that and Hagan is probably the best cover guy they have. You might see Barden push Hixon aside for a role next season.
by Ed Valentine on Jan 2, 2010 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
well..
its hard to argue with it isn’t it?
Its pretty easy to concede that Hakeem Nicks is a different breed of WR isn’t it? Rookie WR are not supposed to do much as rooks…that’s just a fact, and Nicks was an exception. Steve Smith was also a bit of an exception, but he got hurt his rook year.
Its not anything against Barden..but I’d even say Manningham was a whole lot more polished as a WR then Barden coming out of college wasn’t he?
Barden’s upside is probably along the lines of Vincent Jackson of the Chargers or Brandon Marshall on the Broncos.
Take a look at their rookie seasons. Jackson had 3 catches. Jackson wasn’t really the big play machine he is now until last season, his FOURTH year in the league.
Marshall had 20 catches his rook year.
So yea..I would’ve liked to see him used like these 2 in their rookie year..that is..actually on the field.
But this is not uncommon with big, small school, project WR.
Barden has the talent, Coughlin knows this (he was pretty much SMILING when talking about Barden in practice….)
Give it time. Its frustrating. Especially seeing a rooking like Nicks out there, but he’s different. Not even necessarily more potential either..just farther along at this point.
He’ll be there. Watch…if Manningham doesn’t fix his sideline route running..Barden will get his shots next year.
But going forward..nice 5 WR isn’t it? Smith, Nicks, HAM, Hixon (who I think comes back) and Barden?
In the 2010 NBA draft the NY Knicks select.....Nate Robinson. 5"9 PG from Pringles' Doghouse U!
by FreeBradshaw on Jan 2, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, Free
WR is not going to be an issue for the Giants. And it is a nice feeling. How many years has it taken the Giants to develop even ONE good WR of their own. And look at what we have now. Amazing!
by Ed Valentine on Jan 2, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
The problem is though
with all of the holes on D being 4 deep at the WR position is a luxery the Giants can’t afford right now.
I would give one of our WR’s away for s equally as promising D-Tackle or LB at this point. What good is 4 really good WR’s when the middle of your’re D is as soft as thy come.
Personally
I wouldn’t want it any other way with at the very least, our main four going into next season. Smith, Nicks, Ham and Barden (with development). The league is evolving into more passing and with unforeseen injuries, depth is essential to have. With FA and the draft, i believe we can fill some of our defensive woes, while maintaining a young solid core or WR’s for years!
I don't know
yes this year passing is all the rage with NO, Indy, SD, Philly, ARZ, Minny being good but remember were’re just a year removed from the Giants, Steelers, Titans, Raven dominating the league with dominating D’s. I would’nt be shocked at all if a team like GB, Dallas, or Cinncy makes a big run in this years playoffs becasue their D’s shut down some of those high powered O’s. I mean we don’t have DT’s, LB’s or S’s, not one quality one that we can rely on who the hell cares who our 4th WR is. I’d look to shop one of these guys for an equally talented player on the Defensive side of the ball or were going to look like the run-n-shoot Oliers of the late 80’s and early 90’s.
there's no sure thing by shopping them tho...
You pretty much know what these 4 WR can do..and as for Barden, I’d rather keep him and see what he can do right?
Leave the WR alone..their value is better on the Giants then in trade.
Plenty of dead weight can be cut..Moss, Wilkenson, CC Brown…that’s 3 right there.
They could also trade down in one or more of their draft picks. They’re gonna have a top 20 pick, so that could have value. In the form of an extra pick or 2.
In the 2010 NBA draft the NY Knicks select.....Nate Robinson. 5"9 PG from Pringles' Doghouse U!
I'm not saying trade Manningham for a box of balls or even draft picks
but for a young guy with a big upside (kinda like Ham) that has started and played well for another team that is deep at LB, S, or DT, and thin at WR. Threre probbably is’nt such a team out there but if there is well then make sure your’re getting a proven player like Ham . I would feel better about this team going into next year with NIcks, Smitty, Barden & Hixon (if he’s resigned) and with a potential star at LB or DT that has already proven he can play rather than guys like SIntim, Goff, Canty, even Cofield who were not sure what they are or had injuries.
Landeta, to tie in with what you said and FB
I understand your point about fortifying the D by perhaps giving up a WR (Ham at this point). But even though we don’t look like or run the more pass-happy O’s like you said, we do run alot of 3 WR sets. So i believe that third WR would be important in that regards, plus quality depth.
Now with what FB alluded to, the dead weight on this team. Automatically, we will be in addition by substraction mode. Even though there can be more, but just the ones stated, they can vastly be improved by position, and we could even substitute Moss’ position with a D position. Afterall, to go along with the four WR’s, we still have Boss and Beckum that will help solidify the passing game.
So even who we could sign in FA, and to go along with the draft (i would encourage trading down) we could bolster the D with quality rookies and FA’s!
all solid points and I can't argue that much
but getting rid of some dead weight does not mean that we might be bringing in more dead wieght ie (CC Brown, Bernard, Canty). I think Ham is really good thats why if you could trade him straight up for another player of equal expierence and performance at a another position of need why not do it. (Think Champ Baily for Clinton Portis type deal) I’d be comfortable with Hixon as a three and If Barden develops well then him with Nicks and Smitty would like fine. Let’s say Beckem develops too and is an effective slot/HBack then we’ll still have enough guys for three WR sets. Like I said I would ONLY do it if they can get a young stud on D that has shown potential and performed as well as Ham other than that keep Ham he’s a really good player. I just think the D needs a guy that can step in and make an impact right away next year becasue who knows how long it will take, Sintim, Goff or even KP coming back from injury to be impactful players in 2010 or if they ever will be. Also without a CBA next year the FA class will be slim pickins so a Trade might be the only way to get a young instant impact player on D for 2010
Good points on both sides FB, Hoot, L
I slightly favor L’s psoition.
You are right on one point that i failed to mention, but was thinking
In all likliehood that Ham would be the odd man out, we could use a variation of Barden (pending development) AND, Beckum because of his ability to lineup wide, slot or the more traditional sense. In that regards, i can see where Ham could be expendable.
In general though, i’m not trying to train myself that a trade isn’t the best possible solution, but i guess i’m moreless thinking of the frequency of player-for-player trades that don’t happen too much in the NFL. Though i also agree on impact players needed on all three levels of the D, i could embrace a trade if it looked or felt right.
Overall, it probably will depend on if there is or isn’t a CBA. Alot of things can change if there isn’t, especially on the FA market!
are you watching the same Hixon as me
he is absolutely terrible.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Jan 4, 2010 7:55 AM EST up reply actions
meh...
I like em all..I say keep em all, can never predict an injury.
They kinda have a young promising DT..Jay Alford.
No on expected teh play of the defense this year.
I doubt it goes unaltered. They’ll get new guys there.
But it shouldn’t be at the expense of the young WR. Keep them. If the defense is any indication..having talented depth at a position cannot hurt you.
There’s plenty of roster spots that will be available too so they can keep these 5 and probably another.
In the 2010 NBA draft the NY Knicks select.....Nate Robinson. 5"9 PG from Pringles' Doghouse U!
by FreeBradshaw on Jan 2, 2010 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
I do believe JR
might very well shop Hix or Manny, especially with Barden’s potential. Hagan looked pretty good in training camp and Becks, although not a WR as such, is supposed to provide a good pair of hands as an H back.We’re blessed with a treasure trove of WRs and it would be well for JR to see what he can get in exchange for one.
Hixon's a FA
So either they sign him or draft a KR and let him go (the latter is probably the plan…Hixon’s replaceable).
I dunno why anyone would wanna trade Manningham. Sure, he’s had mental lapses this year….but he was essentially a rookie.
In the 2010 NBA draft the NY Knicks select.....Nate Robinson. 5"9 PG from Pringles' Doghouse U!
He'll be a restricted FA if no CBA gets done
which is looking more and more likley and then the Giants might be able to keep him or trade him. This CBA thing will be interesting.
It is a nice set of 5
I’ve think Nicks will lock down the #1 spot, Manningham can play the 3rd of 4th on passing downs and Smith is the ultimate possession receive and should be a lock for the next five years at #2. If Barden can come in and play that WR that forces a safety over the top in the green zone then that should really open up the middle.
I just overall want to see this guy hit the field and Manning try to throw him the rock. Is he capable of going over the middle? Will he forget routes? How does he handle hot reads? How does he handle CB jamming him at the line? These are all things that you can’t judge in practice. He sucks at working the Special Teams? Well then get him in there to make the mistakes, show him on tape and get to working on it in the offseason.
I wasn’t under the impression he would be a rock star season 1 but I did want to see him on the field in a limited basis.
I think Manningham is handling the adversity better than expected considering his behaviour coming from college.
Manning just needs to have them working in the offseason like Peyton does and this unit should be at another level next year. Should be interesting what Nicks does with a whole season (CHARLOTTE, NC baby).
Alright – Jerry – we need the same work on the LB crew. Can we work on getting us a nasty unit like we had in the 80’s and early 90’s? We need it – it’s the reason we’re Giant fans.
I agree..
I wanted Barden on the field, I’m not arguing against it.
I’m just saying..the way Coughlin is going about this..it isn’t unheard of and its not exactly damning to Barden’s career.
It probably is gonna help him.
In the 2010 NBA draft the NY Knicks select.....Nate Robinson. 5"9 PG from Pringles' Doghouse U!
by FreeBradshaw on Jan 2, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
it's not that way with rookies anymore
look at desean jackson last year, look at jemery maclin, look at kenny britt, look at freakin austin collie all of them contributed just as much as nicks in their rookie year.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Jan 2, 2010 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
that's only a couple of people tho...
and also, that’s only one rookie per team isn’t it?
The Giants have Nicks..and contrary to the way he plays on the field..he is a rookie.
Also..Austin Collie has Peyton Manning, he doesn’t count.
Kenny Britt is all the Titans have too
The Giants also have NO FING ROOM either for him. HAM, Nicks, Smith, Hixon…that’s 4 solid WR.
In the 2010 NBA draft the NY Knicks select.....Nate Robinson. 5"9 PG from Pringles' Doghouse U!
by FreeBradshaw on Jan 2, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Hixon is something we could do without
I think Hixon did a great job filling in at WR and plays with a lot of guts but he’s a special teams player and an overachiever at WR.
We need a guy that can catch that corner ball in the end zone and force some double coverage or take advantage of when teams double Nicks of Smith next year.
If I had to unload a WR it would be Manningham but I’m not really sure what we’re going to get for him? A 3rd round pick – I think that would be stretching it.
…but to Free’s point – if we need to get some extra talent at LB or Secondary then we need to evaluate as much talent as possible.
Look at
Santonio Holmes or Steve Bresten those guys did nothing their rookie year and have developed into fine WR’s. There are always going to be examples of guys who contirubet a lot as rookies and others that take time. Barden not playing this year was irrelevant our WR’s were good but a bit inconsistant Barden would not of helped that much. I’m more dissaponted a guy like Sintim did not contribute much.
dram57
Jet Fan in the making!
In the 2010 NBA draft the NY Knicks select.....Nate Robinson. 5"9 PG from Pringles' Doghouse U!
by FreeBradshaw on Jan 2, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
I have to do a group project sunday
the tv will be on, but I won’t be paying a whole lot of attention to it.
200 more yards for eli, and he’ll have the franchise passing record in a season. Much good it did us…
Never assume skill at bouncing a ball makes you smarter than the guy who built the court.
When there's a WILL there's a WAY
It's the Giants.
That’s the main reason. I love the Giants (though some may doubt that statement) I watched through Handley and Brown. Every f’n game. I watched Reeves teams. Heck, I watched when Jerry Golsteen (sic?) was the QB. I watched 2004. I will watch now. Blemishes and all, dashed hopes, failure to live up to the hype, whatever. they are the Giants, I am their fan. I will watch…
My number one reason is #10..It's the Giants and we love them..and the future looks bright.
I guess my #2 reason is that daggone Ed had to bring up that daggone “Honey Do List” again!!..I’ve gone thru mine again and She added a whole daggone page to it!..I’m not talking about standard loose-leaf here, I’m talking about a damn 17 inch yellow legal pad!..and the wife reads this blog and knows when Ed brings up the “Honey Do List”..Next thing I know I have another page..Ed what are you doing this off-season?..Help!!
What am I doing, Bobbi?
Well, painting a bedroom. Cleaning out a garage. The grocery shopping. Oh, and keeping you guys entertained so you can continue to ignore your ‘Honey Do’ lists!
by Ed Valentine on Jan 2, 2010 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Haha!!..Yes in fact you do keep us entertained Ed!!..Thanks alot..Haha!!..Ooops wait a minute "Yes Dear?".."Oh okay hun-bun, just put it on the list baby"
Dang I am going to miss the first game this year!! (Not)..lol
Daggone better, Bobbi
Perhaps first you should get that new paper shredder for your privacy… maybe make sure it can even shred a whole 17 inch yellow legal pad?
by Joshua4Giants on Jan 3, 2010 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
Because we're not fake fans...
There are a ton of fans out there who would’ve quit on their teams completely after having gone through what we went through this year. We don’t do that. Living in New England I have witnessed this a lot in my lifetime. Once the Patriots start to suck or are bounced from the playoffs, all their supposed “fans” say “Oh well, pitchers and catchers report soon enough.” Giants fans are from a different breed altogether. We live and die with this team and every win or loss affects our moods for days, or unfortunately now a whole off season. This game may not mean anything as far as this season goes but I’m definitely rooting for Eli and Steve Smith to reach their team record setting goals. I’m looking forward to seeing our younger LB’s Sintim and Goff play this game like it’s their unofficial tryout for next year. I’m watching to see if this team can show any semblance of heart.
It’s been an up and down season to say the least and I can easily say not how I expected it to end. But the future looks bright, the draft is only 4 months away, and just like everyone else here I will be rooting against the Eagles and Cowboys in the playoffs.
Finally, I’m glad I happened across BBV this year and I look forward to everything it has to offer going forward. Go Giants and let’s hope the refs don’t screw us again. ;-)
I'll be watching
just like I watched them back in 2003 & 2004, and back in the 90’s, and I’m sure I would have been watching during the 60’s and 70’s if I were around. It’s football and it’s the Giants and I would watch all 16 games even if they were 0-16.*
*all of this is assuming they’re on TV down here. I’m not going to a bar tomorrow if they’re not on TV – I love the Giants, but after the hangover I had yesterday it might be a while before I step inside a bar again.
"[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
Yea I'll watch but I'll be a little behind DVRing it
I have to go to a birthing class with the wife tomorrow 9-1:30 cause were expecting our first child in Feb. The only other available date was 1/24 1-5:30 which is championship Sunday I also have an early flight for work on the 25th so tommorow is the best day.
But yea I actually wish I was a fair weather fan. I would not take this stuff so personally or care or spend so much time wathching reading and blogging about these guys. Even if I try not to care I can’t turn it off, I feel obligated to watch these games, like it’s my job or something.
Congratulations Land!...Just remember..
It is: “Push..Push!!”..Not :“Tackle..Tackle!”..You’ll do just fine…so long as you don’t use the latter, if you do your wife will jump out of the bed and chase your ass down the hallway and leave you for dead..and She’ll holler: “Welcome to MY NFL Son!!!”
Congrats on helping to expand our fan base...
At least some of us will have something to play for in February. May you and your wife step up and make big plays!
by Step up and make big plays on Jan 3, 2010 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Congrats on the new
arrival, L. Natural child birth, sounds like. We tried that on our first. Wife’s labor was extensive, and the docs had to do an emerg. C because the baby was in distress. Worked out fine. She was pissed when she got pulled out and has been fiery ever since. Nobody messes with her. She has six kids now, which explains why I’m here in beautiful Peoria. Wind always blowin, flat as a pool table and two weeks straight last winter of twenty below or worse. Not much snow, though, and the folks round these here parts are mighty friendly.
Thanks Blue
actually not natural it’s just a class that the hospital offers to get expecting parents familar with whats going on and whats going to happen. . .like when to ask for drugs so it’s not too late. My wife is’nt that tough but I don’t blame her I would’nt be either. We’re having a girl too I already got her a Giants Cheerleader outfit!
LOL
A cheerleader outfit? A Giants cheerleader outfit? Maybe you’ll make her a Giants fan. I had no luck with that. Doesn’t care for sports at all, but did run track in HS.
Alert to single BBVers: bBefore we were married, my wife loved the Giants, Knicks, Mets, and Chinese food. She developed a vast disinterest in all before the end of our first married year. Just sayin’
The only girl I made was the one who made my five boys..
I was always of the belief that having boys was really easy..because it doesn’t require alot of thought when you are picking out presents for Birthdays, Christmas, etc.. Then they reach the “Teen years”..and it is like “Oh my God!!”..I call it “Drain Bamage” (that is the timeframe where “Uncle Willy and the Twins” do ALL their thinking for them)..In teen years it is easier raising Girls..You have more control of the situation..When a boyfriend shows up for a date with your Daughter just flat out tell them that you have no problem going to jail AGAIN..That’ll will leave certain nicotine stains in their underwear, hence sex will not be a concerning issue. The best the kid can hope for is “EEEEwwooohhh!!” Just a little parental advice from Bobbiblue.
Congratulations :)
Don’t feel bad. Out of my two, i was giving the choice to stay, or leave the room. So given the non-experience with my first one, and i have bad anxiety, i felt that i should leave the room. With my second, i had no choice as she had a C-section. But i did feel she was in good hands, as her sister was in with her on both accounts.
I'll be watching for sure
I don’t miss games just because they have a bad year.
Looking forward to watching Manning, Bradshaw, and Smith burn that Minny defense.
Go Giants!!
Bloozer
The last part of number 10, Ed,
is the reason for me. It’s the Giants and I am a Giants fan. It doesn’t matter if we’re out of the playoffs or trying to knock someone out of the playoffs, I’m a Giants fan and will support them, period. I’m sure that my wife will point out to me that I’m still yelling at the TV as if they’re in the Super Bowl, even though it means nothing for them.
As for me and my house, though, we would rather lose as Giants fans than win as fans of any other team!
We didn't even have a chance for the "perfect season", but we did have the perfect ending.
You gotta figure
some guys are going to be playing for their jobs next year, on the Giants or elsewhere. I’d be surprised if they mail it in like last week … but then, I was surprised last week, so what do I know
Just another Giants Fan in Chicago
by Dan from Chicago on Jan 3, 2010 2:49 AM EST reply actions
Its all about the young guys...
So I can dream in the off season of Sintim, goff and boley making LB a strength…
Imagine Eli building on this year, and getting his name into best QB in the league convo…
Hope to see Barden and look forward to all the talk about the strong deep WR corps, and enjoy the contrast between that talk and the talk of how crappy they were going into this year and that they NEEED that to trade away the future for braylon guy or someone else…
Imagine how JR will reinforce the weaknesses, add depth to the O-line and DBs..
Imagine the good health that may be there next year for all our walking wounded…
And to have time to reflect, since its over this year, how freakin great is it to be a Giants fan, dagnabit!
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