New York Giants notes: Surgeries, and more

by Ed Valentine on Jan 4, 2010 9:30 AM EST in New York Giants News

Don't know how much more New York Giants reading material you guys can stomach this morning. But, here is a look around the Inter-Google for some of what is being said in the wake of the team's late-season collapse.

Justin Tuck (shoulder), Brandon Jacobs (knee), Ahmad Bradshaw (feet), Madison Hedgecock (shoulder) and Hakeem Nicks (wrist) will all go under the knife. The biggest surprise to me is Hedgecock, who has apparently played most of the season with a torn labrum -- the same injury Tuck sustained.
Ralph Vacchiano reports that sources within the Giants tell him Bill Sheridan will be fired. Geez, Ralph, you needed 'sources' to tell you that. In case anybody cares, Pro Football Weekly ranked the defensive coordinators this morning. Sheridan finished 30th. Amazingly, that means two coordinators were considered worse.
Writing for The New York Times, our pal Ernie Palladino hit all the salient points in writing an epitaph for the Giants season. Ernie asked this very critical question:

"How do you return a winning pride to a locker room that seemed devoid of veteran leadership for the last half of the season?"

Particularly on defense, that is a question the Giants have to answer. Antonio Pierce can't be counted on. Justin Tuck is a terrific player, but doesn't lift or lead his teammates. No one knows what Kenny Phillips' status will be for next season. Osi Umenyiora is too wrapped up in himself. So, where will the leadership come from?
Patricia Traina offers her list of endangered Giants at Inside Football. Interestingly, she thinks Rich Seubert is in more danger of losing his spot on the offensive line than Kareem McKenzie. If you believe Will Beatty is ready to play left tackle, you can make a good argument that she is right.
I am sure you are already trying to figure out who will replace Sheridan as defensive coordinator. Keep in mind that, despite being told he can come back next season, John Fox has not yet committed to returning as Carolina head coach.

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

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Comments

If Fox walks instead of coaching the next year

wouldn’t he have to sit a year or something?

by brisulph on Jan 4, 2010 9:37 AM EST reply actions

I don't think Fox will walk.....

He probably has found new joy in that team realizing that he finally has a decent QB in Matt Moore. Smith and Williams will come back healthy and the only real problem I see for them is getting Peppers happy. Panthers have a decent organization, and with good QB play, they are back in the hunt.

by njgiant on Jan 4, 2010 9:45 AM EST up reply actions

Fox isn't going anywhere

You just don’t leave a head coaching position anywhere to become a DC.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Jan 4, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions

+1

And his guys didn’t quit on him…perhaps there’s something to build on for next year.

by Step up and make big plays on Jan 4, 2010 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

Fox won't walk

The only way this happens is if Carolina can nab Cowher. Even then, there’s gonna be some HC vacancies elsewhere to be filled.

by YankeeDudeL on Jan 4, 2010 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

never said he would

just presenting a hypothetical I was interested in getting an answer for. Any one in the know about those things?

by brisulph on Jan 4, 2010 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

All quiet in Carolina country

No word on Fox leaving or where Cower wants to coach next.

by njgiant on Jan 4, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

I think Cowher to the Bills is a real possibility.

N8 !

by FreeBradshaw on Jan 4, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

as is Shanahan to the Skins

freeing up Zorn for all you “Coughlin Must Go” fans!
Seriously though, why the F does the BEast always have to get good coaching talent?

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Jan 5, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions

Believe me,

I wish he would. Apparently, all reports seem to indicate that Cowher will not be returning this year. But who knows. These analysts will say anything to generate buzz.

by YankeeDudeL on Jan 5, 2010 8:39 PM EST up reply actions

John Fox

What’s his DC philosophy? Is he an attack style or read/react style? With the rules favoring offense and the passing game the read/react style is not very effective. Also, Giants have done poorly with that style of D.

by FrankB0318 on Jan 4, 2010 9:42 AM EST reply actions

Sean McDermott

how can he be the #1 DC? How can a DC ranged 19th in points allowed be the top DC?

by FrankB0318 on Jan 4, 2010 9:49 AM EST reply actions

I don't understand that...

the Eagles D really wasn’t all that great this year. They actually had many of the problems the Giants had….they have better DT’s and Trent Cole wasn’t hurt so that’s why they were any good.

N8 !

by FreeBradshaw on Jan 4, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions

Agree - Patricia Traina comments insightful

If Beatty can play LT, sliding Diehl to LG, making Seubert a super C/G sub and keeping McKenzie makes abundant sense. McKenzie has slowed but he actually graded out pretty well this year. If he stays, can he stay healthy and who would back him up ( a key consideration)?

Ware may be on the bubble. He did not distinguish himself yesterday and TC coments may be the final nail.

by MSP Giant on Jan 4, 2010 9:56 AM EST reply actions

What about Diehl to RT?

If Beatty is ready… I dunno, I have more faith in Seubert returning to form after getting his shoulder fixed than I do McKenzie’s back history and age. Remember Richie probably extended his career a bit my missing so much time with that broken leg. As much as I"m sure the rehab sucked, it was 2-3 years of not getting pounded in the line every day. I am definitely in favor of spending a top-half draft pick on another tackle or a top-flight guard, especially if they can play a little center as well. Versatility on the OL is huge.

by TNYFBG on Jan 4, 2010 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

Switching

Is it easier to move Diehl to LG or RT? Dunno. I sense LG is an easier move and he will be a monster LG.

Comments on Seubert well taken – I could go either way.

Best case scenario – JR drafts a RT in round 1 or 2 and TC actually lets a rookie play given the Giants a new, younger OL. Seubert is the super sub and McKenzie signs for fewer $$$ to be a backup.

by MSP Giant on Jan 4, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

Diehl is not a tackle, and every time he goes up against a speed rusher he proves it. No real earth-shattering names on Pat’s list, I think if you asked any of us we would have given the same names.

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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Jan 4, 2010 10:10 AM EST reply actions

Agree, Jim

On Diehl and Oat’s list

by blue gonz on Jan 4, 2010 10:20 AM EST reply actions

re: Hedgecock...

…it’s hard to “row the boat to Hawaii” with a torn labrum. He earns some respect from me for playing hurt and not making a scene about it….very Carthon-esque in his durability.

by Step up and make big plays on Jan 4, 2010 10:21 AM EST reply actions

Hedgecock

I do not buy into all of the negatives I hear about Hedgecock. Yes, he is not the protypical fullback in the NFL. He is more of a throwback FB and a good one at that. I know he has poor hands, but Eli has a hard time finding TEs, throwing a receiving FB in there, imo, would be a waste of space. Use Hedgecock for what he is meant to be, a powerful blocker.

by CCE718 on Jan 4, 2010 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

I agree, but wouldn't it be nice to have an

FB who could run? That’s what I would consider a throwback. Charles Way was one.

by blue gonz on Jan 4, 2010 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

Brandon Jacobs...

there’s your “FB” who can run.

I agree tho..a more versatile FB would be nice.

N8 !

by FreeBradshaw on Jan 4, 2010 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

I'd rather have a FB that can catch the damn ball

someone like the guy the chargers have

by mclaren_is_the_best on Jan 4, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

A true throwback

can catch and run. Way could do both, but he excelled as a runner.

by blue gonz on Jan 4, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

A REAL throwback

would also pass it and play linebacker :)

But that’s like 20’s football though when everyone did everything

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

by Willgfass on Jan 4, 2010 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

LOL. That would be a throwback throwback

or a really real throwback (except for the passing.)

by blue gonz on Jan 4, 2010 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

Stanley Havilii

from USC is an excellent prospect as a FB that does just that.

Kind of a shame that he’s going back for his Senior year..I guess.

Hedgecock wasn’t here to catch passes.

Him and Jacobs was designed to be the power run game from Hell. 2 6"3 250+lbs guys running….

I think injuries took their toll on both. If Hedge and Jake are healthy..the power I run game needs to be used more.

I was surprised at the lack of it this year.

N8 !

by FreeBradshaw on Jan 4, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions

A catching FB is nice

but I’m more concerned with a FB that can make the blocks 100% of the time right.

Overall, I think Hedgecock has to work on that but I’d keep him because he blocks well.

by The Curse on Jan 4, 2010 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

he does...

I think the fact that he had a torn labrum, just like Tuck, shouldn’t go under the radar.

That’s basically most of his power…gone.

Kinda like most of this team….he should get 2010, cuz basically everything bad that could happen in 2009…Did.

N8 !

by FreeBradshaw on Jan 4, 2010 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

+1

It’s almost like good news, isn’t it? I helps to explain the fall off in the running game. Hard to have a running game when your battering ram can’t use a shoulder. Maybe this will convince mgmt to have a backup FB?

by blue gonz on Jan 4, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions

Sheridan has officially been fired

i dont expect anyone to be surprised or saddened to see him go.

by GiantsReignSupreme on Jan 4, 2010 10:47 AM EST reply actions

ahs he?

i don’t see the news anywhere…only firing i’ve seen this morning was zorn so far

by cntrlalt on Jan 4, 2010 10:50 AM EST up reply actions

They should have fired his butt yesterday!

by Late for Dinner on Jan 4, 2010 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

yes

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

by andiamo708 on Jan 4, 2010 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

I haven't seen that either

All I see is that he will be fired. Do you have a link for that?

by potroast on Jan 4, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

Never mind

starting to look obvious that it’s already done.

by potroast on Jan 4, 2010 12:54 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Wait....

Nicks is getting surgery on his wrist? Hedgecock was injured all year?

As for the leadership….well, it was always Strahan and Pierce as the leaders. Strahan was gone last year, so it was Pierce and probably Spags was that 2nd leader to all these guys.

Sheridan was not a leader. He was the LB’s coach….even Pierce was probably the leader there in those meetings.

They need a leader. I’d love to see AP stay on as a coach. Tho i think his pride says he’s got some left in the tank.

N8 !

by FreeBradshaw on Jan 4, 2010 10:53 AM EST reply actions

right now, AP is still a player under contract in the NFL...

…no way he makes the transition to coach, for us or for anybody, not in the next few years. The guy spent practically every moment away from football in the southern California area with his family, and I suspect that’s where he will end up if his playing days are done.

by Step up and make big plays on Jan 4, 2010 10:56 AM EST up reply actions

True..

probably just wishful thinking.

I think AP’s got the knowledge, heart..and as we’ve all figured out this season…most importantly, the leadership and a knack for rallying the troops… that would make him a great DC, or possibly HC.

…well, if he wants to do that thing. I know many former players don’t wanna do that.

AP, while not nearly as good of course, is a lot like Mike Singletary..and Samurai Mike took a good long while before he even became a LB coach.

N8 !

by FreeBradshaw on Jan 4, 2010 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

who knows, maybe he'll get his start in coaching back at the U. of Arizona...

…and help return them to their Desert Swarm glory days…it’s a lot closer to home for him. I have a hard time envisioning him on our sidelines in the next 3-5 years.

by Step up and make big plays on Jan 4, 2010 11:07 AM EST up reply actions

Truth & Rumors > NFL

Bill Sheridan’s first season as Giants defensive coordinator almost certainly will be his last. Though Tom Coughlin hasn’t announced his intentions, several players, coaches and members of the organization all told the Daily News Sunday they expect Sheridan to be fired in the next few days. That’s hardly a shock, since the team surrendered 427 points this year – the most since giving up 501 in 1966.

by rbman3 on Jan 4, 2010 11:14 AM EST reply actions

So, um

Did they fire Sheridan’s ass yet? Pleeeeease?

by TNYFBG on Jan 4, 2010 11:19 AM EST reply actions

There has been no official word on Bill Sheridan yet

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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Jan 4, 2010 11:20 AM EST reply actions

ESPN just said they did

by mclaren_is_the_best on Jan 4, 2010 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

ESPN is just reporting on the Daily News story that says he will be fired

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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Jan 4, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions

Press conference @12:55

giants.com T.C. & J.R. TO SPEAK

by greg a on Jan 4, 2010 11:23 AM EST reply actions

I'll make sure to have my popcorn popped.

N8 !

by FreeBradshaw on Jan 4, 2010 11:32 AM EST up reply actions

Glad to see the giants take swift action

Sheridan failed his tryout so bad this year there is no sense in delaying the inevitable, glad to see JR is not wasting time to cut ties with this guy

by Late for Dinner on Jan 4, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

Utter Chaos

Hey Ed, good story here. I think this will be the most important off season of the decade. I expect a lot of changes to occur and some of them rather quickly. The injuries were my number one reason for Big Blue’s down fall this year but the play calling was a close second place. This will be one hell of an off season to keep track of.

GO NY GIANTS!!

by RobDomaine on Jan 4, 2010 12:20 PM EST reply actions

Justin Tuck

I think he can develop into a leader. Don’t forget, there was a time when Strahan wasn’t the leader on D – it took him a few years to develop into that guy. It doesn’t just happen overnight. I hope Tuck comes back hungry next year and decides he needs to make the leap from “great player” to “great leader”

2009 Did Not Happen

by cjmulrain on Jan 4, 2010 3:49 PM EST reply actions

Nice point

Strahan took awhile to be a leader. Armstead was the leader of those John Fox D’s. Strahan had some bad moments were he was not much a leader the last couple of years he developed into one but more becasue he was a respected Vet. Give Tuck a chance he’ll be the guy he’s like Eli he just needs to be a bit more acertive.

by Landeta on Jan 4, 2010 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

Tuck is dipping his toe in the water,

just like Stray did at first, talking to the press etc.

by blue gonz on Jan 4, 2010 3:58 PM EST reply actions

It's time

for Tuck to dive head first into the pool. He is the best player, has a ring and a Pro Bowl. Time to step up.

by Ed Valentine on Jan 4, 2010 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

Bobby Layne isn't in the HOF

because he threw a perfect spiral. He would get into anyone’s face he thought was slacking off, O or D. I know we can’t expect that from Eli, so I agree Tuck has to step up. O’Hara’s pretty good, but despite Paul Brown’s opininon that it was the most important position, it would be unusual to say the least to expect a center to fill the void. He certainly is one of the leaders.
Tuna seems to place great value on centers as well. One of his first moves with the Jets was to get Mawe (SP?) I don’t understand why Paul Brown thought the way he did. It was at a time when players played O & D, but he was one of the frist platooners, maybe the first, either him or Stout Steve.
In case you hadn’t guessed, I had a medical procedure today and I don’t think the drugs have worn off.
I think I’ll take a nap now.
Bye.
PS: Note the unusual lack of typos. Gotta find out what they gave me.

by blue gonz on Jan 4, 2010 5:29 PM EST reply actions