Giants By The Numbers: 72 Is For ...

by Ed Valentine on Jul 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT in New York Giants By The Numbers

Osi Umenyiora. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Its current occupant ... Osi Umenyiora.

We can, and have, debated the reasons for Osi's sub-par 2009 season. We can, and have, debated how much Osi has left in the tank and what kind of player the New York Giants can expect to see in 2010. We can, and have, debated whether Osi should even be a Giant this season or if General Manager Jerry Reese should have dumped him for a couple of draft picks.

I don't think, however, that we can really debate whether or not he is the best player to ever don the 72 for the New York Giants. Other quality players have worn 72, but none have accomplished what Osi has.

Let's run down the list of what Osi has accomplished since being drafted in the second round by the Giants in 2003.

Two Pro Bowl appearances and one All-Pro selection.
A total of 48.5 sacks in six seasons. Two double-digit sack seasons.
Twelve fumble recoveries, including three run back for touchdowns.
A key contribution to a defense that helped the Giants win a Super Bowl in 2007.

Let's save the arguments about what Osi can do for THIS Giants team for another day. Today, let's just show some admiration for the best No. 72 the Giants have ever had.

Other Notables Who Have Worn 72

Doug Riesenberg was drafted in the sixth round by the Giants in 1987. He became a starter at right tackle in 1988, and was a fixture at that spot until 1995. He finished his career by playing one more season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gordon King was an on-again, off-again starter for the Giants at right tackle from 1978-85. He finished his career by playing two seasons for the New York Jets.
Roman Oben was a Giant for four seasons, 1996-99, and started at left tackle three of those years. After leaving the Giants he played eight more seasons in the league with Cleveland, Tampa Bay and San Diego.
Old-timers might remember Dick Yelvington, who played right tackle from 1952-57.

(As always, if you know of any other significant players who wore the number, let me know. The pre-1950 numbers are extremely difficult to find)

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Comments

i dont care what anyone says...

i love osi umenyiora.

by GiantsReignSupreme on Jul 9, 2010 11:26 AM EDT reply actions

by GiantsReignSupreme on Jul 9, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Whew…how can I get this pic ?
This is heavenly ! POW

Regroup refocus..retool...

by Mr.Williams on Jul 9, 2010 11:46 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

ass for days

A thousand lips. A thousand tongues. A thousand throats. A thousand lungs. A thousand ways to make it true. I want to do terrible things to you.

by Nine Inch Nails on Jul 9, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

and days and days and.....

Fan's Creed: (Play well+Win=Praise) (Play Well+Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy+Win=Criticism) (Play lousy+Lose & Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)

by LoNJDTechnology on Jul 9, 2010 12:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Big Butts

The two on the ends have butts big enough to play on the o-line.

by FrankB03 on Jul 9, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Not so fast

Doug Riesenberg was a very capable and solid lineman for years. Many have always Osi is overrated. His reputation built from one nationally televised game vs the Eagles. Osi is one dimensional. He’s a selfish player on and off the field. On the field he sells out against the run for the stat driven sack. His comments off the field have displayed a selfish player whose ego is bigger than his game.

Once again its easier to give to a current player with stats than a solid non-descriptive lineman.

by FrankB03 on Jul 9, 2010 11:32 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

So I guess

you really don’t like Osi huh? Don’t take away what he has done for this team just because you don’t like him

by Squali21 on Jul 9, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

My Honest assessment

I thought long and hard before I posted. I tried to remain objective. Even before last season’s debacle and even before Osi developed foot-in-mouth disease I posted on this site previous to last season I felt Osi was overrated. In 07 after his 6 sack game vs Eagles he had 7 sacks in his next 16 games including the playoffs.

While Osi has been a very effective pass rushing DE he’s terrible vs the run. He has no discipline and no desire to play the run. In a exercise like this Giants by the Numbers it’s easy to go with a guy like Osi over Riesenberg. Riesenberg been out of the league for 15 years. We have no stats to measure him against. With Osi we see good sack stats. His ‘stats’ vs the run are in the bottom half of the league for DEs.

As much as Osi has helped the team with his pass rush last season he arguably hurt the team more with his ineffectiveness vs the run. How many times did Denver run directly at him? 25 or so? How many tackles? ZERO

by FrankB03 on Jul 9, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I hear you, Frank

But Osi has been dominant at times during his career, even if he is one-dimensional. I have my issues with him, but no way Riesenberg matches up to Osi in terms of what he accomplished.

by Ed Valentine on Jul 9, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Again

we don’t have stats to measure the effectiveness of offensive Lineman. During DR tenure with the Giants they won a SB and were in the top-5 in rushing almost every season including 1993 when they led the league. We don’t get to see OL on ESPN.

My recollection of DR was he was a solid o-lineman on a solid line. Unfortunately we don’t have a means to measure his success. A site suck as Pro Football Focus doesn’t date back that far.

As I mentioned above. Osi rushing the passer deserves the #72 nod. But his deficiency vs. the run makes his overall game average. Riesenberg was an above average offensive lineman.

by FrankB03 on Jul 9, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I Agree...

I would take Riesenberg over Osi for several reasons:

1) I feel strongly that Riesenberg was underrated and Osi is Overrated. Reisenberg was quitely one of the better tackles in the league for a bunch of years.

2) In terms of “accomplishments”, what is an OT supposed to do to become “accomplished”? Osi has been completely one dimensional. As an OT, what would Reisenberg have to do in your eyes to get Osi’s "accomplishments? The positions are not comparable.

Reisenberg played at a very high level for a bunch of years, OSI played very well in one dimension for a couple – which landed him on the highlight reels and Sportcenter where Reisenberg would never end up.

The only reason Reisenbergs career was cut short with us was because he could not block Reggie White, which is ridiculous because NOBODY except Big E in his prime could block Reggie.

Anyway, although I will be in a minority to those who “believe the hype”, I would give it to Reisenberg until Osi plays the position in both phases for a bit longer.

by dubsrub on Jul 9, 2010 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

My personal feelings re Osi colors my

evaluation, but if push comes to shove, I’ll go with Doug until Osi puts together a few years that demonstrate he can be an all around DE, not just a pass rusher.

by blue gonz on Jul 9, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Riesenberg

My feeling ws that Riesenberg was good, but never special. Osi, at times, has been special. That’s the difference for me.

by Ed Valentine on Jul 9, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Good argument, Ed.

This upcoming season will tell us a lot.

by blue gonz on Jul 9, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Ed

he was special in one aspect of his game but at what cost? He totally sold out vs. the run. Against the run he’s non-existent. He’s far from a complete all-around player.

by FrankB03 on Jul 9, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think that rings true for his entire career.....

last year….YES.

"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708

by andiamo708 on Jul 9, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with that ... last year

He was never an dominant run defender, but thru most of his career he has been adequate. Last season, no.

by Ed Valentine on Jul 9, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

don't forget

Gosh you guys are having a ball with these two. Ed- you forgot ( and this time I looked it up) Frank Youso, who was a starting offensive tackle, replacing Yelvington, from ‘58-’60 for the Giants, and played both ways through much of the infamous Colt/Giant ’58 game, due to the injury to Dick Modzelewski. Frank wore #72 for the Giants.

I know- just kidding, should be Usi, but only if he has a good year this season.

Really a tie right now between Risenberg and Usi.

by grange77 on Jul 9, 2010 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions

no problem here

Osi is what Osi is…a very very good pass rusher when healthy ! I do recall him playing the run a lot better prior to his knee injury…has he left some things to be desired YES,he has…but for the Giants..he is 72…I saw Doug play every game he was solid at best ! Now if there are players from the 40’s & 50’s that are better suited fine…but no modern Giant has worn 72 like OSI…he will never be Reggie White – Bruce Smith – Stray – Charles Haley ~~Dexter Manley~~ or Jared Allen & Tuck..but when healthy…he is scary good…Yes he should have more sacks for all the tools he has ! Oh well…as for now 72 is OSI…and I’m good with that !

Regroup refocus..retool...

by Mr.Williams on Jul 9, 2010 11:44 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Osi over Riesenberg

even w/out the 6 sack game vs. the eagles….it’s still Osi.

"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708

by andiamo708 on Jul 9, 2010 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

In regards to Riesenberg

I like the guy, he def deserves a honorable mention.

BUT when i look back at that Oline he was never the guy that jumped out at you….

Oates, Elliot, Will Roberts…..those were the guys that anchored that line….IMO

"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708

by andiamo708 on Jul 9, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

BTW the picture is awesome....

and I’m not talking about the strippers….i’m talking about the picture of Osi kneeling over what appears to be a totally broken tony romo.

"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708

by andiamo708 on Jul 9, 2010 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

I was thinking

the exact same thing. We need to see more of that from 72 this season!

We didn't even have a chance for the "perfect season", but we did have the perfect ending.

by GAgiantfan on Jul 9, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

when i think of 72...

Osi is the man i will think of. he owns it nuff said.

Fan's Creed: (Play well+Win=Praise) (Play Well+Lose=Praise) (Play Lousy+Win=Criticism) (Play lousy+Lose & Bandwagon Jumpers=Off with thier heads!)

by LoNJDTechnology on Jul 9, 2010 12:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Super Bowl

I re-watched the Pats Super Bowl this weekend. The Line was dominating. Osi was VERY good. I know we all think of Tuck and his sacks and Strahan’s last game etc… but I was shocked how well Osi played.
For me 72 is Osi.

by ross_stephen on Jul 9, 2010 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

Number 72

Osi is a good defensive end, but he is not even close to being the best player ever to wear #72 for the Giants. I have no doubt that the best player to use #72 is probably the greatest Defensive lineman ever to play for the Giants and other than LT the greatest defensive player of them all. Who is it? Arnie Weinmeister. Pro Bowler, Hall of Famer. No doubt in my mind.

by dd214 on Jul 9, 2010 3:55 PM EDT reply actions

he's #73

"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708

by andiamo708 on Jul 9, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Despite Osi's tumultuous '09 season

He definitely still is the best player they’ve ever had to wear that number. Here’s hoping he has a rebound season in him, he was an absolute monster not too long ago.

Did you know Joe Morgan thinks Cano will win a batting title one day?

by Andrew GM on Jul 9, 2010 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

Why it should be Riesenberg

Had a solid career, very rarely made mistakes. Never had a bad year. The best RT for the Giants in the last 30 years. Jumbo on the other side had more talent, but was more inconsistent.

Osi has more upside. But his career is incomplete. Last year he was truly awful. Cedric Jones awful. He needs to have a comeback to deserve this honor. Two or three great years does not overcome a good career. Kerry Collins put up big numbers for a few years, but are you going to pick him over Simms?

by ct17 on Jul 9, 2010 10:48 PM EDT reply actions

high hopes

i have high hopes for osi this season now that he’s 2years removed from the knee surgery

A thousand lips. A thousand tongues. A thousand throats. A thousand lungs. A thousand ways to make it true. I want to do terrible things to you.

by Nine Inch Nails on Jul 9, 2010 11:36 PM EDT reply actions

It should be Riesenberg.

Under Parcels the Giants had a teriffic ball control running attack despite never having any truly great backs. The Giants line was just damn good. Riesenberg played hard and well for the Giants for a long time. You could count on Riesenberg to do his job every game.

I don’t think the same can be said of Umenyiora. He can have some really good games, especially against 3rd string tackles, but disappears for weeks at a time. During those stretches he is a liability since his run defense is weak. A great player is a positive factor in every game. Umenyiora isn’t a bad player, he just isn’t a complete player. In my opinion he is really better suited as a 3rd down pass specialist.

For me Osi is a home run threat who strikes out a ton and can’t field his position. I’ll take the guy with less flash but with the complete game. My vote is for Riesenberg.

by facade on Jul 10, 2010 7:43 AM EDT reply actions