Who wants to see something different? Changes must be made!
by doctrTre on Feb 6, 2011 4:48 AM EST
Email
PrintARE YOU KIDDING ME???? The exact thoughts that ran through my head as I witnessed the downfall of the 2010 campaign of the New York Giants. DeSean Jackson, wide receiver for Philly, fumbles the punt, picks it up, and bolts down field within seconds to win the game... That was the moment when the Giants had lost it all. They lost composure, confidence and motivation...
Now the questions that all teams who did not make the playoffs ask themselves begin to swirl around the offseason: What did we do wrong?
Was it the coach staff? The play-calling or the playbook? The wrong formations? The wrong draft class? The wrong starting lineups? The wrong set of players?
As Giants fans, we all say we have the answer, the cure, the blueprint. The much needed formula to find the solution. In truth, we never know what the formula is. I guarantee that no one will truthfully admit that our '07 Big Blue Team would've made it to Super Bowl XLII (42 for those who forgot). But be that as it may, I feel that I may have a simple four-step game plan for the Gmen in order to salvage a team that potentially gone to the big dance again at least two of the last three years.
Step One: Decrease loyalty to players and coaches!
The one flaw that has disrupted the team the most over the last decade has to be the owners' loyalty to both player and coach alike. What do I mean you ask? It's simple, analyze particular situations and you'll get what I mean.
-Derrick Ward: This guy had a roster spot for three seasons before he even saw a significant role. He should have been cut long before his shot. But instead, he stood on the roster, and after two straight valuable breakout years, they team releases him in fear of a huge contract to keep him. Ridiculous. Either he should have never had his shot, or at least keep him two more seasons. One can make the argument that he hasn't done much since he left, proving his aging being a factor. But I know keeping him in New York would have given him life.
-Kevin Gilbride: This has to be the most obvious example. The higher ups probably focus on the apparent versatility of the offense under Gilbride. In 2009, there was no running game, but fans saw a different Eli Manning (a Pro Bowl one) emerge as he eclipsed his first 4000 yard season. This past year, the same could be said, after a fantastic running and passing combination, with 6th and 10th NFL rankings respectively. But there's no fire to this offense. Once the team is down, it's hard to see some spark ignite a comeback effort, with receivers never open and Eli forcing passes down field, resulting in not just a mediocre 36% Third down conversion percentage, but 40+ turnovers as well, interceptions and fumbles galore. Gilbride should be cut to bring in a more creative play caller who demands respect and is unpredictable.
-Special Teams: Change is just needed. Instead of using a player already on the roster who could bring a spark to the return game after losing Domenik Hixon, the Giants give return duties to Darius Reynaud, and Will Blackmon, two ineffective returners. From the beginning, Aaron Ross should have been inserted as the main guy. Not only is he just the nickel back, so he's not so valuable, but he was a fantastic returner in college that averaged over 11 yards a punt return. Give him a chance! But it didn't come until Week 16 against Green Bay. Tom Quinn needs to go.
Step Two: Make some moves!
Whether it be the draft, or free agency, the Giants never seem to feisty in their pursuit of the players they want. Although the collective bargaining agreement is still being negotiated, it will get done! Who doesn't want football? Regardless, the Giants need to pursue players harder. No more being reluctant or passive. Honestly within the last decade the best, most prominent signings the Giants made were three that I can recall: Plaxico Burress, LaVar Arrington, and Antrel Rolle. Rolle is the most recent and he's done alright despite his loose mouth. Arrington was a complete failure of an experiment, and Burress...well you already know. There has been no other star or exciting pick up that us fans could be excited about. The draft is another venue of epic proportions that falls short. Trade up and grab some players. I can't count how many times my father has complained that the Giants didn't trade up to grab Rey Maualaga a few years ago. Please New York, make a move!
Step Three: Be aggressive, B-E- aggressive!
The one thing I can't stand about Giants football as a Giants fan, is the consistent conservative play calling. I wouldn't mind seeing something a bit unpredictable, something a little out of the ordinary by the Giants. There's no wildcat, no reverses, no tailback passes, no wide receiver passes, no pitches on the return game, NOTHING! Giants football consists of simple aspects to make up every side of the game. Offense: Run, then pass! Defense: Hit the quarterback, stop the run. Special teams: Just catch the ball and get at least 5 yards. Let's put some fire in their to help the players get hype. On offense, run some trick plays, throw on first down, or maybe 3 or 4 downs straight. Taking shots down field might be another option right? Who knows! The Giants never really do it, unless Eli does and we all as fans know we hold our breath thinking, "Pick...". On defense, I love the blitzing formations but let's get the team a bit more fired up. Tuck is the only guy I saw with tenacity every down. Attack, attack, attack! And how about some press coverage? I don't know how many times I counted seeing backed off coverage and then we see a deep pass... Really guys? Let's change "Giants" football. Fundamentals and basic ball will get you places, but not always the big game. Of the last three Super Bowls, each possessed teams with very electrifying passing games. Giants ball can be that way too, not just a run heavy team.
Finally Step Four: Let's give time outs...
So many people lauded Coach Tom Coughlin for changing his ways in wake of a Super Bowl win from disciplinarian to compassionate. But that has to change back. This Giants team looked dumbfounded, lazy, slack and apathetic in so many games where they were playing from behind. Players made mental mistakes and some plays looked very weak by others. Coughlin needs to re-inject that fiery attitude to hype up the players and keep them motivated. This team is younger than that championship one from a few years ago. Let's get aggressive here too Coughlin!
Well there it is, the four steps we need. Hopefully, Giants fans will see some change come to New York Sports. The Jets did it! Going from footnote to headliners, despite their news-making relating to more negative connotations. The Knicks did it! Getting Amar'e Stoudemire and now pushing for Carmelo Anthony. The Mets did it! Finally firing Jerry Manuel. Maybe we'll see some more riveting changes coming from Big Blue this year... Let's hope fellow fans.
GO BLUE!
FanPosts are written by community members. This is simply a way for community members to express opinions too long to be contained in a comment.
42 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
player and coach loyalty is a good point.
It’s something I gripe about without even realizing it. For instance I believe JPP is a more talented end than Tuck. I think it will be a mistake if we don’t start him at DE next season. Move Tuck to that LB/DE position and get this kid on the field. But knowing Coughlin JPP will be used similar to the way he was used this year out of loyalty to Tuck, and out of being content with the status quo at that position. Not that I think Tuck is a bad player by any stretch of the imagination, but it sucks to know that They won’t even take a look at getting better at this position because they are content with what Tuck does.
Other examples putting O’Hara back in the line up… starting Deihl over a healthy Beatty at LT. Not giving Barden a chance until half the WRs were hurt, not giving Ware a shot in the backfield (when everyone else seemingly had an allergic reaction to the ball) keeping Bulluck, (when he was clearly a liability) on the field, and refusing to see what you have in Sintim.
But is it player and coach loyalty, or is it playing it safe? I feel it may be the latter, and I think this mentality is at the heart of Coughlin’s coaching. It leads me to think…
Coughlin has got to go if we are to make the step from a good club to a great club.
They are always going to be the same with TC, nothing about his coaching ever changes, and the result (as is evident by the unmistakeable pattern left behind each year) is always mediocre. Too hesitant to try to be great (JPP, or throwing for a first down late in the game rather than trying to run out the clock) because it might not work out, and you could’ve been good (Tuck, or squeaking out a win with the opposition throwing in the endzone as time expires). He takes no chances, and gives no chances for his players to win or lose games, and in so doing we always rise to the ranks of… “middle of the road,” just enough for TC keep his job… which I’m starting to believe is his true motivation.
I don’t think he’s the right coach for this town either. Part of his hesitation may be a fear of having to own up to the decisions that don’t work out so well in the face of the NY media. If he plays the safe road then he has a built in response when things fall apart. He doesn’t have to own the loss based on taking a chance. Again this will lead to an average team. Sometimes our players will just be better than theirs, but I can’t remember the last time they won a game based on Coughlin outcoaching the opponent.
As long as we have TC we will always be good but I doubt greatness is in the future with him on the sidelines.
Prove me wrong TC.
"Kiss my ASS!!!"
(that’s sarcasm. son)
by NYer in a strange land on Feb 6, 2011 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
wait...Justin Tuck?
probably the best DE in the NFL? I think you mean Osi..or at least I hope so. Even then I dunno about that.
If starting Tuck means Coughlin is loyal to a fault, where does it end? Do we sit Chris Snee for Mitch Petrus? Sit Eli for Rosenfels? Sit Hakeem Nicks for Victor Cruz?
I do agree with the O’Hara and Diehl parts tho
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
just using them as examples
trying to get a point across. As I said I think Tuck is good, but how will we ever know if a guy like JPP is better if TC constantly takes the same old safe road, “no risky decisions means he didn’t make any blatant errors that cost us anything.” I think we need a guy that’ll roll the dice every now and again, if we want to see this team take the next steps. Try to win some games as opposed to trying not to lose them.
The point to the whole thing is that I don’t think he gets the most out of the talent that he has. I think he holds the team back, out of fear of making perceived mistakes (both in game and in personnel) that will be viewed as bad coaching decisions, that could land him on the hot seat.
He gets the rep as a conservative coach, when in my mind (and this is only my opinion) I see a coach that’s scared to make the big decisions that win and lose games, so he sticks to the safe “by the numbers, percentage” plays whenever the opportunity arises
Side note
I do think Tuck would be devastating as a standup DE/LB with the option to put his hand in the dirt and get after the QB. He’s a great instinctive player that can diagnose plays quickly. And I do think JPP’s raw physical abilities would reak havoc on opposing O-Lines if he was given an everydown role on the end. Not trying to bench Tuck, just trying to see the best usage of our people, but afraid that we won’t see that happen, because the D-Line is already the strength of our team.
Prove me wrong TC.
Hmm Tuck is the best the player on the defense
Sure JPP may have alot of talent but he needed to be spoon fed the defense, the alignments, his gap control assignment…Tuck already knows his responsibilities. Maybe if JPP can show he knows what Tuck knows then this is a possibility. But until JPP can show this on the practice field and in game situations give me Tuck all day long.
Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...
I dunno why Tuck is in this
and I don’t see the point being made with it.
JPP should play more, yea, and he will. But by my watch he was a rookie this year. Rookie’s don’t play as much as All-Pro DEs, nor as much as former All-Pro’s returning to form. Nor as much as someone like Kiwaunkua, who was in beast mode.
JPP should play more, but it has nothing to do with the best player on the team. He’s not a standup OLB either. Actually…..JPP should be that.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
i guess
i only use Tuck cause I see JPP as a left end- Tuck’s spot- and just wonder how long it’ll be before they get a scheme that mixes things up to get him on the field.
Prove me wrong TC.
JPP has the speed to be a RE as well
also I think they had a scheme this year that had Tuck or Kiwi standing up a bunch and choosing their gap.
If there’s anything the Giants should just leave alone (and re-sign their guys…) its the defensive line. Maybe do a better job building the back 7, but leave the front 4 along
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
YUP
too conservative… risk averse is they phrase I’ve been using for 2 years now. No balls either. Thats our coach, no balls. He’s very good, but his risk aversion is what happens to all of us in life. As we get older, we take less chances in general. I’m hating on TC a little bit, but his 2007 championship equity has only 1 more season left in it for me. The writing may be on the wall. Prove me wrong TC, win it all next year.
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
This is almost to comical....
“I don’t think he’s the right coach for this town either.”
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
The examples make sense
Really like those examples Flynner, especially the ones incorporating the lineman. I thought it was very idiotic to put on O’Hara after he missed most of the season for a Seubert that dominated the Center position. I do agree though that Tuck is the best player, so JPP should wait his turn a bit. They could just rotate JPP in more often though in order to give him more reps and keep both Osi and Tuck fresh. Tuck and Osi deserve their spots.
But yea, Rorschach44, the point is make a move if it’s not working. If it’s broke, then fix it. To me, Eli did horribly this year, but you can’t blame a guy who has no stability with injured receivers. We saw how Manningham became his guy eventually towards the end. You wouldn’t bench him for that, or just one season such as this past one. Snee is a Pro Bowler, why would you sit him? And Nicks is the best playmaker on the team. My point is to just make moves when they should be made. Playing it safe won’t get you anywhere. Being conservative isn’t the way to do it anymore.
You can be good, but not great.
Felix Davila III
be agressive!! and loyalty!!
More agressive offense. Sure we don’t have deep threat wrs, but you need to throw a couple deep go routes early 2 and 3 or short for example..u hit some and its strenches the D. I saw very few of these shoots early this year. Probably y our receives are always in tight coverage, bcuz the D knows its a curl or a back shoulder pass 85% of the time!!! Loyalty ugh…a coaches job is to put the best possibly player in right place at the right time. Period. At any postion o line ,back , receiver ecttt…we do this great on the d line, but for some reason it stops there. Y? No friggin idea. But it needs to stop. Putting different players in different stops in different situations just confuses the defense. Gilbrite just is to easy to read and always has been. Didn’t everyone know when we were running a draw in 2007? I sure did. Game plan should be changed every week not every year gilbrite, just incase u didn’t know.
by hit_hard on Feb 6, 2011 2:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
draw plays: SMH
That was the one thing I couldn’t stand the most this season. Usually a draw play every red zone drive
Felix Davila III
if a draw is ever run
It should be second and short. Its my least favorite play. Id much rather see a screen in those situations.
by hit_hard on Feb 6, 2011 2:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
hmm...
A: Tuck is pushing 280 pounds. He is miserable in coverage. I’d rather he DIDN’T play in the two-point stance. That kind of positioning negates his freakish strength and highlights his lack of quickness. PASS.
B: Aaron Ross doesn’t return kicks because he’s been incredibly injury prone ever since that Super Bowl run and if he goes down, we’re stuck with undrafted rookies in our nickel and dime packages. PASS.
C: I’m confused about what you’re saying about Blackmon and Reynaud in your section about loyalty. We acquired them, how does that show TOO MUCH loyalty?
D: Most teams, as a general principle, believe that players SHOULD NOT lose their starting role because of injury. That is just showing respect for veteran players and the thousands of hours of hard work that they’ve put in. It shouldn’t be negated just because of something out of their control.
E: Derrick Ward was a decent kick returner and backup running back during those first 3 years. He was also dirt-cheap, contract-wise. IMO, that’s enough production to warrant the time spent on developing him, considering the return we got out of it: 2 years of VERY good performance.
F: FIRE QUINN. That is all.
OK,
STRONGLY agree with A, B, E and of course, F
C does not apply
D is a correct statement for the most part, but most people “first guessed” TC’s decision to put O’Hara back in there.. mistake by TC.
Risk averse with no balls… thats TC
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
Think about it...
Well A is def not my point but B I say because Ross doesn’t do much for the defense right now in the nickel anyway as he was a starter who lost his spot, so he’s not the most valuable. Many teams still have play makers in both their natural positions and as a returner. And his being injury prone applies to when he plays too, so it’s not like he’s just a risk in the return game. You can’t be selectively injury prone. That also applies to my point about being aggressive in getting players, free agency and draft wise. Get a corner! My point with C, they sucked even when they played for the Giants, so why not replace them despite repeated horrible starts at returner. Even before Reynaud got hurt he wasn’t effective. I just want to see our team make something happen when they need too. And D. pretty much not so true, as applies to the QB position anyways, I’m making the point that they should do that more often. And I don’t see where you got that point of disagreement from. E: Very true, I agree, though in those first three years, he didn’t produce as a running back that much, but you are correct about his lack of cost. Good points! I like your arguments.
Felix Davila III
I'm sorry but this is full of facepalm for me
I’ll get into more responses tomorrow but…
Hopefully, Giants fans will see some change come to New York Sports. The Jets did it! Going from footnote to headliners, despite their news-making relating to more negative connotations. The Knicks did it! Getting Amar’e Stoudemire and now pushing for Carmelo Anthony. The Mets did it! Finally firing Jerry Manuel. Maybe we’ll see some more riveting changes coming from Big Blue this year… Let’s hope fellow fans.
If there’s three New York teams I hope the Giants never become, it’s those three. As much as I like my Mets, they’re in the news because their owner took part in a ponzi scheme!
The Giants have more championships than all three of those teams combined!
No thanks
All you hear about is the past, the past... the past is the !@#$ing past, this is the present.
THIS IS TEMPORARY! A CHAMPIONSHIP IS PERMANENT
-Michael Strahan
Haha seriously.
The Mets suck. Sandy might make them respectable but they’re going to suck. The Jets are annoying and disrespectful to anything humanity should stand for.
And the Knicks haven’t had this good of a season in like a decade. And they’re just above .500
World Series attitude, champagne bottle life, nothing every changes so tonight is like tomorrow night.
Ok....
I’m saying change is needed and they’re at least headed in the right direction… Notice I said the Jets are in the news because of negative connotations.
Felix Davila III
Change for the sake of change
Makes you the Dallas Cowboys. Or worst, the Oakland Raiders.
Not saying there should never be change, but change for the sake of change is dumb. See the Steelers: 3 head coaches in the last 40 years or so.
All you hear about is the past, the past... the past is the !@#$ing past, this is the present.
THIS IS TEMPORARY! A CHAMPIONSHIP IS PERMANENT
-Michael Strahan
Change can be good
I want change. Those examples are of stupid change. Just want our team to be better and make something happen. I don’t know about you but patience is wearing thin. The same thing happens every year for us, except for one time. The biggest thing we need is a more fiery desire by the team.
Felix Davila III
I'm confused
you say those teams are making stupid changes, but you highlight them because….? Because they make all the headlines in NY? The day the Giants go out of their way just to make newspaper headlines is the day I turn in my fan card.
Your First Ever Pinstripe Bowl Champions- The Syracuse Orange
by bigbluethruandthru on Feb 7, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
Not what I'm saying
I’m saying the examples of the Cowboys and the Raiders are examples of stupid change. They make changes for reasons that seem ludicrous at times. The Giants are the ones that remain consistent, not making headlines, under the radar, which is a good thing. But I feel they need to make some changes. Just bringing up the other New York teams because they are all doing something to change and bring their franchises up. Not saying they’re doing it the right way.
Felix Davila III
Alright
I see you’re point, even if I disagree with some of it.
Looking back I feel like I was a little harsh to you. Apologies if so.
All you hear about is the past, the past... the past is the !@#$ing past, this is the present.
THIS IS TEMPORARY! A CHAMPIONSHIP IS PERMANENT
-Michael Strahan
There are some good points in here, but the Derrick Ward speculation is totally unwarranted. Saying that “New York would have given him life” is just self-centered. The Giants got his two best years and I don’t think he’ll approach them again. Being with the Giants wouldn’t have necessarily just made him better by association.
Did you know Joe Morgan thinks Cano will win a batting title one day?
I don't really have a problem with loyalty
Well, I guess I do have one and that’s TC’s loyalty to Quinn, that guy must go but the example I’ll use for loyalty are the Rooneys and Steelers. When the “Coughlin must go” chats pop up, one of the first names for his replacement his Cohwer. Well if it weren’t for the Rooney’s loyalty to him, he would have been fired in 1999. In 97 the Steelers went, 11-5, the next year they went 7-9 and in 99 they went 6-10. Any other coach for almost any other team would have been fired after a decline like that. The Rooneys were loyal and stuck with Cow and he eventually won the trophy.
the Giants never seem to feisty in their pursuit of the players they want.
Is it the pursuit of the players they want or the players we the fans want??
I think that the Giants have the players and coaches (not you Quinn) to make it back to the big dance. The four things I think they need are a playmaker at LB, ST coach, fire and desire. The Giants have to realize that teams aren’t going to roll over just becase there is an NY logo on their helmets.
Quinn must go !!
Very true...
I see you’re point and I do agree, I just wish they would evaluate their coaches a bit more. I believe Coughlin is an effective coach, and I didn’t think he should have been fired this season. But I do think Gilbride and Quinn have to go. It’s ridiculous when special teams are a complete non-factor every game and it’s sad when I can diagnose a play that the offense is about to run. They can be predictable quite often. I really like that last point though, about fire and desire. They seemed very apathetic at times.
Felix Davila III
you lost me at D. Ward.
I’m not sure what the Giants did wrong w/ him?
the guy was hurt…they kept him around b/c he was cheap.
Eventually he got healthy and contributed to the team….he ran behind the best Giants Oline I have seen….possibly ever and because of that ran for 1000 yards.
his value suddenly skyrocketed and he wasn’t worth the price to the Giants….which i agreed with.
I thought that giants played that perfectly….
FREE PLAX
And Ward played his hand well also
I think deep down, he had to know that he wasn’t as good as that line made him look. He took the money and ran all the way to the bank. I can’t be mad at him but he’d better have that Giant O-line on his Christmas card list.
Quinn must go !!
I see your point
Yes I see your point there. I guess what I was trying to get at was when he was the one player that really panned out when it came to keeping him on the roster, they let him go despite his value at least to the team due to his great performance. What I liked was he was always a smart, tough runner who RARELY fumbled. That’s what we miss nowadays as Giants fans lol. But yes, I guess I forgot to acknowledge that his age did play a factor and his price would have been a lot higher. Very good points all round about Ward. Thank you guys for your opinions!
Felix Davila III
Thanks people!
This is my first blog so I’m just getting into this type of thing! Thanks for your opinions and for reading! The Derrick Ward point is a bit of a stretch! Thanks for the critiques! Trying to get better by the day to give us fans more intriguing and enlightening stuff to read on our favorite team. We can all at least agree: Go Big Blue!
Felix Davila III
It's awlays good reading
a post that someone has put some thought into. Sometimes we agree with one another and other times we agree to disagree (that’s why I like this board). Your post was pretty good and your title says it all. We all want to see something different and some changes must be made.
Quinn must go !!
This is a good board
I agree that’s why I like it too, the best board/blog site for sports info period. I really enjoy seeing other peoples opinions and the points they bring up that you never think of yourself. It’s informative and constructive. Funny though I think my article would be a lot better without the Ward comment hahaha
Felix Davila III
The Ward comment is ok
It’s comments like that, that stir the pot and draws different insights and opinions from others. If you were to come to the table with something that everyone agreed with, then that would get just a little boring IMO, and that’s one thing that you can’t say about BBV, it’s never boring.
Quinn must go !!
Well said, stir the pot...
I would just like to add that the Giants have been serious players in Free Agency agency. While the draft is how you build your team, FA is there to fill holes. So I must disagree a little that our Giants dont get “feisty” in pursueing players they want/need. Just look at this list of recent signings:
2005 Antonio Pierce, Kareem MaKenzie
2006 Plaxico Burress, Lavarr Arington, Will Demps
2007 Kawika Mitchell
2008 Renaldo Wynn, Danny Clark (forgettable signings)
2009 Michael Boley, Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, and the unmentionable CC Bro… Cant finish that name
2010 Antrel Rolle
ALOT of big signings. Big money guys in there. Under my man Ernie C and now JR, they get guys, and our owners are willing to pay $$
And I may be new to the site myself, Tre, but IMO your first post and input fits right in here ’round these parts :-)
"Just when I thought you could'nt be any dumber, you go and do this... AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!
Please Let ELI be loose and play how he wants too.
Fast, Aggressive and let Eli dictate the pace of the game. Eli is very good on 4th Quarter Drives, because he stops thinking. He makes quick decisions and gets the ball out. At the same time, Eli had a bad year due to too many tipped balls. By rushing to the line and keeping the Defense on the field, these D-Lineman won’t be jumping in the air batting down every ball. If Gilbride does not want to be more aggressive, then let him go. We have too many weapons on this offense. Acquire a new all-around Tight End as an outlet for ELI. Revamp the O-Line and get young. Secondary will get better. Kenny Phillips one more year after the injury. Antrel Rolle will be more comfortable with his teammates. We have no LBs. Is that an understatement? Definitely not. DRAFT BIG and SPEND BIG!!!! There’s still some seats to fill.
VIP Ticket Sales
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
Related FanPosts on Big Blue View
Related FanShots on Big Blue View
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Get Your Giants' Gear
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
