Which Giants Will Beat Expectations This Year?
by AJ_in_VA on May 25, 2011 8:52 PM EDT
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PrintThis time last year people were talking about Osi Umenyiora having his best years behind him, and even about trading him. But every year, somebody steps up in a way most people don't necessarily see coming to make a real impact or contribution. There are also guys like Hakeem Nicks who breakout and start to fulfill their potential, though a lot of people had predicted that one.
So, if we just assume the roster we have right now is the roster we'll have for the season, what player do you think we'll talk about when the season is over for having stepped up and beaten the expectations or the odds?
Here are some nominees. Vote and say in the comments why you think your guy will be the standout guy.
Ahmad Bradshaw: Can he stay healthy and rush for 1500 yards while fumbling less than three times? If so, he would vault himself into feature back territory. He's shown flashes, but is not there yet.
Da'Rell Scott: Not likely to get a lot of carries, but with his speed, what if he rushes for 500 yards and 4 TD's, making a real rookie year contribution at the 7th pick?
Travis Beckum: This is a critical year for him where he has to establish himself or likely fade. The Giants offense under Gilbride has made little use of him, but on the odd chance they decide to find out how, who knows. Hasn't shown any blocking ability, but he's got pass catching skills. Problem for him is the team has lots of receiving options. Still, he could find utility in play action.
Mario Manningham: He stepped up and played very well when the WR injury bug made him the first option. He could break out with those slinky YAC moves and become a beast. Will he?
Jerrel Jernigan: With Steve Smith questionable to start the season, could he get some slot time and make the most of it? And what if he becomes a feared returner people dread kicking to?
Ramses Barden: It's that critical 3rd year for the big pass target, and he probably has the inside track to claim the slot if Smith is PUP to start the season.
William Beatty: He'll be counted on heavily to hold the edge. Last year he was able to step in and do well on the line when his injury healed and other injuries created opportunity for him. Can he of the zip code caboose break out to become a real force at tackle?
Mitch Petrus: After stepping in late last season and doing well, with this o-line, he could end up seeing lots of playing time. Can he become the new versatile workhorse for this line and earn a staring slot?
Adam Koets: Like Petrus, he stepped in with success last year. Not only that, but he plays the line position most in need of a new stud, with O'Hara coming off serious injury and aging super fast. He should have a real chance to establish himself.
Jason Pierre-Paul: We all know he's a physical freak. Will he become a dominant force at DE in his sophomore campaign? He'll have to fight hard for staring snaps, but if injury creates an opening, he could break out.
Linval Joseph: With Cofield's departure all but certain, he's a sophomore with the best shot to become a serious space eater in the middle. Will he?
Marvin Austin: not the most likely DT to get significant snaps this year, with Canty, Joseph and Bernard ahead of him, but then again, as a rookie rushing 3-tech he could surprise. If he really is a guy with top 15 pick talent, as the Giants claim, it's not impossible.
Clint Sintim: He should have opportunity, and Jerry Reese certainly talks and acts as if he expect Clint to step up. Fans are skeptical. Will he surprise us?
Greg Jones: Personally, I'm not as sold on him as a lot of fans here are, and I don't think he'll get much opportunity, but I know someone will bring him up in the comments, so what the hell.
Adrian Tracy: Who? In all the LB discussion we have, he doesn't get mentioned a lot. But the guy may have real upside, and for me, if I had to pick a sleeper surprise guy out of our LB corps, he's my pick.
Phillip Dillard: I don't think he finds a way to break out of the MLB crowd and supplant Goff, but we have such a wide open LB situation, if we're going to mention 2011 draftees, then he should be on the list too.
Jacquian Williams: No, I don't think he sees much time, just special teams work. Nor am I optimistic about his upside. Hopeful, sure. Optimistic, no. But I know he has his fans, so here he is. If you pick him, make your case!
Prince Amukamara: We've all heard the doubters. Will he step up with shutdown talent and add some INT's in the bargain?
Aaron Ross: Can he live up to that #1 pick? Whether he lost a step last year or was injured, he's not spoken of at the top of the Giants' CB corps. If he has opportunity or gets used better by Fewell, will he open people's eyes again?
Tyler Sash: If Grant leaves town, he could see some real time in Fewell's crazy three safety schemes. A ball hog with great instincts who can hit, he could establish himself if the opportunity is there.
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heh thought about including him
since he’s in his prime and so many people talk as if he’s a washout loser, but then, for him to throw just 15 or so picks and pass for 400+ yards with a completion percentage of 65+% wouldn’t surprise me or even be out of his established range.
But yeah, you can argue that just cleaning some things up this year could create the perception that Eli is a “surprise” stud.
a food year
So, you’re saying that he’s going to get fat? :)
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
"Here I am, brain the size of a planet,
and they ask me to pick up a piece of paper.
You call that job satisfaction?
'Cause, I don't."
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
Ramses Barden AND Travis Beckum, at least if SS12 goes on the PUP list.
If not then I say Hakeem Nicks, unless you expect greatness.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
Seems as if people have forgotten about Ramses
He was getting it together out there before the injury … some might say not enough stats but … it will be interesting to see what happens with him
I'm going Austin
Even though he will be a rookie with the lockout putting the breaks on his transition to the NFL…I think this kid will have the most heart and drive to succeed after he was questioned by many.
sigh...
by mid season
I hope he’s a starter. That would be exceeding my expectation of any rookies including Prince
Of course that is if there is a season.
Greg Jones because he's motha f###in Greg Jones.
Wilpon thinks he's going to get Yankees money. He won't get it. Everything's been wrong with this team.
Fred Wilpon: Not a good owner. Really not a very good owner. Definitely not a superstar.
I'm the shmuck who gave him my contract of loyalty even though he's an idiot. And now, he's increased that idiocy by 65-70%
by BigBlueIntervention on May 25, 2011 9:41 PM EDT reply actions
Bomar^2
…and also the guy I wanted if we didn’t get Akeem Ayers (still a little heartbroken about that one, not going to lie). I was always low on Mason Foster (though I rated him higher) and higher on Jones, so I want to be vindicated
Wilpon thinks he's going to get Yankees money. He won't get it. Everything's been wrong with this team.
Fred Wilpon: Not a good owner. Really not a very good owner. Definitely not a superstar.
I'm the shmuck who gave him my contract of loyalty even though he's an idiot. And now, he's increased that idiocy by 65-70%
by BigBlueIntervention on May 25, 2011 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
different explanations about the last year dropoff
I’ve heard the added weight as an explanation/excuse, also that the d-line was better so he had fewer tackles to make, and that he can’t get off blocks well so offenses adjusted to him and minimized his impact after his junior year.
No, I have no idea if any of these are true or if all are partly true.
I've heard all those rumors
Admittedly, I didn’t pay alot of attention to the Big Ten, but from what I saw, he had to fight through waves of blockers, not just one. It certainly seemed that at points the offense gameplanned against him.
Also, I believe the weight excuse. He said he gained about 10-15 lbs. Right now he’s at 240, where he’ll likely have to stay if he wants to play SLB. However, Reese has come out and said that he’s an ILB only, probably figuring that he can shed those pounds and get back to his optimal playing weight as an MLB.
Wilpon thinks he's going to get Yankees money. He won't get it. Everything's been wrong with this team.
Fred Wilpon: Not a good owner. Really not a very good owner. Definitely not a superstar.
I'm the shmuck who gave him my contract of loyalty even though he's an idiot. And now, he's increased that idiocy by 65-70%
by BigBlueIntervention on May 25, 2011 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
probably has the best work ethic out of our prospects, besides maybe Tyler Sash. And he’s a very, very vocal leader.
Ghost Dini compared him to Steven Tulloch and that’s pretty apt comparison. If Jones is anything like Tulloch…well…O_o
Wilpon thinks he's going to get Yankees money. He won't get it. Everything's been wrong with this team.
Fred Wilpon: Not a good owner. Really not a very good owner. Definitely not a superstar.
I'm the shmuck who gave him my contract of loyalty even though he's an idiot. And now, he's increased that idiocy by 65-70%
by BigBlueIntervention on May 25, 2011 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
My 2nd choice
But I’ll be more surprised if they use him
Cause ya know, he can’t play STs
one thing that stand out in doing this post
For all the established front line talent on this team, there’s some serious potential for breakouts among the young guys.
I love it when the pundits talk about the Giants as an afterthought, I like being the un-Jets or the un-Cowboys. This team does best when people don’t expect much.
But there are guys on this roster who could conceivably open up some serious whupass.
Well
In 2009 I said Manningham. Despite his issues, he did beat expectations.
In 2009 I said Sintim. That was before the Fewell hire. Maybe it was the new defense or a lack of playing time but he definitely failed to meet expectations so never mind surpassing them.
In 2011 I will say Kenny Phillips. He’ll be 2 years removed from surgery and in year two in Fewell’s defense. If he has his speed back, he’s going to be around the ball a lot.
Then again
Maybe a big year from KP isn’t really beating expectations.
If I had to pick a guy out of left field, then I’ll pick DJ Ware. Yes. I said Ware.
left him off too
because. . .
well. I looked at his name. . .
But I guess I could not even come up with a few lines I could make sense of that would argue how or why he could be poised for a breakout.
But then in fairness I have not studied him much.
yeah
I thought about KP while I was still writing up the O-line.
But then I forgot.
But he could be a breakout candidate if he gets that step and burst back.
pretty much
but don’t rule out brain farting.
But I also knew the list was getting loooong..
Even so, I think everyone I included could surprise on the upside. Well, except that I’m not as sold on our new LB rookies as some other people are.
Beatty
He starts day 1 and is an improvement over Diehl.
By year end people say, they always knew he was a LT
this
"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next."
by Larry Soprano on May 25, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha
You know it. They’ll say that they always believed that Beatty could be the LT and and this talk of needing another tackle was way overblown. Ya gotta love fans.
I actually was watching that draft with a good friend of mine (Eagles fan)
and I called that we’d pick up Beatty, and we did. Of course, some of that was my UConn homerism, but I thought he was a nasty tackle. So I’m really hoping I’m right, because I love proving my football knowledge is better than my Eagles fan friends.
"Oh sir, the Giants of New York took on the Packers of Green Bay. And in the end, the Giants triumphed by kicking an oblong ball made of pigskin through a big "H". It was a most ripping victory."
He's definitely nasty
Every game I’ve seen him in, he is hitting guys 20-30 yds off the play, lots of OL will just tie a guy up and screen him, Beatty was knocking em down and jumping on them.
People read that he knits or some such and then say he’s soft, it’s just not the case
Where he has lacked, he wants the contact so bad, sometimes he lunges. Good DEs know how to encourage that and blow by you. Last yr he seemed to have made a big step in the right direction. I still wonder why they pulled him for Diehl who didn’t look particularly healthy all season.
Adrian Tracy
locks up a starting position in a weak LB group and never looks back. Homerism says he’s a force, normal vision says he becomes a real solid option with some playmaking ability.
Of course that is if there is a season.
Since he was drafted
I’ve been a big fan of Tracy’s. At a small school like William & Mary he played DE but he definitely has the skill set to be a LB.
I agree, he seems to move with a different kind of acceleration
I look forward to seeing him against starters
I think it'd be Smith
but putting him up would leave too many many people.
I think he’ll come back with a vengeance and prove his worth to the naysayers once and for all.
Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden
hope youre right
i love ss12, but microfracture knee surgery is a real bitch.. remember Osi? took him 2 years to get his explosion back. hope steve recovers faster then that, but im not expecting much from him this year. 2012 he’ll be back 100%
by Plaxico Burress on May 26, 2011 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Sash, for 2 reason
1st – like you said with Perry’s 3 safety sets, he will get his share of playing time and suprise a bunch of people. Plus what he could do on special teams as a gunner and downing punts.
2nd – If anyway has a chance to replace BOMAR… its this guy.
WWSFD…. What Would Sash F*ckin Do?
"Sack-Forced Fumble-TD against any QB in the history of the NFL.... honestly, It would probably be Eli because I see him in pratice and we can't touch him (laughs)" - Justin Tuck
by The Always Well Dressed... on May 25, 2011 11:18 PM EDT reply actions
I really, really like this guy.
If you follow him on twitter, you know how hard of a worker he is. I’ve taken one of his favorite catch phrases to heart – GBNB….get better, not bitter.
You know this dude is going to work his ass off.
Wilpon thinks he's going to get Yankees money. He won't get it. Everything's been wrong with this team.
Fred Wilpon: Not a good owner. Really not a very good owner. Definitely not a superstar.
I'm the shmuck who gave him my contract of loyalty even though he's an idiot. And now, he's increased that idiocy by 65-70%
by BigBlueIntervention on May 25, 2011 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
not a twitter guy
but from what I read about him, I agree with you 100%. Given his leadership experience, I say this guy is a future special teams captain and will be a big part the DB’s
"Sack-Forced Fumble-TD against any QB in the history of the NFL.... honestly, It would probably be Eli because I see him in pratice and we can't touch him (laughs)" - Justin Tuck
by The Always Well Dressed... on May 25, 2011 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
*of the DB’s
"Sack-Forced Fumble-TD against any QB in the history of the NFL.... honestly, It would probably be Eli because I see him in pratice and we can't touch him (laughs)" - Justin Tuck
by The Always Well Dressed... on May 25, 2011 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
WHOA!!
Bomar can’t even fill his own shoes so I don’t think Sash could even browse in the same Foot Locker.
sigh...
trick statement
There are no shoes left in said Foot Locker cause Rex has already brought them all.
"Sack-Forced Fumble-TD against any QB in the history of the NFL.... honestly, It would probably be Eli because I see him in pratice and we can't touch him (laughs)" - Justin Tuck
by The Always Well Dressed... on May 26, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
trick statement #2
Bomar can’t even fill his own shoes
Correction: Shoes cannot contain Bomar
Details of the operations of an interstate dog fighting ring were revealed, with some portions involving drugs and gambling. Gruesome details involving abuse, torture and execution of under-performing dogs ... He admitted to being involved in the destruction of 6–8 dogs, by hanging or drowning...
by Simms-McConkey on May 26, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd say Amukamara and Beatty are the only possible players
don’t see anyone else really making a difference
by mclaren_is_the_best on May 25, 2011 11:58 PM EDT reply actions
or MAYBE Beckum
if we get a few injuries at receiver and the coaches give him a chance
by mclaren_is_the_best on May 26, 2011 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm gonna break the mold with this one...
MATT DODGE…think about it…we expect him to be horrible (and released) but I think he’s gonna be a pleasant surprise.
He could go from being a joke to being a favorite if he can dial it in.
sigh...
could be
left him off because I actually expect him to stabilize a bit in his second year.
But you’re right, a whole lot of fans out there expect him to swing around and kick his own ass. . . right off the field.
plus
punters usually gain attention when they screw up.
A punter bwho does well tends not to draw a lot of attention, unless, like Feagles, they drop the ball with pinpoint precision time after time on a sideline and prevent a return.
But even though I expect Dodge to stabilize, I don’t expect to see him do that.
If he did, well, hells yeah, that would be a surprise.
I say Manningham.
Its his time, Succeding as number the #1 option was a confidence booster. Hopefully he is using this time wisely and working on routes. With SS12 hurt, he will be on the field more. By mid-season i think he becomes our WR that defenses fear. Nicks is the best all around, but Super Mario is gonna make fans stop breathing.
Im as REAL as it gets. Even when it comes to my own team!
I also
voted for Manningham.
WRs almost never tear it up as rookies or in their second year.
Their breakout season is usually their third or fourth.
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
"Here I am, brain the size of a planet,
and they ask me to pick up a piece of paper.
You call that job satisfaction?
'Cause, I don't."
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
me personally i wouldnt have put rookies on the list
but as far as non-rookies im gonna have to go with beatty ive been rough on beatty in the past but he played quite well in the 2 games he started
as far as rookies, gonna go with jerrel jernigan. im still not sure if giants fan know the type of stud that we have on our roster. everyone thinks he just a blazer.. this man is an incredibly special, rare talent that could have gone as high as late 1st. obviously his size is the reason he fell but he is phemonenal player who will be one of the best offensive players in the NFL.
I only didn';t pick JPP
b/c I don’t think it would be a surprise! Hopefully Jernigan immediately becomes a dynamic returner, if we let Hixon go for him.
Details of the operations of an interstate dog fighting ring were revealed, with some portions involving drugs and gambling. Gruesome details involving abuse, torture and execution of under-performing dogs ... He admitted to being involved in the destruction of 6–8 dogs, by hanging or drowning...
Mario Manningham and Kenny Phillips
Mario is going to turn lots of heads in the NFL and force the Giants to pay up or say bye bye…
Kenny is going to become the stud safety back there that he was on his way to becomming in 2009
by The Blood of Eli on May 26, 2011 8:52 AM EDT reply actions
JPP
not really a surprise.. but i think hes really going to turn it on this year and give us a glimpse of the greatness hes going to bring for the next decade… 9 sacks, 3 FF from the backflip kid
by Plaxico Burress on May 26, 2011 9:28 AM EDT reply actions
WIll Beaty
Some of those choices won’t be a surprise at all no matter how great they play. And that’s what you asked for. So guys like 44, JPP, Anvil, Ham, and others, don’t really qualify.
As for Beaty, some of us expect a breakout year so it may not be a BIG surprise, but he’s my best guess. I’m excited to see him take a huge step forward and solidify the LT spot.
Just get it done already...
This is the year we need Kenny back
I thought that Kenny Phillips was on the verge of being a big time safety in this league. And then he went down week 2 of 2009. If we get the playmaker that Kenny is back, then this team just got a massive upgrade in the secondary. If we the tentative 25 yards off the ball KP21 then this defense won’t be anywhere near a top 5 unit.
Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...
Excellent point.
KP is something of a lynchpin in the success of our secondary going forward, I like that kid alot too, I bought his jersey when he was drafted cause I was so confident I was gonna love him as a playmaker. We need him to be back at full speed.
And Mr. Fewell, do you think we can drop Rolle back, stop asking him to do too much, and bring Kenny up so these 2 can knock around some guys and get multiple INT’s each?
Prediction: Kenny will get and take an INT to the house this year. I don’t care if it’s like a 15 yard return, or a 50 yard return, he’s gettin’ one of ’dem gems this year…
Just get it done already...
a full year removed from surgery and recovery
there is reason to be encouraged as to what KP can bring to the field this year.
Of course that is if there is a season.
Maybe he can start the play less then 20yrds from the line more this year smh!!!!!
"bleedblue12 is an idiot"-wild_eagle
"The Eagles still have 0 SB wins"-bleedblue12
what about dodge?
I hope he has continued to work on his punting. He has a hell of a leg, he just needs to get his head into it.
"Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable"-Mark Twain
He best be dragging
his tired ass off of some football field in NJ after a long day of punting at this very moment. Just like he did yesterday, know what I mean?
Just get it done already...
Dodge had a case of the rookie jitters
I think he will actually surprise some this year. We just need consistency out of him this year, and I think we will get it.
Die hard Giants fan since wide Right! I was 5...
Jernigan
I think he will play very well in the special teams game. I hope he dose not listen to Quinn in any football related way.
Why is Tom Quinn still here?
by costanza! on May 26, 2011 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
To keep it real
If JJ catches on to the offense, him and SuperMario will be a thing of beauty. if it works like i imagine it. Bradshaw, Jacobs and hopefully Scott should have field days. Teams wouldnt be able to stack the box. So in essence we need JJ and Manningham to have great seasons. Nicks will have an easier time beating 1 on 1 matchups also. Damn i want football!!!
Im as REAL as it gets. Even when it comes to my own team!
Sintim if healthy, I also like Tracy if im going off you're list but if i had to pick it would be GOFF of course!!
Stop the Dillard talk and Greg Jones talk, none of them are any where near John Goff at all especially from a mental standpoint, Jones has a better chance of taking some of Boley’s snaps to be honest. I think John Goff will be the real shocker to G fans but not to me….look for him to play more on 3rd down and lead the team by far in tackles. I also thinks he takes the next step in his impact play making which has been evident since he has gotten the starting spot……GOFF WILL BE GREAT!!! MARK MY WORDS!!!.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
by Blue Gates on May 28, 2011 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Good Post!
I hope youre right. He has been making progress lately. Its very possible.
Im as REAL as it gets. Even when it comes to my own team!
Goff is a smart kid
So he definitely has that going for him.
If he can minimize the impact of his relative lack of speed by better reads and anticipation in the passing game, to match his reads and instincts defending the run, he could bump his game up another notch.
Relative lack of speed???
I would caution you to not just listen to what some say because i have learned people just echo statements instead of actually backing them up……. Goff if you take a real look at the games he was comfortable in and wasnt hesitating, he was actually the fastest playing person in our front 7, no nonsense, watch the vikings game, the lions game and some others that are available for free on you tube. I have all the games but you would have to pay but those two you can see when he is comfy which i expect him to be all the time now, he is fast and aggresive. he is not slow at all, dont believe the hype and dont let him not playing alot of nickle fool you, we just use 3 safeties, well maybe 4 cause Boley is basically a hybrid.
Point is just cause we put some very fast people on the field instead does not mean Goff is slow at all, which he is not whatsoever.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
fair enough
I’ll look for those vids.
I had recorded games last year but ultimately deleted because the season ended up frustrating me so much, and my better half wanted more room in the DVR queue/memory.
"Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand."
LOL
Yea, when a chance, check them out and let me know what you think, my opinion is he plays faster than most people want to admit.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
I choose none
because i don’t think it will be a season…..blame it on the greed for money and not the love of the game/football.
Has anybody considered
Plaxico, yet? :)
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
"Here I am, brain the size of a planet,
and they ask me to pick up a piece of paper.
You call that job satisfaction?
'Cause, I don't."
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
Didn't figure so.
Just couldn’t resist throwing that out there. :)
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
"Here I am, brain the size of a planet,
and they ask me to pick up a piece of paper.
You call that job satisfaction?
'Cause, I don't."
THE BEARS STILL SUCK!
JPP and Anvil..no doubt!
With a disclaimer that if HAM had worked on timing w/ Eli like all those scrap heap guys were doing at Hoboken..he would have a great chance at pulling a Brandon Loloyd type season.
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