My Thoughts
by GhostDini on Jul 23, 2011 10:56 PM EDT
Email
Print
As we get closer to the return of football, I'd like to put my thoughts out there on record. If I'm right, I'll get a table at the New Meadowlands Stadium where you can get signed copies of my "I told you so" list. If I'm wrong, well... I'm sure you'll think of something.
Ahmad Bradshaw is looking for big money and that's fine but I don't want Bradshaw back at $6+ million. That's what RV predicted that Bradshaw would get. He switched to Rosenhaus and has been talking up the Dolphins in an effort to drive up the price to re-sign him. I like him. Honestly, I do but not at what it will cost to keep him. I'm a firm believer that unless you are special like AP or CJ, forget about giving an RB a big deal. Fix your O-line and get a top-notch FB. Hello, Vonta Leach?
I also don't want the Giants to cut Brandon Jacobs so they can afford Bradshaw. You can find RBs who have Bradshaw's skill set. Nobody in the NFL has Jacobs' skills. Don't tell me that he doesn't run as hard as he used to since he got the contract. The guy averaged 5.0 YPC in 2008. In 2009 he played with a torn meniscus in his knee and should've had in-season surgery. Healthy again in 2010, his average went up to 5.6 YPC, even with the compromised O-line. I'll concede that he wasn't used as much as in the past but the Giants have always given Jacobs help. That's nothing new.
Sticking with the RBs, it's time for DJ Ware to get a real shot. He was supposed to be the 3rd cog in a 3-RB rushing attack. During the season Coughlin said that Ware was going to get more carries. He lied. Ware was put on ice while Bradshaw was running on fumes.
This idea that only Steve Smith has a special ability to get first downs is absurd. The Giants' inability to adjust in-season is the real issue. They couldn't adjust after losing Plax and they couldn't adjust after losing Smith. When Travis Beckum was drafted, Jerry Reese and Kevin Gilbride said that he'd be used as a halfback. That means Beckum should be on the field on all 3rd-and-short situations. Line him up at halfback, make him chip the DE as he goes out on a route (if necessary), throw him the ball, and let him outrun a lumbering MLB for the first down. Two years later, I'm still waiting to see Gilbride consistently use him that way.
Will Beatty should be starting at LT unless he's horrific in camp and the preseason. Even then, it's hard for me to imagine him being worse than Diehl. Let him gain some experience early in the season against some soft competition. If there's a need for a change, they'll make it during the season.
Clint Simtin should be at SAM - nowhere else. Fewell, stop with the insanity already. It's ridiculous that someone who led all D-I LBs in sacks is being used to chase TEs and RBs but isn't used to rush the passer. He should be on the field on all passing downs. Dare an RB to block him while Osi, Tuck, or JPP gets a 1-on-1 matchup next to him. Dare an RB to pick him up in blitz protection when he's coming through the A- or B-gap and one of our DEs is closing in from the outside. He's used to playing close to the line of scrimmage so let him play close to the line of scrimmage as much as possible.
If Rocky Bernard can't earn the starting job over Linval Joseph, then cut him and pick up a cheap veteran. Don't force him into a starting role just because he's a high-priced veteran. Give Linval a chance.
Last year I predicted that Chris Canty would make the Pro Bowl. I thought that Barry Cofield would stay as the NT/2-gap DT and Canty would be the 3-tech. It didn't happen. Fewell switched their roles. Cofield benefited from Canty being the NT and had a career year. Canty was very good but he didn't put up the numbers required for a Pro Bowl invite. I'm hoping Fewell lets Joseph or Bernard start as the NT. Let a guard try to block Canty 1-on-1. Not gonna happen. We'd finally see why Reese paid Canty so much.
Back in January 2010 I said that the Giants should trade Osi Umenyiora and draft Carlos Dunlap (he had 9.5 sacks for Cincy, by the way). I felt that if Osi had a bad 2010, then his value would be shot and he wouldn't be any good to the Giants anyway. If he had a good 2010, then he'd want a new contract and would be a pain to get it. Fast forward to July 2011 and we're hearing grumblings of Osi holding out if he doesn't get a new deal or isn't traded. I don't want to give him a penny more. If Mathias Kiwanuka is healthy, a team needing a pass rusher will give him big money and a starter's job. He'd definitely leave the Giants for that team. So with no Kiwi and a shortened off-season for JPP, do we really want to assume that Osi won't hold out? He'd have leverage because he knows how much the Giants value pass rushers. One injury to Tuck or JPP and the Giants will be in panic mode. I don't know what the solution is but I believe it gets worse before it gets better.
I'm concerned about what the lockout has done to the camaraderie in the secondary. Being that Kenny Phillips played in Bayonne last year, I felt that this off-season was a chance for him to reintroduce himself to his teammates. Fewell can assist the transition by letting KP play just a wee bit closer to the action. Also, stop using Antrel Rolle so close to the line. He's a play-making safety. Let him play like one. Yes, I know he takes bad angles and gives up big plays but he might make a few more plays back there too. I know you're going to say that our LBs are terrible and Rolle had to fill that void. There are LBs on the team. Use them. Put Sintim there. If he fails, then put Tracy there. If he can't handle it, then put Dillard there. It's time for the Giants to stop playing it safe. They need to know what they have in these LBs and they won't find that out by watching them on the sideline.
If Smith goes on the PUP list, then I want to see Ramses Barden, Victor Cruz, and Jerrel Jernigan given a legitimate shot to win the #3 WR job. Don't just give it to Domenik Hixon or Derek Hagan because he's a veteran. We already know what those two can do and there's no upside there. Dangle a carrot in front of the young guys and see who goes and get it.
Lastly, I've been a big proponent of firing Tom Coughlin. It's not that I think he can no longer coach. I just don't think he makes changes until it's usually too late. Don't tell me after the season that Jacobs should have gotten more carries. I don't want to see Bradshaw struggling through 25 carries in a blowout win while Jacobs gets eight carries and Ware gets two. Coughlin is too stubborn to make necessary adjustments on his own. He makes them only if he has no other choice. Once in a while, I'd like him to be proactive. If he's willing to be a little more flexible - God forbid - the Giants won't just make the playoffs but will do some damage once they get there.
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.
44 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
agreed on every single point
especially the LB “situation”
"I like prime rib, and I'd love to win a Super Bowl" -Andy Reid
Be creative
The Giants know people that a fan wouldn’t know. Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh came out of nowhere. Reese and Co. needed to do their due diligence and find someone.
In 2010 I wanted Leslie Frazier. This year I wanted Jim Harbaugh.
The good news
he didn’t get an extension with the lockout, and I agree, wanted him gone too, but…
Prove we are wrong, Tom "Medicine Man" Quinn, NOT!
by Great Gatsby on Jul 25, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Genius
I agree with almost every point on here, especially the points about Coughlin.
Sintim....
it’s safe to say i’m more than a little concerned about him….and to be honest w/ you, w/ Boley on the strong side, i wonder if he’ll ever catch on here in NY.
Beatty….agreed. he needs to step up and win that job. and he will IMO.
TC is loyal to a fault…I wouldn’t mind seeing him give it a go w/ a new OC, before we give it a go w/out him…but I highly doubt that would happen.
FIX IT
I just want an OC
that the Eagles don’t have 4 years of tape on….
or an OC who can beat an interum HC w/ a week on the job experience…w/ nothing to go off….except of course the game you played against them 2 weeks prior….Yes, I’m talking about Garrett and the ’Boys….at home of all places. SMH.
Making Rookie Cornerbacks look like Charles Woodson and what not…have ’em jumping routes before the ball is even released.
FIX IT
I agree except the Steve Smith part
if he didn’t have a special ability to get 1st downs, the Giants would’ve been able to move the ball on third down and he also wouldn’t have so many catches on third down.
If it was so easy to change your offense to try and get guys open they probably would have. But Eli doesn’t know where Manningham is going half the time and the other half Manningham doesn’t know where he’s going. So having just Nicks to complete chain moving throws was not good enough. They need SS12.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
What are you basing on that?
Nicks had more drops that Manningham, Eli threw more INTs when throwing to Nicks, and Eli had more incomplete passes when throwing to Nicks. So please explain how this is an issue with Manningham.
You just said it
Having Nicks alone to throw to isn’t good enough.
He doesn’t throw to Manningham on third downs cuz no one, including Mario, have any idea where he’s going.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
No, I didn't
I didn’t say that having Nicks alone isn’t enough. I didn’t come close to saying anything like that. I said that most of Eli’s negative plays came when he threw to Nicks – not to Manningham.
Therefore, saying that Manningham and Eli don’t know where Manningham will be is just wrong. Nothing supports it. Eli had to know where Manningham would be because Eli’s best numbers in 2010 were when he threw to Manningham.
You said why Nicks isn't enough for 3rd downs
cuz of all the INTs, incompletions and drops. That’s all he had on third downs. Manningham did nothing on third downs..cuz well..that thing I said.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I found this exchange very amusing
Manningham doesn’t know where he is going
If Coughlin used the RB's properly
Bradshaw wouldn’t have racked up 1235 yards, and wouldn’t cost so much to keep around this season.
Happens all the time
Coaches are often cowards that way. Afraid to try a new guy. Hard to blame them tho, it could easily get them fired
If Barden is allowed to play
Eli will throw to him. And he’ll make good on his opportunities.
and he will be a “possession” WR….and if SS is on the PUP or not playing his normal amount of snaps, I think the Giants will be just fine….primarily b/c of Barden and his ability to just post someone up and abuse a 1 on 1.
and it’s really just a matter of IF KG lets him play….and if his ankle is good to go.
he’s talking as if he’s ready to make some noise…I been talking it for 2 years already….and getting laughed at in the process.
it’s ok though….b/c it’s gonna happen…
FIX IT
by andiamo708 on Jul 24, 2011 1:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
To the shock of many people here
I’ve always felt that Smith could be replaced. I’m perfectly comfortable with Barden as the #3 WR.
I take nothing away from SS
I think that his route running ability and more importantly his chemistry w/ Eli is > NIcks & Manningham.
I think that the team def missed him when he was hurt this past season.
that said, I have tons of faith in Barden. and I hope that Eli and Nicks can continue to get better w/ one another. I mean, it took Eli and Plax time as well….
so I believe things won’t be like they were at the end of last season….
just like they weren’t the same way at the end of ’08 as they were in ’09.
FIX IT
the Giants will be about as good as they were the 2nd half of the season sans Smith if he's on the PUP
tho I guess that may be a good thing, since they always seem to not be as good after the first 6 games.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
If Barden is playing....
I disagree.
if KG is on some Hixon, Hagan, Cruz, Jernigan routine than no.
but if Ramses’ ankle is good and he’s playing….I disagree.
he’ll be that dude that finally makes the “who’s got the best WRs in the NFC East?” conversation a dead topic b/c it will clearly be NYGs once Ramses gets his reps.
.
FIX IT
I think it's more that the Giants O is based in multiple threats
When it became Manningham and the street pickups the passing game stuttered
When it was Manny and Nicks they looked fine
I don't know about Barden...he's got potential,but let's see something..SS12,is a great slot guy,but...
..JJ wasn’t drafted for nothing,I think if SS is cheap enough we bring him back if not I will be sorry to see him go,but think he’s a goner.
I say SIGN ZACH MILLER,before we spend too much on SS..I feel guilty saying it b/c he is a really good,loyal Giant.
I feel the same as you on Canty as well as Linval,who will be a beast,as long as he is in shape.
We need 2 or 3 new OL IMO where will they come from?
great post Ghost .. especially agree w/ your reflections on TC
with a * that I appreciate everything TC’s done over the years, but looking for fresh ideas and new ways to motivate the Team
Go Gmen
+1
the only year he did anything outside the box or adaptive that I am aware of was in ‘07 when he supported the "players’ council" took their suggestions seriously and you know the rest..
Figured this would be up sooner or later...lol.
I don’t know where RV is getting this $6+ million number, but let’s be real here: RBs like MJD and Turner don’t even make $6 million. Steven Jackson makes $7 million. Bradshaw’s not in their class. Just because RV keeps using that number doesn’t mean it’s accurate (wouldn’t be the first time he’s wrong about something).
I’ve been an advocate of signing Leach, and if we were to get him, we wouldn’t need Bradshaw as much. I also think Jacobs is gonna be asked to take a pay cut. He’s not playing up to his deal, and given the way we run our offense, he never was gonna be able to, at least not in these last two years, where he’s making close to $10 million combined. For a guy who’s only getting around 200 carries a season, that’s simply too much, especially for a team that’s currently $11 or so million above the projected salary cap.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
why get Leach when we need atleast a C on the OL and prob 1 more OL with the oldest projected starting OL in the NFL?
$ for Leach has to come at the expense of who?Kiwi…SS12?
Better off Going big for Zach Miller..probably neither Leach Miller or any outside FA that isn’t C or atleast OL is realistic imho.
by Shaunthegiant on Jul 24, 2011 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Miller
I just don’t see the point of going big at TE. We wouldn’t use him enough anyway. We don’t use the guys we have as it is.
And I firmly believe that this offense runs at its peak when there is a dominant, bulldozing FB in an I-formation. We haven’t had that since the end of 2008, as Hedgecock’s fallen off a cliff of late. Pascoe is a cult hero of sorts, but he just doesn’t cut it there.
We have some contracts that we can restructure. Our o-line starters, plus Andrews, are owed something like $28 million this season. We can start there if we need to in order to clear room.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
I'd say we need depth a C but we have adequate depth at other positions.
Leach would probably be signed only if AB leaves, whereas BJ and DJ would be out RB’s. We could still get depth at C as well if you sign someone like Lyle Sendlein or Scott Mruczkowski.
You mean to tell me there isn't ONE photoshopped image of Optimus Prime with a New York Giants logo?? RIDICULOUS!!
If I had to throw a number out for Bradshaw
it would be exactly what Jacobs is making, $4.65mil. If Jacobs got that number a few years ago, Bradshaw should too.
I like Leach too. If the Giants are gonna pay two backs $8-10mil, might as well pay an elite FB a couple mil to make sure they earn it.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
What's Leach repored asking price? He said he wantedto be the highest paid FB right?
You mean to tell me there isn't ONE photoshopped image of Optimus Prime with a New York Giants logo?? RIDICULOUS!!
I don't know if he ever put an actual number out there
But, based on what other guys are making, my guess would be near $4 million/yr.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
With the Giants offensive success revolving around the running game.
It wouldn’t shock me if Vonta is the lone FA they sign, aside from their own. It’ll be interesting to see how they handle their fiscal issue’s before FA begins though.
You mean to tell me there isn't ONE photoshopped image of Optimus Prime with a New York Giants logo?? RIDICULOUS!!
If Bradshaw will agree to a deal similar to Jacobs
I think it’s a no brainer to resign him.
Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden
+1
the only year he did anything outside the box or adaptive that I am aware of was in ‘07 when he supported the "players’ council" took their suggestions seriously and you know the rest..
Also
Osi has little leverage in this whole dispute. He’s the one looking for a contract. He can’t afford to tank his own value. Let him hold out.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
As for the other stuff
Ware: I don’t know what others have seen in him that I haven’t, but I’m not totally comfortable just giving him the #2 job, especially when the Giants haven’t exactly given him a vote of confidence in some of these past drafts, or with any meaningful playing time.
Smith: You take his ability for granted. Getting open underneath the way he does isn’t just something any receiver can do. He doesn’t have big-play ability, but his role in the offense is pretty important, and I want to see the Giants go back to more of a controlled passing game instead of taking a bunch of shots down the field. It builds more consistency in the offense and allows them to control the tempo of the game.
Beatty: Completely agree.
Sintim: I’ve never really thought he was a fit in our defense, at least not to where his ability can be harnessed successfully. And now that he’s coming off a torn ACL, I don’t see how productive he’s gonna be this year. Can they even really count on him in 2011?
Bernard: I don’t see how the Giants cut him and let Cofield go (which is a given at this point), and leave Canty as the only real vet DT on the team. I’m all for giving Linval a chance, but that would be a big risk to take.
Canty: He may be asked to do that more if Bernard or Joseph is starting, since either of them would be the NT. I’d like to see how that works out.
Rolle: It was more the lack of CB depth that led to his playing in the slot so much last year. With Prince in the fold, hopefully that puts an end to seeing Rolle covering guys like Jordy Nelson in the slot. I don’t mind seeing Rolle and KP switch roles, so to speak, but Rolle was a big part of Fewell’s defense (the good part) against Vick last year. They need an athlete like Rolle up there close to the line to spy on him.
The WRs: Hagan’s a goner as a free agent, I think. And Hixon could be as well, unless they have the intention of keeping something like 8 WRs. I agree with what you said here.
Coughlin: Many coaches are like this, and they feel more comfortable in doing things their way. Coughlin’s been at this for a long time, and he’s very old-school about a lot of things. I partially agree with you, but don’t hold your breath on sweeping changes by TC.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
Interesting thoughts
Respect your opinions although I disagree with a few things here and there.
Bradshaw: Hope you’re wrong about Bradshaw wanting that much but that’s up to him.
Jacbobs: Agreed, hope he stays
Ware: … Meh. If he gets his shot, he gets his shot, don’t think he’ll be awesome or anything
Steve Smith & Beckum: This is where I really disagree with you. Obviously Smith isn’t the only one who can get first downs, but I think we will do worst without him.
Beckum’s a waste in our offense. I’m usually not reactionary like this, but he’s really a waste in our offense. He can barely block and Gilbride isn’t creative often enough to get him to do anything. Really a shame because he owns in Madden.
Beatty: Yep
Sintim: Yea I suppose
Bernard: Agree except maybe about cutting him. If he doesn’t earn the starting role, he shouldn’t get it.
Osi and Kiwi: I still think Osi’s situation is going to blow out. Not a fan of trading him and he’ll be on the team and like it.
Kiwanuka’s situation depends on his health. Hopefully (for us) the injury scares away other teams so we can resign him for cheap.
Safeties: I was actually a fan of the 3 safety set. Still, I understand what you mean about the LBzersss and agree.
Coughlin: I don’t want Coughlin gone, but if/when he does eventually leave, I hope we get a young guy too.
Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden
Excellent post, Ghost.
One of my pet peeves from 2008 was the inability to adapt after losing Plax. They have many more weapons now, and they should start thinking about how to use them.
Great post
I agree with everything you said. This should be an interesting few weeks.
by Giants_fan4life on Jul 25, 2011 8:24 PM EDT reply actions
I think TCs inflexibility is his Achilles Heel
He really believes the Giants should be able to impose their will on teams. But that doesn’t give you much breathing room, it’s hurt the team on multiple occasions.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
Related FanPosts 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
