Just a few notes today, some about our New York Giants and some I just found interesting to read. By the way, the media has access to players following today's OTA so let's hope some good stories come from that.
Justin Tuck says shoulder is stronger every day
From ESPN New York:
"I can move my arm," Tuck said. "That is the big thing. Last year I kind of just played through the pain and I think it was stupid of me because I hurt my team more than I helped them."
Tuck said he didn't like what he saw of himself on film last season and estimates that he was about "65 to 70 percent" of what he usually is.
"But when I decide to go on the football field, that is the end of it," Tuck said. "Once I step on the football field, I hold myself to that standard if I was healthy or whatever. Nobody at that point in time is healthy. So for me, I don't use it as an excuse."
This is good news. When healthy, Tuck is the best defensive player the Giants have.
Jets' Rex Ryan says Super Bowl 'should be played' in New York
From USA Today:
"The game should be played here," Ryan said, "and it would be a great Super Bowl.
"We've got the best city in the world," Ryan said. "I think that's indisputable. We've got arguably one of the top stadiums in the league, a brand new stadium and it helps two teams."
Let's hope the majority of NFL owners feel the same way when they meet next week.
OTA's Day 4: Will the Real Nick Folk Please Stand Up?
Think Lawrence Tynes makes you crazy? Well, during Thursday's OTA the New York Jets got their first glimpse of the Nick Folk Experience. As SB Nation's Gang Green Nation tells us, it was not fun to watch.
His first four kicks as a Jet --- MISS, MISS, MISS, MISS.
Finally, towards the tail-end of today's OTA's, he made one. Unfortunately, a 20% clip won't cut it in the NFL.
Will he still continue to blame his inconsistencies on his ailing hip? I sure hope not, and apparently, neither does Rex, who told Newsday's Bob Glauber what his feelings were on the issue:
"Nick has to make a couple, or else we'll find another kicker."
We let Jay Feely go for this?
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher criticizes Gale Sayers
From ESPN Chicago:
"Let me ask you a question: 'How many championships did Gale Sayers win?' " Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune. "How many playoff games did he win when he played? None. None. None.
"Does it bother me? There are enough people throwing daggers at us right now. Why does one of our ex-players have to jump in? There are enough experts talking [expletive] about us, so why does a Bear, an all-time great, have to jump in? I just don't like that."
Does Urlacher really think this is a good idea? SB Nation's Windy City Gridiron doesn't.