With the re-signing of Deon Grant Tuesday as well as kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd, and with Osi Umenyiora returning to practice on Monday, there are less splashy things happening with the Giants than with their rivals down the Turnpike. ESPN.com's Insider posted this piece about how the Giants are the team to beat in the NFC East because they are quietly building rather than loudly doing so, and are not a "dream team" as Eagles' backup QB Vince Young stated. I am not going to lie--I don't have Insider, so I didn't get to read the whole article, but I do like the sentiment and I hope KC Joyner is right.
And Giants beat writer Ralph Vacchiano had this to say in a similar story:
Giants linebacker Boley and defensive end Pierre-Paul have back problems - The Washington Post
New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul have some issues with their backs. Boley missed practice Tuesday with an undisclosed back problem, while Pierre-Paul had his back tighten up during practice. He had an ice pack applied and did not participate for roughly the final 30 minutes.
I know bumps and bruises are part of camp, but ARGH.
Steve Smith doesn't rule out being ready for opener
He's still on the physically unable to perform list and isn't practicing, but new Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Steve Smith won't rule out being with the team for the start of the regular season in less than a month. Smith, who left the New York Giants to sign a one-year deal with Philadelphia last week, was placed on the PUP list last week after his arrival, but is taking part in conditioning work with other injured players as he tries to come back from microfracture surgery on his left knee.
Did you guys have the feeling Smith would miss half the season if he re-signed with the Giants? No offense Steve, but I still hope that's the case now that you're wearing green.
Plaxico Burress talks about shooting and prison in HBO special: A fan's perspective - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Plaxico Burress(notes), a wide receiver for the New York Jets, spent 20 months in jail on a handgun charge after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh. On Tuesday (last night), he (talked) about his life in prison and the shooting in an HBO interview on "Real Sports." The interview (was) the first time that Plaxico Burress has publicly spoken about the events that led up to his arrest and incarceration.
Giants PK Tynes’ thigh bruise healing quickly | Long Island Press
New York Giants placekicker Lawrence Tynes’ bruised right thigh is feeling much better, and there is a chance that he might be able to play against the Chicago Bears next Monday night.
Well isn't that a coincidence? Shayne Graham was brought in and the Giants signed a kickoff specialist, so of course Tynes is "healing quickly."
Rivera should end Panthers QB intrigue, name Cam Newton his starter | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper
Maybe Carolina coach Ron Rivera likes intrigue. Hey, coach, who're you going to start in the regular-season opener against Arizona? I'm not telling, Rivera will say with a smile, or a pat on the back for the reporter asking the question, or, on Monday, with both.