Good morning fellow Giants fans. It's Friday and it's a holiday weekend during the summer. It's not technically summer, but when they talk about canceling a marathon because of expected extreme heat here in Wisconsin, it's freaking summer. OTAs are coming to a close, and the biggest news is about Hakeem Nicks and his broken foot. The injury bug can't do this to us again, can it? Let's hope it's just a fluke. Meanwhile, here are some other bits of news, some of it patriotic, some just football....
Giants' Tom Coughlin hopeful Hakeem Nicks will be ready for season opener | NJ.com
"Well, it's probably going to be close. Hopefully, we will," Coughlin said today in an interview with NFL Network. "He feels very confident about it. The doctors have expressed it as something they feel will heal very, very well. Obviously, we've got to get about the business of healing right away."
I hope this isn't a Prince situation. That guy seemed to never be right last season after he returned.
Palladino: Giants’ Tom Coughlin Truly A Red, White, And Blue Coach " CBS New York
A long time ago, in a nation divided by the consequences of Vietnam, Tom Coughlin wrapped himself in the Red, White, and Blue of our flag and never loosened his hold. By Wednesday night, he had an award to go with that warm blanket of security so many others around the world covet, but find far beyond their grasp. Coughlin stood among five recipients of the "Outstanding Civilian Service Award," the Army’s third-highest award for a civilian, for his various activities involving outreach to the military.
Super Bowl champion New York Giants set to visit President Obama at White House June 8 - NY Daily News
The Giants have a date with President Obama. The Super Bowl champs will visit the White House on Friday, June 8, coach Tom Coughlin said after the team's organized training activities on Wednesday.
Eli Manning, New York Giants want to establish NFL dynasty | masslive.com
And this year, a seasoned Victor Cruz plans to embrace a new role that Tuck and Manning already have: leader. "It's a unique situation," Cruz said. "I'm one of the older guys now, and the younger players look up to you. I'd like to think I can make an impression on the younger guys that through seeing the things that I do, they can see that things will happen through hard work."
Eagles DE Brandon Graham: ‘I’m a bust’ - Sports News from USA Today
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted DE Brandon Graham 13th overall in 2010, two picks before their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, grabbed DE Jason Pierre-Paul. Graham hopes to prove the Eagles didn’t commit a major mistake even though he has three career sacks in two injury-marred seasons while Pierre-Paul has blossomed into an all-pro force for the reigning champions.
I was wondering what happened to this guy, and if he was still on the Eagles. And I sure do appreciate them not taking JPP.
Reviewing the NFL's best torch-passing moments - NFL.com
This past season, however? The real title of "genius" needs to go to Giants coach Tom Coughlin. Twice now, he's defeated Belichick in Super Bowls. Twice, he's done it with a defensive style that kept the high-flying Patriots off the scoreboard, something no one else could do that season. Twice, he's done it with last-minute drives, turning the tables on a coach who's done that to everyone else for the last 10 years. Coughlin is a special kind of guy. I don't know that there's anyone who has his team more ready to play in all facets of the game than he does.
This was fun to read--that second ring really did a lot for TC, didn't it?
Rob Gronkowski-Aaron Hernandez among league's top 10 duos - NFL.com
Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks New York Giants WRs (two years together) In my opinion, this is currently the top receiver duo in the NFL. Both guys are complete receivers with an outstanding mix of size, explosiveness, reliable hands and elusiveness after the catch. Last season, they combined for 2,728 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns.
Ignore the headline here, I wanted you guys to see that Cruz/Nicks made this list, as well as Tuck/JPP.
Predicting the NFC East: Eagles Fly Away With the DivisionPhilly Sports Nut
The New York Giants took advantage of an inconsistent division and eventually went on to win the Super Bowl for the second time since 2008. As Eagles fans, were tired of hearing it.
And we are tired of hearing how great your team is with no championships in the Super Bowl era. I'm not saying your team isn't very good, or even that they wouldn't have made noise in the playoffs last year. I'm saying you should prove it on the field once and for all before spouting off like this.
Whew, that felt good. Now I can get on with my Friday and so can you guys.