Posts
According to Tom Coughlin, Mario Manningham hurt his shoulder at the end of yesterday's practice, which is why he sat idle during today's workout. He'll go into Sunday's game as questionable, but Coughlin was very vague as to whether he'll start Hakeem Nicks or keep Manningham as the No. 2 receiver next to Steve Smith.
"He certainly has a big role, anyway," Coughlin said regarding Nicks. "But certainly you would expect more. But let's hold out for the best."
Manningham's problem didn't sound serious, at least as far as Coughlin was letting on.
"He went down on the shoulder and he is sore," Coughlin said.
Coughlin said Nicks is ready to go gameplan-wise, having taken all the first-team snaps today. But to tell you the truth, I wouldn't hedge about starting him at all. I'd start him. There's nothing to lose. Nicks has been consistently making big plays these last four games, and this stacks up as a potential big-play game, what with the Eagles' committment to the all-out blitz. Nicks has the hot hand right now, so Coughlin would do well to get him in as often as possible, which means starting him.
Meanwhile, Giants-killing RB Brian Westbrook spent the Eagles' practice on the sideline, and I'll be shocked to see him play in light of the concussion he suffered Monday night.
EP
Friday, October 30, 2009
OUR FIRST-EVER LIVE CHAT
Okay, already screwed up that first post. Had a Twitter feed going into it that would only add confusion to the proceedings. So we'll start anew.
Here's the chat box. Just follow the directions and join in.
EP
Here's the chat box. Just follow the directions and join in.
EP
A Little Jacobs
Here's some Brandon Jacobs for you, talking about how the Giants will take last year's NFC semifinal loss to Philadelphia into The Linc with them, and the importance of maintaining their confidence despite consecutive setbacks.
You remember that playoff game, right? The Giants were coming off the bye thanks to their 12-4 record. Eli Manning, who had been so good during the regular season, decided to revert to Bad Eli, failing to engineer a single touchdown drive despite three trips to the Eagles' 17 in a 23-11 disaster. Manning threw two interceptions, the final one in the fourth quarter.
You remember that playoff game, right? The Giants were coming off the bye thanks to their 12-4 record. Eli Manning, who had been so good during the regular season, decided to revert to Bad Eli, failing to engineer a single touchdown drive despite three trips to the Eagles' 17 in a 23-11 disaster. Manning threw two interceptions, the final one in the fourth quarter.
Don't Forget
Just a reminder that today, noon to 12:30, is our live chat. Just look for the chat box on the entry, click in, and start filing your questions and comments. So make yourself a nice sangweech, settle back, and enjoy some real-time Giants talk. Bring your friends.
EP
EP
There's No Slump In Ed!
It's Friday, which means my buddy Ed Valentine of Big Blue View is with us again. Here are his answers to our Q&A swap. For mine, swing over to Ed's site at http://www.bigblueview.com/.
1. Is it better or worse that the Giants are playing a hated division rival on the road following two stinkers in a row?
"Umm ... can we bring back the Chiefs, Buccaneers or Raiders for another go-round, please? Good Lord, if the Giants lose to the Eagles on Sunday I might unplug my Internet connection, smash my laptop, toss out the Blackberry and go nowhere near Big Blue View for a week. All of Giants fan-dom will be ready to climb to the nearest bridge and jump. A victory, though, and all will be well in the land of the Giants. I don't know if it's good or bad, but I know it heightens the anxiety level of the fan base. I also know the Giants need a win. If they lose a third straight game they put themselves in danger of letting the season start to slip away."
2. What is the Giants' true identity, a run-first or pass-first team?
"When you figure it out, let me know. I know what they SHOULD be. They should be a balanced team that uses the run to control the clock and physically dominate opposing defenses. I don't, however, know what they are. Opposing defenses are dictating to them right now, and taking them away from the things they do best. Down field shots are fine, and we love when they work. But, you can't keep going three-and-out by throwing incomplete balls 30-40 yards down field. Coughlin said it the other day. "Make the first down, please make the first down and then we will think about the next three calls."
3. Do the Giants need to start Hakeem Nicks?
"I don't know if he needs to start, but he needs to continue getting more time. Domenik Hixon is just not getting separation consistently as a receiver, or making plays on the ball. He's a great return man, and a so-so receiver. Mario Manningham is still learning. He can make the great play, but he drops too many balls and still runs too many bad routes. I that that Nicks should be a starter by the end of the season, and it wouldn't bother me if he was elevated to starter sooner rather than later."
4. Should Bill Sheridan play Justin Tuck inside more?
"I don't know about that. I want to see Tuck, Kiwanuka and Osi on the field together more, but neither Tuck nor Kiwi could hold up inside if they had to play in their on run downs. They aren't big enough. I would like to see the three of them move around on passing downs a little so that offensive lineman aren't sure which guy they have to block. I would also like to see Clint Sintim on the field in passing situations. If Sheridan is going to rush just four, how about Osi and Sintim -- who showed terrific rush skills from the end in pre-season -- from the ends and Tuck and Kiwanuka from the inside. Even with that I think you have to send an extra guy more often. Dictate to the offense, don't react to it."
What do you guys think?
EP
1. Is it better or worse that the Giants are playing a hated division rival on the road following two stinkers in a row?
"Umm ... can we bring back the Chiefs, Buccaneers or Raiders for another go-round, please? Good Lord, if the Giants lose to the Eagles on Sunday I might unplug my Internet connection, smash my laptop, toss out the Blackberry and go nowhere near Big Blue View for a week. All of Giants fan-dom will be ready to climb to the nearest bridge and jump. A victory, though, and all will be well in the land of the Giants. I don't know if it's good or bad, but I know it heightens the anxiety level of the fan base. I also know the Giants need a win. If they lose a third straight game they put themselves in danger of letting the season start to slip away."
2. What is the Giants' true identity, a run-first or pass-first team?
"When you figure it out, let me know. I know what they SHOULD be. They should be a balanced team that uses the run to control the clock and physically dominate opposing defenses. I don't, however, know what they are. Opposing defenses are dictating to them right now, and taking them away from the things they do best. Down field shots are fine, and we love when they work. But, you can't keep going three-and-out by throwing incomplete balls 30-40 yards down field. Coughlin said it the other day. "Make the first down, please make the first down and then we will think about the next three calls."
3. Do the Giants need to start Hakeem Nicks?
"I don't know if he needs to start, but he needs to continue getting more time. Domenik Hixon is just not getting separation consistently as a receiver, or making plays on the ball. He's a great return man, and a so-so receiver. Mario Manningham is still learning. He can make the great play, but he drops too many balls and still runs too many bad routes. I that that Nicks should be a starter by the end of the season, and it wouldn't bother me if he was elevated to starter sooner rather than later."
4. Should Bill Sheridan play Justin Tuck inside more?
"I don't know about that. I want to see Tuck, Kiwanuka and Osi on the field together more, but neither Tuck nor Kiwi could hold up inside if they had to play in their on run downs. They aren't big enough. I would like to see the three of them move around on passing downs a little so that offensive lineman aren't sure which guy they have to block. I would also like to see Clint Sintim on the field in passing situations. If Sheridan is going to rush just four, how about Osi and Sintim -- who showed terrific rush skills from the end in pre-season -- from the ends and Tuck and Kiwanuka from the inside. Even with that I think you have to send an extra guy more often. Dictate to the offense, don't react to it."
What do you guys think?
EP
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Biggest Difference
Here's another piece of video with offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and slightly off-center guard Rich Seubert offering somewhat different views of how the Eagles' defense operates these days under Sean McDermott, as opposed to the past under the late Jim Johnson.
They still blitz, all right. Early, late, often. But the difference, Gilbride said, is that they no longer try to disguise it as they did under the wily Johnson.
Here's the video.
They still blitz, all right. Early, late, often. But the difference, Gilbride said, is that they no longer try to disguise it as they did under the wily Johnson.
Here's the video.
Only 3 1/2 of the Eagles' 21 sacks have come from linebackers, and none from safeties or corners. But that could all change now that the athletic Will Witherspoon is there at middle linebacker.
According to tight end Kevin Boss, the real effect of all the blitzing is single coverage and the absence of the cover linebacker in the middle, thus leaving more room for pass-catching tight ends like Boss to work. That could be a plus providing the Giants can pick up the blitz and Eli Manning can get the ball off quickly.
"It's a lot easier to recognize now," said Boss, whose 14 catches for 194 yards and no touchdowns rank fourth on the team and well into the lower half of tight ends leaguewide. "If we can recognize it pre-snap, we can anticipate it better and maybe make some plays."
Looks like Boss might be in line for a big game.
EP
On Bradshaw
Most likely, Ahmad Bradshaw is going to need surgery in the offseason on his injured right foot. But for now, he'll just go with the same practice schedule as he's had the past several games:
Rest in a protective boot early in the week, limited work on Friday, and play on Sunday.
His visit with North Carolina ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson confirmed that the course of action the Giants have taken is the best way to keep him active on Sunday. X-rays revealed a fractured right fifth metatarsal (midfoot past the pinky toe). It could break through if they're not careful.
"I really didn't notice it at first," Bradshaw said. "It felt like a little bruise on the outside of my foot. It's been there since, like, a month ago."
In addition, Bradshaw is still getting over a sprained ankle.
"The ankle is here and there," he said. "It's pretty much an old fracture that we've taken care of, and that's just how it grew over. There's a couple of bone spurs and loose bones, but otherwise it's just a lot of pain. It doesn't slow me down at all."
The Giants are keeping an eye on the metatarsal fracture by resting him, and then sending him out on gameday with extra padding and orthotics inside his shoe.
"I'm pretty sure I'll feel it if it breaks," Bradshaw said. "We're doing everything possible to keep it from breaking all the way through. More than likely, I'll need an operation at the end of the year."
But as Tom Coughlin said, "Possibly, but that's a long way off."
Unless it breaks clean through.
In other injury news, LB Michael Boley did some running and took light work in individual drills. "I got in and worked on some run fits (basically low-motion positioning drills)," he said. "I'm coming along good."
Boley said it's a distinct possibility that he'll be back for the week after the bye, which comes after next week's game against San Diego. Judging by the relative activity of the two today, DT Chris Canty appears closer to playing. But both may be out until after the bye, though Coughlin said he has no concrete plans to put Canty off that long.
"It depends on what their progress report is and how emphatic the medical people are about their opinion one way or the other," Coughlin said. "We'll use good strategy and good common sense."
Antonio Pierce, out yesterday, practiced today.
EP
Rest in a protective boot early in the week, limited work on Friday, and play on Sunday.
His visit with North Carolina ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson confirmed that the course of action the Giants have taken is the best way to keep him active on Sunday. X-rays revealed a fractured right fifth metatarsal (midfoot past the pinky toe). It could break through if they're not careful.
"I really didn't notice it at first," Bradshaw said. "It felt like a little bruise on the outside of my foot. It's been there since, like, a month ago."
In addition, Bradshaw is still getting over a sprained ankle.
"The ankle is here and there," he said. "It's pretty much an old fracture that we've taken care of, and that's just how it grew over. There's a couple of bone spurs and loose bones, but otherwise it's just a lot of pain. It doesn't slow me down at all."
The Giants are keeping an eye on the metatarsal fracture by resting him, and then sending him out on gameday with extra padding and orthotics inside his shoe.
"I'm pretty sure I'll feel it if it breaks," Bradshaw said. "We're doing everything possible to keep it from breaking all the way through. More than likely, I'll need an operation at the end of the year."
But as Tom Coughlin said, "Possibly, but that's a long way off."
Unless it breaks clean through.
In other injury news, LB Michael Boley did some running and took light work in individual drills. "I got in and worked on some run fits (basically low-motion positioning drills)," he said. "I'm coming along good."
Boley said it's a distinct possibility that he'll be back for the week after the bye, which comes after next week's game against San Diego. Judging by the relative activity of the two today, DT Chris Canty appears closer to playing. But both may be out until after the bye, though Coughlin said he has no concrete plans to put Canty off that long.
"It depends on what their progress report is and how emphatic the medical people are about their opinion one way or the other," Coughlin said. "We'll use good strategy and good common sense."
Antonio Pierce, out yesterday, practiced today.
EP
Practice Notes
RB Ahmad Bradshaw was back at practice, on the bike and wearing a boot, following his visit yesterday with North Carolina ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson. Also coming back to work was LB Antonio Pierce, who did not practice yesterday because of an ankle problem. CB Kevin Dockery, who missed practice for personal reasons yesterday, was also back.
Best news of the day came when DT Chris Canty and LB Michael Boley showed up in pads. As you'll see in the video, Canty participated in individual drills. Boley, though wearing his shells, was not seen taking any snaps. But that doesn't mean he didn't do anything, just that he didn't do it when the media was watching.
Enjoy the video. Note the artsy ending. I told you we're a classy joint around here.
Best news of the day came when DT Chris Canty and LB Michael Boley showed up in pads. As you'll see in the video, Canty participated in individual drills. Boley, though wearing his shells, was not seen taking any snaps. But that doesn't mean he didn't do anything, just that he didn't do it when the media was watching.
Enjoy the video. Note the artsy ending. I told you we're a classy joint around here.
EP
Big Play Opps
If you ask the Giants' receivers, the Eagles have only changed slightly defensively since their new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott took the place of the late, great, beloved blitz genius Jim Johnson. They're still bringing it from all over the field.
That means there will be opportunities for big plays. And that could be good for a wide receiving corps that begun struggling after five games of mainly dominant play.
The deep shots that were being completed three weeks ago are now either falling incomplete or sailing out of bounds. Steve Smith, the NFL leader in catches after four games, has had just eight catches for 113 yards in the last two games, and hasn't scored a touchdown since the two he had in Kansas City in Week 4. After going through the first month with 34 catches, he's had just 11 the past three games.
He's seeing double coverage regularly now, and as a young talent has yet to figure out how to get loose despite it. Certainly a little one-on-one against the blitz-heavy Eagles could help him get back into the receiving groove.
"I'm being double-covered, getting more attention, which is fine," Smith said. "That opens things up for the other guys. Even just the easy routes I had success with last year and this year, now I'm being jammed by linebackers. Now I've got to be aware of that and take my game to the next level."
Mario Manningham has just 10 catches the last three. And Domenik Hixon will probably fall into the four wide receiver spot after getting a sure touchdown pass wrestled away from him last week by Dominique Rogers-Cromartie.
That leaves Hakeem Nicks as the potential go-to guy for this segment of the schedule, for good reason. He's about the only one producing. Four games, four touchdown passes, 14 catches for 297 yards. And huge big-play potential.
It's a progression offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride predicted at the beginning of the season, when he proclaimed that the individuals in the young, developing corps could change roles as the season progressed. It has happened, with the opportunities beginning with Smith, shifting to Manningham, and now, apparently, Nicks. As defenses have caught on to each, and each struggles to find the technical antidote, Eli Manning has had to find a different target. It's certainly not like the old days, when the experienced Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer recognized and worked their way through varied coverages.
This young corps has to learn. And they have to be bolstered by achievement. A couple of big plays Sunday from two or three of them wouldn't hurt, especially if they can burn experienced corners Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown, the latter of which was all but defenseless against Burress.
"They like to press coverage and bring a guy, so it's one-on-one," Smith said. "They try to put pressure on the quarterback, put a linebacker on top of you, or roll the coverage to your side.
"The corners are good, savvy guys, but sometimes they get caught with their eyes in the backfield and you can run right by them. We're not gonna be surprised if we're wide open down the field. There's gonna be plays out there."
Here are Nicks' thoughts on the matter.
That means there will be opportunities for big plays. And that could be good for a wide receiving corps that begun struggling after five games of mainly dominant play.
The deep shots that were being completed three weeks ago are now either falling incomplete or sailing out of bounds. Steve Smith, the NFL leader in catches after four games, has had just eight catches for 113 yards in the last two games, and hasn't scored a touchdown since the two he had in Kansas City in Week 4. After going through the first month with 34 catches, he's had just 11 the past three games.
He's seeing double coverage regularly now, and as a young talent has yet to figure out how to get loose despite it. Certainly a little one-on-one against the blitz-heavy Eagles could help him get back into the receiving groove.
"I'm being double-covered, getting more attention, which is fine," Smith said. "That opens things up for the other guys. Even just the easy routes I had success with last year and this year, now I'm being jammed by linebackers. Now I've got to be aware of that and take my game to the next level."
Mario Manningham has just 10 catches the last three. And Domenik Hixon will probably fall into the four wide receiver spot after getting a sure touchdown pass wrestled away from him last week by Dominique Rogers-Cromartie.
That leaves Hakeem Nicks as the potential go-to guy for this segment of the schedule, for good reason. He's about the only one producing. Four games, four touchdown passes, 14 catches for 297 yards. And huge big-play potential.
It's a progression offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride predicted at the beginning of the season, when he proclaimed that the individuals in the young, developing corps could change roles as the season progressed. It has happened, with the opportunities beginning with Smith, shifting to Manningham, and now, apparently, Nicks. As defenses have caught on to each, and each struggles to find the technical antidote, Eli Manning has had to find a different target. It's certainly not like the old days, when the experienced Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer recognized and worked their way through varied coverages.
This young corps has to learn. And they have to be bolstered by achievement. A couple of big plays Sunday from two or three of them wouldn't hurt, especially if they can burn experienced corners Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown, the latter of which was all but defenseless against Burress.
"They like to press coverage and bring a guy, so it's one-on-one," Smith said. "They try to put pressure on the quarterback, put a linebacker on top of you, or roll the coverage to your side.
"The corners are good, savvy guys, but sometimes they get caught with their eyes in the backfield and you can run right by them. We're not gonna be surprised if we're wide open down the field. There's gonna be plays out there."
Here are Nicks' thoughts on the matter.
The Eagles have 21 sacks so far, and have given up 13 passes of 20 yards or more. Included among them are an 86-yard touchdown pass from Oakland's JaMarcus Russell and a 38-yard throw from Drew Brees. That's not a ton of big plays, but enough to indicate the chances will be there.
EP
Just A Reminder
In case you haven't got it circled on the calendar, remember tomorrow's live chat from noon to 12:30 p.m. Ought to be a lively one, as I know several people have some good questions lined up.
Just a warning. I've been practicing with a software that facilitates such chats, so there may be a glitch or two as we go along. This is all new to me. But right now, I think I have things down to where it should run smoothly. If not, then I apologize in advance.
You'll see a separate box on the blog entry where it's happening, and it has simple instructions for filing questions and comments. If this works well, I'm going to use the same software for my live-blogged games.
Okay. We'll have a bunch of stuff today, and I'm looking forward to our chat tomorrow. Somebody make sure to bring the soppresata.
EP
Just a warning. I've been practicing with a software that facilitates such chats, so there may be a glitch or two as we go along. This is all new to me. But right now, I think I have things down to where it should run smoothly. If not, then I apologize in advance.
You'll see a separate box on the blog entry where it's happening, and it has simple instructions for filing questions and comments. If this works well, I'm going to use the same software for my live-blogged games.
Okay. We'll have a bunch of stuff today, and I'm looking forward to our chat tomorrow. Somebody make sure to bring the soppresata.
EP
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Cattin' Around, And Other Stuff
Miami uses it extensively, and they've had some success with it.
It is the Wildcat formation, a bit of trickery where the quarterback often splits out and either a backup quarterback or a position player takes a direct shotgun snap from center and runs a single-wing type option play. It's something the Giants are going to have to be leery of Sunday because the Eagles run it. Not to the extent that Miami does, of course. Nobody runs it as frequently as the Dolphins.
But the Eagles can use a tremendous mix of players in the formation. Donovan McNabb's backup Michael Vick is the main guy, but they can also throw WR DeSean Jackson, RB LeSean McCoy, and RB Brian Westbrook into it, just to name a few.
Unlike the Dolphins, who basically run out of it, the Eagles will also put it in the air. So it becomes a true run-pass option for them.
"I think different people utilize it in different ways," Tom Coughlin said. "So for what purpose I can’t tell you what their thinking is. Although when you look at the effect that it has had on the Miami offense you certainly can appreciate it.
"And when you see the various ways in which Philadelphia goes about doing it – not all on the same week – but you know that there is a plan there for what they are trying to take advantage of having thrown the ball out of it, too. Michael Vick gives you a little bit more that you have to defend."
Coughlin said the Eagles don't use it to an extent where it would get them away from their basic offensive pattern. But it's not something to be taken lightly by the defense, either.
"You stop the guy that's carrying the ball, that's all you can do," DE Justin Tuck said. "Just about everybody in the league is running it. It creates more gaps because there's more blockers in that system, but we'll practice against it. We know they're going to do it, some hopefully we'll have something ready for it."
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb said the Wildcat hasn't brought them the explosiveness people had originally hoped. But it's still a work in progress.
"There hasn’t been that much of a success that everyone was expecting in the so-called wildcat offense," McNabb said. "People see Miami doing it and all of a sudden think that everyone is going to have the same success. Well, it takes time. And it is not like you have a no-name guy back there when you bring (Vick) in.
"Everyone knows what he is capable of doing. And they focus in on that. And I think there will be a lot of successful plays that we have in that package. Yet still in the regular offense we have to make sure that we are creating plays as well."
Tuck said discipline is the key to defending it.
"Just be gap-sound," Tuck said. "The thing about the Wildcat is that there's extra blocking, so there's extra gaps. You gotta get off blocks fast and try to get penetration in the backfield. Just disrupt their rhythm."
He's ready for anybody to get back there for the direct snap, too.
"They've got a lot of guys who can do it, so I don't think I'll be surprised by anybody who gets back there," Tuck said. "I think I can name five off the top of my head. With the weapons they have, the only surprise would be what they do out of it. They can do reverse passes, handoffs, fake handoffs, drop back to pass. They can do a lot of things off it. But the surprise won't be the guy who's back there.
"They can definitely catch us off-guard with trickery here, trickery there."
The only question is who will be healthy enough besides Vick. Westbrook is still dealing with his concussion and did not practice. Since he was knocked out, it is unlikely he'll play Sunday. Jackson, who sprained his foot while becoming only the second Eagle in history to run and catch a pass for touchdowns of more than 50 yards in the same game, also sat out practice, though coach Andy Reid said he would probably play.
But even with Vick alone, who hasn't exactly seen stellar success with the Wildcat -- he's run nine times for 22 yards -- there is enough to change a game's momentum with a well-placed gimmick.
It's something the defense will have to be aware of, at least.
------------------------------------------------
WR Hakeem Nicks was named the NFL Rookie of the Month for his October production. In addition to his four touchdown catches in four games, he caught 14 passes for 297 yards.
Nicks is tied for the NFL rookie lead in touchdown receptions. He is the first Giants rookie to score touchdowns in four consecutive games since Bob Gaiters scored in five straight games in 1961. Nicks is the first Giants rookie with a touchdown reception in four consecutive games since Bill Swiacki in ‘48. In addition, Nicks is the first NFL rookie with a touchdown catch in four straight games since Buffalo’s Lee Evans in 2004.
Nicks has recorded TD catches of 62, 54 and 37 yards and is the only rookie in the NFL with three 30+ yard touchdown receptions. For the season, Nicks has 16 receptions for 315 yards (a team-high 19.7-yard average). The 315 yards are second among all NFL rookies, behind only Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace (368), and the 19.7-yard average is the highest in the NFL among rookies with at least 10 catches.
---------------------------------------------
Add LB Antonio Pierce to the injury list. He sat out practice with an ankle injury, but he'll likely be fine for Sunday. Also, RB Ahmad Bradshaw went to North Carolina to have his bad ankle and foot checked out by noted ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson. No word yet on the outcome of that visit.
EP
It is the Wildcat formation, a bit of trickery where the quarterback often splits out and either a backup quarterback or a position player takes a direct shotgun snap from center and runs a single-wing type option play. It's something the Giants are going to have to be leery of Sunday because the Eagles run it. Not to the extent that Miami does, of course. Nobody runs it as frequently as the Dolphins.
But the Eagles can use a tremendous mix of players in the formation. Donovan McNabb's backup Michael Vick is the main guy, but they can also throw WR DeSean Jackson, RB LeSean McCoy, and RB Brian Westbrook into it, just to name a few.
Unlike the Dolphins, who basically run out of it, the Eagles will also put it in the air. So it becomes a true run-pass option for them.
"I think different people utilize it in different ways," Tom Coughlin said. "So for what purpose I can’t tell you what their thinking is. Although when you look at the effect that it has had on the Miami offense you certainly can appreciate it.
"And when you see the various ways in which Philadelphia goes about doing it – not all on the same week – but you know that there is a plan there for what they are trying to take advantage of having thrown the ball out of it, too. Michael Vick gives you a little bit more that you have to defend."
Coughlin said the Eagles don't use it to an extent where it would get them away from their basic offensive pattern. But it's not something to be taken lightly by the defense, either.
"You stop the guy that's carrying the ball, that's all you can do," DE Justin Tuck said. "Just about everybody in the league is running it. It creates more gaps because there's more blockers in that system, but we'll practice against it. We know they're going to do it, some hopefully we'll have something ready for it."
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb said the Wildcat hasn't brought them the explosiveness people had originally hoped. But it's still a work in progress.
"There hasn’t been that much of a success that everyone was expecting in the so-called wildcat offense," McNabb said. "People see Miami doing it and all of a sudden think that everyone is going to have the same success. Well, it takes time. And it is not like you have a no-name guy back there when you bring (Vick) in.
"Everyone knows what he is capable of doing. And they focus in on that. And I think there will be a lot of successful plays that we have in that package. Yet still in the regular offense we have to make sure that we are creating plays as well."
Tuck said discipline is the key to defending it.
"Just be gap-sound," Tuck said. "The thing about the Wildcat is that there's extra blocking, so there's extra gaps. You gotta get off blocks fast and try to get penetration in the backfield. Just disrupt their rhythm."
He's ready for anybody to get back there for the direct snap, too.
"They've got a lot of guys who can do it, so I don't think I'll be surprised by anybody who gets back there," Tuck said. "I think I can name five off the top of my head. With the weapons they have, the only surprise would be what they do out of it. They can do reverse passes, handoffs, fake handoffs, drop back to pass. They can do a lot of things off it. But the surprise won't be the guy who's back there.
"They can definitely catch us off-guard with trickery here, trickery there."
The only question is who will be healthy enough besides Vick. Westbrook is still dealing with his concussion and did not practice. Since he was knocked out, it is unlikely he'll play Sunday. Jackson, who sprained his foot while becoming only the second Eagle in history to run and catch a pass for touchdowns of more than 50 yards in the same game, also sat out practice, though coach Andy Reid said he would probably play.
But even with Vick alone, who hasn't exactly seen stellar success with the Wildcat -- he's run nine times for 22 yards -- there is enough to change a game's momentum with a well-placed gimmick.
It's something the defense will have to be aware of, at least.
------------------------------------------------
WR Hakeem Nicks was named the NFL Rookie of the Month for his October production. In addition to his four touchdown catches in four games, he caught 14 passes for 297 yards.
Nicks is tied for the NFL rookie lead in touchdown receptions. He is the first Giants rookie to score touchdowns in four consecutive games since Bob Gaiters scored in five straight games in 1961. Nicks is the first Giants rookie with a touchdown reception in four consecutive games since Bill Swiacki in ‘48. In addition, Nicks is the first NFL rookie with a touchdown catch in four straight games since Buffalo’s Lee Evans in 2004.
Nicks has recorded TD catches of 62, 54 and 37 yards and is the only rookie in the NFL with three 30+ yard touchdown receptions. For the season, Nicks has 16 receptions for 315 yards (a team-high 19.7-yard average). The 315 yards are second among all NFL rookies, behind only Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace (368), and the 19.7-yard average is the highest in the NFL among rookies with at least 10 catches.
---------------------------------------------
Add LB Antonio Pierce to the injury list. He sat out practice with an ankle injury, but he'll likely be fine for Sunday. Also, RB Ahmad Bradshaw went to North Carolina to have his bad ankle and foot checked out by noted ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson. No word yet on the outcome of that visit.
EP
A Couple of Rules
Just a couple of rules reminders about commenting on the blog.
First, let's stay away from any kind of profanity. We've got kids around here. I also think our commenters are intelligent enough to come up with other words to describe their emotions. We're trying to run a classy joint around here, so let's keep it clean.
Second, and this is new because there seems to be a trend developing, let's lay off the other writers/bloggers/etc. Everybody handles their job in their own way, and we all have different responsibilites. While I appreciate the support -- believe me, I can't ever get enough of that, and I love to hear it -- please recognize that the Giants press room is peopled with one of the most outstanding press corps in American sportswriting. I'd hate for this blog to become a spot where other outstanding writers are criticized and downgraded. So rip away at me if you wish, but if you have a beef with somebody else, better to take it directly to them.
The management thanks you for your kind attention and continued patronage.
EP
First, let's stay away from any kind of profanity. We've got kids around here. I also think our commenters are intelligent enough to come up with other words to describe their emotions. We're trying to run a classy joint around here, so let's keep it clean.
Second, and this is new because there seems to be a trend developing, let's lay off the other writers/bloggers/etc. Everybody handles their job in their own way, and we all have different responsibilites. While I appreciate the support -- believe me, I can't ever get enough of that, and I love to hear it -- please recognize that the Giants press room is peopled with one of the most outstanding press corps in American sportswriting. I'd hate for this blog to become a spot where other outstanding writers are criticized and downgraded. So rip away at me if you wish, but if you have a beef with somebody else, better to take it directly to them.
The management thanks you for your kind attention and continued patronage.
EP
Canty Close?
I don't know if DT Chris Canty was giving us a good line or the absolute, nothing-but-the-truth news, but he said in the locker room today that he's so close to getting back to practice that "it's scary."
Canty said he and his injured calf did some individual drills and some "pushing and pulling with the trainers."
"We're just making sure that the power and the ability to perform is there. And it was."
Canty added that he wasn't just blowing smoke. The Giants should hope he wasn't, because they could certainly use the 6-foot-7, 304-pound defensive tackle in the middle right now, especially since Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield haven't exerted much pressure on the quarterback lately. That probably won't happen until after the bye. But getting Canty away from the trainers and back to at least limited team drills before the bye would be very encouraging for that timetable.
It's no fun being on the Ronnie Barnes scholarship program.
"I'm looking forward to missing those guys," Canty said, who added it would probably take a game or two for him to get back into the groove once he does return to drills fulltime.
Whatever the case, Canty can't wait. Here's what he had to say about that.
Canty said he and his injured calf did some individual drills and some "pushing and pulling with the trainers."
"We're just making sure that the power and the ability to perform is there. And it was."
Canty added that he wasn't just blowing smoke. The Giants should hope he wasn't, because they could certainly use the 6-foot-7, 304-pound defensive tackle in the middle right now, especially since Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield haven't exerted much pressure on the quarterback lately. That probably won't happen until after the bye. But getting Canty away from the trainers and back to at least limited team drills before the bye would be very encouraging for that timetable.
It's no fun being on the Ronnie Barnes scholarship program.
"I'm looking forward to missing those guys," Canty said, who added it would probably take a game or two for him to get back into the groove once he does return to drills fulltime.
Whatever the case, Canty can't wait. Here's what he had to say about that.
EP
Repent Much, Donovan?
Don't look for Donovan McNabb to repent for his telephone antics during last year's NFC semifinal playoff game. You remember that, right? McNabb, after getting run out of bounds on an eight-yard scramble, picked up a Giants' sideline phone and pretended to call the coaching box, drawing the ire not only of the Giants, but of the officials by way of an unsportanlike conduct call.
Well, he wasn't taking anything back today. And that should add a little fuel to an already intense rivalry. But then, as McNabb said, how does one add any more emotion to Giants-Eagles.
"But in this game, do you really need any psychological motivation?" McNabb said. "I don’t think so. This is a game you dream about playing and you love competing – no matter who you play.
"We’ve played each other for years and I don’t think you need any type of motivation to play this game. If you need any little thing that happened during a game last year or years before, then really you’re not truly focused on week in and week out trying to be the best at what you do."
Asked what, exactly, he said or didn't say, McNabb said he couldn't remember.
""I don’t remember," he said. "It was a while ago. Verizon wasn’t working. There was nothing over there."
Eagles coach Andy Reid said he spoke to McNabb about it. But none of that guarantees the quarterback will keep himself in check this time around, especially if he and DeSean Jackson and company, probably minus Brian Westbrook, put an early end to things. He's drawn unsportsmanlike penalties before.
Then again, the Giants do play pretty well in Philadelphia. Nothing more humbling than the scoreboard, ya know?
EP
Well, he wasn't taking anything back today. And that should add a little fuel to an already intense rivalry. But then, as McNabb said, how does one add any more emotion to Giants-Eagles.
"But in this game, do you really need any psychological motivation?" McNabb said. "I don’t think so. This is a game you dream about playing and you love competing – no matter who you play.
"We’ve played each other for years and I don’t think you need any type of motivation to play this game. If you need any little thing that happened during a game last year or years before, then really you’re not truly focused on week in and week out trying to be the best at what you do."
Asked what, exactly, he said or didn't say, McNabb said he couldn't remember.
""I don’t remember," he said. "It was a while ago. Verizon wasn’t working. There was nothing over there."
Eagles coach Andy Reid said he spoke to McNabb about it. But none of that guarantees the quarterback will keep himself in check this time around, especially if he and DeSean Jackson and company, probably minus Brian Westbrook, put an early end to things. He's drawn unsportsmanlike penalties before.
Then again, the Giants do play pretty well in Philadelphia. Nothing more humbling than the scoreboard, ya know?
EP
Practice Views
Here's a little production from practice. Note that Kevin Boss was ready to practice fully, having come back from the soreness that accompanied the big hit he took Sunday. Tom Coughlin said Kareem McKenzie would take about half the snaps as he continued to return from a groin strain.
The only person not practicing besides the big three of Michael Boley, Chris Canty and Aaron Ross was RB Ahmad Bradshaw, who was no where to be seen during the media's portion of the workout. That doesn't mean he didn't come out later. And I wouldn't read much into things if he just stayed inside taking treatment on that bad right foot and ankle, since he may have aggravated it while having it tugged on during his fourth-quarter fumble.
Anyway, here's the video. Enjoy. Oh, and that last bit is a jump drill David Merritt was running featuring safety Aaron Rouse.
The only person not practicing besides the big three of Michael Boley, Chris Canty and Aaron Ross was RB Ahmad Bradshaw, who was no where to be seen during the media's portion of the workout. That doesn't mean he didn't come out later. And I wouldn't read much into things if he just stayed inside taking treatment on that bad right foot and ankle, since he may have aggravated it while having it tugged on during his fourth-quarter fumble.
Anyway, here's the video. Enjoy. Oh, and that last bit is a jump drill David Merritt was running featuring safety Aaron Rouse.
EP
Short List
Hey, the Giants are getting well. Physically, anyway.
The preliminary injury list is the shortest it's been in weeks, just five guys and Kevin Boss is not one of them. You may remember Boss was knocked woozy on a helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter and was sore the next day. But he's back to it now.
Here's the list. We'll find out more about the walking wounded later.
LB Michael Boley (knee), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot and ankle), DT Chris Canty (calf), T Kareem McKenzie (groin), and CB Aaron Ross (hamstring).
EP
The preliminary injury list is the shortest it's been in weeks, just five guys and Kevin Boss is not one of them. You may remember Boss was knocked woozy on a helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter and was sore the next day. But he's back to it now.
Here's the list. We'll find out more about the walking wounded later.
LB Michael Boley (knee), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot and ankle), DT Chris Canty (calf), T Kareem McKenzie (groin), and CB Aaron Ross (hamstring).
EP
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Polls Are Closed
The votes to our most recent poll are in, and a whopping 54 percent of you said the Giants' biggest problem right now is offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride's gameplan.
Of the 210 who voted before today's 5 p.m. deadline, 114 blamed it all on Gilbride, who has come under much fire from you folks over the past few years. Granted, some of it is deserved, like when he turns predictable once the offense gets close to the goal line. But, c'mon, people. Eli checks out of a run to throw a bomb out of bounds to Mario Manningham on third-and-2? That's not Gilbride's fault. Unless, of course, you're suggesting Tom Coughlin remove the ability to change a play from Manning's list of adjustments.
The secondary -- and no, we're not just talking about C.C. Brown here -- was the second most popular culprit. The DBs drew 39 votes, or 18 percent. The pass rush's ineffectiveness drew 31 votes, or 14 percent, and Manning's current spate of inaccuracy drew 23 votes, or 10 percent.
Brandon Jacobs, whose rushing problems seemed cured in a 13-carry, 76-yard, one-touchdown outing against the Cardinals, came out nearly unscathed. Only three people, a mere 1 percent of the vote, came out for him. Even Ralph Nader had a couple of more votes in his run against Obama. But Jacobs shouldn't feel bad. This poll was like one big golf game -- the fewer strokes, the better.
We'll do more polls down the road. Thanks to Wayno2424 for suggesting the poll in the first place. I don't know about you folks, but I feel just a little more American for it.
EP
Of the 210 who voted before today's 5 p.m. deadline, 114 blamed it all on Gilbride, who has come under much fire from you folks over the past few years. Granted, some of it is deserved, like when he turns predictable once the offense gets close to the goal line. But, c'mon, people. Eli checks out of a run to throw a bomb out of bounds to Mario Manningham on third-and-2? That's not Gilbride's fault. Unless, of course, you're suggesting Tom Coughlin remove the ability to change a play from Manning's list of adjustments.
The secondary -- and no, we're not just talking about C.C. Brown here -- was the second most popular culprit. The DBs drew 39 votes, or 18 percent. The pass rush's ineffectiveness drew 31 votes, or 14 percent, and Manning's current spate of inaccuracy drew 23 votes, or 10 percent.
Brandon Jacobs, whose rushing problems seemed cured in a 13-carry, 76-yard, one-touchdown outing against the Cardinals, came out nearly unscathed. Only three people, a mere 1 percent of the vote, came out for him. Even Ralph Nader had a couple of more votes in his run against Obama. But Jacobs shouldn't feel bad. This poll was like one big golf game -- the fewer strokes, the better.
We'll do more polls down the road. Thanks to Wayno2424 for suggesting the poll in the first place. I don't know about you folks, but I feel just a little more American for it.
EP
Four TDs In Four Games
With Mario Manningham running imperfect routes and cornerbacks catching on to the wiles of Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks has stepped to the forefront of the passing attack, showing both good hands and outstanding athleticism. But is he ready to start?
It's a question Tom Coughlin and Kevin Gilbride should think about, considering Nicks has become the team's most productive rookie receiver since Bobby Johnson in 1984.
Nicks has his own ideas about it, as you'll see in the video.
It's a question Tom Coughlin and Kevin Gilbride should think about, considering Nicks has become the team's most productive rookie receiver since Bobby Johnson in 1984.
Nicks has his own ideas about it, as you'll see in the video.
Opinions, anybody?
EP
Biggest Asset
The biggest asset going for the Giants next Sunday will not come from their own locker room. It'll be from the Eagles'.
You see, Brian Westbrook probably won't be playing due to the concussion he sustained last night in the first quarter of their 27-17 win over the Redskins. A year after setting a personal best with 14 total touchdowns, including a career high nine rushing touchdowns, he remained the Eagles' most dangerous single playmaker, able to run and catch the ball out of the backfield.
You see, Brian Westbrook probably won't be playing due to the concussion he sustained last night in the first quarter of their 27-17 win over the Redskins. A year after setting a personal best with 14 total touchdowns, including a career high nine rushing touchdowns, he remained the Eagles' most dangerous single playmaker, able to run and catch the ball out of the backfield.
Before he ran headlong into Redskin linebacker London Fletcher's knee, Westbrook had been clipping along at a 4.8-yard per carry pace.
The Giants did manage Westbrook well in their playoff loss at Giants Stadium last year, limiting him to 36 yards on 18 carries and no touchdowns. But he rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass in the regular season matchup in the Meadowlands. He was a non-factor in the Giants' Nov. 9 victory in Philadelphia. Four of his 20 career 100-yard rushing games have come against the Giants.
Not that the Giants won't have their hands full, anyway, with Donovan McNabb's mobility complemented by the occasional Wildcat formation with Michael Vick, but not having Westbrook to worry about could be a plus.
Here's a link to the play and other highlights of that game.
What do you think? Could this tilt things the Giants' way Sunday?
EP
Live Chat Friday
Just a reminder here that I'm having a live chat Friday from noon to 12:30. Hoping to see you all there to get some lively discussion going.
EP
EP
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)