For the second year in a row, Tom Coughlin elected 5 Team Captains and they are as follows: QB Eli Manning, WR Amani Toomer, MLB Antonio Pierce, T Fred Robbins, and P Jeff Feagles.
Manning, Pierce, and Feagles were also captains in 2007. Toomer replaced O’Hara on offense, and Robbins replaced Strahan on defense.
If the Coach implemented Team Captains in 2007 and they won the Super Bowl then why not implement Team Captains in 2008. Congrats to chosen ones.
The Giants had to go back to work today, unfortunately. Below you will find a bunch of notes and reports assembled by a variety of beat writers. The Giants play their first game on Thursday so make sure you watch it.
If you want see what the media is saying about our boys in blue while they are at Training Camp up in Albany then take a look below:
The good news is that everything mentioned about Big Blue is positive. That’s not the norm so enjoy it while it lasts. As mentioned above, Dave Tollefson’s wife is expected to give birth on August 15 so we wish them a healthy child.
Keith Kidd of Scouts Inc. ranked the Wide Receiving Corps for all NFL teams. The New York Football Giants ended up being No. 11 on the list. Here’s Kidd’s analysis…
Plaxico Burress was dominant last season despite struggling with injuries. Burress is a huge, athletic receiver with long arms and physical play strength. He has good hands, can out-jump defenders downfield and is valuable in the red zone. Amani Toomer is a solid possession receiver with outstanding experience. He is a good route-runner with good catching skills and can be effective in the short and intermediate areas. Steve Smith displayed good receiving skills late in 2007 after dealing with injuries throughout his rookie season. Sinorice Moss has been disappointing in his development but David Tyree was amazing in the Super Bowl. Tyree is a solid No. 4/5 receiver with tremendous value on special teams coverage units. Incoming rookie Mario Manningham could be a steal as a third-round pick, depending on how he matures and learns the Giants’ complicated offense.
I consider that to be one of the most accurate analyses that I’ve read in a while.
So the Giants have concluded their final day of Mini Camp. The next 40 days or so are going to be much quieter since not much will be going on until they go up to Albany for training camp. I’m sure we’ll continue to hear about Burress and Shockey until it’s resolved. For now, Justin Tuck is expected to replace Strahan at left defensive end rather than moving Mathias Kiwanuka back up to the D-Line.
NFL.com is running a video called ‘Top 10 comebacks’. Big Blue made the list twice, once on the winning end and once on the losing end.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com believes that Michael Strahan may come back if the Jints call him and say that they need him back when the season is about to begin.
Born to lead - Michael Eisen expects Antonio Pierce to take a bigger role as a leader for this team now that Strahan retired. Pierce said,
I don’t feel that respect amongst the league. Talking to other guys throughout the league a lot of them said, ‘You guys played a hell of a game.’ A hell of a game - so the other 16 games in the regular season and the three playoff games really didn’t do anything for us. You hear that amongst players. We played a good game at the right time. Your quarterback got hot at the right time, your defense started playing ball at the right time. All those things are being said and heard, and that is fine and dandy. We have to do it again and the only thing we are shooting for is to win our division and get to the playoffs.
We are the underdogs again. We are not even picked to win our division, so there is nothing that has changed. The only thing that we have is the title of having the Super Bowl championship, of being the most recent Super Bowl champion. We are still the underdogs, and I think going into it we will probably be underdogs even at home again.
I know what they are saying, but I don’t worry about that. I am going to go about my business the same way I did last year. When Strahan wasn’t here for the whole OTAs, mini-camp, and training camp it was already starting to go that way last year. He came back and he picked up right where he left off. Obviously, he is not going to be here this year. But I am just going to do what I normally do, go about my business the same way. Obviously, I am going to be a little more vocal and I am going to have to be the guy to get after the guys a little bit more if need be.
I know AP loves to use the ‘underdog’ and the ‘us against the world’ mentality to prove everybody wrong. I think that the media is retarded for saying that the Road Warriors are not the team to beat, but maybe it will benefit the team in a positive way this year just like it did last year. Also, AP was the biggest leader on the team last season anyway. Not just on the field, but he represented the team off the field as well (i.e., his weekly spot on WFAN). He did a great job doing it also. He does need to increase his role as a leader now that Strahan is gone. It is funny how a guy like Pierce can become a leader because he was an undrafted free agent signed by the Redskins. The Giants got him and he’s already been one of the leaders of the defense. There are others guys who have been around much longer, but where are they?
Mini Camp Report Day Three (Video) - John Schmeelk and Michael Eisen discussed day three of this week’s Mini Camp.
Fierce Pierce Report (Video) - John Schmeelk had a Q&A Session with Antonio Pierce.
6.13 DC Steve Spagnuolo (Video) - The media asked Steve Spagnuolo about moving forward without Strahan.
OC Kevin Gilbride (Video) - The media asked Kevin Gilbride about Shockey and Burress not being out there on the field.
WR Amani Toomer (Video) - The media asked Amani Toomer if he thinks it makes a difference that he was the only one out there for Eli Manning to throw to.
Head Coach Tom Coughlin (Video) - The media asked Tom Coughlin about this week’s Mini Camp.
QB Eli Manning (Video) - The media asked Eli Manning about this week’s Mini Camp.
RB Brandon Jacobs (Video) - The media asked Brandon Jacobs if they have a different attitude this year since they won the Super Bowl.
CB Sam Madison (Video) - The media asked Sam Madison what he thinks about Plaxico’s contract dispute.
WR Sinorice Moss (Video) - The media asked Sinorice Moss what we should expect from him this year.
O’Hara: Media misinterpreted me - Shaun O’Hara had this to say to the media.
I thought it was quite humorous that all these intellectuals with pens and recorders could totally miss the point that was made yesterday I was frustrated with the media. I never once criticized anybody or any teammates. So you guys missed the point on that one. I was asked a general question about players in general. It had no relevance whatsoever to anybody. (It was) a general question about players wanting more money and new contracts. I’m always going to side with the players when they want more money. You have to handle your business. But what I said was that in my opinion that there was a right way to do things. I’m not talking about those guys (Shockey and Burress). I never was talking about those guys. I was speaking in general terms, my belief about the way I would handle it.
Ralph Vacchiano stated that O’Hara, ” has been a consummate professional with the media ever since he joined the Giants. He has earned our trust and the benefit of the doubt, so I’ll believe him that his intent was not to specifically attack two teammates. Only he knows for sure and I’m not going to try to interpret what was in his head.” With that said, Vacchiano included the transript of the interview and O’Hara did respond to the question specifically about Burress. I don’t think O’Hara should back down from what he said. He is the captain because he says the right things about the team.
Coughlin: Shockey an ‘issue’ - Mike Garafolo pointed out that Coughlin said that, “There is an issue.” when asked about Shockey’s mental state after practice, “but it’s not something that would prevent him from working.”
Final minicamp practice report - Mike Garafolo lets us know who impressed him on the final day of Mini Camp.
Rosenhaus cryptic about 80, 17 - Mike Garafolo provided the transcript from Drew Rosenhaus. As usual, Rosenhaus didn’t have much to say about his clients.
NFL.com put together a video clip on Strahan’s retirement. In it, Giants players react to news of Michael Strahan’s retirement after an offseason practice. To view this video, click here.
A little while ago, GM Jerry Reese joined the ‘Mike and the Mad Dog’ show to talk about the latest Giants news including Michael Strahan’s retirement. To hear the interview in it’s entirety, click here.
Michael Strahan retires - John Mara had this to say about Michael Strahan’s retirement announcement,
Michael called me earlier this morning to tell me he had decided to retire. I told him I was disappointed and that I knew he could still play at a very high level and we were hoping to have him back. But I certainly understand his decision. I told him he’s been a great Giant. He thanked me for everything the organization has done for him. I said, ‘I think you’ve done more for us than we can ever do for you.’
Various other players had quotes in the article as well.
Eisen’s Insight (Video) - Michael Eisen and John Schmeelk discuss Strahan’s retirement.
DE Osi Umenyiora (Video)
DE Justin Tuck (Video)
LB Mathias Kiwanuka (Video)
WR Amani Toomer (Video)
QB Eli Manning (Video)
OTA Report: Wide Receivers (Video)
SHOCKEY’S MINI-DRAMA - Paul Schwartz wonders if Jeremy Shockey will attend mini-camp.
Runyan, McNabb say goodbye to Strahan
Correction: Presser at 11:30 tomorrow - Michael Eisen announced that the Giants will hold a press conference for Michael’s retiredment at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Strahan’s new team? Probably FOX
Strahan’s decision not about money
Umenyiora on Strahan: ‘He’s going to miss us’
I know absolutely nothing about Fantasy Football, but Michael Fabiano of NFL.com explains why Eli Manning may be a breakout candidate. Fabiano defines a ‘breakout candidate’ as “known commodities who have the potential to produce the best numbers of their NFL careers.” Michael wrote this analysis about Eli,
Manning threw for a mediocre 3,336 yards with 23 touchdowns and a career-high 20 interceptions in 2007. But based on his impressive run en route to a Super Bowl championship, it’s hard to discount Manning as a breakout candidate. Chances are he won’t put up 4,000 yards and 30 scores, but a season with 3,800 yards and 25 touchdowns isn’t a stretch. Manning will be seen as a low-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback and is well worth a middle-round selection.
New York Daily News:
Amani Toomer catches that old feeling - Ralph Vacchiano stated that Amani Toomer looked much younger than he really is out there on the field yesterday. He caught a couple great catches during yesterday’s OTAs. Vacchiano reminded us that Toomer was rehabbing his way back from a torn ACL in his left knee heading into last season so Amani is just happy to be able participate right now. Toomer feels like he won’t be as rusty as he was going into last season. We need Mr. Reliable for as long as he can contribute. He’s not the quickest guy in the world, but he runs solid routes and has some of the best hands that I’ve ever seen which is why he’s the all-time leader in receptions for the Giants.
New York Post:
KIWANUKA HEALTHY, THRILLED TO BE BACK - Paul Schwartz found out that Mathias Kiwanuka did not have any problems after yesterday’s OTAs. After missing the last six games of the regular season and the Super Bowl run due to a broken left leg and ankle damage that required surgery, Kiwankua had this to say after yesterday’s workout, “This is excellent. I’ll take every rep I can, every snap I can take. … It’s a chance to get oiled up on some of the new things and get back into the old things we used to do. I’m looking forward to all of it.” I’m looking forward to Kiwanuka getting back out there because he’s a stud.
The Star-Ledger:
Super champs champ at the bit - Mike Garafolo also wrote an article about yesterday’s OTAs. More specifically, he found out what Toomer and SB XLII MVP Eli Manning thought about them.
Toomer said,
When you get out there, I’m telling you, it is like nothing (else) matters. When you get out there, you step into a different world. You start playing and it’s like you don’t care who’s covering you, you don’t care if it means anything or not. … You just enjoy the competition of it and I know I missed it this whole offseason.
Manning said,
It was a good first day. We just want to get better. We looked at a lot of stuff last season that we need to improve on, especially on the offensive side and in the passing game.
NFL.com had a poll where over 200,000 fans ranked all 32 teams for the 2008 season. Here are the results:
Who knows how this stuff works? Big Blue is obviously the team to beat. If you want your team to be No. 1 then beat the Champs.
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, ”Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones has received permission from the NFL to participate in offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason. However, he has not yet been reinstated to participate in regular-season games.” It seems like Pacman may make it back into the NFL which is a shame.
Florio also reported that Terrell Owens will remain as a Cowboy because, “Owens, we’re told, will receive a signing bonus of nearly $13 million. In all, he’s under contract for four years, and he’ll earn $34 million.” Now we have to face this moron twice a year for four more years.
Giants.com:
Tuesday’s OTA Report - Michael Eisen pointed out that Amani Toomer was one of the more visible players on the field today.
Giants Bolster D-Line - Michael Eisen announced that the Giants signed DE Renaldo Wynn which other media outlets reported yesterday. Eisen included a whole bunch of information about Wynn.
New York Daily News:
Eli & Amani rekindle their chemistry - Ralph Vacchiano also covered the Giants OTAs. Vacchiano also noted that:
New York Post:
The Star-Ledger:
Giants announce Wynn signing - Mike Garafolo included Jerry Reese’s and Tom Coughlin’s thoughts on the signing of Renaldo.
More on the Wynn signing - Mike Garafolo explains why the Giants didn’t sign Wynn until June 1 when Wynn first visited the Giants in mid-May. Garafolo’s conclusion is, “Wynn’s signing on June 1 means he won’t impact the Giants’ chances for compensatory picks in next year’s draft.”
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, The ‘Boys have officially announced the signing of Maryland running back Keon Lattimore to a free-agent deal. Lattimore is Ray Lewis‘ brother, and Jerry Jones must be hoping that he can quickly get into some trouble in Big-D. That will add to the bad boy image that Jones wants wants to portray.
Giants.com:
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation - Michael Eisen stated that Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation will hold its 13th annual dinner and celebrity golf classic this weekend in Ponte Vedra Beach.
New York Daily News:
Amani Toomer: ‘No question’ Michael Strahan will return - On Wednesday night, Alex Marvez and Jerry Rice had Amani Toomer on as a guest on Sirius NFL Radio’s Late Hits. Ralph Vacchiano provided the transcript of the interview.
The New York Football Giants waived DT Manny Wright yesterday. Wright only played one season wearing blue. The team didn’t provide a reason for Manny’s release. We all know that Wright has been struggling with weight issues since being drafted in 2005. It seems like he’s lazy when it comes to staying in shape. Manny was determined to trim down and made the final roster in 2007. He played in six Regular Season games and was listed as inactive during the Playoffs. He must’ve gone back to his old ways again if he was cut.
Giants.com:
The Next Chapter - Michael Eisen found out that Eli Manning is preparing harder then ever for the 2008 season.
Ready for more - Michael Eisen says that Amani Toomer is looking forward to the 2008 season. At the very bottom of the article, Eisen reported that the Jints waived Manny Wright yesterday.
New York Post:
GIANTS CUT D-TACKLE - Paul Schwartz also covered how Big Blue cut Wright.
The Star-Ledger:
Draft visits and other tidbits - Mike Garafolo stated that the Giants will be bringing in a lot more draft hopefuls to work out next week. Here’s some of the players coming in, according to Garafolo, “Among the other players who will be coming in, according to various sources and reports, are: Auburn DE Quentin Groves, Michigan WR Mario Manningham, Arkansas State S Tyrell Johnson, Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams and Utah DT Gabe Long. There will be plenty more names that will leak out next week. (Of course, don’t forget this one disclaimer: The Giants brought in a bunch of first-round hopefuls last year; none of them was CB Aaron Ross, whom they eventually drafted.)” Mike also noted that:
Eli still wants Shockey around - Mike Garafolo got Eli’s thoughts on whether or not he wants Jeremy Shockey around in ‘08.
