Die Hard Sports Fan

The best part of yesterday’s game between the Seahawks and the Giants was when the G-MEN roughed up Matt Hasselbeck on the first drive of the game making him ineffective and providing him with an early exit. It was similar to the last Giants game when they roughed up Carson Palmer, and the Cowboys should thank us for that since they squeaked by the Bengals yesterday. Imagine what a healthy Palmer would’ve done to the poor Cowboys defense. The Cowboys should also thank us for ending Drew Bledsoe’s time in Dallas because who knows when Tony Romo’s opportunity would’ve came if not for our nasty defense. The Road Warriors won their third home game in as many games in the early 2008 season. These are the Road Warriors that could barely win at home in ‘07.

Offense

Eli Manning had a pretty good game statistically. He went 19/25 which is a 76.00% completion percentage and threw for 267 yards and 2 TDs…in only 3 Quarters. David Carr was able to come in lead the team to a 4 Quarter Touch Down as well. The last time we saw Carr was against the Rams for a couple of minutes, but he played an entire quarter today. We knew that Eli was not going to have his favorite weapon in Plaxico so everybody needed to step up, and they did just that. Domenik Hixon, Amani Toomer, and Steve Smith led the team in Receptions. Hixon had 104 yards in the 1st Half before leaving the game at Halftime due to a concussion, and I would’ve loved to have seen what he could’ve done by playing the entire game. Surprisingly, Sinorice Moss had 2 TD Catches, and Domenik Hixon had 1 TD. Earth, Wind, and Fire had an outstanding day as they steamrolled the soft Seattle defense for 241 yards on 33 attempts which is an average of 7.3 yards per carry. WOW! Jacobs led in rushing yards with 136 and 2 TDs. The Giants’ offense put up 35 of the 44 points.

Defense

Mike Holmgren developed a pretty good game plan because Big Blue was only able to get 2 Sacks which is the lowest since the Giants opened up the season against the Redskins. With that said, the hit that Justin Tuck laid on Matt Hasselbeck on the first drive of the game, which wasn’t even a sack, was enough to make him a non-factor as the Seahawks didn’t score any touch downs. Mathias Kiwanuka and Dave Tollefson were the two players that actually got to Hasselbeck. I was extremely impressed with Kevin Dockery’s pick and 46 yard return. That was the last we saw of Hasselbeck. The Giants’ defense put up 0 of the 44 points.

Special Teams

John Carney was 3/3 in Field Goal Attempts, and he hasn’t missed a field goal yet this season. It will be interesting to see what the coaches do when Lawrence Tynes is healthy and ready to return. I would suggest that they ride out it out until he misses and then put Tynes in. The Giants’ special teams put up 9 of the 44 points.

So the Giants won their first four games which makes them perfect through the first quarter of the season. I picked them to do exactly that. The last time the Giants went 4-0 was in 1990 when they won Super Bowl XXV against the Bills. This game was over after the 1st Half. When was the last time you saw both starting Quarterbacks taken out of the game after the 3rd Quarter? The team that has so much trouble coming off of the bye week had no problem in 2008. The Giants travel to Cleveland next week to take on the Browns on Monday Night Football.

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The Giants dominated the Seahawks as they scored 4 TDs and 2 FGs on their first 6 possessions of the game which was enough for both coaches to pull their starting quarterbacks out after the 3rd Quarter giving Big Blue their fourth win of the 2008 Regular Season.

1st Quarter

During the opening drive of the Seahawks, Tuck took down Matt Hasselbeck which required medical attention on his knee, and the drive ultimately led to a punt.

During the Giants first possession, Eli Manning handed the ball off to Jacobs three times for 64 yards before he hooked up with Domenik Hixon in the left side of the end zone for a 32-yard Touch Down reception with 11:21 remaining.

Hasselbeck marched the Seahawks 56 yards to set up a 30-yard Field Goal Attempt which was made by Olindo Mare with 7:09 remaining.

The Giants second possession began at the 25 yardline, and Manning got Toomer involved with 3 receptions on this drive before handing the ball off to Brandon Jacobs who ran it up the gut for a 3-yard Touch Down run with 3:39 remaining.

2nd Quarter

Manning aired out a 41-yard pass to Hixon which got the Giants to the Seahawks’ 18 yardline, and John Carney made a 29-yard Field Goal Attempt with 14:50 remaining.

Manning sprinkled in some Smith, some Hedgecock, and some Manningham as he led the team 73 yards to the end zone, and he capped off the drive by handing the ball off to Brandon Jacobs who jumped over the pile for a 1-yard Touch Down run with 7:23 remaining.

On 2nd and 5, Patrick Kerney sacked Eli Manning on his blindside and knocked the ball out as well, but Kevin Boothe recovered it so the Giants did not turn the ball over. Manning got Hixon, Moss, and Ward involved as he marched the Giants into field goal range, and John Carney made a 33-yard Field Goal Attempt with 0:47 remaining.

Hasselbeck, along with a couple of bad facemask penatlies by the Giants, was able to march the Seahawks into field goal range before the 1st Half concluded, and Olindo Mare made a 29-yard Field Goal Attempt with 0:03 remaining.

3rd Quarter

Eli Manning handed the ball off Jacobs, one of which was a 28-yard run, and Ward before firing a 23-yard Touch Down pass to Sinorice Moss in the middle of the end zone with 11:58 remaining to cap off an 80 yard drive (The Giants reported that Dominek Hixon and Kareem McKenzie left the game due to concussions).

The Giants seventh possession resulted in a Punt which was the first non-scoring drive of the game for them.

On 3rd and 5, Matt Hasselbeck scrambled and threw an interception to Kevin Dockery at the Giants’ 23 yardline, and Dockery returned it to the Seahawks’ 31 yardline. The Giants were unable to get into the end zone, but John Carney made a 25-yard Field Goal Attempt with 1:38 remaining.

4th Quarter

Seneca Wallace replaced Hasselbeck on this drive, and Mathias Kiwanuka sacked Wallace for a loss of 9 on 3rd and 10 with 14:11 remaining.

David Carr replaced Manning on this drive, and Carr kept handing the ball off to Bradshaw until they got to the Seahawks’ 5 yardline where Carr hit Sinorice Moss in the back of the end zone for a 5-yard Touch Down pass with 9:25 remaining.

Wrap Up

Eli Manning went 19/25 and threw for 267 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 INTs.

Brandon Jacobs led in Rushing Attempts and Rushing Yards with 15 and 136.

Domenik Hixon, Amani Toomer, and Steve Smith led in Receptions with 4, and Domenik Hixon led in Receiving Yards with 102.

Brandon Jacobs had 2 TD Runs, Sinorice Moss had 2 TD Reception, and Domenik Hixon had 1 TD Reception.

John Carney went 3/3 in Field Goal Attempts.

Aaron Ross led the team in Tackles with 6.

Mathias Kiwanuka and Dave Tollefson had 1 Sack.

Kevin Dockery had 1 INT.

The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.

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The best part of yesterday’s game between the Giants and the Bengals was the simply the fact that the G-MEN won by a score of 26-23 in overtime. The Road Warriors won their second home game in as many games in the early 2008 season. These are the Road Warriors that could barely win at home in ‘07.

Offense

Eli Manning did not have a good game statistically. He went 26/43 which is a 60.47% completion percentage and threw for 289 yards and 1 TD. Even though Eli may not have helped out your fantasy team, he was able to counter every scoring drive that the Bengals had. If not with touch downs then with field goals. The Bengals played a much better game then I thought they were going to play, but I guess that’s how NFL teams are going to come to play the Champs. The Giants did not score on their opening drive in OT, but they did not go 3-and-out either. Manning was able to move the chains a bit before they were forced to punt. Eli also marched the Giants down the field when it mattered most during their second possession in overtime which set up the game winning field goal. Steve Smith and Amani Toomer both were key contributors in the Giants aerial attack as they combined for over 120 receiving yards. Manning hooked up with Kevin Boss for a TD to give the Giants the lead before the Bengals tied the game at the end of regulation. In OT, Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer made huge catches for gains of 30+ yards which allowed the Giants to attempt the game winning field goal. Earth, Wind, and Fire had a decent outing as they combined for 115. Derrick Ward had 80 yards on only 9 carries. The Giants’ offense put up 14 of the 26 points.

Defense

Big Blue was able to apply pressure on Carson Palmer all day, but Palmer kept on fighting to get the Bengals points and stay in the game. Fred Robbins was the beast of the day and finished the day with 3 Tackles, 2 Sacks, and a few batted balls at the line of scrimmage. Corey Webster, Barry Cofield, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Dave Tollefson were all able to get to Palmer as well. The Giants defense had 6 sacks for the second game in a row which is sweet. Antonio Pierce was all over the place as he ended up with 10 tackles. Even though the Giants were able to get to Carson all game, the Bengals were able to put up a bunch of points. Palmer took the hits and kept on going kind of like Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLII. The Big Blue Wrecking Crew were able to make some keys stops at the right time which made it easier for the Giants’ offense to keep pace with the Bengals. The Giants did not allow the Bengals to score in the 3rd Quarter, but you can see how hard they were trying to force the Bengals to punt. The Giants’ defense put up 0 of the 26 points.

Special Teams

John Carney was 4/4 in Field Goal Attempts. Reuben Droughns was effective on kickoff and punt coverage. Domenik Hixon was solid returning Kickoffs and Punts. The Giants’ special teams put up 12 of the 26 points.

So the Giants won their first three games. The last time the Giants went 3-0 was in 2000 when they lost Super Bowl XXXV to the Ravens. Do you remember last year when nobody knew if the Patriots got the good Randy Moss or the bad Randy Moss? After the Pats went 3-0, all of that undefeated chatter began. I haven’t seen a Sports Illustrated cover stating that the Giants are going undefeated. Our boys in blue get less respect than Rodney Dangerfield. This game was a back-and-forth offensive showdown that Big Blue was able to pull out in overtime. The Giants have a Bye Week in Week 4 so next on the schedule are the Seattle Seahawks.

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The Giants and the Bengals went back-and-forth all game until time ran out in regulation which forced the game into overtime where the Giants won on a game winning field goal giving Big Blue their third win of the 2008 Regular Season.

1st Quarter

Mathias Kiwanuka, Fred Robbins, and Barry Cofield sacked Carson Palmer on the Bengals’ first play of the game for a loss of 6 yards with 11:04 remaining.

On the same drive, Corey Webster knocked the ball out of Carson Palmer’s hand with 9:48 remaining, but Bobbie Williams fell on the ball to keep it in the Bengals’ possession.

Carson Palmer marched the Bengals 60 yards to the Giants’ 3 yardline during their second possession, but the Giants stopped the Bengals from reaching the end zone so Shayne Graham made a 22-yard Field Goal Attempt giving the Bengals a 3-0 lead with 0:38 remaining.

2nd Quarter

Since this is the first time that the Giants have been losing this year, Eli Manning immediately countered by leading the Giant offense 80 yards down the field and capped it off with a hand off to Brandon Jacobs who leaped over the pile for a 1-yard Touch Down run giving the Giants a 7-3 lead with 10:38 remaining.

Carson Palmer then countered by driving the Bengals 74 yards for another score, and Carson Palmer capped off the drive by handing it off to Chris Perry who broke right side for a 26-yard Touch Down run giving the Bengals a 10-7 lead with 7:20 remaining.

Eli Manning countered again by marching the Giants 51 yards down the field for another score, but the Bengals stopped the Giants from getting into the end zone so John Carney made a 24-yard Field Goal Attempt to tie the game at 10-10 with 3:55 remaining.

Barry Cofield sacked Carson Palmer for a 6-yard loss during the Bengals’ fourth possession with 2:26 remaining.

Also during the Bengals’ fourth possession, Carson Palmer kept this offensive showdown alive by marching the team 80 yards to the Giants’ 4 yardline before getting sacked by Mathias Kiwanuka for a loss of 8 yards on 3rd and 3 which set up a 30-yard Field Goal Attempt that Shayne Graham made with 0:32 remaining giving the Bengals a 13-10 lead.

3rd Quarter

Fred Robbins sacked Carson Palmer for a 10-yard loss during the Bengals’ sixth possession with 11:28 remaining.

During the Giants’ seventh possession, Eli Manning took the Giants to the 30 yardline which was where John Carney made a 46-yard Field Goal Attempt to tie the game at 13-13 with 6:23 remaining.

Dave Tollefson joined the party by sacking Carson Palmer for a loss of 8 on 3rd and 16 with 2:49 remaining which led to a punt.

4th Quarter

The Giants eighth possession began at the 25 yardline.

After the Giant defense made a few stops, Eli Manning took the Giants 67 yards to the 8 yardline where they had to settle for a 26-yard Field Goal Attempt that was made by John Carney which gave the Giants a 16-13 lead with 11:32 remaining.

Carson Palmer countered the Giants score by driving the Bengals 68 yards, and he capped off the drive with a 17-yard strike to T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the middle of the end zone for a Touch Down giving the Bengals a 20-16 lead with 4:39 remaining.

Eli Manning, in a hurry up offense, marched the Giants 68 yards to the 3 yardline where he fired a 3-yard TD pass to a covered and leaping Kevin Boss in the middle of the end zone giving the Giants a 23-20 lead with 1:50 remaining.

Carson Palmer was able to get the Bengals to the 3 yardline to set up a 21-yard Field Goal Attempt which was made by Shayne Graham on their final possession to tie the game at 23-23 with 0:00 remaining.

Overtime

The Giants won the toss and elected to receive, but the Bengals were successful in stopping the Giants from scoring during their first possession.

The Bengals went 3-and-out during their first possession.

The Giants began their second possession at the 29 yardline. Manning hit Burress on the left sideline for a 33-yard gain. After that, aired it out to Toomer along the left sideline who went out of bounds at the 7 yardline for a gain of 31 yards. On 2nd and Goal, John Carney made a 22-yard Field Goal Attempt to win the game by a score of 26-23 with 8:39 remaining.

Wrap Up

Eli Manning went 26/43 and threw for 289 yards, 1 TD, and 0 INTs.

Brandon Jacobs led in Rushing Attempts with 14, Derrick Ward led in Rushing Yards with 80.

Steve Smith led in Receptions with 7, and Amani Toomer led in Receiving Yards with 64.

Brandon Jacobs had 1 TD Run, Kevin Boss had 1 TD Reception.

John Carney went 4/4 in Field Goal Attempts.

Antonio Pierce led the team in Tackles with 10.

Fred Robbins had 2 Sacks. Corey Webster, Barry Cofield, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Dave Tollefson each had 1 Sack.

Corey Webster had 1 Forced Fumble.

The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.

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We all know that Mathias Kiwanuka injured his ankle on the final play of last week’s game. The last thing we wanted to see was another Defensive End out for the season, but that isn’t the case because it isn’t that severe. However, the New York Times reported that the injury is not healing as quickly as expected. Due to that fact, they raised the question “Will it be healthy enough on the inside for Kiwanuka to play effectively and at length at right defensive end Sunday when the Giants (1-0) play their first road game, against the St. Louis Rams (0-1)?”

Mathias said, “I will probably take all the time up until game time before I’m 100 percent. But I’ll be there.” Hopefully, he’ll be more than there. Hopefully, he’ll be knocking Marc Bulger on his rear all game long. Kiwanuka ended up missing practice on Wednesday, and he only participated in half of the plays yesterday. Even though he is only starting as a Defensive End for the second time in his NFL career, he is still a pretty darn good player so it would benefit the team if he was 100 percent out there. As a reminder, he played DE his whole life before the NFL so it is his natural position. Let’s hope he’s ready to go on Sunday.

Go Giants!

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The Giants put up 19 points early before the Patriots made a late run, but it was time ran out so Big Blue was victorious in the final game of the 2008 Preseason.

1st Quarter

The Giants scored first as David Carr completed about a 5 yard pass on the right side to Darcy Johnson who shook off defenders and ran into the end zone for a 27-yard TD reception to cap off an 80 yard drive with 7:20 remaining in the 1st Quarter.

Mathias Kiwanuka started as a Defensive End for the first time in a while tonight due to the loss of Osi Umenyiora’s season ending injury. Kiwanuka quickly made his presence known as he sacked Patriots QB Matt Cassel with 2:52 remaining in the 1st Quarter.

2nd Quarter

To accommodate for the loss of Umenyiora, the Giants moved Kiwanuka back to his natural position as a DE as we already mentioned. To fill Kiwanuka’s spot as a Linebacker, the Giants are going to use Dave Tollefson. Tollefson got his first sack of the game with 12:39 remaining in the 2nd Quarter as he and Renaldo Wynn wrapped up Matt Cassel.

The Giants tacked on another Touch Down with 2:18 remaining in the 2nd Quarter when David Carr hit Sinorice Moss over the middle for a 9 yard TD pass to cap off an 83 yard drive. Since Moss is on the bubble, it was good that he scored a TD for his own sake. Josh Huston missed the extra point attempt so the Giants only went up 13-0. That’s pathetic.

As the Patriots were trying out their 2:00 drill, Matt Gutierrez marched his team all the way down to the 2 yardline before he lofted an interception to R.W. McQuarters in the left side of the end zone, and McQuarters returned it to the 27 yardline as the clock expired.

3rd Quarter

Josh Huston made a 20 yard Field Goal Attempt with 8:10 remaining in the 3rd Quarter giving the Giants a 16-0 lead.

4th Quarter

Josh Huston capped off a 64 yard drive with a 30 yard Field Goal with 8:37 remaining in the 4th Quarter giving the Giants a 19-0 lead.

The Patriots did not score until Kevin O’Connell lobbed a 16 yard TD pass to Chad Jackson in the corner of the left side of the end zone with 19:32 remaining in the 4th Quarter.

The Pats quickly put up another score when Kevin O’Connell broke to the right and ran a5 yard TD in himself making the score Giants 19 - Patriots 14 with 4:57 remaining in the 4th Quarter.

Wrap Up

David Carr went 20/29 and threw for 192 yards and 2 TDs.

Danny Ware led in Rushing attempts and yards with 13 and 49 respectively.

Mario Manningham led in Receptions and Receiving yards with 5 and 41 respectively.

Darcy Johnson and Sinorice Moss each caught a TD pass.

Josh Huston went 2/2 in Field Goal Attempts, but missed an Extra Point Attempt.

Michael Johnson led the team in Tackles with 5.

Mathias Kiwanuka had 1 Sack, and Dave Tollefson and Renaldo Wynn shared a Sack.

R.W. McQuarters had 1 INT.

The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.

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As we mentioned on Friday, the next 40 days are going to be quiet in Giants World because that’s when they report to training camp.  I’m happy that there were not more articles about Burress or Shockey in the past couple of days.

We always like to take the time to encourage you guys to send us in pictures so we can display them.  We want pictures of crazy Giants fans at the stadium, tailgating, at a house party, etc.  Just make sure that you guys are wearing Giants gear.  Also send us pictures of your pets in Giants gear and if you got a Giants tattoo.

Giants.com:

MetLife: First Cornerstone Partner in New Stadium - “MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) has reached an agreement in principle to be the first major marketing partner of the new Meadowlands stadium in New Jersey, future home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. As a Cornerstone Partner, MetLife will have the exclusive naming rights to brand one of the four main entrances to the new stadium as well as one of the four main scoreboards inside the stadium. MetLife will also become the official life insurance company of the Giants and Jets.”

Pressure Factor - Pat Kirwan discussed how Mathias Kiwanuka has to step up and make it easier for the defense to keep pressure on the Quarterback since Strahan retired.  Kirwan wrote, “While the expectation has been that Kiwanuka would be ready to take over for Strahan as the strong side end, he is able to do much more than just rush the passer. His invaluable experience at linebacker combined with the aggressive schemes of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could allow Kiwanuka to have a bigger impact than most realize.”

Hard Decisions Ahead - Michael Eisen pointed out that…

The NFL has mandated that camp rosters must be limited to 80 players, which will force most coaches to limit how hard and how long they work in camp. Back in the 1960s and 70s, many teams routinely started camp with more than 100 players on their roster. In recent years, teams were able to use NFL Europe roster exemptions, which added approximately six players to each roster for the duration of camp. But NFL Europe was disbanded after the 2007 season and the NFL is holding firm to the 80-man limit.

Due to this, Tom Coughlin said, “It is a big difference. You will have to (change your planning).”

Fans Take - A Giants fan expresses his feelings about the improbable 2007 season.

Access Blue: Strahan Tribute Part 1 (Video) - Part 1 of Giants Access Blue Tribute to Michael Strahan.

Access Blue: Strahan Tribute Part 2 (Video) - Part 2 of Giants Access Blue Tribute to Strahan.

Access Blue: Strahan Tribute Part 3 (Video) - Part 3 of Giants Access Blue Tribute to Strahan.

Access Blue: Strahan Tribute Part 4 (Video) - Part 4 of Giants Access Blue Tribute to Strahan.

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Pat Kirwan of NFL.com wrote an article about how the Giants will effectively pressure the Quarterback without Strahan.  His conclusion is the depth the Giants have at the position, and he is confident that Umenyiora, Tuck, Kiwanuka, and Wynn will wreak havoc on opposing QBs.  I definitely recommend that you check it out.

Giants.com:

Chance to improve - Michael Eisen says TE’s Kevin Boss and Darcy Johnson are getting valuable snaps at Mini Camp.

Moving Forward - Using a bunch of quotes, Michael Eisen realizes that theme is that the Giants are looking ahead to 2008.

Transcript: Player Quotes - Here is the funniest one posed to J-Load:

Your face looks slimmer?

No, this is just sunburn, but I am getting there, I am getting there.  It is always working, you know how it is.

What does looking slimmer have to do with sunburn?

Transcript: WR Amani Toomer - Yesterday, Amani Toomer fields questions about mini camp.  This one is hysterical because Toomer doesn’t seem comfortable answering the first five questions so the media asked what he had for lunch.

Why are all the players upset about all the Shockey questions?

Why are the players getting upset?  Because it is really not the players, it is just between the people who it is between, it is not between us.  We would love to have him back if we could, if everything works out, but it is really out of our control, that is why.

Have you shown him the love?

Yeah, I guess it was good to see him.  I don’t know [what you are asking?]

Is he in a bad mood?

Is he in a bad mood?  I wouldn’t say a bad mood.  Honestly, I have no idea about the whole situation.

What has Plaxico shown you over the years while he is healthy?

I think last year says pretty much everything.  He had a great year last year and he did a lot for our team.  I don’t know what else you want me to say.

What is he like as a teammate?

He does a lot for us on the field.  I don’t know what else to say.  He does a lot for us.

How was lunch today?

Actually it was good, the salmon was pretty good and you can’t complain about that.

Transcript: C Shaun O’Hara - Yesterday, Shaun O’Hara fields questions about mini camp.  Here’s a good one because I’m still waiting for the Giants to have a dynasty era.  Is it now?

What comes along with winning that first title?  Is there more of a desire to get to a second one?

Absolutely.  You do it once and people can call it a fluke, but if you do it twice they start to really respect you and understand your talent.  You have to win three for them to start using the ‘D’ word, dynasty, but I think that we all understand the requirements and the responsibility that comes with being defending champs.

Trancript: RB Brandon Jacobs - Yesterday, Brandon Jacobs fields questions about mini camp.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin (Video) - Tom Coughlin answers questions from the media about today’s practice.

TE Kevin Boss (Video) - Kevin Boss answers questions from the media about Jeremy Shockey.

QB Jared Lorenzen (Video) - Jared Lorenzen answers questions about mini camp.  It’s always good to hear from the ‘Hefty Lefty’.  You only hear from him and see him prior to the season.

DE Osi Umenyiora (Video) - Osi Umenyiora answers questions from the media about moving forward without Michael Strahan.

TE Darcy Johnson (Video) - Darcy Johnson answers questions from the media about how much weight he gained and how he plans on contributing to the team.

Mini Camp Report (Video) - Yesterday, John Schmeelk and Michael Eisen provided the Mini Camp Report.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin (Video) - Yesterday, Coughlin answers questions from the media about practice.

QB Eli Manning (Video) - Yesterday, Eli Manning answers questions from the media about how they intend on improving in 2008.

LB Mathias Kiwanuka (Video) - Yesterday, Mathias Kiwanuka answers questions from the media about moving forward without Strahan.

DE Osi Umenyiora (Video) - Yesterday, Umenyiora answers questions from the media about his contract.

New York Daily News:

Osi Umenyiora not happy with contract, won’t throw mini-tantrum - Ohm Youngmisuk wrote this about Osi, “Umenyiora could have added to the Giant headache but the affable Pro Bowler said he is going to take the opposite route and practice while talking to Giants brass. “I will be in camp,” Umenyiora said. “I’m not going to hold out. My situation is a little different.”"  This is exactly what Plaxico should be doing.

The Star-Ledger:

Afternoon practice report

O’Hara comments on Plax situation - Shaun O’Hara had this to say about Burress’ situation,

There’s a right way to do things. I’ve always felt that, as a player, you go out there, you put your best foot forward and as long as you’re giving 100 percent effort every time, you’ll be taken care of.

I think it’s a disservice to all the other guys that are out there working hard, practicing and doing their jobs. To focus on the negative is … sometimes we expect that, but there are a lot of guys out there doing good things every day. We have a lot of young guys that are getting a lot of good reps in. I think that should be the focus.

I think we proved it last year that the team-first concept overcomes everything. Whether players like it or not, this team is going to move forward. There certainly will be another center playing in my position when I’m done and that goes for every position along the line, so you’re either with us or you’re against us. I think the players are doing a good job of focusing on their daily tasks and their jobs and as long a we all continue to do that, this team will succeed.

Morning practice (and 80/17) report

Giants trainers have a busy day - Mike Garafolo provided an injury status for various players.

Practice must go on - Mike Garafolo tells us the highlights of yesterday’s practice.

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Now retired, Mr. Michael Strahan will enjoy life next to his better half and leave us with the great memories we have of when he was a New York Giant.

15 seasons was definitely a long time spent in the NFL but Strahan made it look very attainable for others. The position of defensive end is a tough one to keep up with. Involving strength to push back the heavier, taller and younger offensive linemen has been the biggest demonstration of well skilled for Strahan. Yes you have to be a beast, but also realize that the person you’re going against has been practicing by pushing a Hummer around the parking lot. Strahan knows it’s more about how you throw your weight and the angle of approach that will give you the advantage which is why we thank him for schooling our young Giants. We did not just lose one of our biggest player but also one of our biggest teachers.

It’s going to be an unusual situation to get accustomed to when we see the lineup without Strahan but I can promise you he has left many good lessons to the next generation. Now, with Osi, Justin, and Mathias we will see what Strahan has equipped us with. These fine young men or as I would say “these bad mutha fu#!%*$” are goin to show NFL fans how to tear it up. It’s not a hypothesis; it is a proven fact that these young men have what it takes. Strahan has left, but he has also left us with a fine regiment on the defensive front.

The great Michael Strahan has played his last game but will not be forgotten. Just like we won’t forget the moments when we requested a sack from him and he gave us the stisfaction. Just like when we thought the rival running backs were going to punch a hole through our defense and he caught a foot. Just like when we saw him get double teamed and others stepped in to put the pressure, Strahan has left us many memories indeed. His spirit, his power of will, his respect for other players and for the game…that is what is like to be a New York Giant.

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Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com stated that CBS told them that they want Strahan to work for them.  So he may get offers from FOX and CBS.  One thing Michael is…is funny.  So expect him to be successful on TV.  Hopefully he doesn’t call out his former players or coaches a la Tiki.  Or maybe Strahan should do it because the Giants won the Super Bowl the year that Tiki did that.

Giants.com:

NFLTA: Strahan Top 10 Moments (Video)

Jerome Bettis on Michael Strahan (Video)

Rich Eisen on Michael Strahan (Video)

Coach Tom Coughlin (Video)

NFL Network: Shaun O’ Hara (Video)

Newsday:

Giants’ Strahan sacks his 15-year career

Giants lose a leader in Strahan

DEBATE: Will Michael Strahan play in another game?

Giants remain well-positioned at defensive end - Shaun Powell wrote that, “Strahan may be leaving, but as the Giants open a new era, the real story is who’s coming: Tuck from the left side, Osi from the right, Kiwanuka from either defensive end spot or maybe from linebacker.”

Strahan would be giant in TV booth

Bob Glauber’s top 10 Giants of all time - Bob Glauber list his version of the top 10 Giants of all time:

1. Lawrence Taylor
2. Michael Strahan
3. Sam Huff
4. Mel Hein
5. Phil Simms
6. Roosevelt “Rosey” Brown
7. Harry Carson
8. Tiki Barber
9. Frank Gifford
10. Andy Robustelli

New York Daily News:

Michael Strahan right to leave after winning Super Bowl

Retiring Giant legend Michael Strahan tells Daily News: ‘It’s time’

Mathias Kiwanuka could fill Giant hole left by Michael Strahan

For Mike Strahan, future is with mike

Why Strahan decided to call it a career - Ralph Vacchiano believes that Strahan retired because,

Sometime during the last few weeks, Michael Strahan sat down and made a list of reasons why he should play again in 2008 and the goals he thought he still wanted to accomplish. When he looked at the list, though, he noticed something disturbing:

He had a lot of individual goals listed - like reaching 150 career sacks - but he didn’t have many team-oriented goals left at all.

New York Post:

TUCK IN NO RUSH TO REPLACE LEGEND

MIKE LEAVES LIKE HE PLAYED - ON HIS OWN TERMS

The Star-Ledger:

Kiwi a LB or DE? Looks like both

Strahan: It’s time, I’m done

Giants’ Strahan always interesting

Giants have what it takes to Tuck in loose end

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