Video: Osi Umenyiora on Giants’ Loss to Browns
Osi Umenyiora talks to ESPN about his rehab and the Giants’ loss to the Browns.
Archive for the ‘Osi Umenyiora’
Giants Training Camp Report: 8/3
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.
The Star-Ledger
- Since Plaxico Burress has been unable to practice, he is contributing as an adviser to the Giants’ young receivers. Plax is taking on the mentor role even if the young guys don’t ask for it.
- Mike Garafolo assembled an in-depth 8/3 morning practice report worth checking out. Below is a sample of the entire report. There’s much more where that came from so go check out the source.
- DEs Justin Tuck (foot) and Osi Umenyiora (hip), WRs Plaxico Burress (ankle), Amani Toomer (leg), Mario Manningham (groin) and David Tyree (knee/PUP), LBs Zak DeOssie (back) and Gerris Wilkinson (knee/PUP), CB Sam Madison (sports hernia), RT Shane Olivea and S Craig Dahl (knee) did not practice.
- There we go again: first play of team drills was a bomb. Again from QB Eli Manning to WR Domenik Hixon. Great tackle on the play by CB Aaron Ross. Too bad it was way before the ball got there. That’s a 40-yard pass interference penalty on Ross.
- QB Anthony Wright and WR Michael Jennings hooked up for deep in.
- WR Craphonso Thorpe got the crowd excited with a spinning, toe-tapping catch on a fade to the left side from Wright. Dockery was in coverage on the play.
- Hall ran a nice route to catch a hook from QB Andre’ Woodson in front of Webster. Hall later went deep on Pope, but the ball from Wright was overthrown and out of bounds.
- Mike Garafolo assembled an in-depth 8/3 evening practice report also worth checking out. Below is a sample of the entire report. There’s much more where that came from so go check out the source.
- WRs Plaxico Burress (ankle), Steve Smith (groin), David Tyree (knee/PUP) and Mario Manninghan (groin), LBs Gerris Wilkinson (knee/PUP) and Danny Clark (sports hernia), CB Sam Madison (sports hernia) and OT Shane Olivea (back) did not practice..
- CB Corey Webster would have none of WR Domenik Hixon catching a fade on the left side. He stayed all over Hixon and knocked the ball away. Webster also stayed stride for stride on a go from QB David Carr to WR Sinorice Moss. Webster had such good position it almost looked like he was the intended receiver. Webster knocked it away for a PD.
- Hixon ran a perfect comeback to get separation from CB R.W. McQuarters and make a diving catch. McQuarters bounced back with a PD a few plays later when WR Craphonso Thorpe ran the same pattern.
- LB Chase Blackburn keeps making plays. I mean, this guy couldn’t get a job after the draft a few years ago and now he’s a steady backup in my mind. Tonight, he stayed with Boss on a post into the end zone and wrestled with him to grab a ball from Wright for an INT.
- WR Brandon London made his first nice grab in a few days on a skinny post over CB Kevin Dockery. Not a bad ball at all from Woodson. London then did a great job of accelerating to at least get his hands on a deep incompletion from Manning. The ball was overcooked and I didn’t think London had a prayer of getting there, but he dove and almost made the catch after getting past CB Terrell Thomas.
- Plaxico Burress did some light running for the first time since training camp.
Big Blue Blog
- Paul Schwartz assembled his own morning practice notes. Below is a sample of his notes, but there are not too many more.
- On Manning’s second pass, Ross made another aggressive play, storming in to bat away a pass in the flat. Unfortunately for Ross, the ball was picked out of the air by RB Derrick Ward for a completion.
- David Carr could not have thrown a better pass on a deep toss to Sinorice Moss, who had a step on two rookies, S Kenny Phillips and CB Terrell Thomas. The ball floated down perfectly to Moss … who watched as it slid right through his arms and to the grass. Moss looked up to the sky in bewilderment.
- TE Kevin Boss, who has caught virtually everything thus far in camp, could not make the grab on a lunging attempt from Manning over the middle.
Inside the Giants
- Tom Rock believes that Sinorice Moss is basically playing for his Giants career in this camp so he’s been under the microscope this first week and a half. That means every drop is written about, and to be fair, there have been a lot of them. Moss had a pretty good practice tonight.
The Blue Screen
- Mike Garafolo put together another morning report and another evening report.
NO END TO DEFENSIVE ENDS
So last year Umenyiora was the only player selected to the Pro-Bowl from the Giants, but many are saying it was due to Strahan. Will this season be a repeat for Osi?
Here’s the 411, Osi has become known for his sacking ability (especially that game against McNabb) but was this really because Strahan was getting a lot of the attention? Probably. This still doesn’t take away from the fact that he can get to the quarterback and throughout his intentions he’s bound to get to the QB. Strahan was a major concern for offensive linemen. They would practice before game time a strategy based on his reading ability. Running plays were mostly concentrated on the opposite side to avoid loses and quarterbacks would move in the pocket towards the opposite side to also avoid complications from Strahan. Truth is, during the season they had both become a concern to opponents and plays were now based on their rushing attacks. Justin Tuck will now be the next beast on the line and he’ll be another worry for the guards. Tuck, like my man Keith mentioned to me over the phone, is a well rounded player. He has great containment coverage so it’s not all about sacks for these defensive ends. Umenyiora will benefit greatly from this figure and will most likely maintain his aggresive streak of sacks due to another main concern (which is Justin Tuck). Who will appear in the 3rd spot for these defensive ends? Will it be the rookies Alex Morrow and Robert Henderson? Dave Tollefson? who we have seen very little of due to Tuck being able to take charge of the 3rd string spot for his great contributions; or can it be Renaldo Wynn? who we’re yet to see him in action.
The defensive end spot will be supervised closely to make sure we don’t lose our reputation of attack. I’m sure defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will find the best mode of attack for each player and use them to our benefit during the season.
The battle is on and my New York Giants are ready to prove that we have what it takes at the defensive end spot. We might not be full of pro-bowlers but I can assure you it will be them who fear the most their opposing shadow when it comes to playing my Giants.
Tell me how my ring tastes
Osi Umenyiora was a 2nd round pick (56th overall) draft choice by the New York Giants in 2003. Now, still with the Giants and putting fear on quarterbacks, he will become what we all expected him to become…The Giant Truck
Starting in all 16 games, Umenyiora has no more to prove that he’s the driving force to our defense. For all us fans, there’s nothing more glorifying than a nasty quarterback sack just like the one Jay Alford put on Tom Brady (you remember). Osi has been such a destructive force that some quarterbacks go down early not to take the pound. Our sack master has made our Giants football games that much more exciting. I was always looking for either Strahan or Umenyiora to get through and hope now that Strahan is gone, Justin Tuck will step up and shake the offensive lines. Now, it’s Umenyiora time and I can’t wait for the season to begin. I’m not going to say he’s the next Strahan because Osi puts on his own show but he’ll bring back that exciting pressure we see in all games.
He has great statistics and he should have no problem making it to the Pro Bowl this coming season again. We all should expect at least one sack per game for Osi according to his stats and we’ll be ready to cheer it up when it happens. He has hurried quarterbacks many times and forced fumbles on tackles which make him an exciting player to watch.
Giants fans, get ready for another electrifying season and watch for Umenyiora. He’ll be stacking up those stat sheets again and putting quarterbacks on their quarter backs…lol
Video: Osi Umenyiora’s Freestyle on ESPN
Osi Umenyiora channels his inner Shaq to freestyle about Tom Brady on the ‘Mike and Mike’ ESPN Radio show.
Osi Umenyiora Disputes Mario Williams as No. 6 Player
The other day, I discussed how only one Giant made CBSSportsline’s ‘Top 50′ list. That one Giant was Osi Umenyiora. I went on and on how shocked I was that only one Giant made the list and how I thought other Giants were better than him, on both sides of the ball. If you want to read the original article, click here.
It appears as though I was not the only one that had something to say about this. According to Michael David Smith of the FanHouse, Osi was on ESPN Radio this morning. When asked what surprised him the most about the ‘Top 50′ list, Osi said “Mario Williams at No. 6. This guy right here at No. 6 is just absolutely ridiculous.” Smith then pointed out that Mario Williams had one more sack than Umenyiora, but Williams is No. 6 and Umenyiora is No. 42. So Mario is 36 spots ahead of Osi which is pretty crazy. I’m glad that I’m not the only one complaining about this. Even the only Giant who appeared on the list had something to say about it. Let me know what you think Giants fans.
2008 Top 50: No. 42 Osi Umenyiora
Pete Prisco at CBSSportsline.com made a ’Top 50′ players list for the 2008 season. Tom Brady took over Peyton Manning in the No. 1 spot. Yes, that’s the same Brady that the Giants knocked around in Super Bowl XLII. So how many of the Super Bowl Champs made this list? The answer is the same as ‘how many made the Pro Bowl last season?’. Actually, it’s the same player Osi Umenyiora. Osi appeared all the way down at No. 42. I don’t even think that Umenyiora is the best player on the Giants so I do think that he should be the only one on the list. I understand that Osi gets a bunch of sacks which makes the fantasy football people happy, but he doesn’t have as much of an all-around game as Justin Tuck or Antonio Pierce. On offense, I think Plaxico Burress is better than Osi is on defense. However, Plaxico isn’t on the list at all. I believe that Burress is better than Chad Johnson and Wes Welker who are No. 28 and No. 48 respectively. Even after the Road Warriors showed the world that they’re for real, they continue to get no respect.
Thursday’s Giants News: Mini Camp
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:
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.
Mr. Michael Strahan
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.
Monday’s Giants News: More Strahan Articles
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.
Giants.com:
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)
New York Post:
SHOCKEY’S MINI-DRAMA - Paul Schwartz wonders if Jeremy Shockey will attend mini-camp.
The Star-Ledger:
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’
