Die Hard Sports Fan

A lot of people were concerned that the Giants did not give Chris Snee a contract extension yet.  Especially since he’s the son-in-law of Coach Coughlin.  Well, today NFL.com reported that the Giants reached agreement on a six-year extension with the guard that ties him to the team through 2014.  The financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal will make him one of the five highest paid guards in the game.

Congrats to Chris.  Since Coughlin got a four-year extension and Snee got a six-year extension, they will remain in blue for at least four more years together and off-the-field…well forever.  I love this move by Jerry Reese because Chris is a very solid guard who comes to play week-in and week-out.  He acts like a professional.  In this offseason of drama, we finally get to hear some good news out of the Meadowlands, and it happens to come to a player that says absolutely nothing about his contract.

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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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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.

• No. 9: Giants 17-point comeback over the Eagles in 2006.
• No. 3: 49ers 24-point comeback over the Giants on Wild Card Weekend in 2002.  This game just broke my heart.  I was up at Mohegan Sun watching the game in one of the bars, and I had to drive back to Long Island so depressed.

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.

Giants.com:

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.

New York Daily News:

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.

The Star-Ledger:

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.

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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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Yesterday, Jeremy Shockey showed up to the mandatory mini camp but he hung out inside according to Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger.  When asked if there was a good reason that Shockey was not on the field, Tom Coughlin replied “Well, not really.”  If Jeremy made a cameo appearance on ‘Hans and Franz’ then they would definitely call him a ‘girly-man’, and then they would tell him that they want to “pump.. [ clap ] ..you up!” because he needs it.

We all know how bitter Shockey has been for a long time now.  The Giants decided not to trade him for a few draft picks in the offseason.  The question is whether or not Jeremy will perform at a very high level this year.  Is he too pissed off at management?  Is he too pissed off about his role as a Tight End?  Is he upset that he missed the Playoffs and the Super Bowl?  Who knows what he’s pissed off at, but it doesn’t really matter why.  What matters is if he can burry his emotions and concentrate on playing football this season.  What matters is if he can show up to mini camp with a positive attitude.  What matters is if he can be a great teammate this year.  Instead, Shockey decided not to participate on day one of mini camp.  You can already see where this is heading.  We’re going to have to deal with a whole bunch of drama.  Will it turn out as bad as what T.O. did in Philly or what Ocho Cinco has been doing in Cincinnati?  Who knows?  The difference is that the Giants are the champs, and every other team is beneath them so they shouldn’t have to deal with the classless players in the league.

Shockey’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus stated that, ”He’s not practicing right now because he’s still rehabilitating his ankle. He’s not in a position to practice right now.”  However, Garafolo wrote something that I really found interesting because it confirms the seriousness of the issue.  Here it is:

According to someone familiar with the latest developments in the Shockey situation, the four-time Pro Bowl tight end continues to insist he will sit out training camp and perhaps the upcoming season if he doesn’t get one of two things: fewer blocking assignments or a trade.

The person, who requested anonymity because of Reese’s “internal business” policy, said the Giants want Shockey in his old role and don’t want to trade him but might be forced to do so. The person said the team might also have to bench him or send him home (a la the Eagles and Terrell Owens in 2005) if he attends camp and continues to be a distraction.

From that, we realize that Shockey is demanding one of two things: less blocking or a trade.  Which one of the two options benefits the team?  Right, the trade.  This is just based on on-the-field work.  If he blocks less then the running game and the passing game will suffer, and his receiving skills have diminished a lot as well.  I know he doesn’t get as many touches as he used too, but he doesn’t catch what comes his way now either.  Add to that the off-the-field issues and the whining, and it’s just not worth it for the team to keep him.  Garafolo also stated that the Giants may have to bench him a la Keyshawn or T.O. if he continues to not participate.  The best thing that can happen is if Jerry Reese can trade him for a player or multiple players who want to be a Giant and that want to defend the title.

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Everything should be smooth and calm in Giants land after they are coming off of a Super Bowl Victory.  However, the Jints still have some clowns to deal with.  The media has been speculating all week as to whether or not Shockey would show up to the mandatory mini camp.  He has, but he’s not participating.  He’s the only injured player not participating.  Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger wrote this, “When asked if there was a reason Shockey wasn’t on the field, Coughlin said, “Well, not really.” Asked if he was supposed to be on the field, Coughlin said it would remain “between Shockey and I.”"  It seems like I get more and more pissed off everytime Shockey does something stupid, which is pretty often.  He really needs to figure it all out.  Even after not playing for a while, he still hasn’t matured.  The other clown is Burress who all of a sudden is holding out from mandatory mini camp.  Simply put, he wants a contract extension.  Does he deserve a raise?  It can be justified.  He had a great year last season on one leg.  He was huge in the NFC Championship game and he caught the game winning touch down in the Super Bowl.  At the same time, he was underachieving prior to last season.  He had one great year and a couple of subpar years.  He’s asking for the extension after the great year.  It would be funny if teams asked players for a refund after the subpay years.  Anyway, his request can be justified.  However, I don’t understand the holdout.  You signed the contract so show up and play.  Let your agent do his job.  Honor your conract whether they grant you your request or not.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reported that some of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII rings were stolen some time last weekend.  Thieves broke into an E.A. Dion Jewelry store in Attleboro, MA., and took about $2 million worth of merchandise.  The police are currently investingating the situation.

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com takes a look at soon-to-be third year wideouts to unearth potential sleepers in the world of fantasy football.  Fabiano made a list of 10 receivers, and Steve Smith made the list.  This was Fabiano’s analysis:

While he missed much of the regular season with an injured shoulder, the “other” Steve Smith did make his presence felt throughout the Giants’ postseason run. With some NFL experience under his belt and a more confident Eli Manning under center, Smith could develop into one of the better No. 3 wideouts in the league. He will have to contend with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, but Smith still has the potential to catch 50-plus passes in 2008.

Giants.com:

Strahan goes out on top

Reaction to Strahan retirement - A compilation of excerpts from various people in the NFL.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Michael Eisen had a Q&A Session with Tom Coughlin about the first day of the mandatory mini camp.

Papa’s Perspective (Video) - Giants Play by Play Announcer Bob Papa will give his latest thoughts on Strahan’s Giants career.

Coach Tom Coughlin Presser - (Video) - Coughlin introduced Strahan in the Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 1 (Video) - Part 1 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 2 (Video) - Part 2 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Michael Strahan Presser Part 3 (Video) - Part 3 of Strahan’s retirement Press Conference.

Giants GM Jerry Reese (Video) - Jerry Reese answers questions from the media about Strahan.

Giants President John Mara (Video) - John Mara answers questions from the media about Strahan.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 1 (Video) - Strahan talks about his early childhood memories up through his rookie season in 1993 playing with L.T.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 2 (Video) - Strahan discusses offensive formations.

In My Own Words: Strahan Part 3 (Video) - Strahan teaches viewers a few of his moves as a Defensive End.

Newsday:

Strahan makes retirement official

Some famous un-retirements - Babara Barker wonders if Strahan is serious about his retirement and made a list of 10 athletes that came out of retirement.

Giants lose a leader in Strahan

Strahan blessed to go out as Super Bowl champ

New York Daily News:

Plaxico: No new contract, no minicamp - Ralph Vacchiano reported that Plaxico Burress is holding out from mandatory mini camp until he gets a new contract.

Michael Strahan retires after Hall of Fame career with the Giants

Without Michael Strahan, road to repeat will be tougher for Giants

Jerry Reese at ready with Giant plan

Michael Strahan gets push for Hall of Fame from co-owner John Mara

New York Post:

TRUE BLUE MIKE ‘A GIANT FOR LIFE’

A STRA DOG, BUT WITH PERSONALITY

WITHOUT NO. 92, SOME ENOURMOUS SHOES TO FILL

RING-ING IN A NEW CAREER - Phil Simms had this to say about Strahan as he heads into his broadcasting career, “Michael Strahan’s naturally a very outgoing guy. He’s a lot of fun. He’s a professional athlete who’s had tremendous success. He’s somebody who can succeed in television, no question. He’ll bring his perspective and I think we all know he’s not gonna be afraid to speak about it.”

ELI: GOAL TO GET BETTER, NOT REPEAT - Eli Manning stated, “We’ve said we’re not going to talk about repeating or doing that, just becoming a better team. We have a lot of work to do. You look at a lot of things from last year that we did not do well. From an offensive standpoint, there’s a lot of things.”

STRAHAN LEAVES AS A CHAMPION

New York Times:

Strahan Flashes a Smile as a Giant for the Last Time

Manning Says the Focus Is on Improving

Super Bowl Ring in Hand, Strahan Says He’s Retiring

The Star-Ledger:

And then there’s Shockey… - The Star-Ledger snapped a picture of Shockey.

Rosenhaus on Shockey and Burress - Mike Garafolo provided the brief conference Drew Rosenhaus just had about Shockey and Burress.  As usual, Rosenhaus had nothing to say about either one of them.  Think back to T.O.

More from Plax Pt. 2

More from Plax Pt. 1

Burress sitting out in contract dispute

Shockey’s in Jersey, but not practicing

Strahan’s last play: A glittering goodbye

Strahan played for passion, fans

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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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NFL.com put together a list of the ‘Top 10 pass rushers in NFL history’.  Before I opened it, I thought about how many Giants were on the list.  Obviously, I thought of LT and Michael Strahan.  I wasn’t sure of how many there could be before my time, which isn’t long ago.  When I opened up the list, there weren’t any more Jints than the two I assumed.  Taylor was 3rd which doesn’t make sense to me, and Strahan was 7th.  They have Deacon Jones 1st, but I’ve never seen him play.  The late Reggie White is 2nd, and I always though LT was better than White.  Plus, LT has 2 rings and White has 1.  At the same time, I’m comparing a LB to a DE.  The article contains three videos for each member of the Top 10 list if you want to check them out.

Giants.com:

Mailbag for June 4 - Michael Eisen fields questions posed by Giants‘ fans.  Here’s a good question because the last thing I want to watch this year is the Super Bowl hangover:

Michael,

Tom Coughlin was on the staff  the last time the Giants won the Super Bowl. They didn’t make the playoffs after the 1991 season. What will he do, and how will keep the team focused, and not have the team letdown during this upcoming season?

 

Dear Russell:

The Coach is well aware of the pitfalls that claim the repeat aspirations of most recent Super Bowl champions. He has reminded the players that the hard work they put in last offseason led to their championship and the importance of not letting up this year. In fact, as he handed each player his Super Bowl ring last week, Coughlin said, “Let’s get back to work so we can do this again.” The coach is not letting up one inch or ounce. He is demanding the same dedication to effort and detail that proved so successful last season. The ring ceremony was the last event of the 2007 season. Everyone’s energy is now committed to making 2008 a successful year.

Fan’s Take - A Giants fan wrote their perspective on the improbable 2007 season.

OTA Report: O-Line (Video) - Giants.com takes a closer look at the Giants O-Line during the OTA workouts.

OTA Report: D-Line (Video) - Giants.com takes a closer look at the Giants D-Line during the OTA workouts.

DE Renaldo Wynn (Video) - Giants.com interviews their newest player Renaldo Wynn.

DT Jay Alford (Video) - Giants.com interviews Jay Alford about the OTAs and about his rookie season.  Part of his rookie season included sacking Tom Brady in the Super Bowl so they touch on that as well.

New York Daily News:

After Super Bowl grab, David Tyree is hoping to hang on with Giants - Ralph Vacciano believes that the “Giants are overloaded at receiver, which could put Tyree’s roster spot in jeopardy if he suffers any setbacks.”

Giants to see Jeremy Shockey soon - Ralph Vacchiano stated that Jeremy Shockey is actually supposed to make it up to New York next week.

The enigmatic tight end is expected to participate in the Giants’ mandatory mini-camp next week, according to a team source. He is due in the New York area later this week for a promotional appearance on Saturday afternoon.

According to an advertisement on the Internet, Shockey is scheduled to appear at the Powerade Pro Challenge at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, although his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, could not be reached to confirm his client’s plans. If Shockey shows up, it will be his first public appearance since he was stuck watching Super Bowl XLII from a luxury box because of his broken leg.

New York Post:

SHOCKEY MAY SHOW ON RADAR

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NFL.com had a poll where over 200,000 fans ranked all 32 teams for the 2008 season.  Here are the results:

1. Patriots - Core of team returns to avenge Super Bowl loss after perfect regular season.
2. Colts - Core of Super Bowl XLI team is still intact. Dwight Freeney should be ready for season.
3. Cowboys - Talented squad only got better during offseason with Pacman Jones, Zach Thomas.
4. Giants - Competition in NFC East should be tough as Super Bowl champs look to go back-to-back.

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.

• Michael also reported that the Giants placed linebacker Keith O’Neil on their reserve/retired list.

New York Daily News:

Eli & Amani rekindle their chemistry - Ralph Vacchiano also covered the Giants OTAs.  Vacchiano also noted that:

• Jeremy Shockey, Plaxico Burress, Osi Umenyiora, Antonio Pierce and Michael Strahan did not attend.  AP is still on his honeymoon, and who knows where the rest of them were…
• David Tyree did not participate, though he was inside Giants Stadium doing rehab work for his knee.  “Tyree said his knee feels good and his rehab is right on schedule.  He expects to be ready for the start of training camp.”
• Derrick Ward “said he’s 90-95% healed from his broken fibula and isn’t limited at all in what he can do on the field.”
• Mathias Kiwanuka “said he’s getting closer to 100% too and didn’t seem limited on the field.”

New York Post:

WYNN LANDS WITH GIANTS

The Star-Ledger:

A few practice tidbits

Taking attendance at OTAs

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.”

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Plaxico Burress is a popular guy these days.  For the second day in a row, he made a list on NFL.com.  This time, Pat Kirwan, “put together a list of the probable candidates poised to take the jump from solid starter to star in 2008.”  Pat’s list includes 10 players that he thinks will make the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2008, and Burress is number six on the list.  Here’s the explanation by Kirwan,

6. Plaxico Burress, WR, Giants: Burress established himself as a star during the Giants’ Super Bowl run. His performance in the NFC Championship Game in Green Bay set him apart from the pack. He has found the end zone 29 times in the regular season during his three years with the Giants. More than one fan claimed he’s the greatest offseason acquisition in the history of the Giants.

Giants.com:

Ice Cream Social - John Schmeelk informed us that Tom Coughlin hosted his annual Jay Fund Ice Cream Social at Giants Stadium on Friday.

New York Post:

WARD UPBEAT DESPITE MISSING SUPER BOWL - Derrick Ward had this to say about missing the Playoff run,

One of the hardest experiences I’ve ever been through. Being able to finally do something in the league and help contribute to the season we had and that not be able to play in the Super Bowl, I always dreamed about that when I was a little kid. I was just excited my teammates got me a Super Bowl ring.

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