Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Chase Blackburn expecting to return, provide lift for Giants' special teams

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Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn believes he's in line to return Sunday against the Bears after missing the previous two games with a knee injury.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/29/10

Rolle gives his two 'senses' on solution

Opportunity might knock again for Cruz

Giants to Unveil Ring of Honor

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 9/29/10

Giants MLB Jonathan Goff remembers former Vanderbilt teammate

Giants LB Jonathan Goff was college teammates with Bears QB Jay Cutler.
By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 9/29/10

Giants hope to Dodge Hester's return

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 9/29/10

Giants Daily Transcripts with Head Coach Tom Coughlin

By Giants.com 9/29/10

Giants center Shaun O'Hara's ankle not progressing the way team had hoped

Giants center Shaun O'Hara suited up for the first two games before missing Sunday's loss to the Titans. He could be out a few more weeks at least.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/29/10

Manningham suffered a concussion

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 9/29/10

As Giants 'unravel', Strahan calls for leaders

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 9/29/10

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tuesday Morning Hangover Week 3: Worse in Person

7:20 on Sunday morning my alarm goes off.  I take a quick shower, and grab something to drink.  I throw on my Tuck jersey, a pair of shorts, a hat and some shoes.  At about 7:45, my buddy Woody’s car pulls in the driveway, honks twice and I’m out the door.  We’re off to the Meadowlands.

My group consists of Woody, myself, Big B, his girlfriend Bern, Ashley (otherwise known as Smashley, Bashley, Crashley, etc), and her friend Mary Anne.  We also have a few buddies going down in another car.  Altogether there is 10 of us, but have no fear, we have our supplies ready: 20 burgers, 30 hot dogs, a cornhole set, a bunch of ribs, a spread of sausage and peppers, and most importantly about 120 beers.  It’s got all the makings of a great day.

We pull into the Meadowlands at about 8:45.  We do a quick set up with a tent, table, and start up our 2 grills.  The beers are flowing like wine.  The time is approximately 9:45 and I’ve got 5 beers in my belly.  Feeling great.
  
We set up the cornhole and have a few quick games.  You can always tell which people in the parking lot have been to a tailgate before.  The tailgate rookies walk right through the game without skipping a beat.  The tailgate vets either wait between tosses, or they will go all the way around the court of play.  I respect those people.

Also, the boys who we met up with who drove the other car are certainly no rookies.  They brought an empty plastic coffee jug for all the guys to pee in.  They put it right between the cars, and when I overflowed it, everyone cheered.  Great moment.
 
10:15.  The sausage and peppers are ready, and so are the ribs.  Big B realizes that we have enough food for about 22 people, so we start offering food to other people.  I throw some hot dogs on as beer number 8 goes down.  I’m starting the feel the wrath of the beer.

10:20.  I tell my buddy Tully, who was in the other car, to open up the box of burgers to see how many there are.  He opens it up only to find a Smirnoff Ice.  One of the finer plays by me.

10:45.  Everything kind of settles down.  We have a good toss with the football, eat some chips and food, and just have a few beers.  Nothing exciting for a little bit.  Although, hearing AC/DC’s “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)” got us real fired up.

11:15.  So this guy walks over to us wearing a Jacobs jersey and makes fun of us being hammered.  Tully calls him a homo for wearing a Jacobs jersey, then the guy tries to pick a fight with 7 guys.  Great line by him was, “You’re gonna need about 8 more guys!”  Keep in mind, this guy was a big fat guy that would get his ass kicked by a 13 year old who isn’t out of breath walking around.

11:50.  After about 3 hot dogs, 2 old guys walk over and give us the highlight of the tailgate.  The two guys, who are about in their 50’s, challenge us to a game of cornhole.  I’m on the same side as the older of the two, while Woody is matched with another old timer.  The guy on my side asks for a practice round.  His first shot is a dead swish, so we’re getting nervous.  But have no fear.  Woody and I both get hot, and end up taking down the old timers in a battle for the ages.  We each down a beer to celebrate.
 
Shortly after the cornhole game, we decide to start packing everything up.  It’s getting closer to gametime and judging by how long it usually takes to pass through security, we’re gonna try to get in a little early.

12:30.  We walk toward the entrances of the stadium.  There’s about 4 trillion people all trying to get into the same entrance.  Obviously, I wasn’t walking toward the entrance without a few soldiers, so I bring 2 beers along for the ride.  I drink the first of them, and it feels like the line hasn’t even moved yet.  As I crack open the second one, I start to get that weird drunken paranoia feeling, so I drop the beer.  Immediately I’m pissed off that I did.  I start complaining to strangers about how I don’t have my beer and how this is the worst thing ever.  (Quick side note, as long as you are in the home team’s jersey, you’re a friend of everyone on line.  I was being a cocky, arrogant jerk, but these people were eating it up.  You’ve always got a friend while trying to walk into your home stadium).  Finally, after about a 20 minute wait we get into the stadium.  The damn security line took so long, that I miss the first series.  But luckily I get to see the magic that is Hakeem Nicks tip up a pass right into the defender’s hand.  (At this point all of us begin to break off to wherever we’re all sitting.  Woody and I are together, Smashly and Mary Anne are together in our section, and the rest are scattered somewhere.)

Obviously, now that I’m pissed about that play, I have to go and get a beer.  Finally I get to my seat and immediately I start making drunk and obscene comments to the Titans fan in front of me.  I feel awful at first because there is an 8 year old with his dad sitting next to the Titans fan, and I am cursing out the Tennessee supporter.  I apologize to the dad, but he quickly says how his son has heard it all before, and that I’m doing the right thing by cursing out the Titans fan.  Gotta love Jersey.

I’m not even going to go into the game because it will just infuriate me.  Let me just say that the only time that I was more upset than what was going on on the field, was when I went to buy a beer at halftime, halftime HAD NOT YET STARTED, and the damn lady behind the counter refuses to sell to me because halftime had “started”.  And you may be thinking that I was hammered and wasn’t holding myself together, but I was totally cool up there.  I quickly ran to another vendor who would sell beer, but it was piss warm.  The perfect beer to match the Giants performance.

After the game, we all had that depressing walk back to the car.  We get back and the non-drivers each have one or two more before calling it quits.  Big B decides to start chucking hot dogs by using a pair of tongs.  He wasn’t getting good distance, I won’t lie.  A very sad hour long car ride follows before I am dropped off at my house, so that I can go inside and sing happy birthday to my dad (I’m not making this up.  I actually felt like I should check into rehab at this point, but the feeling quickly vanished). 

So what did I learn?  First off, if you want to tailgate, you have to be there a MINIMUM 4 hours early.  There is just way too much stuff to do, and you can’t get it all done in less time.  Second, always make sure you have plenty of beer, or you have something to trade with.  For instance, my buddy was telling me how he ran out of beer during the opening game, but he traded his jumper cables with a guy for 6 beers.  That’s using your head.  Next, don’t forget that security has to perform a routine cavity check on everyone, so give yourself some added time.  Finally, unless you have season tickets, try to go during a week when you think your team is guaranteed to win. There is no worse feeling than being hungover at 5PM, being in the car, and being furious that your team didn’t win.

The other thing that I learned: it’s a lot better to be drunk for a loss in your house, than it is to be drunk for a loss in person at the stadium.  Although, a drunken win at the stadium is a whole ‘nother story.  

By S. James Hyland - InReeseWeTrust.com 9/28/10

Just Sayin Week 3: New York Giants vs. Tennessee Titans

By Rachel Swett - InReeseWeTrust.com 9/28/10



I don’t think anyone will argue that it’s an emotional endeavor to be a true Giant fan.  This season especially, while only 3 games old, has been a roller coaster.  The highs include steady drives into the red zone, major completions to Smith and Manningham on a regular basis, and some breakthroughs by Bradshaw that leave us with a spilled beer and some chips in our laps after leaping out of our seats in excitement.  But then, out of nowhere, they revert to the Giants of yore (yore being anytime between 1995 and 2007) and commit bone-headed leadership decisions in the red zone, absolutely inexcusable penalties (THREE personal fouls on the OFFENSIVE LINE!?  WHAT!?) and turnovers turnovers turnovers.

The only explanation is that these men are playing like emotional little girls.  But the question remains, why?  It’s baffling.  Just baffling.  And the commentators at FOX agree.  During Sunday’s broadcast they brought to our attention that in the 4th quarter this week, the Giants had accomplished 324 passing yards, 409 yards of total offense, and had only scored 10 points.  Seriously, steam came out of my ears because this simply DOES NOT COMPUTE.  But, oh faithful readers, have no fear.  I believe I have solved the mystery. 

History has proven that as soon as we cut the riff raff and eliminate any dissention-in-the-ranks, success is sure to follow.  Exhibit A: Bye-Bye loud mouth Shockey, HELLO Super Bowl.  Exhibit B: Bye-Bye Plaxico “Quick Draw” Burress, HELLO 5-0 start the following season.  As soon as the players and coaching staff untwist their panties and play the game the Giant way, good things happen.  But, when personalities are at odds and there is whining going on, the strength and consistency in our performance starts to crumble.

If there’s a member on the field acting like he’s on the rag, and one or two mistakes are committed or we fall victim to a bad call or two, the entire franchise falls apart at the seams.  This season the perfect microcosm of this historical Giants struggle is located in the backfield.  The key emotional breakdown this year has emerged in Brandon Jacobs’ poorly disguised hissy fit.  Mr. “Trade me Trade me, oh wait I take it back” clearly has no idea that you actually have to PLAY like a starter to BE a starter.  Try EARNING some of that $25 million before you start whining like my 3 year old sister with a dukie in her diaper. 

I seriously couldn’t figure out why he was so hormonal until I dug deeper into the stats.  Last season Jacobs started his little twinkle toes game which perplexed us all.  This little dance of his was my initial focus.  However, while analyzing the stats, an interesting trend emerged.  The games where Jacobs actually did better than Ahmad Bradshaw, the team lost, and in all but one of the games where Ahmad Bradshaw out rushed Jacobs, the Giants claimed victory.  The success of the team clearly had more to do with Bradshaw, whether it was intentional or just the way the play book unfolded.  As a result Jacobs’ self-destructive lack of discipline (and/or ability to keep his mouth shut) has obviously infiltrated the current season, as well as the entire locker room.  Furthermore, interestingly enough, the dynamic between him and Bradshaw has evolved to resemble something I saw in a movie once…

The 6’4” 260lb Brandon “Dr. Evil” Jacobs is underwhelming us big time.  He clearly has delusions of grandeur as he perceives himself to be better than his 5’9” 198lb side-kick Ahmad Bradshaw, and yet seems to ignore the fact that Bradshaw has twice the production this season.  If you asked him, Jacobs would tell you he deserves the starting spot and “ONE…HUNDRED….BIIIIIILLLLION DOLLARS.”  Dude, wake up and smell the “Liquid Hot Magma” you’re dangling over.  Your “Mini-me” Bradshaw comes in right after you dance your way back to the line of scrimmage and fights for a 15 yard gain.  Occasionally he’ll even use his own evil plot and create a 2 or 3 yard gain out of what surely would have been a loss if his lesser half had been carrying the ball. 

But that’s the thing: I SWEAR Mini-me’s plot is always evil.  So far Bradshaw blinds us with his huge adorable smile while rushing for his own TD, then punches us in the groin with a fumble on first and goal or REALLY a poorly timed false start and spoils what would have been somebody ELSE’S TD.  You’re on your couch watching him screaming like Austin Powers; “Yes, YES, YYYESSS NO! NO!”  Sometimes Bradshaw makes me want to shoot him into space in a rocket shaped like “Privates,” but a lot of the time his pocket-size and strong will are extremely useful.  It’s clear that Giants nation is just waiting for one of them to give us something to root for. 

Bradshaw, get your head out of Dr. Evil’s sphincter and play your own game.  While “a shorn scrotum is quite breathtaking,” I’m sure your eyes will be more useful on ONE BALL.  THE ONE MADE OF PIGSKIN.  And Jacobs, of course I’d be pissed if my mini-me beat me out for the starting spot, but I’d be angry at MYSELF for letting someone half my size school me on the stat sheet.  I wouldn’t whine like a child and throw my organization under the bus.  History has proven that the Giants may stand for it for a little while, but in the end, dead weight is better off released.  I think it’s Brandon’s turn on the “Willie” rocket.


The solution to this season, believe it or not, is to banish Dr. Evil Jacobs back to the underground lair from whence he came.  History says it’ll work like a charm and lord knows a repeat of last year’s 8-8 result is NOT on Jerry Reese’s OR Tom Coughlin’s agenda.  And frankly I’m getting cranky just watching this PMSy song and dance and a winning season would be Groovy, Baby.    Just Sayin.’  

As Giants stumble, Coughlin looks cursed

By John Czarnecki - FoxSports.com 9/28/10

Inside The Numbers...

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 9/28/10

Phil Simms on Ring of Honor

By Giants.com 9/28/10

In retirement, former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan sees the true value of Tom Coughlin's ways

When Tom Coughlin arrived in 2004, Michael Strahan was one of many players who resisted the new Giants coach. Six years later, Strahan has become a defender of Coughlin.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/28/10

Michael Strahan Excited to be Honored

By Giants.com 9/28/10

Pete Gogolak Inducted to Ring of Honor

By Giants.com 9/28/10

Catching up with ... former Michigan wide receiver Amani Toomer

Former Michigan receiver played 14 seasons with the New York Giants and is now working as an analyst with the Big Ten Network as well as training for the upcoming New York City marathon.
By Jeff Arnold - AnnArbor.com 9/28/10

Strahan, Simms weigh in on Giants

By Ohm Youngmisuk - ESPN.com 9/28/10

Countdown Daily: Dilfer on Giants

New York Giants need disgruntled running back Brandon Jacobs to rediscover his power game

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs needs to return to his violent form of running.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 9/28/10

Michael Strahan hoping Giants' leaders will emerge soon

Former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, who will be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor on Sunday, believes Osi Umenyiora and other current players can be leaders.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/28/10

Antrel Rolle Interview on WFAN with Joe and Evan 9/28/10

How warm is Tom Coughlin's hot seat?

By Matt Mosley - ESPN.com 9/28/10

Bettis revives Cowher-to-Giants talk

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 9/28/10

Giants' Tom Coughlin on Hakeem Nicks' drop: 'You have to catch the ball'

Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has had a few passes bounce off his hands for interceptions this season. The latest came Sunday against the Titans.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/28/10

Giants' Coughlin won't 'Cowher' after latest debacle

COACHING FROM BEHIND: Giants coach Tom Coughlin scans the field during his team's 29-10 loss to the Titans on Sunday at New Meadowlands Stadium.
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/28/10

Shake-up looms for Giants special teams

Giants Special Teams Coach, Tom Quinn
By Mark Hale - NY Post 9/28/10

Up to Eli to save Tom with NFC East in play

MANN UP, OR ELSE: For the Giants, who have had two disastrous losses in a row, to be successful, they need the cool-under-pressure Eli Manning (above), not the deer-in-the-headlights version, playing quarterback each week. 
By Mike Vaccaro - NY Post 9/28/10

Back Page: Cowher for Coughlin talk way too early

By Justin Terranova - NY Post 9/28/10

Coughlin: Giants' debacle won't raise 'flags' for foes

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/28/10

Giants' McKenzie calls his penalties 'despicable'

By Associated Press - 9/27/10

Hobbled O'Hara to see another doctor

By Jane McManus - ESPNNY.com 9/28/10

Giants' React To Loss To Titans

Politi: What if the Giants just aren't that good?

The New York Giants walk off the field after Sunday's loss to the Titans
By Steve Politi - Star Ledger 9/28/10
Giant beat reporter Mike Garafolo and Zach Berman analyze the Giants loss to the Titans


Monday, September 27, 2010

Giants.com Upon Further Review

Giants OT, Kareem McKenzie
By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 9/27/10

Justin Tuck Interview on WFAN with Mike Francesa 9/27/10

It's Another Ugly Sunday for the Giants

By Josh Alper - NBCNewYork.com 9/27/10

And It Begins: Pro Football Talk discussing Bill Cowher to Giants after this season


D'Alessandro: Giants can't afford to shut coach Tom Coughlin out now

Giants coach Tom Coughlin reacts after a fourth quarter penalty during the loss to the Titans.
By Dave D'Allessandro - Star Ledger 9/27/10

Giants claim they were better team in 29-10 loss to Titans

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin sends Shawn Andrews in to replace Kareem McKenzie after a personal foul penalty in the fourth quarter.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/26/10

'We beat ourselves' says Ahmad Bradshaw as penalties, turnovers hurt Giants

The Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw sits on the bench in the closing moments of the loss to the Titans.
By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 9/27/10

Coughlin can't cover up Giants' ugly loss

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/27/10

Giants ignore errors after ugly loss to Titans

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/27/10

Giants blame Titans for flagfest

By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 9/27/10

Titans get inside Giants' heads

By Brian Lewis - NY Post 9/27/10

Giants QB can’t explain left-handed pass

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/27/10

Pro Football Talk