Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tuesday Morning Hangover Week 12: The Sunday Morning Hangover

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By S. James Hyland - InReeseWeTrust.com 11/30/10

Before I talk about what I did during the game, I have to talk about how I got there.  My friend B-Dons has a house up in Cape Cod, myself B-Dons and Woody spent Friday and Saturday absolutely drinking our faces off.  Between the 3 of us and B-Dons’ brother Joey, we drank 60 beers, a Heineken mini-keg, a bottle of wine, and polished off 2 bottles of liquor.  Needless to say, we were all pretty hungover by the time Sunday morning rolled around.  But knowing that it’s about a 4 hour drive, we all knew we had to be up at 7 to make sure we’d be home in time for the game.

Flash ahead 4 hours and 27 minutes when we pull into Woody’s driveway.  We’re all extremely hungover and praying for death.  The last possible thing that I want to do is to drink during the game.  But of course the Giants decide to look horrid during the game and I know what I have to do…

Since we’re at Woody’s house and didn’t stop, we only had Bud Light.  But we all kind of realized that drinking Bud Light is better than not drinking at all.  If your curious when I started drinking, it was after David Garrard’s 5 yard TD run, in which he actually ran about 45 yards.  When that happened, I knew it was time to get some suds in my belly.

For the rest of the game I drank 5 BL’s and the result was in our favor.  Like John Connor’s destiny was predetermined for him in The Terminator, the same applies to me.  At least in the 2010 season, I need to drink if I want Big Blue to come out on top.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that this is extremely dull compared to my usual Sunday/Monday Night experiences.  For that I apologize.  Compared to last week when Big-B, Woody, Tully and myself are doing waterfalls for a Sunday night game, this certainly was weak.  I’ll try to do better next week.  (And if anyone was wondering, I should have been fired last Monday because of how much I stunk of alcohol and how unproductive I was.  Tough day to get through)

Realistically, do I think it matters if I’m drinking for the Giants to do well?  Yes, I do.  And it worked again.  If next week I’m in better shape, I may go back to the formula, but at least I know when I’m hurting bad, I can always just stick to Bud Light.

Antrel Rolle Interview on WFAN with Joe and Evan 11/30/10

Justin Tuck Interview on WFAN with Mike Francesa 11/29/10

Giants' Aaron Ross has tests on stomach and kidney; Shawn Andrews stays positive about back progress

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/30/10

Speeches by Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck during halftime of Jaguars win have Antrel Rolle fired up

Antrel Rolle's comments in September about the Giants' lack of leadership create a stir, but the safety says that he knew at the time that Big Blue had leaders, they just needed to step up.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/30/10

G-Men to keep offense simplified

SUPER MARIO: With Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith out with injuries, Mario Manningham (above) and Kevin Boss are Eli Manning's biggest targets -- and that showed vs. the Jaguars with both catching a touchdown.
SUPER MARIO: With Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith out with injuries, Mario Manningham (above) and Kevin Boss are Eli Manning's biggest targets -- and that showed vs. the Jaguars with both catching a touchdown.
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 11/30/10

Giant message finally received

By Kevin Kernan - NY Post 11/30/10

Boley: No speech needed to keep Giants inspired

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 11/30/10

Monday, November 29, 2010

Giants to sign defensive tackle Joe Joseph to practice squad

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Defensive tackle Joe Joseph will be added to the Giants practice squad Tuesday.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 11/29/10

Giants Come Alive in Second Half, Defeat Jaguars 24-20

By Mark Weinstein - MSG.com 11/29/10

Giants Blog: Winning Ugly

By Paul Dottino - WFAN.com 11/29/10

Brandon Jacobs proves effective in Giants 24-20 win over Jaguars in his first start of the season

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs gains 87 yards on 14 rushes in his first start of the season.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/29/10

Pierre-Paul leads 'D' way past Jags

PRESSURE COOKER: Jason Pierre-Paul (right) and Osi Umenyiora put pressure on Jaguars QB David Garrard during the fourth quarter of the Giants' victory yesterday. 
By Brian Lewis - NY Post 11/29/10

Drew Rosenhaus tells ESPN two NFL teams have stayed in touch with him about Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress, the former Giants wideout pictured here in a Nov. 2008 game against the Ravens, makes clear to the Daily News' Wayne Coffey in September that he intends to play in 2011.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/29/10

A Giant one gets away as Jaguars lose to New York

Jaguars quarterback David Garrard fumbles under pressure from Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul late in the fourth quarter at New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Garrard recovered the ball, but on the next play, he fumbled after being sacked and the Giants recovered.
By Vito Stellino - Jacksonville.com 11/29/10

Giants respond to motivational speeches of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora with second-half resilience

By Tim Smith - NY Dailynews 11/29/10

Sunday, November 28, 2010

InReeseWeTrust.com Week 12 Game Preview: New York Giants vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at New York Giants (6-4), 1:00 p.m. Sunday at New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 11/28/10

What happened last week?
The Jaguars hosted the streaking Cleveland Browns last week and escaped with their second consecutive two-minute warning finish. Jacksonville trailed the Browns three times during the game and twice in the fourth quarter. A late 75-yard run by Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew led to a 1 yard score with one minute to go that finished the Browns by a score of 24-20. Jones-Drew totaled 133 yards rushing and 87 yards receiving on the day. The Jaguars overcame six offensive turnovers, including 3 picks and 1 fumble by quarterback David Garrard, who is quietly putting together his second best season as a starter. On defense, Jacksonville stuffed bruising back Peyton Hillis to 48 yards on 21 carries and sacked rookie quarterback Colt McCoy six times. Overall, Jacksonville ranks 19th in total offense and 27th in total defense.

What to expect from the Jaguars:
For the first time in his career, Maurice Jones-Drew has recorded 100 yards rushing in three consecutive games. Not surprisingly, all three games resulted in victories for the Jaguars, who currently sit atop the AFC South. David Garrard is having a great season, ranking sixth in the NFL in passer rating. Jacksonville’s three game win streak came against Dallas, Houston and Cleveland. In each game the Jaguars outrushed the opponent and played all sixty minutes; Jacksonville amazingly has scored in all four two-minute warnings of their past two games.

What to expect from the Giants:
New York is depleted on offense at wide receiver and offensive line due to several key injuries. Eli Manning’s top two targets, Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks, are both out with injuries, and will be replaced in the lineup by Mario Manningham and the recently acquired Derek Hagan. The offense is too beat up to be dependable, and it shows in Eli Manning’s touchdown to interception ratio (21:16).  Three of the Giants’ final six games are against divisional opponents, but the G-Men cannot afford to take this game lightly even though Jacksonville is a non-conference opponent. New York needs to keep pace with the suddenly hot Eagles, and also need to remain in contention for the Wild Card race. New York is currently behind three teams in the Wild Card race: the 7-3 Packers, 8-3 Saints and the 7-3 Buccaneers. The Giants defense will need to carry the team for the next six weeks as offensive units and starters are shuffled around due to injury and personnel.

Prediction:
Jacksonville has averaged 30 points per game during its three game win streak. New York will need to cut Jacksonville’s total in half to overcome their offensive deficiencies. The Giants have surrendered 29 or more points four times this season and won only once, winning 41-35 against Dallas in week seven. In the Giants’ two game losing streak, New York surrendered 60 points and scored only 37. The Giants should total close to 20 points on offense against Jacksonville, and it will be up to the defense to keep the game close and in check for sixty minutes. Expect a nail-biting victory in the final seconds for the Giants, who are suddenly feeling the pressure after falling from the grace of a 6-2 start. Giants hold on, 21-17.
Last week prediction: 46-37 Giants (17-27 actual) (What was I thinking?!)
Season prediction record: 7-3
What’s YOUR score?

Giants need Eli Manning to step up now more than ever to leading struggling, injury-plagued squad

Mike Lupica's latest novel for Young Readers, 'Hero,' debuts next week on the New York Times Best Seller list for children's chapter books.
Mike Lupica's latest novel for Young Readers, 'Hero,' debuts next week on the New York Times Best Seller list for children's chapter books.
By Mike Lupica - NY Dailynews 11/28/10

Banged up Giants face must-win game vs. Jacksonville Jaguars at Meadowlands Sunday

Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora could have big day against Jacksonville's banged up offensive line.
Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora could have big day against Jacksonville's banged up offensive line.
By Tim Smith - NY Dailynews 11/28/10

Giants sign CB Michael Coe from practice squad, waive DE Alex Hall

Alex Hall
DE Alex Hall was waived by the Giants.
By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 11/28/10

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs gains perspective along with starting role

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Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw are close friends. Both have been promoted and demoted this season.
By Star Ledger 11/28/10

Giants' Jacobs can run over Jaguars

Jacobs can run over Jaguars
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27)
By Steve Serby - NY Post 11/28/10

Battered Blue desperate to snap skid vs. Jaguars

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 11/28/10

Tuck wearing reminder

TWO TOUGH: Justin Tuck had a short-but-special relationship with Evan Sullivano. The Giants’ defensive end wears a bracelet that says “Brick Strong” which was given to him by the Pop Warner star who died of leukemia at 18 last month.
TWO TOUGH: Justin Tuck had a short-but-special relationship with Evan Sullivano. The Giants’ defensive end wears a bracelet that says “Brick Strong” which was given to him by the Pop Warner star who died of leukemia at 18 last month.
By George Willis - NY Post 11/28/10

No sentimentality on tap for New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin against Jacksonville Jaguars

By George O'Gorman - Star Ledger 11/28/10

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Giants Turn To Defense, Castoffs, as They Take on Jaguars

Tom Coughlin Brandon Jacobs Giants
By Mark Weinstein - MSG.com 11/27/10

Phil Simms: An Interview With The Former Super Bowl MVP

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 25:  Quarterback Phil Simms #11 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXI at the Rose Bowl on January 25, 1987 in Pasadena, California. The Giants defeated the Broncos 39-20. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
By Brad Wolff - Bleacher Report 11/27/10

Eli Manning and Ahmad Bradshaw Must Carry Giants Offense

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 21:  Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against Ernie Sims #50 and Stewart Bradley #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 21, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
By Double G Sports - Bleacher Report 11/27/10

For another week, Giants tackle Will Beatty prepares as first-stringer

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Giants offensive lineman Will Beatty is preparing to start against Jacksonville.
By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 11/27/10

Giants' Andrews doubtful due to disk injury

Andrews doubtful due to disk injury
By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 11/27/10

Jags' O-line takes hit

Jacksonville Jaguars Rookie LT, Eugene Monroe
By Bart Hubbuch - NY Post 11/27/10

Andrews in hospital, Beatty will play left tackle

By Wall Street Journal 11/27/10

New York Giants' Keith Bulluck: Stopping Jones-Drew is key

By George O'Gorman  - The Trentonian 11/27/10

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs fined $20,000 for making obscene gestures, cursing at Philly fans

Brandon Jacobs Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandon Jacobs
Giants running back Brandon Jacobs receives his second hefty fine of the season for what the NFL terms 'unsportsmanlike conduct toward fans' in Philadelphia last Sunday night.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/27/10

Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride must keep shorthanded Big Blue offense productive

Kevin Gilbride faces the pressure of keeping a juggernaut Giants offense humming despite injuries to several key players, including David Diehl, Shaun O'Hara, Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/27/10

Friday, November 26, 2010

Cornerback Aaron Ross missing from Giants practice

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Giants cornerback Aaron Ross is not practicing Friday. The reason for his absence is not yet known.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 11/26/10

Justin Tuck, Giants defense know how tough the next few weeks will be

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Justin Tuck and the Giants defense have even more pressure on them given the injuries to the team's offense.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 11/26/10

Giants' Tuck: no woe is 'd'

ON A JAG: The Giants defense will have to focus on stopping Maurice Jones-Drew in order to dominate the Jaguars on Sunday. AP
ON A JAG: The Giants defense will have to focus on stopping Maurice Jones-Drew in order to dominate the Jaguars on Sunday. 
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 11/26/10

Further unhappy returns for Giants

WILL TO WIN: Giants kick returner Will Blackmon eludes the Eagles' Akeem Jordan last week. Blackmon might miss Sunday's game against the Jaguars with a bruised chest.
WILL TO WIN: Giants kick returner Will Blackmon eludes the Eagles' Akeem Jordan last week. Blackmon might miss Sunday's game against the Jaguars with a bruised chest.
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 11/26/10

VIDEO: Banged up Giants get ready for Jaguars

Andrews sent to hospital for back issue

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 11/26/10

Selfish approach works for Giants defensive linemen

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is hit by the Giants' Osi Umenyiora (right) and Antrel Rolle (left) last Sunday.  DAVID MAIALETTI/Philadelphia Daily News
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is hit by the Giants' Osi Umenyiora (right) and Antrel Rolle (left) last Sunday.
By Tania Ganguli - Jacksonville.com 11/26/10

Giants' coach stays the course

By Art Stapleton - NorthJersey.com 11/26/10

Big Blue choosin' a bruisin' back

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Once an afterthought, Giants now depend on Michael Clayton to contribute

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Michael Clayton was once a first-round draft pick turned afterthought. Now he's been called upon to help relieve the Giants' depleted receiving corps.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 11/25/10

Politi: Giants need to extend arm to Tiki Barber for council on Ahmad Bradshaw's fumble-itis

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Tiki Barber fumbled 35 times between 2000 and 2003, wouldn't he understand how to fix this?
By Steve Politi - Star Ledger 11/25/10

Giants claim former Redskins and Panthers wide receiver Devin Thomas off waivers

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The Giants claimed former Redskins wide receiver Devin Thomas off waivers from the Panthers and placed fullback Madison Hedgecock on injured reserve.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 11/25/10

Bradshaw fumbles job to Jacobs

NO HARD FEELINGS: Running backs Brandon Jacobs (left) and Ahmad Bradshaw, at yesterday's practice, have nothing but kind words for each other, even as they battle for playing time.
NO HARD FEELINGS: Running backs Brandon Jacobs (left) and Ahmad Bradshaw, at yesterday's practice, have nothing but kind words for each other, even as they battle for playing time.
Paul Schwartz - NY Post 11/25/10

Clayton is living 'a dream' by reuniting with Manning

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 11/25/10

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Pro Football Talk