Friday, September 9, 2011

Waiting game pays off for Linval Joseph

Rookies never know when their time will come, if at all.

By Dan Salomone - Giants.com 9/9/11

Tom Coughlin says he's not concerned about Plaxico's rips

By Ebenezer Samuel - NY Dailynews 9/9/11

Around the Locker Room

Read as Giants.com takes you into Thursday’s locker room session to get you caught up to all of today’s news and action.

By Dan Salomone - Giants.com 9/9/11

Hynoski Leading the Charge

Trolling through the open market for fullbacks at the start of training camp, running backs coach Jerald Ingram wanted to make a catch. And he knew exactly where to drop his line.

By Dan Salomone - Giants.com 9/9/11

Giants' Travis Beckum questionable for Sunday's game vs. Redskins with a hamstring injury

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Giants tight end Travis Beckum left today's practice with tightness in his hamstring. He's listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Redskins.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/9/11

Imagine: A Fantasy Football-less Fall?


By Jesse Carrajat - InReeseWeTrust.com & WFAN.com 9/9/11

Disclaimer – Despite the 2011 NFL season kicking off last night, our fantasy writer is still recovering from the shock that ensued from imagining a fall without fantasy football.  The attitudes expressed in this article are not consistent with those of the typical fantasy football fan, nor are they in any way the official views of WFAN Radio, or CBS at large.  As a matter of fact; we pity the fool.

Unverifiable fact: If you are an American male, aged six to not-demented, then you asked yourself both of the following ‘hell’-containing questions during the summer of 2011:
1. “What the hell is the big deal with this wedding?” and 2. “But what the hell would I do on Sundays!?!?” 

Of the two, the ladder was the most ubiquitous question asked amongst millions of football fans across the country this past summer.  The fact is; if you are like me, then you had no clue what the outcome of the NFL labor talks would be.  You weren’t at the negotiation table, you didn’t understand half the issues that were being disputed, and you based your opinions off of the same daily morning edition of Sportscenter that every other nervous wreck-of–a-football fan based theirs.  You just went about your business, trying your best to fend off that horrific vision of yourself standing in the seasonal section of Kohl’s on a somber Sunday afternoon, watching your significant other contemplate which autumn-themed centerpiece is the “cutest” for your football-less living room coffee table.  But could it have really happened? Were we really that close to an NFL lockout, and dare I say, no fantasy football?  Can you imagine a world without fantasy football?  I can.  Read on to discover how all of our lives almost changed this fall of 2011… 

1. The diameter of your social circle would have diminished rapidly
Admit it: the only time you actually SAW your old friend Barry last year was at your fantasy draft.  Even worse, the only time you actually communicated with him was on your league’s smack-talk forum when you told him, “I don’t know what has more holes in it: your roster, or your wife’s alibi last night.”(which also earned you the moniker of “Dr .Diss”, btw).  Truth is; without fantasy football, there is no Barry. 

2. You would have to experience that whole “outdoors” thing
Step Up 2: The Streets, God Send Me a Man, and Futbol Mexicano: Toluca vs. Tijuana.  This is actually what else is on TV this Sunday at 1:00pm.  Translation: you’re not watching TV on Sundays anymore.  Thus, in place of tracking your fantasy team(s), you’d be forced to take up an “active lifestyle”, and who knows, a couple of laps around the block on the ole’ Schwinn might not be so bad for that rapidly slowing metabolism of yours.  

3. You would have gotten a promotion…probably
The average fantasy football player visits their league website three times per day, for an average of twelve minutes per visit…and that’s just while on the company clock. That’s an average of three paid hours, per week.  With all that added time, you could finally focus on obtaining that promotion you’ve always wanted!  Or, you could spend it Facebook stalking on your personal laptop so the Man can’t track your browsing history.  That’d be your call.

4. It’s October, look outside; see that mound of leaves that’s been piling up since September?
No, you don’t, because it wouldn’t be there.  Same goes for that broken fence, the deflated kiddy pool, and that squirrel/rabbit your dog dragged in two weeks ago.  There may even be a fort out there in a tree, built for those kids that you now pay attention too.  Bottom line: you’d get crap done.  

5. Your significant other would still hate you
At first, the idea of having a Kohl’s shopping buddy and a freshly raked yard would have her reeling with excitement.  Then, by what would have been week three of the NFL season, she wouldn’t be able to stand the sights and sounds of you (especially the sounds).  Despite your newfound social status, fitness, income, and responsible ways, your “overwhelming omnipresence” and the “lack of interest” you show in what matters to her (centerpieces, terrible dance-themed movie sequels, etc.), you are right back in the dog house.    

So it turns out that life without fantasy football would result in a lot of change: some good, some bad, and some ugly.  Luckily, thank the football heavens; we don’t have to change at all.  As of 8:30pm eastern time tonight, we can all breathe a final sigh of relief as the NFL 2011 season commences.  The fence, the fort, and the centerpiece can wait, because ladies and gentlemen, its NFL FOOTBALL time in America.   

Check back next week with WFANtasy for actual player analysis, insights, forecasts, self-deprecating humor, and more. 
   

Giants Morning Roundup: Justin Tuck's health and Perry Fewell's confidence

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Justin Tuck has a neck injury.
By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 9/9/11

Giants' Perry Fewell must adapt after key injuries on defense

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Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell speaks with Deon Grant during camp this summer in East Rutherford.
By Zach Berman - Star Ledger 9/9/11

A look ahead to the Giants-Redskins season opener

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The Giants' battered defense needs Antrel Rolle and the safeties to play big, starting with Sunday's regular-season opener against the Redskins.
By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 9/9/11

Now Tuck might miss the opener

JUSTIN TIME: Justin Tuck sits on a cart and watches while the Giants practice yesterday for Sunday's season opener at Washington. The Pro Bowl defensive end, bothered by a neck stinger, might have to sit out the game.
JUSTIN TIME: Justin Tuck sits on a cart and watches while the Giants practice yesterday for Sunday's season opener at Washington. The Pro Bowl defensive end, bothered by a neck stinger, might have to sit out the game.
By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/9/11

Burress takes direct aim at Coughlin, Manning and fans

Plaxico Burress wisely dodges questions about which quarterback is better: former teammate Eli Manning or Burress' current quarterback, the Jets' Mark Sanchez.
By Brian Costello - NY Post 9/9/11

Fewell waits for Phillips

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 9/9/11

Coughlin has no lack of coordination

ASSISTANTS HEEDED: Giants coach Tom Coughlin, leading practice yesterday, has solid assistance from his coordinators -- Perry Fewell on defense and Kevin Gilbride on offense. N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg
ASSISTANTS HEEDED: Giants coach Tom Coughlin, leading practice yesterday, has solid assistance from his coordinators -- Perry Fewell on defense and Kevin Gilbride on offense. N.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg
By Mike Vaccaro - NY Post 9/9/11

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