Vikings Scouting Report

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 12/31/09

Giants-Vikings Prediction

Jacobs, Ross placed on IR

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/31/09

Giants vs. Vikings Preview

By Paul Dottino - WFAN.com 12/31/09

Osi Umenyiora wants to be back with New York Giants - as an every-down defensive end

Osi Umenyiora didn't like his reduced role with the New York Giants, and wants to return if things change. 

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/31/09

New York Giants RB Brandon Jacobs to undergo season-ending knee surgery

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs failed to have a 100-yard game all season long.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/30/09 

Reduced role has NY Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora frustrated, searching for answers

NY Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) stands on the sidelines and watches as his team is blown out by the Carolina Panthers, 41-9, in the final Giants game at Giants Stadium on Sunday.

By Jenny Vrentas - Star Ledger 12/31/09

NY Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora says he still wants to be part of the team - provided a few things change

Osi Umenyiora, pictured here on the bench during the Giants' 41-9 blowout loss to Carolina, said "this situation cannot continue the way it is."

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/30/09

NY Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will miss season finale with a knee injury

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will not play on Sunday against the Vikings, meaning this is the fourth straight season in which he didn't play a full 16 games.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/30/09

Osi: No more part-time work

PLAY ME! Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora says he will not accept being a part-time player next season. 

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/31/09

Knee shelves Jacobs

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/31/09

New York Giants players believe Big Blue has a championship core

Through the disappointing end to the season, quarterback Eli Manning and the New York Giants players believe they have a winning core to the team.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/30/09

Looking back, looking ahead: NY Giants have only pride to play for in Week 17

Running back Brandon Jacobs, who has battled a lingering knee issue, said sitting this week could be a "good idea."

By Jenny Vrentas - Star Ledger 12/30/09

NY Giants center Shaun O'Hara Pro Bowl-bound; six others named alternates

NY Giants center Shaun O'Hara will represent his team in the Pro Bowl for the second straight year.

By Jenny Vrentas - Star Ledger 12/30/09

NY Giants rookie offensive tackle William Beatty says facing Carolina Panthers defensive end was a 'blessing'

Giants rookie tackle William Beatty said he - not running back Ahmad Bradshaw - was to blame for a sack of quarterback Eli Manning on Sunday.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/29/09

Big changes coming for Big Blue

By Paul Shwartz - NY Post 12/30/09

Three Jets, one Giant selected to Pro Bowl roster

By Mark Cannizaro - NY Post 12/30/09

GREAT BLUE NORTH GIANTS DRAFT REPORT Vol 4, No 16 December 29, 2009

My old grannie used to say if don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all!! And needless to say we don’t have much good to say in the wake of the Giants dismal 41-9 loss to the Panthers on Sunday that coupled with Dallas 17-0 win over Washington later that night knocked the Giants out of the playoff hopes for the first time in five years. In fact, like most analysts we’re speechless about the utter lack of intensity on the part of the Giants. Of course, this wasn’t the first game this year that the Giants played without much emotion, but its still hard to figure. Best we can hope for at this time is that the latter part of the 2009 season in which the Giants lost 7 of their last ten games after a 5-0 start was something of an aberration attributable to a bunch of factors including injuries and a latent Super Bowl hangover and that things will be better next season. Certainly the core seems to be in place for another Super Bowl run sooner rather than later, but the current season did expose some cracks in the roster. More on the specifics of those later, but with college football in the midst of the seemingly less endless string of bowl games there is a chance to check out some of the top 2010 draft prospects who could potentially fill some of those cracks.

In fact, if people see only one bowl game this week and next try and watch the Eaglebank Bowl later this afternoon at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN between UCLA and Temple. And the player to watch is UCLA junior DT Brian Price (#92, 6-2, 300) who led the country with 22.5 tackles for loss including 7 sacks this past season. And Price, who is arguably the quickest DT in the country, should be good value in the middle of this year’s opening round for a team looking to upgrade its DT rotation. For good measure, UCLA also has potentially the top PK in this year’s draft in junior PK Kai Forbath, who hit on 26 of 29 FG attempts, including every kick from under 40 yards this year. Giants fans can also take a peek at UCLA sophomore FS Rahim Moore (#3, 6-0, 190), who picked off 9 passes this season and is arguably the best safety in college football period, but be warned he won’t be draft eligible until 2011.

Curious Giants fans might also want to tune into the Humanitarian Bowl on Wednesday afternoon also at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN when Idaho play Bowling Green. And once you get used to the blue field (please don’t adjust your TV sets!) check out Idaho LG Mike Iupati (#77, 6-5, 325), arguably the best offensive lineman in college football this past season and just maybe the top interior guy to come along in a while.
 
Ironically in one of the those can’t win for losing moments last the Giants position in the draft didn’t change at all after Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. If the draft were held today, the Giants would have the 22nd pick overall in the opening round, although that actually drops down to #20 when playoff positioning is factored in. That position could change dramatically though if the Giants lose their season finale in Minnesota this coming Sunday, although no matter what happens this week the Giants won‘t pick any lower than 20th; they could still technically pick as high as 14th although around 18th seems more logical.

We’ll be back next week with positional full grades and an early look at draft options. In the meantime have a very Happy New Year with the hopes that 2010 ends better than this year.

The five-point plan that will fix the New York Giants for 2010

Head coach Tom Coughlin isn't the main issue with the New York Giants, but he failed to motivate his team after its 5-0 start.

By Gary Myers - NY Dailynews 12/29/09

Eli Manning, Tom Coughlin lead apologies for New York Giants' disappointing 2009

Eli Manning appears lost Sunday but Monday finds way to apologize for New York Giants' showing. 

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/29/09

Latest NY Giants loss follows trend of late-season struggles under coach Tom Coughlin

Giants coach Tom Coughlin was once again at a loss for words following bad another late-season loss by his team on Sunday.

 By Jenny Vrentas - Star Ledger 12/28/09

A look back to the NY Giants' embarrassing, inexplicable blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers

Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas, who has had a very good season, did not have his best game on Sunday against the Panthers. Thomas missed a tackle on a long run and gave up a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/28/09

NY Giants apologize to fans for blowout loss to Carolina Panthers

Coach Tom Coughlin walks off the Giants Stadium field for the last time following his team's 41-9 loss to Carolina -- a performance for which the coach publicly apologized Monday.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/28/09 

As Giants Sift Wreckage, Coughlin Backs Umenyiora

By Joe LaPointe - NY Times 12/29/09

Coughlin, Eli say 'sorry' to fans

MOURNING AFTER: Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin march glumly off the field Sunday following the Giants' 41-9 loss to the Panthers. Yesterday, both offered up apologies for the team's disgraceful effort. 

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/29/09

Giants' apology not accepted

By George Willis - NY Post 12/29/09

Boley dismisses Carson's critcism

 

By Tim Bontemps - NY Post 12/29/09

Pitiful loss to Carolina Panthers shows New York Giants' Super Bowl run in 2007 was a fluke

Mario Manningham fumbles on first drive of game, and things get worse from there for Giants Sunday in rout by Panthers.

By Tim Smith - NY Dailynews 12/28/09

New York Giants crushed by Carolina Panthers in Stadium finale, eliminated as Cowboys beat Redskins

Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (l.) and safety Michael Johnson lead brutal defensive effort as Big Blue is blown away by Panthers.
By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/28/09

Osi Umenyiora rages about playing time in New York Giants' crushing defeat to Carolina Panthers

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/28/09

New York Giants defense lays an egg in stadium's last game

Former New York Giants player Lawrence Taylor waves to fans during a half-time ceremony at the last game at Giants Stadium. He doesn't stay much longer to witness the carnage.

By Ohm Youngmisuk - NY Dailynews 12/28/09

Coughlin: 'No Excuse For It'

Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs leaves mark on Giants Stadium

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/28/09

NY Giants officially eliminated from postseason contention

The Giants were in stunned silence Sunday afternoon and likely aren't feeling much better after learning Sunday night they've officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/28/09

NY Giants' last game at Giants Stadium: One to forget with 41-9 loss to Carolina Panthers

Fred Robbins (left) and Osi Umenyiora on the bench in the 4th quarter as the New York Giants are blown out by the Carolina Panthers, 41-9, in the final Giants game at Giants Stadium.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 12/28/09

NY Giants' defense suffers historic struggles, continues falling short of expectations in loss

New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas fails to strip the ball from Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, who would break away and run the ball 52 yards down to the one yard line, setting up a touchdown on the next play during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game.

By Jenny Vrentas - Star Ledger 12/28/09

Mario Manningham's fumble set the tone for NY Giants' dismal performance

The Giants Mario Manningham fumbles the ball for a turn over as he is taken down by the Panthers Dante Wesley in the 1st quarter. 

By Brendan Prunty - Star Ledger 12/28/09

Giants Say Farewell to Stadium and Playoffs

Giants receiver Domenik Hixon was swarmed by the Carolina defense in the second quarter. He returned five kickoffs for 112 yards. More Photos »

By Joe LaPointe - NY Times 12/28/09

Panthers rout Big Blue in Stadium farewell

FUMBLED OPPORTUNITY: Giants receiver Mario Manningham fumbles the ball after making a catch on the opening drive yesterday. The fumble was recovered by Carolina and the Panthers were off and running to a 41-9 rout in the Giants' final game at Giants Stadium

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/28/09

Giants report card

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/28/09

Pride goeth before Big Blue fall

GRASPING AT STRAWS: Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart breaks free of a tackle attempt by the Giants' Michael Johnson on his way to a 206-yard day in Carolina's 41-9 victory yesterday.

Photos: Giants trounced by Panthers in Stadium farewell

By George Willis - NY Post 12/28/09

Hideous loss has Eli & Co. singin' Blues

BIG BLUE BUMMER : Eli Manning trudges off the field yesterday after his Giants' ugly 41-9 loss to the Panthers. His numbers were decent -- but his defense stunk up the Swamp.

Photos: Giants trounced by Panthers in Stadium farewell

By Brian Costello - NY Post 12/28/09

No heart, no pride, no playoffs

SAD ENDING: “Super” fan Reby Sky weeps at Giants Stadium yesterday as her team showed little effort and less pride in a 41-9 loss to the Panthers in Big Blue’s final game at the old stadium.

By Steve Serby - NY Post 12/28/09

Panthers LB revels in Big Blue revenge

BIG BOO: Eli Manning trudges off the Giants Stadium field yesterday for the last time while Justin Tuck (pictured) sits demoralized. 

By Brian Costello - NY Post 12/28/09

No defense for this Giant debacle

By Dan Tomasino - NY Post 12/28/09

Osi thinks he's goner

A GIANT AMONG GIANTS: Lawrence Taylor waves to the crowd during halftime yesterday -- but the former Giants great bolted before he could witness the end of Big Blue's 41-9 loss to the Panthers. 

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/28/09

New York Giants crushed by Carolina Panthers in Stadium finale; season ends if Cowboys win tonight

Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas (l.) and safety Michael Johnson lead brutal defensive effort as Big Blue is blown away by Panthers.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/27/09

Defensive end Osi Umenyiora questions role, future with NY Giants

Osi Umenyiora cut his interview short, saying "I’m about to say something that would get me really messed up, so I’m just going to leave now."

By Jenny Vrentas - Star Ledger 12/27/09

NY Giants Game Day: Eli Manning needs to keep doing what he's been doing

Eli Manning kept warm late in last Monday's game against the Redskins after his three touchdowns gave the Giants a commanding lead.

By Jenny Vrentas - Star Ledger 12/27/09

Czar's countdown: Playoff hunt heats up in Week 16

By John Czarnecki - FoxSports.com 12/27/09

New York Giants and fans close stadium hoping playoff door stays open

Antonelli/News

New York Giants and defensive end Justin Tuck hope to recapture the energy they had on Monday night against the Redskins.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 12/27/09

New York Giants co-owner John Mara remembers the stadium his father built in the Meadowlands

The New York Giants won three Super Bowls with Giants Stadium as their home.

By Gary Myers - NY Dailynews 12/27/09

New mindset has Sheridan's unit clicking

SACK ATTACK: Osi Umenyiora (left), who was benched in favor of Mathias Kiwanuka in a shakeup of the Giants' defense, records one of the teams five sacks on Jason Campbell during last week's 45-12 rout of the Redskins.

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/27/09

Stopping onrushing Peppers is big Diehl

NOT AGAIN: Julius Peppers drives Eli Manning into the Giant Stadium turf in a 2006 playoff game.

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 12/27/09