Senior Bowl in Review

By Rotoworld.com 1/31/10

Myron Rolle Ready For The NFL

This is one of the players that I have wanted all along. Not only is he a very talented player but he is extremely smart and could be a defensive leader for the Giants defense.

New York Giants: offseason priorities

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 1/30/10

New Giants Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell Coaching Anaylsis

By James Gualteri - InReeseWeTrust.com 1/30/10

This past season was especially tough to bear as a Giants fan; if not for anything more than that it was so atypical.  As long as I’ve been a fan, Giants football was centered around a very physical and tough defense, and those attributes were sorely lacking.  The 26.7 points per game allowed was good for a ranking of 29^th in the NFL and the yards per game, 324.9 (14^th), doesn’t quite tell the story as the defense seemed incapable of making a big stop and continually gave up big plays in both the passing and the rushing games.  The pass rush was anemic, the coverage was atrocious and even something as fundamental as tackling seemed to elude the team.  The defense under ex-coordinator Bill Sheridan was a bit less aggressive, as the Giants blitzed less in 2009 than they had in previous years under Steve Spagnuolo, but when they did it usually didn’t get there and left an already weak secondary exposed.  There were injuries (Phillips, Ross, Pierce), but there were also additions (Canty, Bernard, Boley), and injuries are a part of the NFL.  The disappointment was not so much in the absence of players from the field, but the lack of production from those on the field.  There appeared to be a disconnect between coaches and players.  Needless to say, the Giants hierarchy needed to make a change.

The departure of Bill Sheridan has brought a new defensive coordinator to the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford: Perry Fewell.  Fewell began his NFL coaching career as defensive backs coach under current Giants head coach Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville.  After stops in St. Louis and Chicago, Fewell was brought by Dick Jauron to Buffalo to be the Bills defensive coordinator.  With the secondary being a unit of major concern this year, the fact that he has extensive experience coaching in that area should lead to improved play.  Too often this year poor technique in coverage and blown assignments led to the Giants giving up large chunks of yardage in the passing game.  The play of rookie safety Jairus Byrd this past season in Buffalo portends, to me, that we can expect improved play from young safeties Michael Johnson and Kenny Phillips (barring any complications from knee surgery for patellofemoral arthritis).  Fewell’s defenses in Buffalo have also been quite adept at forcing turnovers.  This past year the Bills were 5^th in the NFL, forcing 33 turnovers, 28 of those being interceptions.  The Giants finished this past year in the bottom third of the league in takeaways and I believe that a focus on turning the ball over will have fantastic results.  If the pass rush can trend back to where it’s been the past few years, then I think the Giants have an opportunity to showcase a ball hawking, play making secondary.

Fewell ran the Tampa 2 defense in Buffalo.  After watching the Giants for the past few years it’s quite obvious they don’t have the speed at linebacker required to run that system effectively.  But, one good thing about that system is that it requires a commitment to solid tackling.  I was, unfortunately, at the Carolina game this past year and to put it mildly, the tackling was disgusting.  A re-emphasis on open field tackling during mini-camps, OTA’s and training camp should have Giants defenders in proper position during the season, limiting the yards gained after the catch on underneath routes and screen passes.

With all that being said, I think the most promising aspect to the Giants new coordinator is his apparent effectiveness as a motivator.  After inheriting a 3-6 team, with very little talent, the Bills played hard for Fewell down the stretch, going 3-4 in their final 7 games.   With the exception of a 31-3 thumping in Atlanta, all the losses were by less than 7 points.  The Giants defense this year showed a knack for falling apart when things didn’t appear to be going their way.  It also appeared that at times they weren’t responding to Bill Sheridan.  The fact that Fewell was able to push a team to win games down the stretch when they were already eliminated from playoff contention and their head coach had been fired says a lot about his drive and ability to inspire. 

It’s likely that Giants will use their first round draft pick on a linebacker, which will give Fewell more to work with.  This should be a defense with a chip on its shoulder considering its play over the final 11 games of the season.  Personally I look forward to seeing Fewell’s defense in action come September.

Introducing InReeseWeTrust's newest writer, James Gualtieri

Being born in 1985 and obviously not completely cognizant for the 1986 Super Bowl, my first big Giants memory came in 1990.  My family and I were at Super Bowl party at my Uncle (I use the term loosely as there is no familial relation) Mark’s house.  Two things stand out in my mind about that night: Scott Norwood missing a 47 yard field goal wide right and my dad chasing the man who broke into his car and stole the radio down the street for three blocks.  Obviously the Giant victory trumped everything.  That works as a good analogy for my Sundays (and sometimes Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays) for the past 20 years.  When the Giants win, it was a good day.  When they lose… not so much.  For better or worse I’m emotionally linked to Big Blue.  Even through some of the middling teams of 1990’s, Tyrone Wheatley’s narcolepsy, Ike Hilliard and the dreaded turf toe, the Danny Kanell era; I have always been a huge Giants fan.  It made the good times even better.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

Chris Palmer retires as Giants quarterback coach, reportedly takes head job with UFL's Sentinels

Chris Palmer helps turn Eli Manning into one of the league's top quarterbacks during his time with the Giants.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 1/30/10

Palmer leaves Giants to coach Sentinels

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 1/30/10

QB COACH CHRIS PALMER RETIRES

Chris Palmer, who helped Eli Manning develop into a Super Bowl-winning and Pro Bowl quarterback, is retiring after three seasons as the Giants quarterbacks coach.

Michael Eisen - Giants.com 1/29/10

Amani Toomer Interview on WFAN with Joe Benigno & Evan Roberts 1/29/10

Five names that could be on NY Giants' list of candidates for quarterbacks coach

Former Redskins coach Jim Zorn, a former QB coach with the Seahawks and Lions, is currently interviewing for the Ravens QB coach spot.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/29/10

NY Giants quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer announces retirement

 

Giants quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer has decided to retire after tutoring Eli Manning for the past three seasons.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/29/10

Official NFL franchise, transition tag numbers for 2010

 

The Giants briefly used the franchise tag on running back Brandon Jacobs last year before signing him to a long-term deal. The team is not expected to use the tag this year.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/29/10

New coordinator Perry Fewell fired up to retool New York Giants' defense

 

Taking reins of Giants' defense, new coordinator Perry Fewell believes talent is there for quick turnaround.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 1/29/10

Fiery Fewell ready to do whatever it takes to improve Giants defense

 

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 1/29/10

Decisions Giants need to make

 

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 1/29/10

Surgery for Giants Nicks; Will Miss Center for Disability Services Telethon

By Fox23news.com 1/28/10

Perry Fewell Interview on WFAN with Mike Francesa 1/28/10

Tom Coughlin WFAN Interview w/ Mike Francesa 1/28/10

Shaun O'Hara Interview on WFAN w/ Joe Benigno & Evan Roberts 1/28/10

Joe and Evan talk to the Pro Bowl center for the New York Giants. O'Hara discusses the changes to the Pro Bowl as well as the disappointing Giants season.

2010 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

By Don Banks - SI.com 1/28/10

Fewell says D is "workable challenge"

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 1/28/10

NY Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell undecided on whether he'll be on sideline for games

Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, shown here celebrating with Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick after a touchdown last season, said he gets emotional when he coaches from the sideline.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/28/10

Ex-Bucs coach Robert Nunn joins New York Giants as defensive line coach

Robert Nunn spent 2003 with New York Giants rival Washington.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 1/28/10

Nunn to coach Giants D-line

 By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 1/28/10

NY Giants hire Robert Nunn to be defensive line coach

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin filled the last vacancy on his coaching staff today by hiring Robert Nunn to coach the defensive line.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/27/10

Giants add D-Line Coach

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 1/27/10

Bucs' defensive line coach leaving for Giants

By Rick Stroud - TampaBay.com 1/27/10

Eli Manning Interview on ESPN1050 w/ Michael Kay 1/25/10

Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle tries to re-start his American football career

Galloway Township native Myron Rolle (3) makes a tackle during his Florida State days. Rolle took a year away from football to go to England and become a Rhodes Scholar.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/27/10

2010 SENIOR BOWL PRACTICE REPORTS

By Jon Cozart - Great Blue North Draft Report 1/27/10

NY Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell relishes 'exciting opportunity' with NY Giants

New Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said he will adapt the team's defense to his players' strengths.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/26/10

Newly hired New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell not likely to make changes

Former Buffalo Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell is catching on with the New York Giants.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 1/27/10

No Fewell for change on Giants 'D' staff

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 1/27/10

NY Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell relishes 'exciting opportunity' with NY Giants

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/26/10

Mel Kiper's Team by Team NFL Draft NEEDS 1/26/10

"New York Giants

Top needs: MLB, DL, CB, S, RT, RB

First round (15): DE Carlos Dunlap

Second-round options (46): LB Brandon Spikes, LB Jamar Chaney, S Chad Jones, S Morgan Burnett, CB Perrish Cox, CB Kyle Wilson

Third-round options (74): RB James Starks, LB Darryl Sharpton, OT Chris Scott, OT Tony Washington, CB Myron Lewis

Summary: People might question the idea of taking Dunlap, but if you have a guy capable of being taken in the top five still there at No. 15, you're getting a remarkable value. Meanwhile, people point to the Giants' secondary, but the team quietly was in the bottom half of the NFL in sacks, and nothing helps a secondary better than a pass rush. You won't want a CB at No. 15, because after Haden there's a huge drop-off, so it's better to add help at LB or in the secondary with the next two picks. I can also see the Giants tempted if a RB they have rated really high is still there in Round 3."

RotoWorld First Mock Draft of the Year

By Evan Silva - Rotoworld.com 1/26/10

Giants Snee, Diehl added to Pro Bowl

By Paul Schwartz - NY Post 126/10

Steve Smith Transcipt from Interview with Giants.com

By Giants.com 1/25/10

Learning Curve

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 1/25/10

GREAT BLUE NORTH GIANTS DRAFT REPORT Vol 4, No 17 January 24, 2009

What ends badly usually ends badly!

That was certainly the case for the 2009 Giants who literally petered out in a pair of dismal season-ending losses to Carolina and Minnesota by a combined score of 85-16 that probably flattered the Giants. Indeed, what was so shocking about the losses, especially the pounding they took at the hands of Carolina two weeks ago, was the utter lack of intensity and emotion shown by the Giants who at least when the Panthers’ game kicked off, were still very much in the hunt for a n NFC wild card. Instead, for the first time in 5 years, the Giants ended up watching the post-season on television like the rest of us. And that certainly what anybody, least of all the Giants football hierarchy, expected when the team roared out of the gate to a 5-0 start, only to inexplicably go 3-8 the rest of the way and barely finish the season at .500.

Needless to say, the inexplicable collapse of the Giants over the course of the last three months has left ownership, G.M. Jerry Reese, head coach Tom Coughlin and the rest of the team’s brain trust scrambling to answer what went wrong and what needs to be done to get back on track in 2010. The big question that they will have to answer was whether 2009 was an aberration resulting from some combination of injuries, latent Super Bowl hangover, bad luck and just plain bad year which teams do have or whether a fundamental rebuilding of the roster is required.

Team owner John Mara left little doubt how he felt when, sounding all the part of a disgruntled sports radio talk show caller he ripped into the team from top to bottom saying among other things that the past 8-8 season felt more like 2-14. Mara went on to say that said he was disappointed and unhappy with everyone in the organization and promised major changes. Of course, those changes weren‘t long in coming as embattled defensive co-ordinator Bill Sheridan was unceremoniously fired the day after the season ended, while defensive line coach Mike Waufle wasn’t far behind. Waufle’s dismissal though may have more to do with the fact that he reportedly bitched to management about his status with the team in a post-season interview.

On the other hand, Jerry Reese, Tom Coughlin and company appear to be more inclined to stick to tinkering, at least for another year, before embarking on a full-scale rebuilding job. For starters, there is only so much one can do in a single year anyway. Even in a good year, for example, teams can really only reasonably expect 2-3 draft picks - and even that may be a tad optimistic - to come in and really contribute right away. Plus with all the uncertainty of the possibility of an uncapped year on the horizon, free agency may actually tighter than usual this off-season.

At the same time, unlike say 1992, or even 1964 for you real old timers out there, the Giants are far from an aging team that has pretty much run its course. Indeed, the team’s core is still relatively young, at least in football terms, although there clearly is some age creeping in along the offensive line and at DT. For the most part, though, from QB Eli Manning on down, the team’s best players are still very much in what should be their football primes.

It is also very difficult, if not impossible to minimize the impact of the myriad of injuries that befell the Giants this season. No team wants to make injuries an excuse, but it is just difficult to imagine that having one’s QB play all year with a painful foot injury, to have the team’s best defensive player play all year with basically one arm, to lose the team’s one decent safety for the year in the third week of the schedule, to have every RB and every DT on the roster impacted by a significant injury issue, to get almost nothing from the #2-3 CBs because of injuries suffered in training camp, etc. just isn’t going to have a devastating impact at some point sooner or later.

All that said, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that heading into the off-season there are a number of areas that the Giants have to address including safety, defensive tackle, and MLB, along with the kicking game. Still, it wouldn’t be a total surprise if the first issue the Giants address this off-season is the pass-rush, or more accurately, the abysmal lack thereof this past season. The fact that DE Justin Tuck, the team’s best defensive player, was just a shell of himself after dislocating his shoulder when fouled in Dallas in the second week, as well as that the DT rotation seldom, if ever, actually showed up on game day certainly contributed. It was the ineffectiveness of DE Osi Umenyiora that is probably the most lingering sore spot that has to be addressed. What the Giants will have to do in the next few weeks is decide whether the lousy year from Umenyiora, who did have a team-leading 7 sacks, but never got anything even starting to resemble consistent pressure at any time during the season, was a result of the lingering effects of the knee injury in 2008 or reflects a long-term decline in his play. In the end, the Giants probably go with the former and keep Umenyiora around for another year as he is still young and relatively cheap in terms of the salary cap. What the Giants are likely to do, though, is put in place a contingency plan beyond Mathias Kiwanuka for 2010 just in case the Osi of 2009 is the Osi they get next season. In particular, it shouldn’t be a total shock if the Giants were to draft a DE no later than the 3rd or 4th rounds this coming; in fact, it wouldn’t be a total shock here if the Giants took a DE as early as the second round this year. Remember, the primary guiding philosophy of the Giants’ organization the past few years has been to get after the passer. Figure that the pass rush gets better simply if Tuck gets healthy, but still we’d be shocked if they didn’t address it is some fashion this off-season.

Meanwhile, we’d be thrilled if the Giants were to consider moving Kiwanuka, one of the few Giants’ defenders who appeared to be playing hard this fall, back to SLB next fall, especially if they can add some depth at the position in the draft. Kiwanuka, who was 4th on the team in tackles, but had only three sacks, just doesn’t have quite the explosion or strength to consistently beat NFL OTs when lined up with his hand on the ground, but is much better when operating in space. At the same time, the Giants have to decide what they have at MLB in second-year MLB Jonathan Goff who replaced veteran Antonio Pierce and was adequate, although the second coming of Harry Carson he wasn’t. Even if the Giants decide they need to upgrade from Goff, who is smart, quick and relentless, but isn’t that big, strong or physical and may not have great instincts, we still aren’t convinced that LB be a prime priority for the Giants this off-season as many in the media, not to mention the fandom are speculating.

In particular, the Giants signed WLB Michael Boley to be their 3rd down LB last off-season. Use a high pick on a MLB like Rolando McClain of Alabama in the first round of this year’s draft and you are almost by definition committed to either using a second LB on passing downs, or having your #1 pick be a two-down player. And we certainly wouldn’t rule out taking a MLB like McClain, however, the bottom line is that one isn’t going to get faster on defense, nor all that much better against the pass, by taking a prototype 260-pound run-stuffing LB with mid-4.7 type 40 speed.

At the same time, there probably isn’t as much urgency on the other side of the ball, however, the Giants also need to make an assessment of what they have in OT William Beatty, the team’s second round pick at the 2009 draft. Beatty made some significant strides during the course of the season, but still seldom looked the part of a future shut-down LT while filling in for Kareem McKenzie the final month of the schedule. Beatty appears to have the quickness and agility to handle the outside, but got pushed around way too much by more physical DEs (as well as some that aren‘t). Certainly, Beatty should benefit by an off-season the weight room but there questions as to just how much additional bulk and strength his frame will permit.

Maybe the only benefit to the Giants slide at the end of the year was that they will end up with the 15th pick overall in the opening round of the 2010 draft. And in what looks to be a potentially better than average draft year, the Giants should have some interesting options on April 22nd. Locks there aren’t though.

At safety, for example, Tennessee junior Eric Berry is likely to be long gone by the time the Giants get on the clock, however, there is a better than even chance that either, or both, of FSs Taylor Mays of Southern Cal or Texas sophomore Earl Thomas will still be there at #15. The 235-pound Mays isn’t always that instinctive or athletic in coverage and is coming off a disappointing injury-plagued senior season, but is a thumper with the sub-4.4 speed to outrun a lot of mistakes. Meanwhile, Thomas isn’t all that big at barely 5-20, 200 and isn’t the greatest tackler out there, but has sub-4.4 speed as well as terrific ball skills. Indeed, there is more than one NFL team looking at Thomas as a potential corner.

There is also an outside chance that the afore-mentioned Rolando McClain of Alabama could drop into the middle of this year’s opening round especially if he doesn‘t run that well at pre-draft testing. McClain also may be a little tall, at almost 6-4, for a 4-3 MLB, but is very instinctive and - like Antonio Pierce - is known as a heady coach on the field. On the other hand, there is something of a drop-off at MLB after McClain, although Florida’s Brandon Spikes would be decent value in the latter part of the opening round.

If there is one key position for the Giants which may not be setting  up all that well for the Giants, at least in the opening round, is DT. Superstars Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and Oklahoma junior Gerald McCoy are top 5 guys, while the next best of the DT class are more late first-round types. UCLA junior Brian Price, who led all of college football in tackles for loss last fall, is the best of the rest, but likely would be a reach at #15 as he isn’t all that tall at barely 6-2 and is known to have something of an inconsistent motor.

No one should be totally surprised if the Giants go in another direction with this year’s opening round pick. Indeed, there are a couple of real wild cards out there. On the one hand, there could be a couple of junior DEs just to good to pass on in this year’s opening round. Carlos Dunlap of Florida, for example, is a 6-5, 290-pounder who had been considered a potential top 5 type - if not a possible #1 pick overall - but saw his status plummet when he was suspended from the SEC championship showdown with Alabama after being arrested for a DUI just days before the big game. Meanwhile, no player in this year’s draft class has more physical upside than South Florida DE Jason Pierre-Paul who is a relative newcomer to football, but is a rangy 6-5, 265-pounder with uncommon speed and quickness.

Meanwhile, the strength of this year’s opening round could be the offensive line class which includes, among others, Idaho OG Mike Iupati and junior LTs Brian Bulaga of Iowa and Anthony Davis of Rutgers each of whom could be considered just too good to pass on. The 330-pound Iupati, who actually has the feet to play OT at the next level, unparticular, is something of a hidden gem.

The better news for the Giants is that while the front end talent in the 2010 draft class is good, there is also terrific depth meaning the Giants need not force anything in the opening round. Indeed, with their second pick - the 46th selection overall - for example, the Giants could have their choice of a number of very promising DTs including Jared Odrick of Penn State, Dan Williams of Tennessee, super-quick Arthur Jones of Syracuse and possibly even Terrence ‘Mount’ Cody of Alabama. Meanwhile, safeties Nate Allen of South Florida, along with juniors Morgan Burnett of Georgia Tech and LSU’s Chad Jones would also be good value at that point, as would any of several DEs including Greg Hardy of Ole Miss, Corey Wootton of Northwestern, and George Selvie of South Florida. Moving onto the 3rd round, where the Giants have the 76th pick, figure that players like safeties Darrell Stuckey of Kansas, Major Wright of Florida and T.J. Ward of Oregon, DEs Rahim Alem of LSU, Lindsey Witten of UConn, Brandon Lang of Troy and small-school sleeper Austin Lane of Murray State. For good measure, there could also be a passle of pretty good DTs available at that point including Vince Oghobaase of Duke, Lamarr Houston of Texas, Tyson Aluaha of California, Torrell Troup of Central Florida and Boo Smith of Louisiana Tech.

Let the vetting begin!

Great Blue North Giants Mock Draft 1/25/10

Earl Thomas, SS from University of Texas has been flying up the draft boards and to be honest, I don't think he will be available after at 11, let alone pick 15.  He has incredible skills and his only downside in my mind his is size.  He is not a big safety compared to the normal safeties draft high in the 1st round.  This is a guy that I will keep my eye on as we get closer to draft day.  

David Diehl Interview on ESPN 1050 w/ Brandon Tierney 1/22/10

Former NY Giants defensive line coach Mike Waufle rejoins Oakland Raiders, report says

Former Giants defensive line coach Mike Waufle is headed back to Oakland to join the Raiders' staff, ESPN is reporting.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/22/10

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher shoots down New York Giants coaching talk

Despite Jerome Bettis' recent claim that he's holding out for Giants job, former Steelers coach Bill Cowher says he hasn't talked to his former running back in two years.

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 1/22/10

Draft Countdown 2010 NFL Mock Draft 1/22/10

By Scott Wright - NFL Draft Countdown 1/22/10

Mock draft 1.0: Where's Tim Tebow? Not in this first round

By Bucky Brooks - NFL.com 1/21/10

2010 NFL Mock Draft by Mel Kiper 1/21/10

Mel only goes over the Top 10 picks in the draft in this segment.

NFL Draft: Stock Up/Stock Down

Taylor Mays is the person that I focus on in this segment. He is one of the top 3 Safeties going into the NFL Draft as of now. However, I am VERY down on this guy! The last thing the Giants need is another big hitter that can't cover ANYONE. I would much rather wait for the 3rd Round and look at Myron Rolle and draft a Linebacker or DT in the 1st Round.

Eli Manning Interview on ESPN1050 w/ Michael Kay 1/18/10

Woody's Mailbag: Discussing the draft

"We all know Brandon Marshall is gone, and the New York Giants have been sniffing around Brandon every since Plaxico Burress was busted.  How about Josh McDaniels trade Marshall and the No. 10 pick in the first round to the Giants for the No. 14 in the first round, No. 44 (second) and No. 76 in third."

 By Woody Paige - Denver Post 1/21/10

Giants WR Smith headed to Pro Bowl

WR Steve Smith will be the first Giants wide receiver to play in the Pro Bowl since Homer Jones made the second of his two appearances in 1968. 

By Michael Eisen - Giants.com 1/20/10

NY Giants wide receiver Steve Smith headed to Pro Bowl

Giants wide receiver Steve Smith is headed to the Pro Bowl. He'll replace the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald.

 By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/20/10

Mr. Smith goes to the Pro Bowl

By Ralph Vacchiano - NY Dailynews 1/20/10

NFL Free Agents: Guys Who Would Look Good in Giants Blue (Part Two)

By Kyle Langan - Bleacher Report 1/20/10

Mara Cites a Lack of Progress in Talks

By Judy Battista - NY Times 1/19/10

NY Giants sign tight end Carson Butler for 2010 season

The Giants have signed tight end Carson Butler, who was with the Lions in the preseason last year.

By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/19/10