Welcome to the Big Blue Review!

Training camp is around the corner

2008-06-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have written on the blog. There is a ton to write about with the contract situations, Shockey being unhappy, Strahan retiring, however I am saving all of those writings until training camp gets started and fans are back into Big Blue mode.

As we fast approach the draft...Here is Mel Kiper's big board

2008-04-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

Player	Yr.	Pos.	School	Chg.
1. Glenn Dorsey	Sr.	DT	LSU
2. Darren McFadden	Jr.	RB	Arkansas
3. Matt Ryan	Sr.	QB	Boston College
4. Jake Long	Sr.	OT	Michigan
5. Chris Long	Sr.	DE	Virginia
6. Sedrick Ellis	Sr.	DT	USC
7. Vernon Gholston	Jr.	DE	Ohio St.
8. Ryan Clady	Jr.	OT	Boise St.
9. Branden Albert	Jr.	OG/OT	Virginia
10. Rashard Mendenhall	Jr.	RB	Illinois
11. Chris Williams	Sr.	OT	Vanderbilt
12. Jeff Otah	Sr.	OT	Pittsburgh
13. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	Sr.	CB	Tennessee St.
14. Aqib Talib	Jr.	CB	Kansas
15. Phillip Merling	Jr.	DE	Clemson
16. Keith Rivers	Sr.	LB	USC
17. Jerod Mayo	Jr.	LB	Tennessee
18. Felix Jones	Jr.	RB	Arkansas
19. Leodis McKelvin	Sr.	CB	Troy
20. Devin Thomas	Jr.	WR	Michigan St.
21. Jonathan Stewart	Jr.	RB	Oregon
22. Mike Jenkins	Sr.	CB	South Florida
23. Derrick Harvey	Jr.	DE	Florida
24. Joe Flacco	Sr.	QB	Delaware
25. Kentwan Balmer	Sr.	QB	North Carolina

You can also read more in depth at: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/melkiper/index

We are in a dry time with the off season

2008-03-14T10:30:00.001-07:00

Nothing is more dismal than the offseason. Then again nothing is worse than the time that sits between the initial free agency period and the soon to come NFL Draft.

So that puts us right about here. Basically nothing to talk about in regards to Big Blue. They did sign Sammy Knight and watch Mitchell, Torbor and Wilson all leave for more money.

So how does the Big Blue Review spend its offseason? Check out on the Giants.com message boards to find out.

Now Former Giants, Head for Higher Ground

2008-02-29T12:44:00.000-08:00

As of 12:01 am this morning the NFL's free agency period as begun. By 3:45 pm, two Giants' linebackers are now gone.

That is the nature of free agency in the NFL. One day they are here and the next they are being paid a lot of money.

Linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor have been whisked away from the Giants with the lure of more cash. Mitchell signed a long term deal with the Bills and Torbor (who I am a fan of) was signed by the Miami Dolphins.

With a Superbowl ring in tow for both men it was a good move on their part as they more than likely would not have received the same offer from the Giants. Even worse Torbor would have probably been demoted back to the bench with the return of Kiwianuka to the lineup.

Now with Mitchell gone, the opportunity for 3rd year man out Georgia Tech Gerris Wilkenson has been placed in front of him. He played well last year in his substitution rolls when Mitchell went down, and because he did so it is probably the reason why Jerry Reese made no real effort to resign Mitchell.

With all that said however, it now leaves the depth at that position very low. Back about a month ago I told everyone this would be the position they would target in the draft on day #1. With two LBers down, it may be a position they fill within the first 2 rounds.

If his one year history serves us well, Reese has shown that he will let the frenzy of the free agency period affect other teams, and when it settles down, he will fill in gaps on this team with serviceable players. Last year he did it by signing the likes of Kawika Mitchell and Madison Hedgcock, 2 pieces of the Superbowl puzzle that were needed.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

Note: Jerry Reese rejected an offer made by the New Orlean Saints which detailed a trade for Giants TE Jeremy Shockey in exchange for the Saints' 2nd round draft choice.

Mel Kiper's Big Board as of 2/25/2008

2008-02-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

Can be found at ESPN.com

Mel's Big BoardPlayer Yr. Pos. School Chg.
1. Darren McFadden Jr. RB Arkansas
2. Glenn Dorsey Sr. DT LSU
3. Matt Ryan Sr. QB Boston College
4. Jake Long Sr. OT Michigan
5. Chris Long Sr. DE Virginia
6. Sedrick Ellis Sr. DT USC
7. Aqib Talib Jr. CB Kansas
8. Vernon Gholston Jr. DE Ohio St.
9. Ryan Clady Jr. OT Boise St.
10. Phillip Merling Jr. DE Clemson
11. Kentwan Balmer Sr. DT North Carolina
12. Leodis McKelvin Sr. CB Troy
13. Malcolm Kelly Jr. WR Oklahoma
14. Chris Williams Sr. OT Vanderbilt
15. Jonathan Stewart Jr. RB Oregon
16. Calais Campbell Jr. DE Miami
17. Rashard Mendenhall Jr. RB Illinois
18. Jeff Otah Sr. OT Pittsburgh
19. Felix Jones Jr. RB Arkansas
20. Mike Jenkins Sr. CB South Florida
21. Chilo Rachal Jr. OG USC
22. Fred Davis Sr. TE USC
23. Dan Connor Sr. LB Penn State
24. Keith Rivers Sr. LB USC
25. Derrick Harvey Jr. DE Florida

Giants Embrace Superbowl Victory, Now Look Towards Defending it

2008-02-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

WOW! What can I say. What a wild ride the New York Giants have lead us on this season, with the end product being the organization's 3rd Superbowl title.

There is no question this is one that fans will enjoy for a long time. It was totally unexpected. They won all of their post season games on the road, including knocking off the #1 and #2 seeds in successive weeks, and finished off this improbable run by pulling off one of the biggest upsets in Superbowl history.

Is this a sign of dynasty to come? Who knows, but one thing for sure the Giants' future looks extremely bright. First year General Manager Jerry Reese is hands the down the GM of the year and that isn't debatable. All 8 draft choices made the squad and contributed in some fashion. He stole a top rookie running back in the 7th round, and a nice backup safety in Michael Johnson. Reese wasn't afraid to tell it like it is even at one point saying Eli was a bit skiddish. With all of that said, the Giants GM is now focusing in on this year's draft class.

My opinion is linebacker and secondary help are still of a concern. RW Mcquarters and Sam Madison aren't getting any younger in the secondary and they will need quality depth there. With the looming retirement of Strahan happening within a season or two, they will need to address the linebacker position for the eventual move of Kiwianuka back to defensive end. He will add in a nice rotation with pro bowler Osi Umenyiora, and the "should have been Superbowl MVP" Justin Tuck, who absolutely made the New England offensive lineman look incredibly foolish in Superbowl 42.

Along with those needs, the Giants need depth at offensive line, where a few guys are now in their early 30s. The later rounds would be a perfect fit to grab a Shaun O'Hara understudy or even the evetual replacement to right tackle Kareem McKenzie whose contract is due up in a year.

Whatever direction they take in this year's draft chances are Reese will draft well and fill needs with young players that will keep this franchise on top for many years to come.

DRAFTING LAST IN THE FIRST ROUND NEVER FELT SO GOOD!!

Lombardi Trophy in the Hands of Big Blue

2008-02-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Umenyiora

2008-02-04T11:37:00.001-08:00

SUPERBOWL CHAMPS!!!

2008-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

Giants Pull Off the Unthinkable

2008-01-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

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In frigid temperatures of the frozen tundra of Green Bay, the New York Giants completed the unthinkable of winning 10 straight games on the road.

They battled the cold. They battled the crafty veteran quarterback, and they battled expert panels of sportscasters who gave them no shot. When it was all over, kicker Lawrence Tynes, booted the Giants into Superbowl 42.

It wasn't easy, and it wasn't pretty but it was a complete team effort. "Keep doing what you've been doing all season long," expressed Antonio Pierce in the post game press conference. "You've doubted us, and we want you to keep doubting us." Although what Pierce says is the truth, as most if not all of the national media, gave the Giants absolutely no chance to win.

Pierce may not be so lucky in his second request. Early indicators show the Giants are already 14 point underdogs to the AFC machine known as the New England Patriots. Although that may be the case, the Giants are gaining support from the so called experts.

Shaun King, former NFL QB, and now host on ESPN's 1st and 10, looked directly into the camera and said the Giants "will beat the Patriots in the Superbowl". Moments later Cato June, a special guest on the same show, did not claim a Giants victory, but did say, that is who he was going to route for.

There is no question, that each successive game has gotten more difficult for the Giants. How befitting though that the hardest game, the Superbowl, are the 18 - 0 New England Patriots. If the Giants are going to become Superbowl champions, they will have to defy the odds, play better then they have to this point, and literally shock the world.

As for the Patriots side of it. They know they are favored. They know they have the better team. However, they also know, none of that matters come in two weeks when the two teams face off.

The stage is set, the teams are decided, and the New York Giants are one of them. Unlike in 2000 when they really had no chance of beating the Ravens, I think this team does have a realistic chance of winning this game. They can score points, the defense is playing better than it has all season long, but more importantly, the Giants players themselves truly believe they will be hoisting the Superbowl trophy at the end of the game.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://BigBlueReviewPodcast.Blogspot.com.

TO Cries The Blues, Giants Get Ready For Green Bay

2008-01-16T07:07:00.001-08:00

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There is a lot that can be said about the Giants victory over the Cowboys on Sunday. It was monumental, huge, you name it, but no one could predict that the victory would cause a grown man to cry.

Standing at the podium in the post game press conference, T.O. arguably one of the best receivers in football, broke down and started to cry. "That's my quarterback," says Owens with tears coming down his face. "It's not fair that you do that to him."

In that moment a collective cheer could be heard coming from Philadelphia, where Owens single handily destroyed the Eagles season the year after they went to the Superbowl.

With that behind Big Blue, and ignoring the ignorant comments by Wade Phillips the head coach of the Cowboys, who said, "The best team did not win on Sunday", the Giants press on to Green Bay.

The two teams met in week 2 at the Meadowlands with Green Bay coming out as the victor. That was a long time ago, and both these teams are completely different now. Also this Giants team has won an unprecedented 9 straight road games. What does all this means? Absolutely nothing.

This is a huge game for both teams, so the past means nothing, because this will be unlike anything they saw all season long.

As Giants fans we can enjoy the ride. A ride that no one, even their wildest imagination, could have predicted. No one wants this ride to come to an end, however, no one can be upset if it does.

About the Author:

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://BigBlueReviewPodcast.Blogspot.com.

Giants Get Ready for Bucs - 3rd Time a Charm?

2007-12-31T12:02:00.000-08:00

It is the magic of three. And if you believe the third time is a charm and are superstitious about things like that, then you probably already know and believe that the Giants will win this Sunday when they travel to Tampa to take on the 9 - 7 Buccaneers.

So what is all this talk about 3? The Giants will face Jeff Garcia for the third time in the playoffs come this Sunday. In the first meeting the Giants lost when they botched a field goal (worth 3 points). In the second meeting they lost on a last second field goal by, you guessed it, 3 points when David Akers kicked the game winning field goal for the Philadelphia Eagles. Along with that, this will be the third year in a row the Giants have made the playoffs.

This year, the Giants get their chance to finally overcome the issue that has been called Jeff Garcia. And this Sunday the third time could really be a charm.

Many experts are split on this contest. Some say since the Giants are 7 - 1 on the road they should win this game, while others say after the emotional loss to New England on Saturday, the Giants might not have much left in the tank.

It was a smart move by Coughlin to play the starters on Saturday as they are still in "game" mode, where the Coach Gruden of the Bucs decided to sit his starters for most of the last two games and keep them fresh.

It will be interesting to see if the Bucs come out flat. And if they do, and the Giants play anywhere near what they showed on Saturday, the Giants should roll over Tampa.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://BigBlueReviewPodcast.Blogspot.com.

Giants Hold Their Own Against the 16* - 0 Patriots

2007-12-31T05:23:00.000-08:00

Eli Manning played one of the greatest games of his career, Kevin Gilbride called one of the greatest games of his career, and all of the players, played as if there was no tomorrow. When it was all said and done the Giants fell just 3 points short. Experts and analysts can go back and forth all day about how great the New England Patriots are. However, regardless of their 16 - 0 * (I'll talk about the asterisk in a second) record, I am not sold that they are great.

A great offense yes, a great defense? Not even close. If any of you, like me, were around for the '85 Bears, then you already know that team would more than likely beat this Patriots team. A great team doesn't surrender 35 points to another team, that, lets face it, should have no business competing with.

This has gone on for the Pats in a few games. A coupld of lucky bounces, a few favorable calls by the refs, and whoala, a 16 - 0 record. This doesn't mean the Pats aren't good athletes, but the best ever? No way.

Now back to that asterisk. We have entered an age where athletes take drugs to make themselves better at their sports. Coaches illegally video tape other teams. And what is the punishment for these acts? Absolutely nothing! In sports today it is shown to everyone that as long as you have enough money or can produce enough money with your skills, then the penalty for cheating is minimal. Will Mark McGwire or Barry Bonds' homeruns be removed from the record books? No. They cheated, made millions, and there will be no consequences.

Earlier this year, the Patriots were caught red handed cheating. They admitted to it and the coward Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, fined them some money and took away a draft pick. Whoopie! Now here they are, the cheaters themselves being celebrated for a 16 - 0 season (hence the astersik).

The proper punishment would have been to forfeit the opening game to the Jets and then ban them from the post season. But this is profressional sports, where money is king and cheating is ok.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://BigBlueReviewPodcast.Blogspot.com

Giants Brace for the Storm of the Century

2007-12-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

It may not be on the Weather Channel's radar, but come this Saturday, the Meadowlands and the NY Giants are going to be hit with the biggest most fiercest storm this team and stadium has ever seen.

Hurricane New England Patriots will arrive around 8:05pm EST and experts predict although the storm may last for roughly 2 and half hours, the greatest devastation that it will cause will probably occur within the first hour or so.

Although I use these analogies to describe what the Giants will encounter this Saturday, rest assure they are in for a big battle. However, the big question will be, do the Giants rest the starters and get ready for Tampa, or play them and try to foil the Patriots chances at history.

An even more glaring question is, can the Giants, even with their starters have a chance against mighty New England. Many experts, and most I agree with, say they have no chance, so sit the starters and get ready for the playoffs.

Although on paper the Giants are clearly not as good as the Patriots, this game has that same eery feeling that a similar match up had in 1998. That is when then the 13 - 0 Broncos marched into the Meadowlands, to face the Kent Graham lead Giants. The Giants had no business winning that game as they were to be no match for John Elway and the Broncos. A late TD pass from Graham to Amani Toomer sealed the victory, and as fate would have it, Toomer is yet again playing this Saturday in a similar game.

Toomer and Strahan are the only two players that remain from that contest in 1998, so maybe they can shed some light on what it might take to defeat the odds.

Regardless of what happens Saturday, the fate of Tom Coughlin rests in what the Giants accomplish in the post season and not in week 16. My guess is Tom will play the starters to try and win the game, but if it gets out of hand and the Patriots pull away early, look for the backups to get plenty of playing time.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/.

Giants Defense Steps Up Big Against Eagles

2007-12-10T03:37:00.000-08:00

It was from 57 yards away, had the leg and distance but was just wide right. That was the game tying field goal, missed by Eagles kicker David Akers on Sunday. More importantly the missed kick represents a new trend for the New York Giants and that is a re found defense that makes stops when it has to.

For so many years, the Giants defense has been known as one that couldn't get the stop when it needed to. This year, with some better players and a much better defensive coordinator, Big Blue has its defense moving in the right direction.

I say the right direction, because they aren't "there" just quite yet. They do not have the top 3 style of defense that is synonymous with, "oh man we have to go up against that defense." Right now they are an excellent pass rushing, get after the QB defense with the players they have, but they aren't the physical, beat you up defense just yet.

In a few years, as Jerry Reese builds this team and brings in the right players, which it looks like from last year's draft, (that included Aaron Ross, Michael Johnson, Ahmad Bradshaw, Kevin Boss, all of who made the team) this guy knows what he is doing. I have no doubt this team is heading in the right direction.

So what do they need? Another young shutdown corner to start. Lets face it, Sam Madison isn't getting any younger, and Corey Webster can't play, so another corner to compliment Ross would help. As we saw on Sunday with both Safeties out for the Giants, that two rookies can step in and play just as well. That's not good if you are a Giants fan. Does that mean the starters can't play or that the rookies are that good? You wish for the latter, but accept the fact it is the former.

The safety situation is mediocre for the Giants. With Wilson as a steady starter at one spot and a revolving door at the other. These are positions that will need to be filled with guys that are top notch in this league, for the Giants secondary to improve.

Along with secondary help, they still need at least one, maybe two top quality linebackers that are physical, can cover tight ends and get after the quarterback. It was that style of linebacker play, that helped the Giants win two Superbowls, and it will be that type of linebacker play they will need if they expect to be dominate.

There is no question this defense and this team as a whole have improved greatly, but with a year or two more of building within the same system, this Giants team could very well be one, that could dominate this league for many years to come.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/ or iTunes.

Plax's Big Day

2007-12-10T03:36:00.000-08:00

He was hurt, hobbled and even went back to the locker room before kickoff, however wide receiver Plaxico Burress may have also been the inspiration that drove the Giants to a victory on Sunday over the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I'm getting healthy at the right time," claims Burress in the post game press conference, and if he is, the Giants offense may get that lift they were looking for as they head into the post season.

Healthy wasn't a word the broadcast team described Burress as he had to go back to the Giants locker room during pregame warmups and was nearly a scratch. The Giants wide receiver has been plagued with an ankle injury all season long. He hasn't paracticed yet, with the exception of the last few weeks, has bee having a great season.

On Sunday the Giants' top receiver caught 7 balls for 136 yards and a touchdown and has added to his totals of great perfomances against the Philadelphia Eagles, who he seems to dominate, and in this case, even when he is hurt.

There is no secret to Manning's success and that is Burress. He needs Burress to be healthy and have days like this in order to succeed. There were some catches out there on Sunday that Burress made that helped Manning have a nice day, and it is that type of performance Burress will need to put up in the post season if the Giants offense plans on helping this team finally get out of the first round.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/

Giants Nearly Fumble Away Game To Eagles

2007-12-10T03:09:00.000-08:00

When Tom Coughlin arrived he made many claims as to what he would do for this franchise, with obviously, winning being the most important. That has been accomplished. For the third straight year the Giants will have a non losing season and will more than likely, barring a miracle by the New Orlean Saints (the only team left that can knock them out of a playoff spot) it looks like the Giants will wrap up a wildcard spot, and are still in the driver's seat for the #5 seed.

As a Giants fan you would have to look back to 1991 for the last time the Giants had this many non losing seasons in a row, as well as the same number of playoff appearances consecutively. There is no question, regardless of the heat Coughlin took early on here in NY, that the only thing he does do, and does it well, is win. More on that in a moment.

When he also arrived an even bigger challenge was to solve the fumbling problem that haunted former Giants running back Tiki Barber. He did that as well, and he went on to become the greatest running back in Giants history. That challenge has seemed to resurface these past few weeks, and it almost cost them the game against the Eagles on Sunday.

In for the Giants to go anywhere come January they need to start learning how to hold onto the ball in December. On Sunday, Jacobs put the ball on the ground twice, and Amani Toomer (although the call was correct, that it was not a fumble), put it out there as well. Whatever Coughlin did to fix Barber's problem, he needs to do the same for Jacobs. It is clear that in order for this team to be a contender they will need Jacobs now more than ever with the season ending injury to Ward.

When Coughling arrived in NY he was labeled as a "General", wears his players down, too much old school. Isn't that what you want out of your head coach? Someone who will make the players accountable for their bad play? There seemed to be a revolt against him early on in his tenure here, however those bad apples were weeded out and now he finally has most of his own guys here that play extremely hard for him.

Nothing was more evident in that as we saw the Giants defense step up big when they had to on Sunday against the Eagles after the first Jacobs fumble. When there backs were against the wall with the offense putting the team in a bad situation for the second straight week, the defense responded. The knock on the Giants defense for the past 15 years has been, that they just can not make a good stop. It looks as if Tom Coughlin and defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnualo just may have solved that issue as well.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/

Giants' Focus Now Shifts Towards the Eagles

2007-12-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

The commotion of last week's game against the Bears has settled down as the Giants prepare for their upcoming battle against division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Last week the Eagles were in an uproar with a QB controversy after AJ Feely had a mediocre game in a losing effort to the New England Patriots. After he sputtered even harder against the Seahawks, fans in Philly are realizing that their 5 time pro bowl QB named McNabb, you know the guy who lead them to 4 NFC championship games and a Superbowl, should really be their starter.

Coming off of an ankle and thumb injury, McNabb claims he is ready to play. This match up against the Eagles will be far different then the one a few weeks back when the Giants defense completely dismantled the Eagles offense with 12 sacks, 6 of them by Umenyiora. Westbrook will be in this game, where he was out the last time as will LJ Smith and Brian Dawkins. More importantly the Eagles will have their pro bowl left tackle, William Thomas playing, and already that should slow down the Giants pass rush from the last time these two teams met.

Regardless of who is playing, the Eagles are a mediocre team, barely hanging in the playoff race. The Giants have an opportunity to put them away this week and end their season, something they didn't do last year when they had the chance.

Giants have a stronghold on the first wild card spot while the Eagles are dead last in all tie breakers for the final spot. A Giants win this week will all but assure them a spot in the January tournament while the Eagles start talking about what went wrong.

The win against the Bears was a huge one for the Giants. It has breathed life back into a team that seemed to sputter the last few games. The defense is doing well, and Manning actually showed some enthusiasm on the sideline after the touchdown call to Toomer was reversed in the Giants favor.

Maybe that win was the spark the offense needed to get out of its slump and start getting on a roll as they head to the playoffs. Last year the Giants limped in on the heels of now retired running back, Tiki Barber. This year, according to Antonio Pierce on WFAN's Mike & the Mad Dog show Tuesday afternoon, the goal is to roll into the playoffs, have momentum and carry it through the first week.

This Sunday will mark a huge game for both teams. A win by the Giants and they are pretty much in, rolling along, sending the South Philly team packing for warmer weather and some golf clubs. A loss, and the Giants just gave life to a team, who has the post season experience, to do some damage, if given the chance.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/.

Giants Season Saved On Forgotten Play, Coughlin Gets Lucky

2007-12-04T03:57:00.000-08:00

Giants Season Saved On Forgotten Play

Eli Manning received all of the accolades for leading two touchdown drives that eventually lead to winning the game. The defense received its praise for making big stops when they had to. Something a Giants defense hasn't done since it was anchored by a guy named Taylor. No need to mention a first name of the greatest linebacker in history.

But the game saving play that no one is talking about, even though it should not have gotten to that point in the first place (more on that in a bit), is an open field tackle by rookie defensive back Michael Johnson.

With the game on the line and time running out for the Bears, head coach Lovie Smith signaled in a screen to Bears running back Adrian Peterson. The play went to the right side and was executed near flawlessly. The only man able to have a crack at him was Johnson, who made a diving shoe string tackle. If he had not, there was nothing in front of Peterson except the end zone and 60,000 screaming Bears fans.

Was it something that Johnson did right or did the Bears do something wrong? A little of both actually. When Grossman threw the screen, the wide receiver's job was to take out the defensive back covering him which he did, leaving the Safety, Johnson, to be taken out by a lineman. However the lineman threw a block on blitzing linebacker Reggie Torbor which slowed him to get out in the open field to hit Johnson. Johnson then side stepped the other blocker leading to the tackle, and ultimately saving the game.

Coughlin Gets Lucky

Let us rewind the game a bit. It should have not even made it to this point. With a minute and thirty one seconds remaining in the game, the Bears had one timeout left, it was first down and the Giants were on, roughly, the two yard line.

I believe Coughlin made a mistake by going for the touchdown. Instead he should have ran the clock out, and went for the game winning field goal. We saw it last year when the Saints did it to the Eagles, and it worked to perfection.

If you calculate the time you would see the following. First down, Manning hikes the ball, runs 4 to 5 seconds off the clock, then kneels, Bears use their last time out and now there would be about a minute twenty-seven. Second down, Manning does the same thing and the Giants are down to a minute twenty-three. Run off thirty-nine seconds for the play clock, the Giants are then down to fourty-four seconds. It is now third down, same play, and the Giants can now let the clock run do to four seconds left and let Tynes kick the game winning field goal of about 22 yards. With this scenario, your defense never sees the field, there is no threat of Devin Hester and no chance for a hail mary play.

We know that Tynes hasn't been the best kicker, but the bottom line is this. If you are afraid to put him in that situation, then he shouldn't be on the team in the first place.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://BigBlueReviewPodcast.Blogspot.com.

In 7 Minutes the Eli Manning Era Could Have Ended

2007-12-03T10:03:00.001-08:00

An ending to what could have been the biggest trade blunder in the history of the New York Giants nearly cam crashing down on Sunday as the Giants trailed the Bears 16 - 7 with less than 7 minutes to go.

Giants QB Eli Manning has struggled for the better of the last 6 quarters he has played. His timing has been off and his decisions have been atrocious at best. Fast forward to Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears and you would have hoped young Eli would work himself out of the slump he was in.

For the first 3 and half quarters Eli Manning looked more like the remnants of Dave Brown, an offense that could not score, while the defense doing everything they could to keep the team in the game.

Throwing two bad interceptions, including one in the red zone, and fumbling the ball away when no one even hit him, Eli Manning's QB career, the Giants playoff lives and Tom Coughlin's future all laid in the balance of mistakes that were now magnified. As Joe Buck said during the broadcast, with each passing second and the Giants staring down defeat, the NY Media and the fans were licking their chops to scream at Giants ownership, that it might be time for a change.

Now in most cities, (even had they lost the game, would still be the #5 seed in the playoffs), the media frenzy, would not be this great. However, this is New York, where a guy can hit 50 home runs and the fans can't get him out of town fast enough.

With all of that in the balance. And all of the pressure beating down on his shoulders, Eli simply drove down the field, over 70 yards two times to score two touchdowns and now all of that bad play and all of those "oh no, here we go again emotions" are swept under the rug, at least for one more week.

In the final 7 minutes of the game, it was the Eli Manning that we all saw against Denver a few years back, and the Eli that we had all hoped the Giants mortgaged their future for. And it is the complete package of Eli Manning that frustrates Giants fans everywhere, because you just don't know which one will show up.

In week 1 against Dallas, he looked like a big time QB ready to step up this year. Then last week against Minnesota he looked like one of the worse QBs in history. No one can quite understand why he does his Jekyl and Hyde routine on a week to week basis, but we can all agree, we need to see more of what we saw in the final 7 minutes against the Bears.

One thing is for sure, the kid rose up in a big time situation, with a lot of people's jobs on the line. How did he respond? All he did was drive twice down the length of the field, and win the game.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/.

Giants Gear Up For a Motivated Bears Team

2007-11-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

Let me first say that all of us here at the Big Blue Review want to send out our condolences to Sean Taylor's family and friends, team mates and the thousands of Redskins fans for this week's tragic event that claimed Sean's life. Although the Giants and Redskins are rivals, lets not forget that it is just a game, and when something like this occurs it affects all players, teams and personnel.

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It was the game that we all want to forget, especially Eli Manning. Four times the Giants were driving down the field to put the Vikings away, and each time Minnesota came away with interceptions, three of them returned for touchdowns.

Everyone has bad games. For Eli Manning, and hopefully Giants fans everywhere, this is as bad as he will ever get, and hopefully, we will never see it again.

For the past three games the Giants offense has been sputtering. Obviously not all Eli's fault, but the line has been playing mediocre as of late, the receivers can't seem to get open, and when they do, they either don't catch the ball or the fumble it.

Until last Sunday's game against the Vikings, these problems and issues were well hidden by the fact, the defense played extremely well, including two late picks against Detroit to seal the victory. The Giants defense didn't get the chance to bail the offense out this time as Manning made sure of that by hitting wide open Vikings players four times, twice inside the red zone.

Fast forward to this Sunday and the game against the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears. The Bears are struggling this year in all facets of the game, except for Devin Hester, who I believe can return a kickoff for a touchdown even if you had 100 guys trying to stop him. The guy is unbelievable and the Giants know it all too well. Let us not forget the 108 yard return for a TD off of a missed field goal, or as a Giants fan, maybe we should.

The Bears are coming off of an emotional win against the Broncos, but the 2007 Bears are not the 2006 Bears. This team is mediocre this year, and it took an overtime field goal to beat a Broncos team that just isn't that good.

As we saw against the Vikings, no game is a gimme. However, this is a game the Giants should win, and win fairly handily. There are questions though about Big Blue and that is, can the offense get back to where they were earlier in the year? If so, they should easily put this game away early. If not, the Giants could be in for another long game.

I think the Giants will win this game. This isn't the team of the last couple of years, when they seemed to collapse at the end. This team, for the most part, is healthy. Tom Coughlin's style of coaching and discipline have finally set in after four years. I also believe that loss against the Vikings, may have been the best thing to happen to this Giants team. It exposed their struggling offense, and now the coaching staff and the players must work harder to right the ship.

Regardless of the outcome, and the fact the Bears are struggling this year, this a great match up, with two of the league's storied franchises.

About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://BigBlueReviewPodcast.Blogspot.com.

Shiancoe Returns Home, Giants Gear Up For Vikings

2007-11-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

He was once the backup tight end in New York. Deemed at best serviceable he became a free agent last season and tested the waters.

That player was former Giants and now current Vikings tight end, Visanthe Shiancoe. In another great move by GM Jerry Reese he refused to overpay for mediocre and backup type talent so he let Shiancoe test the free agency market.

All and I am mean all NFL fans were shocked and bewildered when the Vikings WAY OVERPAID for a backup tight end. The Vikings had signed him to a five year eighteen and half million, seven million guaranteed contract. This season he currently has 19 catches and if he plays the season out without injuries, will make 11 million of that contract this year.

If you break that down on a per game basis, that would mean he is making, $687,500 per game or in other words, $361,842 per rececption!! Lets not get into how much he is over paid for his touchdown production.

If you were to compare that to the likes of Dallas' Jason Whitten or the Giants' Jeremy Shockey, on a per catch basis, Shiancoe is making roughly $300,000 more per reception than that of the two players I just mentioned, who both are probably going to the pro bowl.

With new ownership for the Vikings, I thought the days of doing stupid things, like trading a thousand draft picks away for Herchel Walker, were over. Apparently not.

Regardless of the contract, he returns to the meadowlands this Sunday as the Giants take on the Vikings, in what I hope won't be a repeat of the game they stole from Big Blue a couple of seasons ago. This is a different Giants team now. They are relatively healthy, all three areas of the team are improving each week, and this season the Giants have been able to beat the lower echelon teams in the NFL.

The Vikings come in at 4 - 6, beating teams like the Chargers and in all but one of their losses, have been in every game, and have been a tough opponent. The Vikings currently have the #1 ranked rushing attack in the NFL, and it doesn't matter if it is Taylor or Peterson back there, both players get the job done. On the contrast side of that, they are abysmal in their passing game. In fact they rank tied for dead last. Meaning you should see the Giants defense stack the line, put 8 in the box, and force Jackson to beat them through the air.

Whatever the game plan, this is a game Big Blue should win, if anyone wants to take them seriously come post season time. It will also move them to 8 - 3 on the year, and put them sitting nicely in the driver's seat for a wild card spot.

NOTE: If the Giants win against the Vikings on Sunday, this will mark the third consecutive season with a 500 record or better. That hasn't happend since 1991 when Ray Handley took over for Bill Parcells. From 1988 to 1991 the Giants were 10 - 6, 12 - 4, 13 - 3, and 8 -8 respectively.

About the Author:

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://BigBlueReviewPodcast.Blogspot.com.

'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving...

2007-11-21T05:04:00.001-08:00

And all through the house, well actually my office. I wanted to take this time to reflect on what we, as Giants fans, have to be thankful for this season. I'll get into the family and life thankfulness tomorrow.

Where else to start but at the top of the Giants organization with the Maras and Tischs (can you really pluralize that name?). When Wellington Mara & Bob Tisch passed away a few years ago, sad fully ironic, just a few weeks apart, for the first time since the inception of the NFL, the Giants organization would be lead by someone else. The reigns of the leadership would handed over to Mr. Mara's son, John Mara and the new era begun. Giants should be thankful that, unlike other franchises like, Arizona, Washington, and our stadium co-hosts the Jets, we have an ownership that is not just passionate about this team, but won't jeopardize winning over making a few extra bucks, or spend a crazy amount of money on free agents that just never pan out. They do a real nice job doing everything they can to make this franchise competitive and keep the Giants tradition going.

Our next fulfillment of thankfulness should be in regards to Ernie Accorsi. No, not because of the Eli Manning trade, but because many years ago, he convinced a young man to get up from Tennessee and set up routes in the confines of the "very expensive to live at", North Jersey area. That young man, today, is General Manager Jerry Reese. Not since George Young have I seen a General Manager for this organization make a lot of right moves (we'll forget about the Dave Brown debacle for now). Reese refused to overpay for mediocre talent in the off season free agency period, he cut players that made you scratch your head and now 10 weeks into the season the moves look great, and in his first draft as a GM, he did a real nice job with choosing a cornerback (Aaron Ross), a position the Giants seem they couldn't find anybody that could play.

Finally, we all have to be thankful that the Giants are on pace to get to their 3rd consecutive post season appearance. I touched on this a bit in my previous article, but as a fan of this organization since the 70's, the 90's were a tough time to get through. One year we would be in, next we would be out. Back and forth it went, and as a fan it made you frustrated. Here they sit at 7 - 3, ready to at least have a shot in the post season, for the third consecutive year. Hopefully the outcome this year will be different than the last 2 years and we can be thankful about a post season victory.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/.

Giants On Pace To Make Franchise History

2007-11-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

Less than a year ago, fans and the NY Media were calling for the head of Tom Coughlin. We heard names like Charlie Weiss (How's ND doing this year Charlie?), Bill Cowher, Bill Parcells and a slew of others. Now Tom Coughlin is set to do for this team that hasn't been done since Parcells was the coach last century.

At the conclusion of Sunday's contest, and chalking up a victory over the Lions, the New York Giants are on the verge of doing something this franchise hasn't done in a very long time, go to the playoffs three consecutive years.

Holding with a 7 - 3 record, staring down a Viking's opponent that is about as inconsistent a franchise can get, the Giants truly control their own destiny.

Over the next 6 weeks the Giants schedule stands as follows:

.vs. Minnesota (4-6)
at Chicago (4-6)
at Philadelphia (5-5)
.vs. Washington (5-5)
at Buffalo (5-5)
.vs. New England (10000 - 0)

Obviously being a bit facetious about the Pats, but you get the point. For now lets say the Pats game is a loss (although I think they are going to win that one). Each of the other remaining 5 games are very winnable, and two are against teams they have already beaten, in Philly and Washington.

By the end of the season the Giants could easily be 12 - 4. Now in most seasons that would account for a first place finish, and in 2000 that was worth the #1 seed in the conference. However, the way Dallas and Green Bay are playing (two teams that have already beaten the Giants), the division and a 1st round bye pretty much went out the window 2 weeks ago when the Giants lost to the Cowboys at home.

If we go by the Giants track record this season, where they beat up on the slop in the NFL and struggle against the good teams, then this team should without a doubt finish at 12 - 4.

With the announcement of Kiwianuka now out for the year and Jacobs on a week to week basis, how much will these two injuries affect the Giants going forward? Without a doubt the bigger of the two losses is Kiwianuka. The Giants are losing a really good pass rusher, and the pass rush of the Giants is what hides the mediocre secondary they have.

Jacobs isn't a huge loss, because if you remember he went down early in the season and Ward was able to step in and do a real nice job. However, the Giants do not have that luxury going forward, since Ward is out also. In steps Mr. Droughns. Giants GM Jerry Reese is now looking like a genius for the trade that sent never seen WR Tim Carter to the Browns for Droughns. Droughns will fill in nicely, and with rookie 7th round draft choice, Ahmad Bradshaw showing his speed last Sunday, he will definitely give the running game a nice lift as well.

Regardless of injuries, the fact remains, this Giants team like last year's team, controls its own destiny. If they fulfill teir destiny, come season's end, they will have made history and Coach Coughlin is sure to get a nice extension.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/

Giants Win in Motown - Let Lions Stick Around

2007-11-19T05:34:00.000-08:00

This was one of those victories that you can chalk up as ugly. The Giants prevailed in the game 16 - 10, however the offense gave the Lions way too many chances, and in a big game against a good team (like we saw a week ago against the Cowboys), the better teams will take advantage of those mistakes and make you pay.

Twice, deep in Lions territory with the Giants ready to strike for some points, the offense put the ball on the ground, giving the Lions explosive offense a chance to get right back into it. Mistakes, that fortunately for Big Blue, did not hurt them.

In the post game press conference, Manning says, “I think we’re doing a good job finding ways to win. It comes in different forms and different ways. But we stick together and guys stepped up at the right time. We had some big plays today. We still have things we can fix. But we’re finding ways to win, and that’s what’s important.”

The reason it didn't hurt them is that the Giants defense, unlike a week ago, came up huge, including two enormous turnovers near the end of the game, when the offense couldn't seem to move the ball an inch.

Anchored by the veteran Michael Strahan, who looks like he is 10 years younger, and on his way to yet another pro bowl, the defense was stellar. They limited the Lions to 10 points, 7 of which came in the last 6 minutes of the ball game. With no help from their offense, the Giants defense had to play well and create turnovers, which turned out to be the key to the game.

Michael Strahan said, “Hopefully, we can get another run going. Today was just the start of that. When you play a team that’s 6-3,
and to win – trust me, you can’t beat that. It’s a great thing.”

A big game indeed, however, as shown before, the Giants have no trouble beating the lower tier teams in the NFL. Even though the defense played great, it did leave a huge question, where in the world was Osi Umenyiora. In a game where he could have really shined, he was nonexistent.

According to Umenyiora, “We know we had to win this game. It was in the NFC and Detroit was playing very well. Most importantly, everybody’s been saying we’re struggling in the second half, so we needed to come back and win this football game.”

However not all was chipper on the defensive side of the ball as Kiwianuka went down with what looks like a season ending injury. A loss that will surely hurt the defense's pass rush. Along with that, running back Brandon Jacobs hobbled off the field. According to Giants.com, "Kiwanuka fractured his fibula in the first quarter and Jacobs hurt his hamstring in the third. Kiwanuka is likely out for the season, while Jacobs’ status will be updated this week. "

There is no question this is a huge win for the Giants, but there is also no question, that this team, in order to have any chance at beating an upper echelon team, is going to have to put a complete game together, to be taken seriously.

By: Michael C. Podlesny

About the Author:
Michael C. Podlesny is the co-host of the Big Blue Review, a weekly podcast featuring the latest news on The New York Giants. The podcast can be downloaded from Michael's blog at http://bigbluereviewpodcast.blogspot.com/.