Big Blue View

Post-game transcripts

2009-11-22T23:38:59Z

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles (18) celebrates with Lawrence Tynes after Tynes kicked the game-winning field goal against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 34-31.

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Here are some of the comments made by players and coaches following the New York Giants' 34-31 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday afternoon.

Check the 'Transcripts' page for even more quotes.

Lawrence Tynes on his game-winning kick:

"I have done it before. I am very, very glad and we are very unfortunate to have gotten the ball in overtime because the way the Falcons were moving the football in the last quarter. I think if they get the ball, they would have a pretty good chance of scoring. I am just glad we won. I will fix whatever I need to fix, but I need to stop missing those short ones. ...

I love those situations. I am not nervous. It is a really good feeling to kind of be a hero for 30 seconds and help your team win a football. I was really looking forward to overtime when we got the ball for sure."

(Full Tynes transcript)

Tom Coughlin on breaking the four-game losing streak:

"We were miserable around here for a month, it’s nice to win. We knew going in it would be this kind of game. If you looked at the way the games have played out for Atlanta, most of our games with the exception of two, they all come down to this type of thing. I didn’t anticipate overtime, but we knew it would be a full four quarters, a full sixty minutes. We did do a lot of soul searching, probably, this past two weeks, although not as much the first week as we did the second week. Just in terms of believing in each other, trusting, that type of thing."

(Full Coughlin transcript)

Linebacker Michael Boley on beating his former team:

"I’m really excited that we got the win today, especially with the way the game was for me. Both teams came into a "must win’ game today. And for it to come down how it did, it was real exciting. It was one of those games where a lot of plays were made by both teams on either side of the ball. This was like a shot of penicillin for us today. For me, personally, I’m very proud of this team and the way all of our guys played today. They showed a lot of heart and a lot of character."

(Post-game player quotes transcript)

Eli Manning on his first 300-yard passing game at Giants Stadium:

"I would have thought I would have had one by now, but I’ll take it any way it comes and especially if it comes in a win. This was definitely a game I will remember for a while. It is a big win for us, we needed one at this time, and hopefully this will keep us going, get a little rally, and continue to play well. We talked a lot this past week and we have a seven-game season right now. What happened before this didn’t really matter, we have seven games, this was the first game, and it was good to get off to a good start."

Giants 34, Falcons 31 (OT): Keep that coin

2009-11-22T21:37:05Z

Saved by the overtime coin toss!

After watching the New York Giants defense look helpless in surrendering a lead for the second week in a row, I had zero confidence they could win if the Atlanta Falcons had the ball to begin the overtime.

Thankfully, the Giants got the ball and never gave the defense a chance to muck it up.

Oh, and like you guys I was ready to call for the Giants to get themselves a new kicker after he missed a 31-yard chip shot in the first half. But, Tynes being Tynes he made the kick the Giants needed to save their season, the 36-yard game-winner.

So, this one might not have been pretty. But, the Giants are now 6-4 with a chance to go to Denver Thursday and put themselves firmly back in the playoff picture.

I will take it.

[NOTE: Be sure to check back later for post-game quotes. And, remember to stop by in the morning for the traditional 'Kudos & Wet Willies'.]

Giants (5-4) vs. Falcons (5-4): Open Thread

2009-11-22T17:00:12Z

NEW YORK GIANTS (5-4)	Game #10	ATLANTA FALCONS (5-4)
	vs.

Date:	Nov. 22, 2009	Location:	East Rutherford, N.J.
Time:	1 p.m. EST	Stadium:	Giants Stadium
TV:	FOX	Radio:	WFAN (660-AM)
By The Numbers:	A BAD SIGN: The road team has won every meeting in series since 1979 (12 games) ... The Falcons are 8-0 when QB Matt Ryan has 100+ rating ... RB BRANDON JACOBS (617 yards) & RB AHMAD BRADSHAW (515) are only NFC teammates with 500+ rush yards each.

Our New York Giants desperately need a victory today against the Atlanta Falcons. Use this as your Open Thread today. Enjoy the game!

Giants vs. Falcons: 'Kudos & Wet Willies' style preview

2009-11-22T12:15:09Z

OK, time to get serious. Our New York Giants need a win today against the Atlanta Falcons. In my usual, 'Kudos & Wet Willies' style here is how I see things breaking down this afternoon in the Meadowlands.

There will be lots of 'Kudos' Monday if ...

They overcome the loss of Antonio Pierce's defensive 'quarterbacking.' Say what you want about Pierce and his apparently declining physical skills, losing your defensive signal-caller and a player as smart as AP at this point in the season could be devastating. We love Chase Blackburn and he is a bettter athlete than Pierce, but I saw him get blown off the ball too many times while playing the middle during the pre-season to feel really good about him anchoring the middle. And nobody has a clue what Jonathan Goff could bring to the table.
Pressure on Matt Ryan. Without Michael Turner, the Falcons will still try to run the ball. They will likely have to rely on Ryan to make more plays, however, and the Giants have got to get pressure on him. He has been mistake-prone in recent weeks, and it sure would be nice to see the pass rush force a couple of game-changing bad throws. Hopefully, they can do it with the front four. If not, let's hope Bill Sheridan turns Clint Sintim and Michael Boley loose on some blitzes. Oh, and let's pray he forgets about that zone blitz nonsense.
The Giants handle Tony Gonzalez. Covering the tight end has not been a strong suit for the Giants, and Ryan will be looking Gonzalez way a lot. If Boley, and possibly Sintim, can neutralize him that can go a long way toward slowing the Atlanta offense.
The Giants ride Brandon Jacobs. I have said repeatedly recently that Jacobs has been under-utilized during the four-game losing streak. The Falcons are 26th in the league against the run, and there is no excuse for the Giants not to pound Jacobs 20 times or so today in what is really their biggest "must win" game of the season to date.
The Giants hit some big passing plays. That doesn't necessarily mean chucking the ball 50 yards downfield on 3rd and 2, but the Falcons have been susceptible to giving up big chunks of yardage at times. The Giants have not hit a big play in recent weeks, and they will need to today.

There will be lots of 'Wet Willies' Monday if ...

Atlanta runs the ball effectively. With Turner likely out, the Giants need to make the Falcons one-dimensional. The opportunity is there, and the front seven simply has to force the Atlanta offense to be pass-happy.
The Red/Green Zone issues continue. Both teams are 5-4. Both are imperfect. This could be a close game. Taking advantage of offensive opportunities, and a couple of big defensive stops, could make the difference.
The special teams woes continue. It seems like every week some aspect or another of the Giants special teams has broken down. Jeff Feagles has been horrible recently. The kickoff coverage has been spotty. Lawrence Tynes struggled early on. The Giants have not had a difference-making return in weeks.

Hey Kevin, try this

2009-11-21T17:00:14Z

Maybe Kevin Gilbride should put this in the Giants play book.

New York Giants News & Notes: Pierce Contract Situation & More

2009-11-21T12:04:22Z

Ed posted about Antonio Pierce's injury last night, and it's definitely not good news. Mike Garafalo reports a little more about Pierce's contract situation and that of replacement Chase Blackburn. Also from MG comes a preview of the game against the Falcons.

Speaking of Giants' linebackers, Giants' rookie Clint Sintim is leaning on "one cool dude," aka Danny Clark. Whether that's a good thing or not I'll leave up to you.
Giants legend (and my all-time favorite player) Michael Strahan was brought into practice yesterday to give the Giants a surprise pep talk. According to Strahan:

"They're as talented as any team in the league," he said. "It's just a matter of believing in their talent and the talent of the guy next to them. If they do that, they'll be just fine."

The general theme out there seems to be that the next seven days will define the Giants season. It's certainly hard to say that's wrong right now.
The Giants are going to be looking for "big play opportunities" against the Falcons. That's quite alright with me.
Hakeem Nicks has made a list of impact rookie wide receivers. I was a little skeptical of the Nicks pick back in April, but I have been pleasantly surprised so far - next to Steve Smith he's been my favorite player to watch so far this year, and the two of them have a bright future for the Giants.

Antonio Pierce out indefinitely

2009-11-21T03:11:30Z

More photos » by Mike Groll - AP

Antonio Pierce

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From the Giants:

Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck this afternoon and will be sidelined indefinitely, according to the team’s medical staff.

Pierce underwent an MRI today at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan and was examined by team physician Dr. Russell Warren and Dr. Frank Camissa, Chief of the Spinal Surgical Services at HSS.

Pierce originally suffered a burner in the Arizona game on October 25 and experienced very little discomfort until practice this week, at which point the team’s medical staff scheduled this afternoon’s MRI.

"I'm shocked with what I heard from the doctors this afternoon," said Pierce. "I had no idea that what happened a few weeks ago could keep me off the field. I didn't think it was that serious. I'm going to do everything the doctors tell me to do so I can get back out on the field as soon as possible."

My take: This is one of those 'get what you wish for' moments. Lots of Giants fans have been asking for Pierce to be replaced. Now we find out just how much Pierce means, or doesn't mean, to the Giants defense. NOTE: Good job by a couple of you guys to get this posted as a 'FanPost.' I posted the official release to give you as many details as I could.

Fantasy Football Friday: Giants vs. Falcons Preview

2009-11-20T21:35:12Z

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Hakeem Nicks could be looking at a big day against the Falcons struggling secondary. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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The Giants get back to action on Sunday after an excruciatingly long bye week on the heels of four straight losses. While the Giants were resting up, our fantasy teams were chugging along without them (and mine suffered its worst loss of the season - I need you Steve Smith!). What can we expect from them this weekend? Here's some advice:

Start

Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG - Fully rested after the bye week and coming off four straight good performances only limited by the Giants not giving him the ball, I think the Juggernaut breaks free this weekend. The Falcons have the #25 ranked run defense, so there should be some holes for Jacobs to exploit. The only people that will stop Jacobs this Sunday are the Giants coaches.

Steve Smith, WR, NYG - Did you know Smith is the #6 receiver in points-per-receptions leagues and only drops to #10 in non p.p.r. leagues? Even in his "quiet" weeks he's been a solid option. The Falcons have the 28th ranked pass defense, so I expect another good week from Mr. 3rd Down.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG - After scoring in four straight games, Nicks has quited down a bit, but everytime he touches the ball he's a threat to take it to the house. Call it a gut feeling, but against a bad pass defense I think the Giants will be able to spread the ball around a bit, and I think Nicks could actually have a better game than Smith.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL - Maybe the best tight end in NFL history, the big guy's still got it. 44 catches for 501 yards and 4 TD's through 9 games - he's no longer the best TE in the league, but he's still in the top 10 and should be starting in almost any league.

Jason Snelling, RB, ATL - Just because the Giants shut down LaDanian Tomlinson's corpse doesn't mean I'm ready to trust their run D. They always seem to struggle against backup running backs (Tashard Choice & the Eagles fullback are just two of the more recent examples), so Snelling scares me a little bit.

Roddy White, WR, ATL - He's one of the best fantasy receivers in the league, and has really only had two subpar performances this year. He's coming off of two straight games without a TD, and I wouldn't be shocked if that changed against the Giants secondary.

Eli Manning, QB, NYG - I debated this one a bit. On the one hand, Eli had three terrible performances in a row before a very good game against the Chargers. On the other hand, he looked great against the Chargers, has had two weeks to rest up his foot, and is going against the #28 pass D in the league. Ultimately I felt like the pros outweighed the cons, so I think he'd be a good bet to start and at least have a passable game this Sunday.

Sit

Matt Ryan, QB, ATL - Ryan has thrown an interception in his last 6 games, and at least two INT's in 4 of those games. He definitely seems to have regressed after his brilliant rookie year and a strong start to this season. The Giants pass D is still statistically one of the best in the league (I know: lies, damn lies, and statistics), and looked a bit better without CC Brown against the Chargers (until the final drive, anyway). They're also should be getting Aaron Ross back. Matty Ice still has a great future ahead of him, but I don't think you'll be able to tell this weekend.

Ahmad Bradhsaw, RB, NYG - He's been pretty awful lately, averaging under 3.0 YPC over the past three games. I don't trust his ankle right now, and until he proves on the field that he's healthy and can make the cuts that make him so effective, I wouldn't start him.

Michael Jenkins, WR, ATL - He hasn't caught a TD all year and has been flat-out mediocre at best. That could change this weekend, but I wouldn't bank on it.

TC still has sense of humor

2009-11-20T19:52:16Z

You might not be laughing about the state of the New York Giants these days. Head coach Tom Coughlin, though, showed Friday he still has a sense of humor.

Check out this exchange talking about how healthy his team is heading into Sunday's game.

Q. Everybody made it through the week healthy, all 53 guys?

A. So far. We haven’t showered yet.

Sarcastic, yes. But also funny.

New York Giants notes: Hating the Dallas Cowboys isn't hard

2009-11-20T13:40:04Z

Hating the Dallas Cowboys comes almost as naturally to New York Giants fans as rooting for our own team. In fact, it's pretty much a requirement.

So, when The Washington Post's football blog, The League, asked me to weigh in on why the Cowboys are one of the most loathed franchises in sports, I was only too happy to oblige.

Here is a small snippet of what I wrote for the Post.

Dallas hasn't won a playoff game since 1996. Yet, ask Cowboy fan and he will tell you his team was the best in the league each and every one of those seasons. Everybody else just got lucky. In the eyes of Cowboy fan, the team has not yet been created that deserves the privilege of stepping on the same field with Dallas.

(Read the full piece here.)

Gilbride to Buffalo?

I know you guys heard the story Thursday of how Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride is on the short list of candidates for the now available Buffalo Bills head coaching job. Well, Ernie Palladino asked KG about the Bills job, and many of you will love what KG had to say.

Gilbride said today that he'd have no trouble accepting the job if the Bills came calling in January. Gilbride said he enjoyed his two years there, from '02-'03, as the offensive coordinator. "I'd certainly be interested," Gilbride said today. "I loved Buffalo and the people. You know, there's nothing much up there, so they're all crazy for the Bills. And I got along with (owner) Ralph Wilson great. "Besides, we're northeast people. I'll go anywhere I have to, and we have, but we'd rather stay in the northeast whenever possible."

Now, before you go and get all excited remember that this is highly unlikely to happen. There is, after all, a long list of potential coaching candidates, including many big-name ones, in line before KG.

You guys also know I have often defended Gilbride, and I happen to agree with the outstanding Giants beat writer Mike Garafolo, who had this to say about KG when reporting the Buffalo story the other day.

"I keep telling you the guy is good and better than you think."

Remember this about fans and offensive coordinators. We were complaining about play calls long before KG came on board, and we will be complaining long after. And we aren't the only ones. Fans around the NFL, and beat writers, make a habit of it.

As an example, in Philadelphia this week even quarterback Donovan McNabb is publicly second-guessing offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

So, all I'm saying is be careful what you wish for.

Other Stuff

KG did meet with the media Thursday and actually talked about the Giants. Turns out he was just as confused by the strange interview running backs coach Jerald Ingram gave last week as I was. (Full Gilbride transcript)
Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan said the Giants see the returning Aaron Ross as a cornerback, not a safety. (Full Sheridan transcript)
I'm not sure I believe him, but Brandon Jacobs played the good soldier Thursday and said he isn't bothered by his limited workload in recent weeks. (Full Jacobs transcript)
Cornerback Terrell Thomas said Thursday he expects fewer mistakes from the secondary the rest of the season.

"Our defense is hard, it’s complex. Things change at the last second," Thomas said. "Now, they have a good eight games, a good bye week to get adjusted to the defense and how we play it, too – how we play with each other. "It’s hard to line somebody up and say, ‘You’re playing the deep half. This is what you have,’ Something might happen and you have to adjust to it. We didn’t and we were all off. I think we’re back on track as a secondary."
What If Sports simulations have the Giants winning this weekend. The simulations don't mean much, but I always get a kick out of them, anyway.
SB Nation's NFL Power Rankings, voted on by the football bloggers, show the Colts on top.

Do you know what time it is? It's Ernie P. time

2009-11-20T12:00:13Z

It's Friday, and that means time for my weekly swap of questions with long-time New York Giants beat writer Ernie Palladino. My answers to these same questions are over at Ernie's Giants Beat.

Ernie and I have largely been on the same page with most of our answers this season. Interestingly, The Aaron Ross question below (which was Ernie's question) is the first time I can remember where we completely disagree.

Ernie wants to see Aaron Ross at corner with Terrell Thomas moving to safety. I want Ross at safety, since Thomas is doing a good job, Ross has some experience at safety and I am afraid doing the opposite might cause problems at two positions.

I will be interested to see how you guys feel about this one.

1. We haven't seen much of the no-huddle offense this year. Do you think a return to it in spots could help the Giants' offense?

Ernie's Answer: Absolutely. This subject caused quite a spirited and divided debate at my place (http://erniepalladinosgiantsbeat.blogspot.com) on Tuesday. Remember back in '07 and '08 when they ran the no-huddle? It was so effective that it had all us reporter types asking why in the world they only use it in spots. It had to be explained to us that it's actually exhausting for the offense because the wide receivers have to sprint back to the line to set up for the next play. That makes sense, but we're not talking about using it all game long. We're talking key spots, especially when the offense appears it's about to stall. The thing about the no-huddle is that it's not necessarily a hurry-up, though some similar principles apply to the two-minute drill. It forces the defense to keep the same personnel on the field because of the possibility of a quick snap. And keeping that defense static opens the possibility of mismatches downfield. And you can run out of it. Honestly, except for the inexperience of a receiving corps that probably benefitted from the tranquility of the huddle while getting the play, I don't know why the Giants stopped using it. Maybe now that Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are more experienced in the offense, and therefore more able to make those snap adjustments you need to make from the no-huddle, we'll be seeing more of it. If they're ever going to go back to it, this would be the ideal time.

2. Just how big is this game with Atlanta?

Huge. Bigger than the San Diego game. Why? Because this is a conference game that could figure into a tie-breaker situation at the end of the season. Let's say the Giants finish 9-7 and are in the wildcard hunt. A win here gives them a head-to-head over Atlanta. Plus, the division tie-breaker includes conference record as the fourth criteria. In fact, if they're going to throw away any game from here on out, the Thanksgiving night matchup with Denver would be the one. All the rest are conference and division games, and they're all basically must-win games.

3. Now that Danny Ware can carry the ball, how would you use him?

Sparingly. Well, maybe that's too strong a word. I'd throw him in there in the fourth quarter when leading to kill the clock, much as the Giants deployed Ahmad Bradshaw for the most part. Look, Ware seems like a pretty strong runner. But there is still an issue with the elbow he dislocated on the first kickoff of the season. Until the coaches stop worrying about his ability to secure the ball, I'd be very cautious about overusing him. Besides, what this offense needs is not Danny Ware, but more Brandon Jacobs. I've long held that Jacobs needs to get the ball between 20 and 25 times. With Bradshaw penciled in for another seven to 10 carries at least, there would be few carries for Ware, anyway. The fact that Kevin Gilbride and Jerald Ingram just can't wait to put the kid in concerns me. They should be more worried about getting Jacobs in there more. I'm not saying Ware won't someday become a great back. But at this point, he's an extra, not a star. And he should be used as such.

4. Assuming Aaron Ross will be able to play, would you put him at cornerback or safety?

I stick him at corner. If he'd been playing all along, I'd have switched him to safety three games ago. He played a bit there in college and, to me, seems like a good enough tackler to handle the job. But there's a learning curve that goes with switching a guy over, and having been out since the summer with that hamstring problem, putting him at safety right now would be a bit of an overload. I'd rather see him work his way back at corner, with Terrell Thomas going to safety. Remember, we don't know how much Ross can play. Chances are he's going to have to start with a limited workload -- a few snaps -- to prove to the staff he's back all the way. After a couple of games and a possible return to starter, then you can think about switching him if necessary. But I have a feeling that if Thomas goes over there, Ross won't need to move, anyway.

New York Giants Notebook: 11.19.09

2009-11-19T14:15:16Z

Good Morning Giants fans, only 3 more days until the Giants take the field and get this whole thing turned around.
Here is your morning news and notes from the world of the New York Giants:

In speaking with the media yesterday, Eli Manning said the bye week gave the Giants time to take a fresh look at this season: (click link for full transcript)

We looked at the whole season. You look at the good things, you look at the bad things. You make some corrections, you see what you are doing well and what you need to improve on. You learn from all those things. It is a good time to analyze your play and where you can improve and what you need to fix for the next seven weeks.

If Tom Coughlin is excited to finally have almost his whole defense back and ready to go: (click link for full transcript)

Well, obviously we have had some injuries and we have had guys we have had to get back. We have got them back. So we are excited about that. Now let’s hope we can build some endurance and some opportunities on the practice field to get these guys ready to play.

Atlanta coach Mike Smith talked about whether or not Matt Ryan is going through a sophomore slump: (click link for full transcript)

I think his numbers are comparable when you start talking about completion percentage and touchdowns to where they were at this time last year. Of course, Matt had an outstanding rookie season and playing quarterback in the NFL, to me, is one of the most difficult positions there is. We know that Matt has got to play better. He knows that he has got to play better. But there is a learning curve and it is not something that happens in a very short time. It is something that you have to experience and Matt is going through those experiences right now.

More after the jump.......

I'm just going to post this, and stand back: the Buffalo Bills are rumored to be interested in Giants Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride as their new head coach. Before you go getting too excited, you should also know they are looking at Mike Shanahan as well.

Michael Boley tells NJ.com that he is out to show the Falcons on Sunday what they are missing. I have a better idea Michael.....SHOW THE GIANTS WHAT THEY ARE MISSING INSTEAD!!!!!

And Boley better be ready to show somebody something, because The Fifth Down says he may be covering Tony Gonzalez on Sunday.

A chat with The Falcoholic

2009-11-19T12:28:46Z

via i.cdn.turner.com

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The Atlanta Falcons come to the Meadowlands to face the New York Giants Sunday in a make-or-break game for both 5-4 teams. This week I chatted with Dave Choate, lead blogger over at The Falcoholic, about his team.

Dave Choate: I guess the most obvious question is what exactly happened over the last four weeks to the Giants? Can you pin it on any one thing?

Big Blue View: How did I know that would be the first question? What happened to them? They are missing in action. If they turn up somewhere down South, please let me know. Actually, it has probably been a combination of factors. Through five games they only played one good team (Dallas). The last four weeks have all been against very good teams, and they have exposed the flaws in the Giants defense.

Also, it is entirely possible that this team is not as good as we thought it was going to be. The defense has not been dominant, although Sunday will be the healthiest they have been all season.

Dave Choate: That makes sense.

With the Falcons also struggling, how concerned are you about our ability to hang some points on that defense?

Big Blue View: I'd be concerned about Notre Dame being able to hang some points on that defense, to tell you the truth. This team was supposed to be built around a dominant defense and it just hasn't worked out that way.

Injuries (Kenny Phillips, Chris Canty, Aaron Ross, Michael Boley, Justin Tuck) have really hurt this team. They get Ross back for the first time all season on Sunday and will be as close to full strength as they have been all season. Maybe, just maybe, we start to see the defense the Giants thought they had.

So, summarize the Falcons season for me. They have an identical record to the Giants at 5-4. Are they as inconsistent as that record indicates?

Dave Choate: Inconsistency might be a light word for what's going here.

Some weeks, they have had excellent passing performances, other weeks the ground game has been superb, and other games every single phase of the offense and defense is terrible. The game against the Panthers last week was one of the worst I've seen in a long time, and we also lost Michael Turner. I'd say he's got less than a 25% chance of playing against you guys.

Big Blue View: The Giants are always proud of their running back depth. Explain to me how big of a loss Turner would be to the Falcons?

Dave Choate: The way he's been playing in recent weeks, it's a tremendous blow. Jason Snelling is a capable replacement in the short-term, but there's no depth behind him unless speedy back Jerious Norwood comes back from injury, and he's not 100% yet. Our only other option would appear to be Aaron Stecker, who really isn't much more than a special teamer at this point.

Big Blue View: I look at this Sunday as a HUGE game. To me, it determines whether or not the Giants are true playoff contenders, or if they are just pretenders playing out the string until next season. Do you feel the same way from an Atlanta perspective?

Dave Choate: If we lose this game, I'm calling it: We're basically out of the playoff hunt. It's absolutely critical that we try to put you away, considering that you're one of the top threats in the wild card hunt. I agree it's critical.

Will the Giants look to attack the Falcons through the air with their new-found plethora of receiving options, or will they stick to the run?

Big Blue View:: Well, every time I try to figure out what game plan offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride will employ, or that I think he should employ, I end up giving myself a headache. I support the guy, but around here folks love to rip him. Anyway, that's a long-winded way of saying I have no idea what Gilbride will actually decide to do.

Dave Choate: I think your best bet is to pass, honestly.

Big Blue View: Here, though, is what I hope he does. I hope he gives you guys a steady dose, as in 25 carries or so, of Brandon Jacobs. The big fella has hardly been utilized at all during the losing streak (51 carries in 4 games) and it's time for them to start riding him.

As for the pass, I just hope they stay with the short and intermediate stuff. One problem they had for a few games is falling in love with trying for the deep ball. Great when it works, but it leaves you wanting to throw the remote through the TV when it fails on 3rd and 2.

The Giants always strive for balance. I just think failing to use Jacobs enough is leaving your best weapon on the shelf.

Dave Choate: I'd tend to agree. But I think the Falcons have had a fundamental problem generating a pass rush in recent weeks, which leaves a medicore secondary out to dry.

Big Blue View: Actually, that sounds a lot like the Giants. With Kenny Phillips out for the year, and Ross not having played yet, the secondary has been exposed.

Dave Choate: Remarkable the extent to which our teams' struggles have mirrored each other, really.

Says something about the weight of expectations.

Big Blue View: Tell me a little about Matt Ryan. Seems like he has been more inconsistent this season than he was as a rookie?

Dave Choate: He actually had a great start to the year. And it's gone downhill rapidly in recentweeks.

I think he's looked shakier in the pocket, and at least part of that can be attributed to better pass rushes he's been facing. But something he's been doing with maddening regularity is sailing passes over receivers' heads, often with disastrous consequences. Ryan's still got a very bright future, but the coaching staff has to help him sort out his mental struggles.

Big Blue View: OK. Here is a question I always ask. If you could take one player off the Giants roster and put him in your lineup, who would it be? Why?

Dave Choate: Without a doubt, Osi Umenyiora. Dude's a beast and we need the pass rushing help he could provide desperately. There are a lot of worthy candidates on the Giants, but he's the first name that comes to mind.

How about you? Same questions, but with the Falcons?

Big Blue View: So, here comes the part of that question I hate. I'm not an expert on your roster, but I would say this. We could use help at linebacker, and if you have a playmaker you would like to give us we would take him.

Dave Choate: That would be Curtis Lofton. Extremely tough middle linebacker, league leader in tackles and a guy who you can count on to be involved in every play. Hits hard enough to jar the football loose, too.

Rapid fire questions, here.

Big Blue View: Giants, 27-24; I expect a huge game from Eli; Jacobs and 100 yards depends on whether he gets enough carries.

Here are a couple for you

Can the Falcons run without Turner? A prediction?

Dave Choate: I expect Jason Snelling to pick up at least 75 yards without Turner, and I'm predicting a 21-17 Falcons win, crazily enough.

New York Giants News & Notes: Jeff Feagles a Pro Bowler?

2009-11-18T12:15:21Z

The 2007 Giants and Cowboys will both tell you that Pro Bowl balloting is a meaningless honor, but it's pretty funny that the only Giant who is currently leading his position in voting is punter Jeff Feagles, who has not been having his best season, to say the least. The Giants are a 5-4 team desperately clinging to their playoff hopes, so they shouldn't do as well as they did in Pro Bowl voting last year, but I have to think at least one of Chris Snee, Shaun O'Hara, or Justin Tuck deserves to be a starter.

Giants Enjoy Bye Week

With the Eagles and Cowboys losing and the Michael Turner injury, the Giants had their best Sunday in over a month. Ralph Vachianno recaps.

The bye also helped the Giants get refreshed, with reports that practice this week has been sharp.

Perhaps most importantly, Justin Tuck and Eli Manning were able to use the bye week to heal up some of their injuries. The Giants need those two as healthy as they can be if they want to contend for the Super Bowl this year.

Other Notes

The Giants are lodging a complaint about having to travel to Denver to play on Thanksgiving on a shortened week.
The NY Times 5th Down Blog continues its countdown of the top Giants moments at Giants Stadium with Tiki Barber's 206-yard game against the Redskins the Sunday after Wellington Mara passed away.

For you Sirius subscribers, Reby Sky, aka NYGiantsGirl, is scheduled to be on the Howard Stern Show...

2009-11-18T02:23:24Z

For you Sirius subscribers, Reby Sky, aka NYGiantsGirl, is scheduled to be on the Howard Stern Show tomorrow. That also means with any luck she will be on Howard TV a day or two after that.

Breaking news: Bills fire Jauron

2009-11-17T22:35:02Z

From NFL.com:

The Buffalo Bills have fired coach Dick Jauron after directing the team to a 3-6 record.

Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell is expected to become the Bills' interim head coach, a Bills source told NFL.com's Vic Carucci. The team said Jauron's replacement would be announced later. Jauron's successor is expected to come from the current staff and be on an interim basis only.

"I am announcing today that I am relieving Dick Jauron from his duties as our head coach, effective immediately," Bills owner Ralph Wilson said in a statement. "I have tremendous respect for Dick and thank him for all of his efforts during these past four years. While this was a very difficult decision, I felt that it is one that needed to be made at this time for the best interest of our team. We will now focus on moving forward and preparing for our game this week in Jacksonville."

New York Giants notes: Falcons story should sound familiar

2009-11-17T16:20:03Z

by Donna McWilliam - AP

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

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Reading about the 5-4 Atlanta Falcons these days feels an awful lot like reading about the 5-4 New York Giants.

Here is an example.

Matt Ryan is struggling. Michael Turner is hurting. Jason Elam can't seem to make a field goal.

Yep, the Falcons definitely have plenty of things to worry about as they head into a decisive stretch of the season.

Now, at a time when some doubts may creeping into the team psyche, the Falcons face three games over the next four weeks that will likely determine the course of this season.

Coming off a surprising trip to the playoffs last season, the Falcons were convinced this would be the year they finally broke the franchise's streak of never having consecutive winning seasons. A 3-1 start certainly bolstered those hopes, but two wins in the last five games have undoubtedly caused some to wonder if that ignominious streak will continue.

"It's not about just being average," receiver Roddy White said. "A lot of us are going out there saying, 'I've got one job, I'll just do that.'... We've all got to get out there and do more, be more productive."

The Falcons are being vague about the status of Turner, the star running back who has a high ankle sprain.

There is also concern about a sophomore slump for Ryan, the young quarterback who was so impressive as a rookie. He has thrown 12 interceptions already this season, one more than he threw all of 2008. One blogger has even gone so far as to raise a comparison to Michael Vick.

We're all a little queasy about Ryan's slump because of our collective experience with the Falcons' last young phenom signal-caller. Mike Vick's best season was his first year as a starter. He regressed thereafter to the point that his Untergang was a blessing in disguise for the franchise. There is a slight sense of deja vu for Falcons fans with Ryan having played on a very high level as a rookie and then regressing as a second-year player.

Giants notes

The Giants believe they can, and will make the playoffs

"We’ve got the personnel in here to do it," said Jeff Feagles. "We showed we can win a lot of games in a row. We did it at the beginning of the season, there’s no reason we can’t do it at the end."
Eli Manning Transcript
Justin Tuck Transcript

For the New York Giants, time is now for some changes

2009-11-17T12:15:09Z

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Hopefully we will see a lot more of linebacker Clint Sintim (97) for the remainder of the season.

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The bye week is over. The New York Giants have had time now to look in the mirror and assess what has gone wrong during their current unexpected four-game slide into mediocrity.

The question now is simple. What can they do to turn things around over the next seven games? Can they get back to being the team we all thought they were going to be, and that they were through a 5-0 start?

Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan was asked last week about using the bye week to make changes in areas where his defense has been struggling. His answer, I thought, was instructive not just for the defense but for the Giants as a whole. I am taking a little editorial license with Sheridan's remarks, removing the parts where he specifically discussed red zone defense.

"You can sit back and look at a nine game self-scout and kind of take a picture of what you are doing ... How you are playing defense and what kind of calls you are or are not making. It gives you a chance, about a couple of days to do that, to maybe rethink some thoughts defensively about what you can do maybe a little differently," Sheridan said. "You can’t make dramatic changes but you definitely can modify it ... I think you can step back and take a look at what you are doing and maybe consider some other types of things."

Like I said, I think Sheridan's words apply to the entire team. Tom Coughlin, Kevin Gilbride, the players -- everyone. Now that they have had time to think about what has gone wrong, can they make some changes to get this ship sailing back in the right direction?

Here are my suggestions for things I would like to see the Giants do differently during the remaining seven games.

A lot more Brandon Jacobs. Is he running well? Isn't he running well? I'm tired of talking about it. Fact is, during the four-game skid he simply hasn't been running enough. In four losses Jacobs had 7, 13, 20 and 11 carries, 12.75 per game. In the five previous wins, Jacobs had more than 20 carries three times and no less than 16 in any game. He averaged 20 carries in those five victories. When the Giants are playing football their way, dominating teams physically and controlling the clock, Jacobs is punishing defenses 17-25 times per game. It's time to stop protecting the 6-foot-4, 270-pound Jacobs and start using him. As Yogi Berra would say "it's getting late early around here."

Stick with the short passing game. The Giants offense got back to the short, ball-control type passes against San Diego, and it's a trend I would like to see continue. There is a time and place for the long ball, and it is awesome when it works, but let's be honest. After beating up on JV teams the early part of the season Gilbride and Eli Manning fell in love with it. The Giants best receiver, Steve Smith, is a machine on short-to-intermediate routes. Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks are showing the ability to turn short throws into huge plays. Kevin Boss is a quality tight end. You don't have to throw the ball 40 or 50 yards downfield to make teams pay for stuffing the box or blitzing the house. Short, quick completions they can't cover -- and ones that occasionally turn into huge gains -- will do the trick. Besides, we are heading into that time of year in the Meadowlands where we know throwing the ball down the field will become more and more dicey. So, stick with what you do best, and what has the best chance to succeed.

Give me some Ramses Barden. Please. I know the third-round pick from Cal-Poly is a work in progress. And I know he has to contribute on special teams to be active on Sunday. But the guy is a 6-foot-6 physical freak, and he needs to be given an opportunity to get on the field and make a couple of plays. Even if Barden doesn't run perfect routes, I saw over and over during training camp that he can use his size and strength to make plays in traffic even when he seems covered. C'mon, now! Is Sinorice Moss really helping the special teams enough to keep Barden inactive every Sunday? I don't think so.

Unleash Danny Ware. We all love Ahmad Bradshaw, but it is plain to see that AB's foot and ankle injuries are slowing him down. His production just hasn't been the same in recent weeks. Ware has fresh legs, gobs of talent and he is dying for an opportunity. I think it's time the Giants give him one.

More Clint Sintim. During pre-season, a lot of folks thought Sintim, the second-round pick, would be the Giants rookie who had the biggest impact this season. A leg injury has derailed the young linebacker, but he is healthy now. Danny Clark might grade out OK on film, but we all know he is not a play maker. The Giants need play makers on defense right now, guys who are fast, strong, athletic and can make plays that change games. Michael Boley and Chris Canty might be those kinds of players. Sintim, too. The Giants need to get him on the field and see what he can do.

Less zone blitz. In fact, no zone blitz. Rip it out of the defensive playbook. I really, really hope that Bill Sheridan has looked at his propensity to call zone blitzes -- something he promised he would not do -- and realize that is the dumbest defense ever invented that is not called the prevent. Dropping Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka into coverage against tight ends is stupid, a recipe for failure. Let them do what they are paid to do, and what they do best, go crush some quarterbacks.

A little faith, Tom. The worst thing a head coach can do is play not to lose, rather than show faith in his eam and play to win. TC played not to lose at the end of the San Diego game, and ended up losing. If he allows the Giants to take a shot into the end zone and it doesn't work I can stomach that loss a lot easier. I also think TC's lack of faith is hurting the kicking game. Coughlin is so afraid of returns he has Jeff Feagles kicking everything out of bounds, and now Feagles -- one of the best directional punters ever -- is all screwed up. He's got Lawrence Tynes kicking squibbers and bouncers and God-awful looking kickoffs all over the place. Show a little faith in your coverage teams. And your quarterback, Tom. That's what you did in 2007. Don't show fear. Show belief.

Poll

Will the Giants make the playoffs

Yes

871 votes

No

209 votes

1080 votes | Poll has closed

For the New York Giants, optimism has to be the order of the day

2009-11-16T12:00:22Z

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese, left, and coach tom Coughlin.

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As a New York Giants fan, it has been difficult to feel good the past several weeks. We have seen lots of bad football, especially on defense, some inexplicable coaching decisions and, ultimately, four bad losses in a row.

All of which has turned what looked like it would be a great season into what, right now, is a head scratcher.

Yet, I have always tried to be a voice of reason around here. When things have gone bad and others headed for the ledge, I have always been the one of the voices trying to talk panicked fans back from the brink.

My wife would never believe it considering my day-to-day grumpiness, but I am always optimistic about this Giants team. I have been thinking a lot lately about whether or not that optimism is misplaced. Even before settling in and watching a Sunday full of NFL games not involving our Giants, I had concluded that my optimism is, indeed, well-founded.

Oh, and what happened Sunday?

Carolina 28, Atlanta 19
Green Bay 17, Dallas 7
San Diego 31, Philadelphia 23

Yep, all the teams the Giants are chasing for a playoff berth lost. The Giants are now tied with the Packers, Eagles and Falcons for a wild-card berth, and are just a game behind the Cowboys in the NFC East.

As 'Step Up and Make Big Plays' said in Sunday's Open Thread "This has been absolutely the best week for the NY Football Giants in the past month."

The season is far from lost. In fact, it is just beginning. You can moan about the Giants' remaining schedule if you like. It will be difficult, without question. Or, you can look at it this way. The Giants have in front of them home games against Atlanta, Dallas, Philly and Carolina -- all teams with designs on the playoff spot the Giants seek. What better way to control your destiny than head-up against your primary competition. They have road games against Denver, Minnesota and Washington.

So, this won't be easy. But then again, is it supposed to be?

General Manager Jerry Reese was adamant during a recent conversation with Ralph Vacchiano that he has lost no faith in a team he sees as a Super Bowl contender.

"We have a great opportunity to right the ship and I fully expect us to do that. I really do," he told The News. "Our coach has been in hard spots before. He always comes out with a good plan and great leadership. I'm not betting against him, I can tell you that."

In fact, Reese said, he's already seen signs that Tom Coughlin has begun to pull the Giants out of their slumber. He pointed to the fact that the Giants "played much better" last Sunday in their 21-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers. He also pointed out that with the return of linebacker Michael Boley and defensive tackle Chris Canty, and with the expected return of cornerback Aaron Ross next Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, the beleaguered defense is starting to get most of its missing pieces back.

That could be enough to jump-start the Giants. And as they learned in 2007, all it takes is one win to get a team on a roll.

"We still have a great opportunity to qualify for the tournament," Reese said. "That's what's important to us. If you qualify and you get some momentum going through the playoffs, things can happen.

"But our No. 1 goal is to just win one game. That's what's most important for us right now. The players have a few days off to clear our heads, come back with a good attitude and some great fortitude to be determined to go out and get things thing turned around. I believe we'll do that."

(Full transcript of Reese interview)

Am I buying what Reese is selling? Yes and no. Yes, in that the Giants have a chance. It is right there for them to take. No, in that I am not sure right now that this team is good enough. They still have to show me, and they need to start Sunday against Atlanta. Lose on Sunday it will pretty much be time to start thinking about 2010.

The flip side of that is that I am not buying the doom and gloom of the vary passionate, very vociferous, very small minority of Giants fans who want everyone fired and the team completely rebuilt after four bad games.

Fans are emotional. We all react, and often over-react, based on the last thing we see. And we all know that what we have seen from the Giants lately has not been pretty.

That does not, however, mean this is a football team that needs to be gutted and rebuilt. Accuse me of living in the past if you must, but you don't make it to the playoffs four straight years and win a Super Bowl without a coach who knows what he is doing. Without a general manager and a personnel department that knows how to stock a roster with quality players, especially young ones who will be around for a while. Without quality ownership that won't panic at the first sign of trouble. Without a quality core of players and leaders around whom to build.

I don't believe recognizing that the Giants have those things in place is living in the past. I believe that is feeling good about what the team I root for has, and believing that it has much of what it needs already in place to bring continued success for several seasons to come.

Will this season work out the way we all thought, or at least hoped, it would? I don't know. Coughlin doesn't know. Reese doesn't know. You don't know.

If it does, marvelous. If it doesn't, then it doesn't. Stuff happens and good teams miss the playoffs every season. Good teams, and good organizations, have down seasons sometimes.

Whether the next seven games turn out beautifully, or beastly, for our Giants I still feel good about the future of this team.

Game day Open Thread

2009-11-15T18:00:37Z

No Giants game today, of course. If you want to chat about today's games, though, here is an Open Thread for your use. Enjoy the day, gang!