Giant Football Blog

Hall to Raiders

The Falcons have agreed in principle to trade CB DeAngelo Hall to the Raiders, according to ESPN.

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Vick faces prison time after agreeing to plead guilty

Michael Vick's lawyer said Monday the NFL star will plead guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, putting the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's career in jeopardy and leaving him subject to a prison term.

The offense is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although federal sentencing guidelines most likely would call for less. Vick's plea hearing is the morning of Aug. 27. Lead defense attorney Billy Martin said Vick reached an agreement with federal prosecutors after consulting with his family over the weekend. Continue

Hall of Fame coach Walsh dies at 75

Bill Walsh, the groundbreaking football coach who won three Super Bowls and perfected the ingenious schemes that became known as the West Coast offense during a Hall of Fame career with the San Francisco 49ers, has died. He was 75. Walsh died early Monday following a long battle with leukemia, according to Stanford University, where he served as coach and athletic director.

Walsh didn't become an NFL head coach until 47, and he spent just 10 seasons on the San Francisco sideline. But he left an indelible mark on the United States' most popular sport, building the once-woebegone 49ers into the most successful team of the 1980s with his innovative offensive strategies and teaching techniques. Continue

Vick Indicted in Dogfight Investigation

The indictment alleges that Vick and his co-defendants began sponsoring dogfighting in early 2001, the former Virginia Tech star's rookie year with the Falcons. It accuses Vick, Purnell A. Peace, Quanis L. Phillips and Tony Taylor of "knowingly sponsoring and exhibiting an animal fighting venture," of conducting a business enterprise involving gambling, as well as buying, transporting and receiving dogs for the purposes of an animal fighting venture.

Telephone messages left at the offices and home of Vick's attorney, Larry Woodward, were not immediately returned. A woman who answered the phone at the home of Vick's mother said the family knew nothing about the charges. Continue

NFL Considers Adding 17th Game to Season

Americans always seem to want more pro football. Yet it's the folks abroad who might be getting an extra taste of the NFL in the future. Although talks are extremely preliminary, the NFL is investigating adding a 17th regular-season game and playing it outside the United States. The extra game would take the place of one in the preseason, allowing every team to play once abroad without sacrificing a home match.

This year, the Dolphins gave up a home date in Miami to play the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium in London. Two years ago, the Arizona Cardinals played a home game in Mexico City against the San Francisco 49ers. "It is preliminary, but we certainly are putting resources into pulling that together," said Mark Waller, NFL senior vice president, international. "For now, we have the one game per season or two per season outside of the U.S. But we know it can be tough on home fans since we're taking a game away. Continue

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DEA: Panthers juiced

The law caught up with three Carolina Panthers who allegedly filled steroid prescriptions from a suspect physician in 2004, but the NFL never did. Lineman Jeff Mitchell, punter Todd Sauerbrun and their former teammate, Tampa Bay lineman Todd Steussie, received the prescriptions for a testosterone cream from a South Carolina doctor under investigation by the DEA two weeks before the 2004 Super Bowl, "60 Minutes Wednesday" will report tonight.

But none of those players ever tested positive for anabolic steroids, underscoring a problem for all sports federations and leagues: no matter how tough their testing is, there are still ways to beat the system. "We have pledged our full cooperation to the DEA and are independently investigating the matter," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. Continue

NFL Undecided on Prime-Time Packages

It could be a while before the NFL finalizes the prime-time portion of its television packages. The current eight-year contracts worth $17.6 billion run out after the upcoming season, but Fox already has agreed to a six-year, $4.3 billion deal to keep the NFC games on Sundays, while CBS will keep the AFC games for $3.7 billion.

However, the league isn't close to any agreements for its biggest moneymaker, the Sunday night/Monday night packages. ABC and ESPN combined paid $9.2 billion for the prime-time games. But Walt Disney Co., which owns ABC and ESPN, has not offered anything acceptable to the NFL to renew the contracts. So other players have become involved. Continue

High-steaks recruiting

WHILE everyone knows the Giants reeled in free agents Kareem McKenzie and Antonio Pierce and the Jets locked up Derrick Blaylock, there's a lot more to the story. The recruitment of free agents has become oftentimes larger than life, and a big part of determining where the highly sought NFL free-agent talent lands. "It's like college times 10," said former Giant Roman Oben, who's been on four NFL clubs. "Once you get a guy to visit, it's more than just to get to know a little about him," added Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson. "You have to do whatever you can to keep him." That includes the usual wining and dining, as well as spa visits for wives or girlfriends, locker-room tours, gifts and the like. Continue

Cards add Kurt to fold

Kurt Warner will be returning to Giants Stadium next season - as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. The 33-year-old Warner, who began last season as the Giants' starter, signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Cards last night after flirting briefly with the Chicago Bears. Warner was intent on regaining a starting job after spending the last half of last season backing up Eli Manning, and he knew Arizona offered his best shot. Continue

Redskins deal Coles to Jets for Moss

The Washington Redskins finally traded disgruntled receiver Laveranues Coles back to the New York Jets on Saturday and got the speedy Santana Moss in return. Moss' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said in a phone interview the deal was contingent on both players passing physicals. Moss had his physical scheduled for Monday at Redskins Park. A source within the league, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, also said Coles got the new deal he wanted, which held up the trade for the last week.

Terms of the deal weren't available. A message left for Coles' agent, Roosevelt Barnes, was not immediately returned. Coles met with coach Joe Gibbs twice after the season to state his desire to leave the Redskins, following an unsatisfying year in the team's conservative offense. Continue

Mason flies to Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens landed the biggest prize of the first day of free agency yesterday, signing wide receiver Derrick Mason, whose 96 catches for Tennessee last season led all wide receivers. The Cleveland Browns traded defensive tackle Gerard Warren, the third pick in the 2001 draft, to Denver. The Browns will get a fourth-round draft choice for the underachieving Warren. Cleveland also signed guard Joe Andruzzi, a starter on all three of New England's Super Bowl winners, to a four-year, $9 million deal. Indianapolis released tight end Marcus Pollard, saving the Colts $2.65 million against the salary cap. The Bengals re-signed wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Continue

Parcells looking to land Ferguson

The Jets could have a big hole in the middle of their defense. Nose tackle Jason Ferguson appears headed to Big D. Anticipating a huge offer from Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, the Jets made an 11th-hour effort last night to sign Ferguson before he hit the free-agent market at 12:01 a.m. "The Jets have made a very strong push," Ferguson's agent, Jimmy Sexton, said, "but at this point, I'd say he gets to the market. But you never know." Parcells, who coached Ferguson with the Jets, is poised to offer close to $4 million per year. Several league sources felt the Jets had little chance of competing with the Cowboys' offer once Ferguson became a free agent. The Jets' fallback could be NT Pat Williams (Bills). Continue

Bucs' Griese Agrees to Restructure Deal

Brian Griese agreed to restructure his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, helping the team alleviate its salary-cap problems. The Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times reported the quarterback's deal is worth $32 million over five years. "There is a long-term agreement, and it will be signed in the next few days," team spokesman Jeff Kamis said. Griese earned $900,000 last season, when he took over for Chris Simms after the second-year quarterback was injured during his first pro start. Simms had replaced Brad Johnson after the Bucs lost their first four games. Continue

Fiedler jettisoned by Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins released quarterback Jay Fiedler yesterday, ending his five-year run as the much-maligned successor to Dan Marino. Last season, Fiedler started just seven games for the Dolphins (4-12), going 1-6 while throwing for 1,186 yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Giants likely would have interest in Fiedler as a backup to Eli Manning if Fiedler is willing to accept a No. 2 role rather than seeking a starting job elsewhere. Continue

Moss headed to Raiders

Vikings receiver Randy Moss, one of the most talented, yet controversial players in the NFL, is headed to Oakland. The Vikings are expected to deal the 28-year-old Moss to the Raiders in exchange for the seventh overall pick in this year's draft, linebacker Napoleon Harris and another lower-round choice, according to a Vikings official familiar with the negotiations.

No deal will be announced until March 2, when the NFL's trading period officially begins. "It's just like any other contract," Dante DiTrapano, Moss' agent, said. "There's a meeting of the minds between the people who negotiate for the Vikings and the people who negotiate for the Raiders. It just hasn't been reduced to writing and it won't be until March 2." Continue

Bledsoe joins Tuna in Dallas

Drew Bledsoe was released by the Buffalo Bills yesterday and within hours, according to several reports, agreed to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Bledsoe's reunion with coach Bill Parcells, who drafted the quarterback No. 1 and guided him to the Super Bowl with New England, was first reported by Dallas-Fort Worth television station KTVT.

The Bills announced plans to release him last week and the Cowboys were prepared with an offer right away. The Cowboys have said all along they wanted to go with a veteran quarterback rather than turn to one of their youngsters, Drew Henson or Tony Romo. Henson threw just 18 passes as a rookie and Romo has never thrown a pass in his two NFL seasons. Bledsoe's arrival also means Vinny Testaverde won't return. His statistics last season in guiding Buffalo to a 9-7 record were comparable to what Testaverde did in Dallas' 6-10 season. Bledsoe had 20 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, while Testaverde had 17 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Continue

Browns to send QB Garcia packing

Jeff Garcia didn't even get to celebrate his one-year anniversary with the Cleveland Browns. Less than 12 months after they signed the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, the Browns told Garcia yesterday that he will be released with three years left on his contract. Garcia signed a four-year, $25 million free agent deal with Cleveland last March, but almost from the time he was handed an orange helmet and No. 5 jersey, it was apparent that it wasn't a good fit. In 10 starts for Cleveland, Garcia completed 144 of 253 passes for 1,731 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. But even in the preseason, he criticized former coach Butch Davis' offense and never really fit into Davis' system. Continue

Jim Fassel to coach 49ers?

Jim Fassel is a lock to interview for the 49ers head coaching job. Fassel is an offensive minded coach who took his team to a Super Bowl. He is also considered a QB guru. He would be in a position to groom Matt Leinart, the likely number one draft pick from USC. Stay tuned.

Manning to start vs Falcons

Coach Tom Coughlin has named Eli Manning the starting quarterback for the Giants. Its good to see Coughlin making some changes, although I would like to have seen it 2 weeks ago. Giants will have a better shot at suceeding with Manning if the right plays are called. Hopefully its not too late to salvage a playoff run.

Giant Coaching Problems

Giants are becoming all to predictable. Giants have lead at halftime in 2 of their last 3 losses. The one game that they didn't was Chicago where they had a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Here is the kicker. The Giants have scored only 10 points in the second half of their last 3 losses.

It seems to me that whatever adjustments the Giant's opponents are making at halftime have been effective and the Giant's staff can not counteract them. If that does not seem plausible, maybe the Giants are not mentally tough enough to play 60 minutes of football under general Coughlin. Giants had 10 penalties vs Cardinals after a 14 penalty effort vs da Bears. Don't expect any answers from the general on Mike and the Mad Dog today either. He runs a covert operation. Everybody sing "Slip sliding away".

Warner Is Going To Cost Giants Some Wins

I am not sure what is going on with Kurt Warner. He still looks like a rookie after 7 games. Warner holds on to the ball forever and then a little longer still. He had 3 fumbles, luckily none were lost. He again forced a ball into the endzone when nobody was open except some Viking defenders. Warner was 13-21 for 144 yds, no picks and no TDs. I am sure I don't have to remind you of his performance vs the Lions last week. Warner had 1 pick just before half that cost them the game, and 3 more fumbles, one lost. These numbers are startling and are not being emphasized enough. Giants have not had many tough opponents except for Philly. I can't trust Warner in a big spot to throw a TD or convert a 1st down, I have to pray He holds on to the ball first. Coughlin seems to have helped Barber with his ball handling, maybe it's time He cured Warner as well, and fast.

Barret Green Pisses Off Coughlin

Barret Green will not be starting against his former team Sunday. Coughlin will start Nick Greisen instead. Green was at least 2 hours late to Wednesday's practice according to Paul Schwartz, you can read his article here.

William Joseph Progressing Along

Michael Strahan has high praise for William Joseph.

"I'm telling you, Willie Jo's going to be great," Strahan said. "In the limited opportunities he's had he's made plays. He's a big guy, he's strong. He's getting an understanding of the game and what teams try to accomplish against him. He's still learning, but at the same time, just off of raw talent he could be a good player."

Joseph may start for Fred Robbins on Sunday due to a shoulder injury. Here is some insight into the Giant's 1st round pick of 2003.

Coughlin Fighting Poor Giants Post-Bye Record

Tom Coughlin's Giants had a game week-like practice last week in order to keep the team fresh and hungry for their return game vs Detroit Lions. Giants are not only fighting for a playoff spot, but also a division title. The last thing Coughlin wants is a complacent team on his hands. The Giants have lost seven of their last eight post-bye games. They were 1-6 under coach Fassel. Coughlin was 5-3 after byes with the Jacksonville Jaguars. I expect the Giants will be ready to rumble vs Detroit.

Coughlin's All About Football

Tom Coughlin is your typical dedicated pro football coach. Coughlin is consumed by football on a daily basis. NY POST has an inside look into Coughlin's routine.

Giants Have Early High Stakes Game vs Dallas Cowboys

Giants have a huge game vs Cowboys Sunday. Giants can be 4-1 going into the bye week. They have a very manageable schedule the rest of the way. Giants can realistically win 11 games. The downside of the Giant's early sucess is that they will not be able to sneak up on anybody. ESPN has the Giants ranked 11th on their weekly power rankings. Parcells coming off a bye week should have a solid gameplan for Big Blue. Coach Coughlin will remind the Giant players about some of their shortcomings and have them ready to play. Hopefully Steve Christie will be ready, the Giants might need him to connect this week.

Coughlin And Strahan Are On The Same Page

Losing brings out the worst in teams and winning brings out the best. The Giants are no different. Coughlin and Strahan have had some strenuous moments early in their new relationship. Strahan has been fined at least once by Coughlin and complained about the coach during training camp. Strahan is the team leader and He could have caused a mutiny. Strahan did not, and after 2 wins Strahan has become one of Coughlin's guys. Strahan was the star in the Browns game and received high praise from coach Coughlin after the game. "He's definitely making an effort with the players. He's got jokes in him," Strahan said. "He comes from the heart before the game when he's talking to us. I think players appreciate that because that's the kind of coach you want to play for." Coughlin needs Strahan to help sell his system and beliefs to the other players. It is an easier sell when the Giants are winning. Strahan knows Coughlin isn't going anywhere, so He might as well give it a shot.

SS Shaun Williams Injured

Starting strong safety Shaun Williams injured his left knee during practice Friday. Results of an MRI showed a tear to the lateral meniscus. Williams is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday to repair the damaged cartilage. Its is not known how much time will be missed. Rookie Gibril Wilson will start at safety in Williams' place. Wilson had an INT vs Redskins last week.

Why The Giants Are Similar To The Mets

There is dark underbelly to this Giants team. The Mets were almost a .500 team during the first half of the baseball season this year. The Mets were talking about adding players and playing meaningful games in September. Then the losing started and all the lockeroom griping started to leak out to the public. When it was clear that the team was in freefall Howe went from being a lock to be back next year, to a change is needed ASAP. Howe was demonized by some of his veteran players to a point where He could not stay. Amani Toomer is now griping about his role in the offense, its been 2 games! Emmons, Green, Shockey, Strahan, Toomer, Dayne, in no particular order have had some issues. What is going to happen if the Giants go on a prolonged losing streak? Here is the difference, Giants have a plan and a solid organization. The players will leave long before Coughlin will, Coughlin will get a chance to execute his plans.

Shockey Wants Less Blocking, More Catching

Jeremy Shockey is getting frustrated with the way He is being used in the new Giant's offense. Giants have been using max protection schemes to help the offensive line out. Shockey has lined up as a fullback and stayed in to block on many occasions. He is also being put in motion to hinder opposing defenses blitz packages. Shockey has not had many opportunities down the field. He has caught 7 passes for 75 yards with no TDs. One of those passes was for 34 yards. Shockey wants to beat his man one on one down the field for big plays. Offensive line must contniue to improve for Shockey to get more touches down the field.

How Warner Got His Groove Back

Kurt Warner is now 1-1 as a Giant starter. Warner has completed 62% of his passes (38-61) for 435 yards and 1 TD. He has thrown no ints. He does have to hold on to the ball better. Warner will be the first to admit He is not 100% familiar with the offense. Coughlin admitted that once Warner feels more comfortable with the playbook He can open up the offensive playcalling more. The Giants have not thrown the ball down field much as of yet. Warner's timing with his receivers should also improve with each game.

Expect Strahan and Emmons to Play

Strahan is listed as probable for the Skins game. Emmons is listed as questionable. I would be shocked if either one missed this game. Giants are in a must win game and these "star" players will have to play. Michael Strahan hasn't missed a game since 1995. This Giants' defense is short on talent and will need Strahan and Emmons if they want any chance to avoid going 0-2.

Giants in Must Win Game Early

If the Giants don't win the home opener Sunday they will have an excellent chance of going no better than 1-4 heading into the bye week. Giants went 1-7 at home last year, losing 7 in a row going back to last year. There next 3 games are Cleveland, at Green Bay, at Dallas. If the Giants are 1-4, or god for bid 0-5, will Manning make his first start the following week vs Detroit? (home game) It certainly sets up nicely to bring Manning along in a relatively soft spot. Clinton Portis must be contained and the O-line has to play at least as well as they did vs Philly, if the Giants fail in these areas there will be major changes on the horizon.

Stoutmire Tears ACL

Omar Stoutmire, the Giants starting free safety, is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. This is bad news for Giants' defense which is already short on talent. Gibril Wilson, a fifth-round pick, will replace Stoutmire at safety. Giants also signed linebacker James Maxwell off the practice squad to fill the roster position.

Manning's Big Debut

Manning got his first taste of regular season action Sunday. He relieved Warner with 2:37 remaining in the game. Manning went 3-9 for 66 yards. He did hand off to Tiki on his first play. Barber promptly ran 72 yards for Manning's first TD drive. Manning was also positively crunched by Jerome McDougle and fumbled the ball with 21 seconds left. Ron Dayne recovered the fumble, but the Giants would not get a chance to run another play. Warner needs all the reps He can get to become completely familiar with the offense, Did Manning really need to go into the first game for mop up time?

Whittle Cracks Starting O-Line

Giants finally set their Offensive line with Jason Whittle being named the starting LG. The rest of the line is as follows: LT Luke Pettigout C Shaun O'Hara RG Chris Snee RT David Diehl. Wayne Lucier will backup O'Hara and Whittle. Brandon Winey will backup Diehl and Pettigout. Greg Walker will back up Snee. Whittle may be a steal if He can start all season long, He was acquired from Tampa for an undisclosed draft choice. Whittle was obviously happy with Coughlin's decision, He was originally slated to be a backup with Tampa this season.

Emmons Ready For Payback

Carlos Emmons is looking forward to Sunday. Emmons will play against his former teamates. The same Eagles' teamates who voted him team defensive MVP in 2003. Emmons played 4 years for Philly after a 4 year stint with the Steelers. Eagles chose not to resign their defensive leader, but the Giants were more than happy to sign Emmons to a five-year contract that included a $4.5- million bonus. Emmons felt disrespected by Philly and felt he deserved better. It was the Eagles defense that lead them to 3 NFC championship game appearances. The NFL salary cap does not allow a team to grow old together with Philly losing such quality players as Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, and Duce Staley all this offseason. That doesn't mean Emmons can't be bitter and have a big game Sunday. I am sure motivation won't be a problem.

Coughlin Tells Shockey: Not So Fast

Tom Coughlin takes a more measured approach to whether or not Shockey will be plaing in the season opener vs Philly. "I certainly like his attitude," Coughlin said. "I would like to have him practice a couple of days and see how that goes before any announcement is made." Coughlin is being cautious and knows a healthy Shockey can vastly improve his offense. It makes sense for Coughlin to go slow with Shockey instead of rushing him back and increasing his risk for reinjury.

Christie In, France Out

France went 4-5 this preseason missing 1 FG vs Ravens last week. Apparently that was an important FG because the Giants waived France and signed veteran kicker Steve Christie. Kristie most recently played with the Chargers and went 15-20 last year. Chrisitie did play 9 seasons in Buffalo and should kick well in windy Giants stadium.

Shockey says "I'm Ready"

Shockey vows to start vs Eagles Sunday. Shockey said He could have played in the final preseason game, but wanted to rest up for the season opener. Shockey is not concerned about being rusty noting that He may have only practiced twice with Kerry Collins in his rookie year. Shockey will be a huge boost for the Giants' offense and a big plus for Warner in particular.

Giants' Final Cuts

Released linebackers Quincy Monk and T.J. Hollowell, safety Jason Doering, center Carson Dach, quarterback Ryan Van Dyke, running back Joffrey Reynolds, fullback Charles Stackhouse, wide receiver Ataveus Cash, tight ends Joe Dean Davenport and Mark Inkrott, offensive linemen Omar Smith, Solomon Page and Dion Meredith, defensive linemen Radell Lockhart, Sean Guthrie and Khaleed Vaughn and cornerback Jamaine Winborne; placed offensive lineman Barry Stokes and running back Chris Douglas on injured reserved.

Allen and Shockey May Miss Opener

A poor Giant secondary may be without Will Allen in the Giant season opener. "It's one of those real tentative, slow things," Coughlin said Friday. Allen missed 4 games last year with injuries. Shockey is improving every day, but He will not be 100% by the opener. I would imagine an 80 or 90 percent Shockey is still better than most and would be a big help to Kurt Warner's first Giant start.

Coughlin questioning team, self

It is not a good sign when your headcoach is scratching his head 8 days before your season opener. Coughlin was none too pleased with the performance Thursday night. It was not what it has been, the focus wasn't as good," Coughlin said. "In particular, some of our young players, I don't know what they thought [Thursday] night. It wasn't the . . . same aggressive approach I've seen." Here is a newsflash Tom, Giants have been outscored 75-26 in first halfs this preseason, They haven't played well yet. Giants need to lower expectations, solidify O-line and get Manning as many reps as possible.

Giants Starters Fail To Impress, Lose 27-17

One consistent theme throughout this preseason has been the Giants starters getting dominated by their opponents starters. It has happened in EVERY preseason game. Giants were down 24-3 at the half. Offense and defense were both underwhelming. Giants offense moved the ball somewhat, but like last year, could not finish off drives. The Giants have a new regime with new schemes on both sides of the ball. It will take time for the players to learn the system and Coughlin to really learn his players. I hope its still early in the season when they finally do gel.

France Makes The Cut

Todd France is the sole surviving PK for the Giants. Bryant was cut day one in camp and Bill Gramatica was released. France was 3-3 in FGs during the preaseason. There is a chance Giants could pickup a veteran in the last week of preseason, but it seems doubtful this close to opening day.

Giants Get Jason Whittle Back

Giants traded an undisclosed draft pick to Tampa Bay for guard/center Jason Whittle. Whittle spent five seasons with the Giants, starting 14 games in 2002. Giants are at least trying to bolster O-line with these late moves.

Coughlin Admits O-Line is Weak

Coughlin is concered about the O-line performance and realizes there is little that can be done at this late date. Warner and Manning both need time and protection or it will be a long season for the Giants. Giants picked up right tackle Brandon Winey and left guard Solomon Page just last week in an attempt to bolster the line. Warner did scramble successfully vs Jets, but who knows how long that can last. Coughlin may have to adjust the play calling accordingly until the line can improve.

Giants Name Kurt Warner Starting QB

Coughlin flip flopped and a day after saying He wasn't going to name the starter until after the Ravens game decided to name Warner the opening starter. This is a good call going with the more experienced Warner. The Jets performance was obviously the deciding factor, Warner was at his best, Manning at his worst. It's better for the team and the coaching staff to know before the end of preseason who the starter will be. I fully expect Manning will start sometime this season whether Warner gets injured or not. Let's hope that O-line gets solidified in a hurry.

Manning Still In The Race?

Eli Manning had a sub par performance vs Jets Friday night, and that is the nice way of putting it. Coughlin is not ready to rule out Manning just yet, despite Warner being solid. Coughlin hopes Manning can bounce back in practice. Coughlin has yet to name a starter for Thursday and won't name the starting QB until after the Ravens game.

Accorsi Did Not Fix Giants Offensive Line

It's 15 days before the Giants open up the season at Philly. They still don't know who will be starting on the offensive line. The Giants are adding linemen with the hopes of being able to protect Warner and Manning. Neither QB is considered to be especially mobile, Coughlin may have to use max-protect often in the first few games of the season.

Are Giants Serious About Ron Dayne?

Ron Dayne has been getting a lot of action in preseason play this year. He has 31 carries for 228 yds with 4 TDs. Tiki is 21-89 with no TDs. Tiki's number of carries has increased every week while Dayne's have fallen slightly. I believe the Giants have two goals. One is to see what Dayne can do. Two is to keep Tiki as fresh as possible for the regular season. The Giants were hoping Dayne could be a legitimate short yardage back, but He has proven to be more of a halfback. I would expect the Giants to focus on the run, at least until the O-line gets up to speed. There will be enough balls to go around for both Barber and Dayne.

Giants lose 17-10, Warner a Lock to Start vs Eagles Now

Eli had a wake up call vs the Jets Friday night. Manning was 4-14 with 2 picks and 1 fumble. Manning did not show the poise that He did earlier in the preseason. Jets used various defensive formations and blitzs that seemed to unsettle Manning. Warner completed 9-11 and lead the Giants on there only TD drive. Warner and the Giants were driving deep in Jets territory before Tim Carter lost a fumble at the Jets 6 yard line. Warner even scrambled a little bit and took some good shots without any ill effects. On a sour note the Giants had 11 penalties for 98 yards and lost 2 fumbles.

Warner Biding His Time

I think Warner must know He is on the outside looking in for this QB starting job. Warner, like a lot of QBs , needs to be in the right system to be successful. This is a showcase job, He is looking to get some playing time to hopefully attract another team. Manning should start, He may have to wait a game or two before it happens. The fact that the Giants are still adding O-lineman this late in the preseason is not comforting. The Giants may want to have the O-line solidified before the franchise lines up behind center. Coughlin claims to want to start the best QB, that is clearly Manning. Coughlin does realize that Manning and himself aren't going anywhere soon, He has to look out for both of their futures. I hope Warner can make the most of his opportunity for his and the Giants' sake.

Warner To Start vs Jets

Kurt Warner will start Friday against the Jets, but Manning will have approximately the same amount of snaps with the first team. I wonder if Coughlin knows who the starter is going to be? He hasn't seen enough yet in practice and preseason? "It's Kurt's turn," Coughlin said of the starting nod, adding that it was his plan all along to have the two quarterbacks alternate starting assignments in the first three preseason games. Really? Then why did you wait until today to announce that Warner was starting? Coughlin sure has an odd way of doing things. I said it before and I will say it now, Coughlin better win and soon if he is going to be this secretive and aloof about his players. Coughlin also said He will name a starter for the opener "at the right time." Hopefully We won't have to wait unitl the Friday before the opener to know.

Breaking News: Warner Hurts Thumb

Sources from Giants camp say Kurt Warner hurt thumb/hand at practice Sunday. This would lead me to believe Manning will start vs Jets and has an excellent chance of being named starter for the season opener vs Philly. Source also said Manning looked excellent and even called an audible during a scrimmage that went for a long TD. Stay tuned!

Theismann killing O-line

Joe Theismann finally exacted his revenge on the Giants for ending his career. Theisman labeled the Giants' O-line worst in the league during the Jets' preason game Saturday. I am curious if He saw last years offensive line and how the two lines compared with one another. Giants have had high turnover on the line and wil have at least 3 new starters from last year. They did draft Snee in the 2nd round and signed O'Hara and Stokes from Cleveland. This line is bad, but will improve throughout the year if they can stay healthy.

Shockey strains hamstring

Shockey strained his right hamstring Saturday in practice according to Newsday. Shockey was leaping for a pass by Jesse Palmer during drills. This might be enough to slow Shockey down and miss the Jets' preseason game on Friday. Whoever is at QB will need Shockey on the field to boost their chances for sucess.

Forget the QBs, I'm Worried About The Team

The Giants lost to Carolina 27-20. Not bad right? The Gaints were dominated by Carolina 17-6 in the 1st half. I realize that the defense was missing many starters, but the O-line was there, Dayne was there, the 2 Wills were there. The giants need healthy linebackers and for the O-line to gel quickly. RON DAYNE is not a short yardage back, coach. Whoever starts at QB vs Philly may end up in 2 or more pieces by halftime. Manning and Warner were both solid and could have benefited from more protection up front. Giants had 8 penalties. Here is the boxscore.

Keith Washington out 3-4 weeks

DE Washington will be out 3-4 weeks with a fractured orbit bone in his left eye socket. I am sure Coughlin is thrilled. It is not a gurantee that Washington will be ready for the opener vs Philly. Osi Umenyiora will fill in for Washington.

Shockey will play vs Jets next week

Shockey has been ruled out vs Carolina. I expect Shockey will see action in the Giants 3rd preseason game vs the Jets on 8/27. Shockey has been practicing more regularly and Coughlin wants him to be ready for the Eagles opener. Shockey is also going to need to get familiar with the new starting QB.

Manning to start vs Carolina

The worst kept secret in Giant land was made official today, Manning will start against Carolinas crushing Defense. This is a pivotal preseason game for Manning. He can shine and clearly vault over Warner for the starting position or look like an overmatched rookie and prepare to be backup for at least the first game or two of the regular season. This is a national TV game and I am sure fox network is glad to have Eli under the spotlights.

With Eli aboard, Kurt's unneeded

This article from the Post jumps on the Manning bandwagon. Eli has only played part of one preason game against a very shaky Chiefs SECOND defense team. He did look very poised and handeled the blitz well. Warner was solid but not spectacular, and if Warner is not spectacular why not let Manning start. Manning could get a year under his belt in a season that should have low expectations. Manning played a lot more last year than Warner did and should be less rusty. Who do you want throwing the ball in Giants stadium in fall or winter this year? Here is the article.

Coughlin, staff take softer approach

Giants defense is doing on the job training. It looks like Mondays during preseason will be "What did we learn ?" review sessions. The Giants will focus on mental practice vs physical practice. It is going to take time for this new defense to gel. The article link is here.

On 2nd thought, Eli may start

This Daily News article talks about how impressed Coughlin was with Manning's performance. It wasn't his stats but how He handled the little things. Kurt Warner can not be happy with this writing on the wall. Here is the article.

Ron Dayne Steals The Show

Win or Lose Ron Dayne was the story for the NY Giants Friday. Dayne rushed for 118 yds on 11 carries and 2 TDs. He had a 67 yard run where He actually out ran the Chiefs secondary. It was odd seeing Dayne look that lean. Warner was steady going 3-7 with 49 yds. Warner was hurried several times but managed to get the passes off. Manning looked sharp as well going 7-13 with 91 yds. Manning looked more polished than a rookie should in most cases. His upside is tremendous and will make Giant fans happy for years to come. One caveat is that these stats were against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The Giants and Manning will have a bigger test vs Carolina next week.

All Eyes On Warner Tonight

Kurt Warner gets the starting nod tonight in the Giant's first preseason game vs the Chiefs. Warner will play with the Giant's first team offense into the second quarter. Manning will then takeover with mostly the second team offense. The O line should play all of the first half together since the starters have been named for the most part and they need time to gel. The forcast calls for some light rain. It will be interesting to see how well Warner can throw outside of a dome. Manning will start next week vs Carolina.

Is Shockey Injury Prone?

It is too soon to tell. Shockey is such a great talent. It is discouraging to see him miss practice and always be in some sort of pain. Will Coughlin handle Shockey differently than other, less talented, players? I would imagine so. Shockey and Manning are the future of this franchise and need to be healthy and ready to play once the season starts. Shockey complained of soreness after his first practice today. His status will be monitored closely.

Warner to start 1st preseason game

"Are they even? I would say 'Yes,' " Coughlin said in designating Warner to start Friday night against Kansas City at Giants Stadium. Those are interesting comments by Coughlin. Manning will be starting early in the season, if he is even close to Warner. Manning has all the upside while Warner has virtually none. Click here for the AP article. Shockey also returned to practice Wednesday, I will get more excited when I see him healthy and starting in the season opener.

Giants Moving Out?

Last week, Giants officials informed George Zoffinger, the sports authority's chief executive, they were considering a new building instead of pursuing the deal for the old one. Here is the article. Giants should get a new stadium, for the amount of money they generate and in one of the richest areas in the U.S. a first rate facility should be a given.