Vacation Plans

I will be away on vacation from April 30th - May 9th. I am not sure yest what kind of access (or time) I will have to read the news and update the blog, but rest assured things will be back to normal when I return.

Jeff Feagles to Announce Retirement

Jeff Feagles, The New York Giants 44 year old punter, will announce his retirement on Friday. After 22 years and 352 consecutive regular-season games, he has finally decided to hang up his helmet. Before the the Giants drafter punter Matt Dodge, Feagles informed the team that his body wasn't responding to offseason workouts as he hoped and they should start preparing for a future without him. As a Giants fan, I say Kudos to Jeff for not only all of the great seasons he gave us, but for putting his pride aside and making on honest assessment of his health for the good of himself and the team.

Henderson Cancels Visit to Kansas City

Ex-Jaguar (and recently released) defensive tackle John Henderson has cancelled his scheduled visit with the Kansas City Chiefs. It is not clear if the visit is cancelled altogether or simply postponed. It does seem, however, that Henderson's visit with the New York Giants will still take place. Another good piece of information for the Giants comes from Atlanta Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff. Although the Falcons were thought to be interested in Henderson as well, Dimitroff has confirmed that they will not go after the former Jaguar.

DeAngelo Hall: Redskins Will Dominate

It was reported last night by various football reporters that Washington Redskins cornerback, DeAngelo Hall made some pretty silly comments about the NFC East. Hall stated that the New York Giants have no chance to win the NFC East. neither do the Dallas Cowboys or the Philadelphia Eagles. He went on to say that the Redskins will dominate the division this year now that they have added quarterback Donovan McNabb. According to the Washington Post, Hall told Redskins fans at a draft party this past weekend that they could expect an eleven or twelve win season. Obviously, this is just hot air being bellowed by Hall, especially in light of the Redskins season last year, but I will never understand why players continually make it harder on their teammates by making statements that the opposition will tack up on their bulletin boards to help them get fired up. Football is a harder enough sport, why make it harder on yourself. Shame on you DeAngelo, but thanks for adding a little more gasoline on the Giants fire.

Giants Interestd in DT Henderson

It looks like the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs are the first two football teams interested in taking a look at recently released ex-Jaguar Defensive Tackle John Henderson. Henderson is a 6-7, 335 pound ex-Pro Bowler who just turned 31 and was once the first round draft pick of none other than....Tom Coughlin. One would think that with the Giants 2nd round draft pick of DT Linval Joseph, the Giants would not have room for Henderson, but the Giants really seem serious about shaking things up on the defensive line. It has been reported that DT Rocky Bernard is not a lock to make the team or even make it to training camp. Right now, the Giants have the following players available for the DT position: Barry Cofield, Chris Canty, Linval Jospeh, Jay Alford (and an occasional Justin Tuck). I think it is a great idea to bring in as many bodies as possible to compete for these DT positions considering the lackluster performance by the line last season.

Giants Announce Signing of 13 Undrafted Free Agents

1. Dominic Randolph, QB, Holy Cross
2. Jake Ballard, TE, Ohio State
3. Tim Brown, WR, Rutgers
4. Duke Calhoun, WR, Memphis
5. Victor Cruz, WR, Massachusetts
6. Dennis Landolt, OL, Penn State
7. Jim Cordle, C, Ohio State
8. Ayanga Okpokowuruk, DE, Duke
9. Nate Collins, DT, Virginia
10. Lee Campbell, LB, Minnesota
11. Seth Williams, CB, Richmond
12. Leon Wright, CB, Duke
13. Michael Greco, S, Central Florida

On Friday,, the Giants begin their 3 day minicamp that will include these 13 undrafted free agents, the seven new draftees, eleven additional players who are under contract, but still considered first year players, and twenty-three players who will be trying out for the team.

Giants Discussed Draft Day Trade of Cofield

NFL.com is reporting that the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints discussed a draft-day trade for defensive tackle Barry Cofield. According to NFL.com, the Saints were willing to give up a second-day pick (either rounds two or three) and discussed a possible contract extension with Cofield, an unrestricted free agent this past offseason. When the Saints and Cofield could not agree to terms, the trade was called off.

Columns in Stadium Completely Obstruct Views

As we all know by now, New York Giant season ticket holders were given the opportunity to see the new Giants stadium in-person this past weekend. It seems most fans were happy with the new seating style, but the New York Post is reporting on "the worst seats in the stadium." In each of the two end zone mezzanine sections there are four columns which support the upper deck. Behind each column are rows of seats where views of the field are fully (100%) obscured. These columns effect 59 total seats while some others have limited views of the sidelines. The sections effected are 201, 202B, 203B, 249B, 250B, 224B, 225B, 226, 227B, and 228B. According to the report, this type of design is very rare and outdated in today's stadium architecture and was surely done as a money-saving technique. For example, the 63,400 seat Phoenix Cardinal stadium that opened in 2006 and the 80,000 seat Dallas Cowboy stadium, which opened last season, don't have columns. Giants stadium designer, George Heinlein, defended the columns, saying they were necessary to create seating that surrounds the field on all levels and is stacked as closely as possible to the game action. He went on to say that the seats with the obstructed views were never intended to be sold, but were a temporary solution during construction to prevent a hazard and will be removed shortly with a permanent railing. let's see how this all pans out when the stadium officially opens. For the fans sake, I hope no one is stuck behind those things.

The New Stadium

The New York Giants held an open house for season ticket holders this weekend so I got my first chance to see what all of the money I spent is buying. All in all I was impressed. The stadium is not finished yet, but it is very close. Most of the work left to be done seems to be in the concourse.

Positives

1. The best feature of the new stadium for me is how much closer the seats are to the field. This doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is very dramatic when you see it in person. I could only imagine what it is going to be like for those fans Lucky enough (rich enough) to have front row seats.
2. The concourses are definitely wider and will accommodate a lot more people. It was always a hassle walking down those concourses at the end of a game in the old Giants stadium.
3. More bathrooms.
4. More food options.
5. Video screens are very large and will show play by play. This is much needed for those of us with seats near the end zones.

Negatives

1. Concourses and bathrooms are kind of ugly and have a look very similar to the old ones (i.e. ugly dark concrete).
2. Seems like with all of the space at the Meadowlands they could have built a ton more parking. Then we wouldn't have to pay for parking and as a reward for buying these PSLs the Meadowlands could have at least let us park for free.
3. I was hoping the traffic situation would be dramatically different after the games, but even though they claim it has been addressed, I just didn't see it.
4. A lot of attention is geared toward the Club areas (the expensive seats). Even though these areas are still not full and way overpriced the tour staff are still pushing them. Gets very annoying after a while. C'mon, obviously if I had $25,000 for a PSL, I would've bought it not relegate myself to the end zone for the next 50 years.

These are just my first impressions. If you have any questions about the stadium, let me know.

Final Pick

And with their final pick the Giants draft (not surprisingly after Coughlin's comments) Punter Matt Dodge from East Carolina.

Feagles Done?

Tom Coughlin was quoted today as saying that Punter Jeff Feagles is having some physical issues in off season workouts related to the fact that he is 44 years old. Coughlin says he would be surprised if Feagles returned this season. Seems Feagles career is pretty much over. Thanks for the great years Jeff.

5th and 6th Round Picks

The New York Giants pick up Offensive Guard Mitch Petrus from Arkansas in the 5th Round and Defensive End Adrian Tracy from William & Mary in the 6th Round. According to reports Adrian Tracy is an over sized linebacker. The Giants are really taking their pitiful defensive line seriously in the draft. Kudos.

No Good Video, But Here's The Sporting News Analysis

I could not find any great video of Phillip Dillard's highlights, but here is what The Sporting News has to say about him. Dillard is definitely not a lock to take the starting ILB position from Jonathan Goff, but at least there will be a competition for the spot now and a little bit of depth.

"Strengths: Shows good instincts. Consistently reads plays correctly and quickly, allowing him to play faster than his 40 time. Displays the quickness to make plays between the hash marks. Is tough and strong at the point of attack, using his hands well to jolt blockers, stay free and make tackles. Moves well through traffic. Picks up running backs and fullbacks in the flat.

Weaknesses: Is a straight-line athlete who shows stiff hip movement. Struggles to break down and make open-field tackles. Tends to be upright when chasing ball carriers and thus overruns tackles. Lacks the athleticism and speed to cover running backs and tight ends man-to-man down field. Lacks elite speed to make plays along the sideline.

Bottom line: Dillard grabs your attention with his ability to shed blockers and make tackles on inside runs. He is a tough, hard-nosed inside linebacker who plays with the aggressiveness coaches love. He lacks the athleticism to be a top pick and likely will fall into the fourth or fifth round. He projects as a solid starter inside in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme".

Giants Finally Pick an ILB

In the 4th round of the draft, the New York Giants select Phillip Dillard, Inside Linebacker from Nebraska.

Don't Count on the 4th Round

Ralph Vacchiano is reporting from the draft today that the Giants should not expect to get any type of impact player (especially at middle linebacker) in these later rounds. He says that we might be entering the Jonathan Goff era (sarcasm).

Chad Jones Highlights

Some Linval Joseph Highlights

Good Story About and Highlights of Jason-Pierre Paul

Giants Select S Chad Jones in 3rd Round

The New York Giants have selected Safety Chad Jones from LSU with their 3rd Round pick. OK now I am confused. I know the Giants were weak at Safety last year, but that was the one area they DID address in the off-season. It's time to get a Linebacker Jerry!

Giants Select DT Linval Joseph in 2nd Round

The New York Giants have selected Defensive Tackle Linval Joseph from East Carolina with their 2nd round draft pick. I hope Jerry Reese knows what he is doing as we are still looking at a gaping linebacker hole.

Osi is Here to Stay

Mike Garafolo and Ralph Vacchiano are reporting tonight that Jerry Reese is stating that Osi Umenyiora will not be traded in light of the Giants picking Pierre-Paul with their 1st round pick. Reese said he is not even considering it and has told all teams calling with inquiries about a possible trade for Osi the same thing.

Giants 1st Round Pick

The Giants pick Jason Pierre-Paul with their first round pick. This is actually a very good pick considering the players still available on the board. As they usually do, the Raiders surprised everyone and picked Rolando McClain with the 8th pick. Also gone, and this was expected, was top running back C.J. Spiller who was selected by Buffalo at 9. The Giants won their most recent Super Bowl based on a punishing pass rush. Last year the Giants pass rush was non-existent resulting in a pitiful rank of 30th in NFL defense. Pierre-Paul is an athletic, pure pass rusher and hopefully he can help spark this defense back to where it belongs.

Vacchiano: Who Will the Giants Pick 1st

According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, The Giants will pick one of the following with their first round draft pick:

1. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
2. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
3. Mike Lupati, G, Idaho
4. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
5. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
6. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
7. Brandon Graham, DE/LB, Michigan

Reese Facing a Make or Break Draft

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News is reporting that this is an especially important draft for Giants General manager Jerry Reese. Last year, Reese spent $84 million on defensive players only to see the Giants field one of the worst defenses in the NFL. After last season, John Mara put the team on notice, including Jerry Reese, that a repeat performance would not be tolerated. Taking into consideration the Giants relative inactivity in free agency this year, leaving various holes in the offense and defense, this draft is extremely important for the general manager and my just be his "Make or Break" draft.

New York Gaints needs in Tonight's Draft

In my opinion, the Giants should address the following needs in order of importance over the next few days:

1. Middle Linebacker
2. Running Back
3. Defensive End (if they trade Umenyiora)
4. Offensive Lineman
5. Corner Back

How Does Brandon Jacobs Feel About C.J. Spiller?

Giants #1 running back, Brandon Jacobs, told WFAN and Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-ledger yesterday that he would be "insulted" if the Giants drafted Clemson running back C.J. Spiller. Fortunately (for Jacobs!), Spiller probably won't be available at the 15th pick, but the Giants could still trade up. C'mon Brandon! I don't understand your comments and putting yourself before your team. You are really giving us a window into who you really are. Jacobs had a mediocre 2009 season and both he and #2 running back, Ahmad Bradshaw were riddled with enough injuries to require both to need off-season surgery. For the good of the team, I would have hoped he would have been in favor of drafting Spiller, at least as a backup to he and Bradshaw.

Giants Stadium Opener

The New York Giants will open their season at the new stadium against the Carolina Panthers. This is a rematch of the last game played in the old stadium where the Giants got pummelled 41-9. I am certain that many Giants players and fans are eager to show the Panthers that the outcome of the last game was a fluke. Bring it on!

Is it Crohn's or Isn't it Crohn's???

Todd McShay on ESPN is reporting what we are all thinking and saying: that Rolando McClain is the New York Giants #1 guy in the first round. The Giants biggest need is linebacker (has been for a couple of years) and Alabama's McClain is the best linebacker in the draft.

One of the down-sides of McClain is his battle with Crohn's Disease since high school. McClain has claimed that Crohn's has effected his stamina during games, practices, and workouts. Critics have even begun calling him soft in some circles.

Strangely enough, over the past week both the University of Alabama and McClain himself have stated that he, in fact, does NOT have Crohn's Disease. Although he has taken medicine for Crohn's over the last seven years, McClain claims he shows no signs of the disease now and indications point to the initial diagnosis being an error.

Is this pre-draft spin doctoring or are these claims based on fact. That is for the Giants and the other NFL teams to figure out. All I know is the Giants desperately need a middle linebacker and McClain was a 3 year starter for the Crimson Tide and claims he has never missed a practice because of Crohn's during high school or college. He is known to have a big heart and passion for the game. The Giants should give him the benefit of the doubt and go all out for this prospect.

C.J. Spiller Rumors

Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News reports that Clemson running back C.J. Spiller was called by The New York Giants a few days ago to make sure they had his correct cell phone number in case they need to reach him Thursday night during the draft. Even though Spiller did not visit or workout for the Giants, team sources are claiming that Big Blue is interested in Spiller. Although it is pretty much a certainty that Spiller will be gone by the Giants 15th pick in the first round, sources have indicated that the Giants might even be willing to trade up for him. Spiller might go to high in the first round to give the Giants a chance at even trading up however. He is becoming one of, if not the, top running back available and many teams are going to be interested who have picks before the Giants.

If somehow the Giants were able to make this happen though, Spiller would be the perfect blend of youth, stamina,and speed that the Giants need to compliment injury plagued Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. DJ Ware has been good, but was also hurt for a good part of last season. Jacobs is coming off of knee surgery and Bradshaw is coming off of surgery on both feet and his right ankle. I hope they can be effective, but we definitely need some insurance at running back.

Osi Trade Rumors

Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star Ledger is reporting that the Giants would be interested in moving Osi Umenyiora for the right price. The Giants would likely get calls from teams about Osi if the Giants take South Florida Defensive End Jason Pierr-Paul with the 15th overall pick. Garafolo feels that he could not see the Giants letting their best pass rusher go without having a backup plan. It seems that the Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams were most interested in Umenyiora at the Senior Bowl and scouting combines. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that the Miami Dolphins are now also interested. Mort reported on his Twitter that he places the odds of a Umenyiora deal at 60/40.

Everyone seems to agree that if Osi is dealt it would be a draft-day deal so we just have to wait and see. If the Giants take a pass rusher with their first round pick, look for this deal to happen and Sayonara Osi.

Giants Draw Favorable Schedule

Giants Draw Favorable Schedule

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New York Giants Schedule Released

Preseason

Monday 8/16, 8:00 pm ET, ESPN, @NY Jets

Saturday 8/21, 7:00 pm ET, WNBC, Steelers

Saturday 8/28, 7:30 pm ET, WNBC, @Ravens

Thursday 9/2, 7:00 pm ET, WNBC, Patriots


Regular Season

Sunday 9/12, 1:00 pm ET, FOX, Panthers

Sunday 9/19, 8:20 pm ET, NBC, @Colts

Sunday 9/26, 1:00 pm ET, CBS, Titans

Sunday 10/3, 8:20 pm ET, NBC, Bears

Sunday 10/10, 1:00 pm ET, FOX, @Texans

Sunday 10/17, 1:00 pm ET, FOX, Lions

Monday 10/25, 8:30 pm ET, ESPN, @Cowboys

Sunday 10/31, BYE

Sunday 1/7, 4:05 pm ET, FOX, @Seahawks

Sunday 11/14, 4:15 pm ET, FOX, Cowboys

Sunday 11/21, 8:20 pm ET, NBC, @Eagles

Sunday 11/28, 1:00 pm ET, CBS, Jaguars

Sunday 12/5, 1:00 pm ET, FOX, Redskins

Sunday 12/12, 1:00 pm ET, FOX, @Vikings

Sunday 12/19, 1:00 pm ET, FOX, Eagles

Sunday 12/26, 4:15 pm ET, FOX, @Packers

Sunday 1/2, 1:00 pm ET, FOX, @Redskins


This year's schedule looks very fair and presents an opportunity for the Giants to end up with a good record. As a fan, I would have loved to see either the Colts, Vikings, or Packers game in-person at the stadium rather than the Bears, Lions, Titans, or Panthers, but such is life.