What do you all make of the turmoil and four game losing streak? Can the G-Men beat Carolina this week and right the ship?

Yes. They can...

I think Eli's taken too much heat from the NY media. He's still a young QB and playing well for a young guy... This team had way too high expectations when they were 6-2...

The injuries hurt. So does the fact that Dallas has found SUPER ROMO and is probably the best team in the whole NFC all of the sudden.

But, the Giants are always competitive, and have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the NFC (Bears, Cowboys).

The Panthers are talented, but it is a very winnable game. And actually, a win here would be great because the Panthers beat them so bad last year in the playoffs...

The Giants need another CB badly, btw...

Eli couldn't have played much better last week, it's not his fault. they still make the playoffs in the weak NFC. Giants and Panthers are my wild card picks

Well, they certainly played well yesterday. They do need another CB badly, I agree.

Giants needs going into 07 draft:

1. A good corner
2. An OLB
3. A WR to replace Toomer
4. A left tackle
5. maybe a RB, although I think they are going to go with Jacobs.

Thoughts?

As someone who watched a lot of the Giants this past season, I think you're dead on with the needs.

I think they need to upgrade Will Demps at S as well. The secondary as a whole was pretty bad this past year. They might need two CB's in the draft.

I think they'll take a long look at Marshawn Lynch, but will end up going with a HB later in the draft when all is said and done.

Anyone else see the Giants trading down in the draft for another pick or two?

I think it's feasible. They can trade down and still get a CB like Hughes or Houston, or an OLB like Timmons or Posluszny. Remember, they traded down last year.

I don't know why there's no Giant's fans posting here, but they quietly had a very nice draft. The only thing they didn't get, was an OT to plug in this year. They did get nice players CB in Ross (1), WR Smith (2), DT Alford (3), OLB DeOssie (4), all of whom should contribute this year. I see their 5th & 6th rounders as projects, and it will probably be next year or the year after before they get a chance, unless Koets puts on some weight before next training camp. Their first 7th rounder, Johnson also has a chance to stick and work his way up from the special teams. The RB I think will be camp fodder.

Well, since nobody has posted any replies here, as a long-time Giant fan, let me play prognosticator for the upcoming season. Here's my guess as to how they finally (Thank God) end the illustrious career...cough, cough...of Tom Coughlin as the Giant HC.

As much as I hate to admit it, IMO, they will be no better than a .500 team, and I would not be surprised to see them stumble even further. If not for Tom, it's likely that Tiki would still be playing. I think there will be a ripple effect this year, and the Giants, despite having the talent to compete for the division, will not play up to their talent level. Just a hunch here, but it's something I feel.

That being said, I wonder how Bill Cowher would look in a Giant's cap on the sideline in 2008? It is rumored that Daniel Snyder is all set to throw all kinds of dollars Cowher's way to entice him to Washington. There will be other teams interested in him too. However, with both the history and stability of the organization, and Cowher having coached for another stable organization, the Giant's job might be very appealing to him, so long as they offer the money a coach of his stature will demand, even if Snyder offers a significant amount more. I don't know that he'll end up as the Giant's new HC, but it will not be Coughlin. I also don't see him taking Snyder's money either. I think he'll go to a team that has a more stable front office and track record, and is willing to compensate him fairly, no matter what Mr. Moneybags in our nation's capitol offers him.

Do you see this as Eli's make or break year?

I am beginning to feel strongly that if he doesn't get the Giants to the playoffs this year that whispers are going to become shouts.

Eli's make or break year? I think the average NYG fan knows coaching, and offensive philosophy have a lot to do with a QB's success. Is Eli the second coming of Peyton, as so many had hoped? I rather think not. That being said, I strongly believe he's a better QB than Big Ben. Not by a huge margin, but not by a small one either. Give him a coach who will open up the offense a little more, with a little more imagination, and I think he'll be fine. They went out and got Palmer from NE to coach him this year, and that should help.

When I say I see the Giants fall this year, I them falling because of Coughlin's predictability, not a very imaginative offense, and the wedge Coughlin has driven between himself, and his players. Who wants to work for a boss who's always yelling? If his name is Parcells, perhaps, because he's proven himself. Coughlin is no doubt a good coach, but he's no Parcels, and he had some very good teams in Jacksonville. He is similar to Shottenheimer, but not as good. You have a bad team? He'll whip it into shape by the second year. By the third they'll be contending. But, by then it seems to become a very tumultuous atmosphere in the club house, and on the sidelines. If they don't win in the 3rd, it's over. He's okay for no more than 3 years. I don't even see him being in the same coaching league as Marty, but Marty's the best example of his style currently looking for work.

Speaking of Marty. In a way, I feel almost sorry for him. Then again, I don't, because I know that's the last thing I would want if I was him. When I think of him, I usually chuckle. He reminds me of an old Sinatra tune...I Did It My Way:) He's been one hell of a coach, and he is truly one of the very few "good" coaches who can honestly go to his grave, whether he wins a SB or not, and truly say that. He deviated very little to one side or another in his coaching history...which, I might add, probably has cost him. He always liked a stout D, and a strong running game. His offenses were very bland, comparatively, with generally a tight rein on the passing game. I also see a coach who lost the big ones partially because he usually did not respond well when his team was behind, probably due to the simplicity of his offenses. And, late in the year, it was not unusual for his teams to be lacking a little in the tank, so to say. Hey, you want to see someone make a winner out of Detroit? Hire Marty. Next year, they'll be fighting for the division.

With Strahan not showing up, the Giants are meeting with Simeon Rice on Monday.

I forsee Bill Cowher being available to the G-Men due to a strong [10-6 or 11-5] season and at least 1 playoff win in Washington. I think Dennis Green might be a good fit and he would aid Manning in his development.

First off, I personally would not want Dennis Green as the Giant HC. I do not believe he is a very good HC, and only the talent he had when he first became the Vike's coach allowed him to look good.

If John Fox does not get the Panthers into the playoffs this year, I think they might let him go, and if that happens, I think Cowher will definitely be the Panther's No.1 choice as a replacement...and, since it is where he lives, I could easily see this happening. If it did, Fox should have no problems finding another job, and I certainly would not mind seeing Fox return to the Giants as the HC if that is the case.

Now, should that scenario not pan out, here is who I would consider if I were the Giant's GM to replace TC:

Current NFL Assistants

Rob Ryan - DC - Raiders - He's done a very fine job rebuilding the Raider D.

Mike Singletary - Asst. HC/LB - SF - He would be high on my list...very heady and intense player, and I think that would translate as a HC.

Norm Chow - OC - Tenn - Has done a nice job without the greatest talent...his offensive mind could benefit Eli too.

Jim Schwartz - DC - Tenn - A very under-rated DC who has not had much to work with. Still, IMO he is one of the better DCs in the NFL.

Bob Bratkowski - OC - Cinn - The architect of the Bengals offense could turn Eli into a real NFL QB.

Rick Newheisal - QB - Balt - Has had good success where ever he's coached, and is a young offensive mastermind, IMO.

Rex Ryan - DC - Balt - Buddy's son is one of the best defensive minds in the game...very high on my list.

Current College Coaches

Pete Carroll - USC - No.1 on my list. I would offer him almost anything to leave USC.

Bob Stoops - OU - No.2 on my list. After Carroll, he would be my choice.

Urban Meyer - UF - Much would depend on his interview. A very talented coach, however, his offense does not translate to the NFL...could he adjust?

Kirk Ferentz - IA - An overlooked coaching nugget, but not to NFL GMs.

It is highly unlikely any of these college coaches would leave their current situations. All have been highly rewarded by their universities, and all are kings of their domains. However, the lure of becoming the Giant's HC might be very enticing to one of them. Of the NFL assistants, I personally would like a defensive minded coach, as that is ultimately what wins championships. However, I could easily go for an offensive coach who likes to concentrate on the O, and wants to bring in a defensive specialist to run the D with total authority. Conversely, the defensive coach I would hire would also want to bring in an OC who would have total authority over the offense and the play calling too. These types of "partnerships" seem to work well when you have a GM who is capable of overseeing the overall makeup of the team, and who generally drafts & trades well, & is prudent about the FAs he pursues and signs. Also, of the candidates I've mentioned, only Chow is really getting up there in years. The others would be long-term solutions that could grow with the franchise and start their own winning tradition for 10+ years...hopefully.

I like the way the Giants are playing right now. Coughlin, after that rocky 0-2 start, has NY playing well. Eli looks good, but still makes 2-3 mistakes a game. He needs to stop those before they can move to the next level. The front four of the defense is also playing well, but they need better play from the secondary and linebackers. They are still below the Cowboys and Packers but are making progress.

Not the prettiest game today, but the Giants got the win and that's all that matters. Get healthy during the bye and try to take down Dallas in week 10. It's going to be quite a game and a lot of fun.

I'm so impressed with the Giants so far this season. The schedule has been easy lately, but you can only play who's on your sched... Eli is playing well enough to win, and will be going to his THIRD STRAIGHT post-season as the Giants starter. People get lost in the stats and the lowlights, but Manning wins games...

If they can win the Dallas game, a #1 seed is not out of the question.

Anyone notice that both Manning brothers will be playing Sunday? I wonder if that's happened before for starting QBs in the NFL?

Lol, they've done that many times nefore, right? R u talking about in the playoffs?

Of course I'm talking playoffs. I know the Barber brothers played, even against each other, but two QBs is an oddity.

Go Giants! Beat the Cowboys!

Here is what I think. There has been some controversy in Dallas because of Romo's vacation and the whole Jessica thing...TO saying a few things...they've lost Jeff Ireland to Miami, and will likely lose Sparano to them too. I would also think that Sparano might bring a few of their coaches with him, and the NFL does not allow teams to stop their assistants from going to a different team, if they've been asked permission, and if the job is a promotion over their current coaching position. I also think there are other teams waiting for Dallas to lose, so they too can raid the cupboard, especially for Garrett. I think this is the year Dallas HAS to win, because IMO, if you thought the Chargers had some coaching turmoil last year, it'll pale by comparison to the front office/coaching staff changes that will happen in the Big D this year. It will take awhile to build up such a knowledgeable and cohesive staff, much of which was put in place by Parcells anyhow. During that time, I think Dallas will start to make a lot of the same mistakes they used to in their player evaluations...their own...other teams FAs...and draft picks. I can't wait!!!

Romo shouldn't have gone on a vacation w/his gf on the week before his first plaoff game since botching the snap, but I don't care about Dallas. All this stuff involving their assistant coaches going elsewhere could be a distraction.

I don't think anything that might happen after the season with the assistant coaches is going to be too much, if any distraction at all. If you read my post, I'm talking about their future...the next 3-7 years or perhaps even longer. They had some pretty sad FA signings and drafts before Parcells got there.

I think there'll be some distraction right now, but w/e. I think the Cowboys will win this handily, but I'm sure rooting for the Giants! I don't wanna face the Cowboys!

Farve might not want to face that Giant pass rush either...if he does...maybe he'll have to retire.

Lol, it's better than facing that Dallas offense again.

I would want to face the Giants over the Cowboys for sure....

If the giants can play as steady as they did last week, they should play a solid game, maybe hope Romo has a 5 pick game again...

It was weird hearing Witten and Romo went to Mexico, I know they were given time off and many players flew home, but yikes....

I knew and met Chad Hedrick, Olympic medalist skater, he felt he did not have to concentrate much and practice as hard as many, like a Bodie Miller. This year he was nowhere to be found in rankings.

Focus!!!!!

I am suprised they were there...

Coahing issue to me mostly though although I like Wade

I agree. Usually I say focus is overrated, but in this case, it's important. I just wanna see Romo do something like he did in last year's playoff game.

Let's just hope, right?

To me the Giants have the edge on nerves.

Cowboys at home, Romo choke last year, all this yammering on about his sweetie pie, new stadium coming soon, they have alot more pressure on them to me.

To me a good plus for the Giants.

Now, I would like to say this. Eli Manning is a GOOD QB...and, he's going to become very good. He's taken some huge hits over the years, but with few weapons, and a former RB who has tried as hard as he could to undermine him, he's stood tall, and more importantly...produced. Another WR to go with Burress, Smith, and Shockey, some DBs, and this team will be hard to beat. And, with FA and a good draft...that could happen this off season.

Strahan may be mulling retirement once again after the SB victory. Rumors are also begin inning to surface about a Shockey trade...once these start, often times someone's purposely leaking info to see what interest there might be.

Some other interesting stuff in this article...

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/arti...ey_development/

Giants will sign K Tynes to a new contract reportedly worth $7 mil over 5 yrs.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football...fiveyear_7.html

And, they've re-signed Feagles to a 2 year deal worth an unspecified amount.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mp;confirm=true

Mark Bavarro was extremely complimentary of Kevin Boss today on a Sirus radio interview. He didn't put Shockey down, but he was clearly impressed with Boss, and said so, especially pertaining to his willingness to block.

Giants are reportedly interested in trading their 31st pick to Atlanta for DeAngelo Hall.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=356517

Although expected, and allowed to happen the loss of safety Gibril Wilson and linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor to free agency will hurt the Giant's defensive depth.

Wilson's choice was not a surprise, as he is from the bay area, so the Raiders or 49ers were a logical destination if the money was right...and it was. He's a good player for sure, but he's not an impact player, so I'd say the Raiders have overpaid him by a significant amount...and being a Charger fan also, I'm happy to see that going forward into the future.

Neither Mitchell nor Torbor were pursued too hard by the Giants. Still, both will likely help their new teams significantly. I think Torbor especially will help the Dolphins in their expected change to the 3-4 defense. The Bills were looking for help for their front 7, and Mitchell is a good addition to their LB corps.

Going forward, these defections will likely affect how the Giants approach the draft. I don't see them making any big splashes in FA, although 1-3 signings for depth may happen later once the initial rush is over and the prices become more realistic. It should also result in one or more compensatory picks in next years draft, so that will help replenish the cupboards.

One of three positions will likely become the Giant's 1st round pick later this week. LB, DB, or OL.

The pick that could have the greatest impact defensively, is a LB. A lot depends on if Strahan retires or not. If he does, and either Mayo or Connor are there, that could be their pick, especially considering Connor had an impressive workout at his pro day after being sent home by the NFL for a serious flu illness while at the combine. His pro day was very important to his draft stock, and he did very well. Mayo has reportedly been moving up draft boards, but we'll see. Some see him going to the Lions at 15, but their coach is on record at favoring a DL such as Harvey if he's there. If Strahan plays, and if they have a LB on their board they like at this point, it would give them even greater flexibility on both passing and rushing downs. On a passing down, they could field DEs Osi and Strahan, with Kiwi once again rushing from the LB spot. On rushing downs they could put the rookie LB in if he picks up the system well enough, thus giving Kiwi a rotation partner and keeping him much fresher throughout the game to rush the QB, while gaining valuable game experience for the young LB.

The next position most people are looking at is DB, either a S or CB. The S would replace Wilson, the CB would compete for the job opposite Ross. Phillips and Cason have been widely mentioned, but the Giants could easily wait on this area if a LB they like is still on their board. Phillips does have talent, and an upside despite his falling off this year. The problem I see with him, is he comes from the "U," and they are not too happy right now with the antics of one player on their team who hails from the same school. I'm not saying they won't take Phillips if he's there, but if one of the top CBs is there, I could easily see them taking that route instead. The Giants will address their defensive backfield in this draft, perhaps with 2 or 3 picks, but it may not be in the 1st round.

The last position I project as a possible 1st round selection for the G-men is an OL, and preferably an OT. Personally, I really like the upside of Anthony Collins from Kansas. I have no inside info on this, it's just a gut feeling I have on this player. He only played one year of HS ball, so he has a lot of room to improve, and if you look at what he's already accomplished, and his athletic ability, I am very surprised he's not mentioned in the top 20. On top of that, he has but a semester of school needed to get his degree. This shows me he is also determined, and smart. Another thing I like about him is it wasn't his idea to turn pro this year. He was advised by his college HC to do so. In either case, if an OL they like is there, this could well be their pick too. It was only one year ago that their OL was much maligned, and they did not have any major moves there last year. Thus, OL is a position they will certainly address at some point in this draft.

Hey, what's up? Where's the Big Blue talk? Okay, I'll keep two boards going. First off, a review of the draft.

There was no secret the G-men needed to replace Wilson at S, and so Kenny Phillips, who many had going higher, likely went about where his talent actually should have seen him go. Better the year before than he was last year, he's still a good selection here for the Giants, and should plug the hole left by Wilson's departure. Actually, a more likely scenario will have Sammy Knight as the likely successor to Wilson, and Phillips will likely displace Jame Butler. Despite his age and deteriorating skills, Knight, along with Phillips will be a better pair of safeties.

In the second round, I was hoping they would have taken Dan Conner, but they opted for Terrell Thomas instead. Not a terrible pick though, and it will further strengthen their secondary.

In the 3rd, they get Manningham, and it all depends on him. If he gets his act together, he could be a real bargain at this spot. There's definitely a need, and room for a play making WR, so Giants fans will keep their collective fingers crossed with this guy. If he comes through, the Giants WRs could put some pressure on opponents this year, a rarity in the Land of Giants. Between Manningham, Burress, and last year's draft nugget, Smith, along with Shockey/Boss at TE, the Giants WRs and TEs could be very formidable. With their already potent running game, the DCs of their opponents would likely suffer from lack of sleep if Manningham comes through.

In the 4th, they drafted Bryan Kehl, and he should provide depth and competition at OLB. A solid, if unspectacular choice.

In the 5th and 6th rounds, the Giants may have gotten two real bargains. In the 5th they get Jonathan Goff, a LB from Vandy who will strengthen the ILB position. In the 6th, they drafted Kentucky QB, Andre Woodson, who fell a long ways once he came under the microscope. However, his faults are mostly mechanical in nature, and with Manning as the starting QB, the Giants will have a few years to reconstruct his mechanics before he moves up their depth chart, or on to another team as trade bait. A perfect place for a person with his athletic ability and arm to land.

Robert Henderson, a DE out of Southern Mississippi will likely have a hard time making this team, but may end up on the practice squad.

Now, on to recent developments in the Land of Giants.

The Giant's mini camp will be this coming weekend, May 9-10.

Before and during the draft, there was much speculation that the G-men would trade TE Jeremy Shockey to the Saints. That did not happen, and most thought that would be the end of that. However, it seems the Saints are not giving up, and there are new rumors that they are once again trying to pry him loose from the Giants. If a deal is made, it's speculated the price for Shockey has gone up from what the Saints would have given them this year, plus a player from their team, likely a TE to take Shockey's place on the roster and depth chart. Not that he'd be the No1 TE, but if they trade Shockey, the Giants would be down to two TEs, and would need a 3rd for depth. I personally would be surprised to see the Giants trade Shockey at this point, unless they were knocked down by an offer. I think he will be traded, but not until after the season, and by next year's draft.

Speculation continues to swirl around DE Michael Strahan, and whether or not he will retire. Needless to say, the Giants have covered themselves quite nicely should he decide not to come back, however, if he does come back, their defense will probably be even better this year than it was last year.

Go Big Blue!

strahan to retire

On a side not to the Jeremy Shockey trade, the Giants actually might end up getting a 2010 1st round pick from the Saints instead of the 2009 2nd rounder. It all depends on the playing time of Jonathan Vilma, whom the Saints traded for with the Jets. If Vilma plays in 85% of the teams defensive plays and signs a contract extension during the season, the Saints would owe their 2009 2nd rounder to the New York Jets, thus they would not be able to fulfill their obligation to the Giants. To make up for this, should this occur, the Saints would then give their 2010 1st round pick to the Giants to complete the Shockey trade. Just something to keep in the back of your mind as the season progresses. Vilma is in the last year of his contract, and if he comes back from his injury and plays like the Saints are hoping, there's no way they won't sign him to a long-term extension before the draft. However, I would think the Saints would wait to sign him to an extension, or insure he plays in less than 85% of their defensive plays...say, 84.9%.

I was never a big fan of either guy, although their talent is undeniable. Neither are guys I'd really want to have to coach...

I admire the Saints for getting aggressive though. Hope it works out for them...

Giants 53 Man Roster

Quarterback (2): Eli Manning, David Carr

Running Back (6): Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw, Reuben Droughns, Danny Ware, Madison Hedgecock

Wide Receiver (6): Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss

Tight End: (3): Kevin Boss, Michael Matthews, Darcy Johnson

Offensive Line: (8): Shaun O’Hara, Rich Seubert, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie, David Diehl, Kevin Boothe, Adam Koets, Grey Ruegamer

Defensive Line (8): Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield,
Renaldo Wynn, Dave Tollefson, Jay Alford, Rodney Leisle

Linebackers (7): Antonio Pierce, Gerris Wilkinson, Danny Clark, Chase Blackburn, Zak DeOssie, Bryan Kehl, Jonathan Goff

Defensive Backs: (10): Aaron Ross, Corey Webster, James Butler, Michael Johnson, Kevin Dockery, Sam Madison, R.W. McQuarters, Sammy Knight, Kenny Phillips, Terrell Thomas

Punter (1): Jeff Feagles.
Kickers (2): Lawrence Tynes, John Carney.

*Tyree on PUP

After their first two games, the Giants offense is ranked No. 4 overall in the NFL, and their defense is ranked No. 3 overall. This is unlikely to change, unless they move up in one or both categories, with the Bengals coming to town this week.

Eagles, Gmen, 'Boys are top 3 on ESPNs power rankings, I cant remember in what order, but they'll get into some tough games later on. I love Jacobs runnning, but hate his durability. Also, I could very well be wrong, but I dont think Eli is the real deal...yet. He hasnt had a bad game or been put on his back since that streak at the end of last year into this one. I want to see if he can bounce back from a bad game and if his morale takes a turn for the worse. If it doesnt, then I will finally say he's legit.

I'm very happy the Giants are undefeated so far, but...Power Rankings...Schmower Rankings. When week 12 gets here, then I'll pay more attention to those. Between now and then, one or more of those teams likely won't be there for a number of reasons. If you try to fool yourself that it couldn't happen to your team, just look at the Pats. They'd likely be undefeated, were it not for Brady going down. Every one of those teams, including my Giants, are in the same boat. They all have crap behind their starting QBs, so they are a "Brady-like" hit away from being in a similar position. The Steelers have a very good team, but half of it might not be able to play this week. The Chargers lost Merriman which has had obvious effects on their defense. The Giants just suspended Burress for missing a practice. The season is very early, and if your team is undefeated right now, that is a fortunate situation for you, but by no means an indication of where you'll end up by the end of the season.

As far as the Eli thing...he's not Peyton, but he's not chopped liver either. Better than most QBs. I have tooted the horn for over a year now about the Charger's Phillip Rivers, and taken a lot of heat for it too. Still, out of the big three of that draft...Eli...Rivers...and 'Big' Ben, I will take Rivers over the other two...any day.

When the Chargers cut their 4th round pick, RB Gartrell Johnson to make room for a DL, hoping he'd go unclaimed so they could either resign him, or at least sign him to their practice squad, the Giants moved quickly to claim him. A good move, IMO, for the GMen...in fact, I'm somewhat surprised he wasn't claimed earlier by a much worse team.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/giants/20...s-rb-off-w.html

Gmen just spoiled poor Jerry's Grand Opening:) Giants now alone in 1st with wins over two division opponents to start the season, which could come in handy by the end.