September 02, 2010 ,
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By PAUL SCHWARTZ
Undrafted wide receiver Victor Cruz had already done enough to warrant a spot on the Giants roster, and his goal for the final preseason game was this: Don't screw it up."You kind of start thinking... Read on
September 01, 2010 ,
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By PAUL SCHWARTZ
The annual Giants Kickoff Luncheon is always an event geared to stoking the fans with inspirational speeches from the head coach and select players, all in one way or another promising that good... Read on
The annual Giants Kickoff Luncheon is always an event geared to stoking the fans with inspirational speeches from the head coach and select players, all in one way or another promising that good times are coming for the upcoming season.
Wednesday's event, held at the New Meadowlands Stadium, was no different, except that Osi Umenyiora, the defensive representative, took an unusual approach as he delivered his message.
"If you have an opportunity to meet any elderly African people, or like me, growing up in an African household, you realize that they never answer questions straight,'' Umenyiora said. “They answer with a riddle. For example, I’d ask my dad, ‘What time to do you want me to wake up in the morning?’ He’d say, ‘Waking up is very important, and the early bird will always catch the worm,’ and I’m like, ‘I’m 5 years old, give me a straight answer, please.’ I’ll say, ‘Dad, I need new shoes,’ and he’d say, ‘It’s obvious you need new shoes, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.’ ‘Man, what’s going on with you, dad?’
"It’s very annoying, and I’m going to take this opportunity to be equally annoying to speak to you in riddles and parables. I think in discussing the 2010 New York Giants, the one thing I would say is this: Individually, the team is like stars, but the team is the sun. While we might all shine, when the sun comes up, we all disappear. I’m quite sure you Giants fans understand exactly what I’m talking about, but there are some players on our team who have no idea what I just said. I’ll say this again, and by the way, they’re all on defense. Individually, the team is like stars, but the team is the sun. While we might all shine, when the sun comes up, we all disappear. That’s the mantra this year: team first, team last, team everything. We will be physical, we will be aggressive, we will be a dominant football team.
"I would like to take this opportunity to personally apologize for everything that went down last year towards the end of the season. That’s not the way we play, that’s not the way we are coached to play, and I can personally guarantee you that things like that will never happen again. If you ever look at an EKG machine when it’s hooked up to a human heart, you see it keeps going up and down and up and down, all that does is indicate that a person is alive. The minute it flat lines, that means they’re dead. This team is very much alive, and though last year was a down, this year we will be back up again.''
Tom Coughlin wasn’t quite as unique with his words but he did get his point across.
"This past season, we lost two icons in the world of sports: John Wooden and George Steinbrenner,” Coughlin said. “As polar opposites as they were, they both stood for and demanded one thing: great effort. Wooden was a man of great effort, and great preparation, and he believed that’s how you succeeded. Steinbrenner’s personality, I think, was developed because he was a football coach. He worked for Woody Hayes as a G.A. back many, many years ago, but that’s where the football temperament came from.
"I love this one quote, and I’m not going to put the team in here for that, but this is a direct quote of his, and you’ll all know what I’m talking about. ‘There are 5 million fans just like me sitting in front of TV sets with beer and hollering the same thing - I want this team to win. I’m obsessed with winning, discipline, and with achieving. That’s what this country is all about, that’s what New York is all about; fighting for everything. New Yorkers wake up fighting everyday of their lives. They fight for cabs, they fight for seats on the subway, they fight for promotions. You better believe we all want a team that fights the way that New Yorkers fight.’
"We have an outstanding group of young men here representing the New York Giants, and they will fight for every yard. Lead, follow, or get out the way; that’s the way we’ve been talking since we started training camp here exactly one month ago. In order to achieve what we want to achieve, and get to where we want to go, we need everyone: players, coaches, front office, fans. We need our fans to have a magnificent experience here at the brand new Giants stadium. We need everyone involved. We need to make the opponent feel like there is no way he can come into this stadium and succeed. We need the noise, the enthusiasm, and we need everyone on the same page with regard to their support. There is good, there is bad, there are all kinds of things that happen in this long season, which is a marathon and not a sprint. If we are together as one, as we have to be, we will succeed.
"Jerry Jones said that a hole in the roof in their new stadium was so God could watch the Cowboys play. We didn’t put a roof on our stadium so that God could watch the New York Giants play, along with Bob Tisch and Wellington Mara. Let’s make this a great, great experience for all of us. Remember, the destination is marvelous, but the real joy is in the journey.''
The five starting offensive linemen – David Diehl, Shaun O’Hara, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie and Rich Seubert – were honored as the Giants’ Men of the Year for their work in the community. Former Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer was honored as the Alumni Man of the Year.
All proceeds from the luncheon and a raffle held in the stadium’s Gridiron Club were donated to the Touchdown Fund, a program launched earlier this year by the Hackensack University Medical Center and the Giants that focuses on children and cardiac and cancer care.
September 01, 2010 ,
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By PAUL SCHWARTZ
Tom Coughlin will jump in a hot tub with Tiki Barber before Matt Leinart comes to the Giants to serve as backup quarterback to Eli Manning.Ignore reports that the Giants have discussed with the... Read on
Tom Coughlin will jump in a hot tub with Tiki Barber before Matt Leinart comes to the Giants to serve as backup quarterback to Eli Manning.
Ignore reports that the Giants have discussed with the Cardinals trading for Leinart. Not happening. Sure, the Giants are searching for a veteran quarterback to possibly sign to serve as Manning's caddy now that Jim Sorgi is gone for the season with a shoulder injury, leaving only Rhett Bomar in reserve. But Leinart, according to those in the know, is not a consideration for the Giants.
Leinart is suddenly available and the Cardinals want to drum up interest for him, which will be difficult to do, given the bloated salary ($2.5 million) attached to the former Heisman Trophy winner. Cardinals general manager Rod Graves is looking for takers for the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
ESPN.com reportedthat the Giants, Bills and Raiders have had discussions with the Cardinals about acquiring Leinart. The Giants, The Post has learned, are not interested. The "discussions'' were likely as benign as Graves calling Giants general manager Jerry Reese to gauge his interest and learning the interest is nil.
If the Giants don’t stick with Bomar, they want someone with some sort of track record in the NFL, not only on the field but also as someone who can help Manning as an extra set of eyes and a confidant. That is why in previous years the Giants reached out for Jim Miller and Rob Johnson – who both never made it to the season because of injuries – then signed David Carr. That is why the Giants brought in Sorgi, who served as Peyton Manning's backup for six years with the Colts. Leinart doesn't fit that characterization in any way, shape or form. Plus, Leinart wants to go somewhere to start. Good luck with that.
Leinart figured to be next in line as the starter in Arizona after Kurt Warner's retirement but it hasn’t worked out that way. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt for the second straight preseason game is starting Derek Anderson, who was signed as a free agent after the Browns released him. That doesn’t sit well with Leinart, who said he outplayed Anderson this summer, and that his problem with Whisenhunt "probably goes beyond football.''
The Bills have deniedtheir interest,
as have the Raiders.
August 31, 2010 ,
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By BRIAN LEWIS
The Giants put backup quarterback Jim Sorgi and wide receiver Sinorice Moss on injured reserve Tuesday. It ends their season, and because Moss' contract expires at the end of this year, likely his... Read on
The Giants put backup quarterback Jim Sorgi and wide receiver Sinorice Moss on injured reserve Tuesday. It ends their season, and because Moss' contract expires at the end of this year, likely his Big Blue career as well. Rookie linebacker Adrian Tracy -- the Giants' sixth-round pick this April -- also was placed on IR.
Sorgi was brought in as a free agent from the Colts to be the backup to starter Eli Manning. But the 29-year-old suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason opener against the Jets. He hadn’t been able to play or throw in the two weeks since, and had been clearly worried about his job status.
"I don’t know if their patience is wearing thin, but I'm sure it is. It's just a numbers game, and getting to be at that point,'' Sorgi said Monday.
Asked if he thought he could resume throwing by the following week, he said "There is no following week. It all depends on what the team wants to do. ... It's out of my hands.''
The Giants are now stuck in a precarious spot with only Rhett Bomar and unknown Dominic Randolph as backups. Neither has attempted an NFL pass in a regular-season game. Randolph, signed on Aug. 19, has never taken a snap in preseason.
Moss, a Giants player since 2006, had surgery this morning to repair a sports hernia. He needed a big three-touchdown game in last year's preseason finale to help solidify his job, playing in eight games last year. This preseason he played in one, with one catch for 11 yards against Pittsburgh on Aug. 21.
The Giants also released wide receiver Nyan Boateng and moved offensive lineman Kevin Boothe (pectoral) from the active physically unable to perform list to reserve PUP, so he will be out for at least the first six weeks.
The Giants had to get down to the NFL roster limit of 75.
August 30, 2010 ,
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By BRIAN LEWIS
With cuts looming and his shoulder still ailing, Giants backup quarterback Jim Sorgi sounds like a man afraid for his job.He missed practice Monday, and with one more practice before Thursday's... Read on
With cuts looming and his shoulder still ailing, Giants backup quarterback Jim Sorgi sounds like a man afraid for his job.
He missed practice Monday, and with one more practice before Thursday's preseason finale, it puts him in a precarious position with Big Blue having to cut five players tomorrow and 22 by Saturday.
"I don’t know if their patience is wearing thin, but I'm sure it is. It's just a numbers game, and getting to be that point,'' Sorgi said.
Asked if he thought he could resume throwing by the following week, he said "There is no following week. It all depends on what the team wants to do. ... It's out of my hands.''
Sorgi was the prohibitive favorite to win the backup job over Rhett Bomar, but the 29-year-old veteran hasn't been able to throw or practice since tearing the capsule in and partially dislocating his right (throwing) shoulder during the preseason opener against the Jets two weeks ago.
"There's always hope. I saw the doctor yesterday, and as of yesterday it wasn’t looking good," said Sorgi, who didn’t know when he'd see the doctor again and added that his improvement has been "a little. Very slow.''
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Defensive back Terrell Thomas (calf) returned to practice. "I'm good to go,'' he said.
August 29, 2010 ,
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By PAUL SCHWARTZ
After reviewing tape of the 24-10 preseason loss to the Ravens, Tom Coughlin today said "I'm not going to change my tune from being disappointed'' and stressed "overall I did not see the kind of... Read on
After reviewing tape of the 24-10 preseason loss to the Ravens, Tom Coughlin today said "I'm not going to change my tune from being disappointed'' and stressed "overall I did not see the kind of execution I was anticipating.'' While assessing the effort of his team, Coughlin said "I expected more'' but did see examples of satisfactory effort being made.
"I just think yeah, there was effort,'' Coughlin said. "A lot of young guys who had the opportunity of a lifetime, I'm not going to say it wasn't there. I am going to say it can be better.''
Other tidbits:
Coughlin said he's continuing to search for answers in the kickoff and punt return game and he did like the way Tim Brown brought back two punts for an average of 13 yards. Coughlin also stated the front office will take a look at the first round of cuts around the league. "We’re continuing to try to resolve that issue and try lots of people and keep an open mind on what's going on in the league and see what's available,'' he said.
Rookie punter Matt Dodge was more consistent than he's been. "They certainly weren't all great punts but the work is helping him tremendously,'' Coughlin said. "The more he plays the more consistent he gets.'' It appears as if the Giants will stick with him for now.
Coughlin said he's "never been tempted'' to sit his starters in the final preseason game and seems determined to go with his usual strategy of playing his starters no more than one quarter Thursday night against the Patriots. "I don't think there's anything wrong with playing your starters for a quarter or some length of time,'' he said. "I've never thought of that as something that was detrimental.'' Coughlin likes the fact that after this last preseason game his team has 10 days before the regular-season opener, allowing for extra rest.
Jim Sorgi tore his right shoulder capsule in the first preseason game and he said last week he was doing everything he could to get on the field this week, as he feared for his roster spot. Coughlin said Sorgi has not been cleared to practice tomorrow.
Rookie LB Adrian Tracy is expected to be out 2-3 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. He probably is destined for the practice squad.
LB Gerris Wilkinson is getting tests for a possible groin strain.
Defensive linemen Chris Canty and Jason Pierre-Paul both sat out the game in Baltimore with strained groins. Coughlin said both should work tomorrow on a limited basis and are improving.
LB Keith Bulluck and S Kenny Phillips, both coming off knee surgery, got more extensive work and both came out of the game with no physical setbacks. "They were rusty but they're starting to get a little bit more in the groove,'' Coughlin said.
Bulluck after playing only six plays in his preseason debut last week estimated he was on the field for 30 in Baltimore. He didn’t make a big impact (two tackles) as he was used for the first time with the Giants as an outside linebacker.
"It was actually a good test as far as my endurance,'' said Bulluck, coming off reconstructive knee surgery last December. "As far as the calls coming in quick and me having to line up and get people lined up it was a great test for me and I think it was a great test and an eye-opener for our defense.''
WR Sinorice Moss will get a second opinion today of the problem in his groin/pelvic area.
Coughlin said he's seeing "power, seeing strength and I saw him finish'' when asked about Justin Tuck, who had two sacks vs. the Ravens.
Tuck showed some of the burst that was missing last season when he injured his shoulder in week two and dealt with it the last 14 games. He had two sacks vs. the Ravens. "I have two shoulders this year,'' Tuck explained. "You ever see a duck fly with one wing? That's kind of what it was last year.''
Rookie WR Victor Cruz continues to earn his way onto the roster, continuing to make plays to show that his first-game eruption (three touchdown catches vs. the Jets) wasn't a one-shot deal. Cruz in the second half had four receptions for 76 yards, including a lob from Rhett Bomar for 35 yards and a 1-yard scoring flip from Bomar in the fourth quarter.
Today was a day off for the players but Shawn Andrews said he planned to meet with his coaches to further advance his knowledge of the offense. "Try to get this thing so i could play and not think,'' said Andrews, the former Eagles offensive lineman who signed on the last day of training camp. Andrews played well in Baltimore in his first game since back surgery in December and continues to stress the difference between the Giants and Eagles. "Even though I'm at my new home with the G-Men, I have to say it feels like much more of a family atmosphere than what I'm used to in the past,'' he said. "It feels like home, and I'm not just saying that just to say the right thing, it really does.''
August 27, 2010 ,
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BY PAUL SCHWARTZ
How much a retaliatory punch in a preseason game cost? For Hakeem Nicks, a whole lot.More exactly, it cost Nicks $10,000, the same amount Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor was fined by the NFL for their... Read on
How much a retaliatory punch in a preseason game cost? For Hakeem Nicks, a whole lot.
More exactly, it cost Nicks $10,000, the same amount Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor was fined by the NFL for their scuffle in the opening minute of last Saturday night's preseason game at New Meadowlands Stadium. Nicks was finishing off a block when he and Taylor began to scuffle. Taylor threw a punch, the normally mild-mannered Nicks retaliated with a punch and soon after they were separated both were ejected from the game.
Nicks was frustrated that his momentarily lapse in judgment cost him an entire game. Tom Coughlin didn’t come down hard on Nicks but he did express how difficult it is NOT to retaliate in that kind of situation and the importance of poise in that situation.
The good news for Nicks is he'll certainly be fresh for tomorrow night's preseason game in Baltimore.
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Not expected to play for the Giants: WRS Ramses Barden (back) and Sinorice Moss (groin), C Shaun O’Hara (ankle/Achilles), G Kevin Boothe (PUP, pectoral), RB D.J. Ware (concussion), TE Travis Beckum (neck), QB Jim Sorgi (shoulder), S Michael Johnson (back), CB Aaron Ross (foot), CB Terrell Thomas (calf), DT Chris Canty (groin) and LB Chase Blackburn (knee). Rookie DE Jason Pierre-Paul is questionable with a groin injury.
August 26, 2010 ,
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POST STAFF REPORT
The family of longtime Giants public address announcer Bob Sheppard, who passed away in July, released a statement of gratitude today:“Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of... Read on
The family of longtime Giants public address announcer Bob Sheppard, who passed away in July, released a statement of gratitude today:
“Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of condolences and support. We continue to be touched by the kind words and wonderful memories that so many people have shared with us.
“We are humbled that Bob holds a special place in the hearts of so many individuals – from fans of the New York Yankees and New York football Giants to former students at John Adams High School and St. John’s University. Your kindness has inspired us during this difficult time.”
August 26, 2010 ,
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By BRIAN LEWIS
Giants starting center Shaun O'Hara was put in a cast Thursday and said he'll probably miss the rest of the preseason with a sprained ankle, tendinitis and a sore Achilles. It's a problem that’s... Read on
Giants starting center Shaun O'Hara was put in a cast Thursday and said he'll probably miss the rest of the preseason with a sprained ankle, tendinitis and a sore Achilles.
It's a problem that’s nagged him throughout camp, and the hope is the rest will have him ready to start the Sept. 12 regular-season opener vs. Carolina.
"We've been on that roller coaster, up and down and feeling good and then feeling bad,'' O'Hara said. "Rather than risk doing that the entire season, if we can calm everything down and make a significant improvement over these next few days then hopefully it's an afterthought once we get to Week 2.''
Starting left guard Rich Seubert will get the first 25 snaps at center in Saturday's preseason game at Baltimore, with backup center Adam Koets the rest. O'Hara, who said he'd wear the boot about five days, thought it likely he'll also miss the preseason finale against New England a week from today.
"Probably a good chance,'' O'Hara said, adding with wan humor, "I could probably run faster with Rich with my cast on, but I doubt that they would let me play next week, probably not. The whole idea is to give it a few day's rest and hope that we can turn the corner.''
August 25, 2010 ,
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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Giants quarterback Eli Manning has a new helmet and is ready to play. Manning practiced with a helmet on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a 3-inch cut on the left side of his forehead in... Read on
Giants quarterback Eli Manning has a new helmet and is ready to play.
Manning practiced with a helmet on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a 3-inch cut on the left side of his forehead in a preseason game against the Jets, declaring himself ready for Saturday’s contest in Baltimore.
“It felt fine,” Manning said of the new helmet. “There were no issues. I had a normal day of practice, no pain, no discomfort. So I am ready to go as usual.”
The Giants medical staff found no signs of a concussion after Manning’s helmet came off when Jets linebacker Calvin Pace slammed the quarterback’s head into Jim Leonhard's facemask on Aug. 16. He needed 12 stitches to close the cut.
Manning said there is nothing special about his new helmet other than the chin strap and the buttons, which are placed higher so the helmet stays on better. He’s wearing a bandage to cover the wound and help prevent the helmet from irritating the scar when he puts it on and takes it off.
Manning said he hopes to play at least a half in the penultimate preseason game, which is normal for the starters. He doesn’t think he’ll have to alter his playing time in the final preseason game against the New England Patriots because he missed last weekend’s game against Pittsburgh.
“I don’t think we will play any more than we usually do,” Manning said of starters, who generally play a series or two in the final preseason game.
Manning plans to use the new helmet for a couple of weeks. If he likes it, he’ll stay with it. If he doesn’t, he’ll go back to his old helmet, provided that his cut is healed.
The seven-year veteran said jokingly that practicing in a baseball cap on Monday and Tuesday was fun.
“It really felt pretty good,” Manning said. “I kind of liked it. I could get used to that. It’s good to get the helmet back on and stop hearing the comments from the offensive line, as I knew would be coming.”
Though Manning seemingly is back to normal, there remains concern about backup Jim Sorgi. He tore a muscle in his shoulder in the preseason game against the Jets and has not played.
Sorgi said he hoped to practice Monday and play against the Patriots. The 29-year-old backed up Manning’s brother, Peyton, in Indianapolis the last six years.
Sorgi injured his shoulder late last season with the Colts and was placed on injured reserve. Now he has a different shoulder injury that might make the Giants think twice about keeping him on their final roster.
Second-year pro Rhett Bomar played the entire game against the Steelers on Saturday.
“I have seen those decisions go in the player’s favor and not in the player’s favor,” Sorgi said. “I am going to try to get out there and hopefully make the decision a little easier for them, and hopefully in my favor.”
Last week, Sorgi said he could not make a throwing motion. He said there has been some improvement, but is trying to stay away from things that irritate the shoulder.
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Tom Coughlin said that CB Aaron Ross (plantar fasciitis in his right foot) will be wearing a boot for the next 10 days. ... Also missing practice on Wednesday were DE Chris Canty (groin), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (groin), S Michael Johnson (back), CB Terrell Thomas (calf), S Sha’reff Rashad (concussion), RB D.J. Ware (concussion), TE Travis Beckum (neck), WR Ramses Barden (back) and LB Chase Blackburn (knee).