One Giant Loss

One Giant Loss

Giants' Season Over: But Who's To Blame?

The New York Giants kill me sometimes. After an 0-6 start, they rebounded, gave me hope as they seemingly came to be a formidable contender, but ultimately were done in once again and now stand with another playoff-less season. So who is to blame for this mess. It runs far deeper than one guy. It runs higher than a player or a coach. But it is something that can be fixed by 2014.

There are three key areas that cannot be overlooked for Big Blue to have a winning season and return to the glory that they once held.

First off: The Giants' offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, as anyone and everyone who watches knows, a proponent of the "run and shoot" offense. It does work, but it requires a RUNNING GAME in order to work. According to ESPN, the Giants as a team have 1,052 yards as of today. They need new running backs by 2014 to be a formidable opponent.

Second: The Giants' offensive line needs to be fixed in the draft. They need to find a replacement for David Diehl, who will turn 34 early next season and is an impending free agent.

Third: Their secondary needs an overhaul. Antrel Rolle, who is owed $7 million in 2014, has just 5 interceptions for 23 yards. If he starts slow, he may be released. He is owed a lot of money in their cap.

Corey Webster, in decline at age 32 next year, is owed just $1 million. He should be the first player released after the season ends. A new cornerback should be drafted in 2014 to take his place.

Their running game needs a new face. Brandon Jacobs and Andre Brown added a well-needed boost, but if David Wilson cannot return, the Giants need to draft a new running back in April.

If Jerry Reese wants this team to return to glory, these areas will be addressed in April's draft.

I Want to Wake Up In A City That Never Sleeps

I Want To Wake Up In A City That Never Sleeps

Giants' Coaches Living Out A Nightmare, Will it Ever End?

After many years of watching the Giants, I have become used to many things, the second-half collapses, the criticisms of the coaching staff, and the rediculous amount of injuries we have every year.

So, I decided to look more into the situation. I studied the histories of our coordinators and coaches, and even the statistics of players, trying in vain to dispel the myths of the Giants' failures and uncover the truths behind my beloved team's struggles. And this is what I found...

Kevin Gilbride, our highly-despised offensive coordinator, is far better than we give him credit for. In 2004, the Giants hired Tom Coughlin as head coach, and he hand-picked Gilbride as his quarterbacks coach. In his three years in that role, Eli Manning went from losing every game but one in 2004, to winning the division in 2005, and making the playoffs again in 2006. Since he became the OC, Gilbride has helped lead the team to two Super Bowl victories (XLII and XLVI), and has presided over the greatest period of offense in the teams' hsitory, including four years of scoring 400 or more points, as well as many years of breaking team records.

Jerry Reese is overrated. So what, he had one great draft in 2007? He's doled out money to injured players over the last four years. He let Brandon Jacobs leave after 2011 with no suitable replacment. He kept Aaron Ross around when it was clear he had no place as a starter on the team. He has let the secondary decline for years, doled out huge money to awful safeties and cornerbacks, and kept older players around past their prime while letting good players leave. You want to see why this team is poised to finish under .500. Look no further. He's been here since 1994. Relieve him of duties and move him to another position, he may be useful as a scout. If we really got younger players that can stay healthy, we would make perennial playoff appearances/ 

John Mara and Steve Tisch are the best owners in the league. How many coaches would keep their jobs after four years of second half collapses?

And the number one thing I've learned as a fan? The Giants will break your heart, make you question why you are still so loyal, and even have you pulling your hair out, screaming at the top of your lungs, and pacing the floor. But at the end of the day, when they win Super Bowls, playoff games, and even go on unprecedented winning streaks, there is no team that I would rather love, than my Boys in Blue...

The New York Football Giants!

O-C D?

O-C D?

Giants' Gilbride Not the Best, But Better Than Most of the Rest

For so many years, Giants' fans have demonized our Offensive Coordinator, Kevin Gilbride. A man with over two decades of NFL coaching experience, and a longtime favorite of Tom Coughlin.  They look at the Giants' lack of success over the last few years and demonize him as a "washed-up" coach who has no grip on the modern day league and how it works.

Gilbride began his coaching career with the Houston Oilers as a quarterback coach in 1989. In his sole season, Warren Moon passed for over 3,600 yards and threw 23 touchdowns. Moon's success prompted the team to name Gilbride offensive coordinator the following season.

In his five years as OC, the Oilers finished among the top five scoring teams each year except two: 1992, when he was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer and was unable to coach for a majority of the season, and 1994, his final season in Houston.

In 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars hired their first head coach, Tom Coughlin, and he in turn hand-picked Gilbride to be the OC on his team. The worst two years of Gilbride's career were spent in Jacksonville, as the team finished 27th and 14th in his two years. He was then hired by the Chargers as a head coach.

After two years, he returned to his more familiar role as OC when he was hired by the Steelers in 1999. He spent two years in Pittsburgh and his offense finished 17th in the league both times.

These sub-par years cost Gilbride a chance at another coaching job in 2001. The following year, he was hired by the Buffalo Bills, who improved to 8-8 and set SEVEN team offensive records. A sub-par record in 2003, when the Bills finished 30th in the league caused his firing. But not for long...

In 2004, the New York Giants hired Tom Coughlin as head coach and he hand-picked Gilbride as the quarterbacks coach. Working closely with rookie Eli Manning for half the season before he assumed the starting role, their relationship helped shape the Giants' upcoming success.

In 2005, Manning's Giants won the division for the first time since 2000, and the following year they again made the playoffs, being ousted in the first round.

This was not enough for John Mara and Steve Tisch, who gave an ultimatum for the 2007 season. That year, the team finished 10-6 and swept the playoffs before capturing the franchise's third Super Bowl title. Four out of Gilbride's five years (not counting 2013), the Giants have scored 400 or more points in a season.

Their 2011 playoff run was a true testimony to his brilliance and the Super Bowl XVLI matchup allowed the team to capture their fourth title, the most under any coaching regime since Parcells. That season they had the ninth ranked league offense.

Their 429 points in 2012 were the sixth in the league, and the current team's turnaround, as well as Eli Manning's resurgence, are all you need to know about our OC, Kevin Gilbride.

He has presided over the most successful Giants teams in decades, captured two championships, and, in the end...

Canton may come calling....

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants

Big Blue On Course to Re-Write Season

My beloved Giants are BACK BABY, and so am I!

Over my time operating this blog I have been an outspoken critic of the Giants, but my fandom has never waived! I have criticized players, coaches and personel alike, while hoping my beloved Big Blue can become top of the list like I know they can be, and have had the honor of covering their Super Bowl XLVI championship.

So you can only imagine my frustration at the 0-6 start. Screaming at my television and radio alike, pressing questions on Twitter to Patricia Traina, Giants writer (and a must-follow)! And also staying true, praying that John Mara and Steve Tisch not fire our coaches.

So with a two-game winning streak on the books, our season may be ready to turn around after all.

Future Hall of Famers, Quarterback Eli Manning, Head Coach Tom Coughlin, and OC Kevin Gilbride have been instrumental in our rise.

The NFC (L)East is readily available to be claimed, and I KNOW Big Blue can do it! 9-7 or 8-8 is not out of reach here!

And that my friends, is just what I want to hear!

Jets Free Agency 2013

The New York Jets have released LB Bart Scott, LB Calvin Pace, S Eric Smith, and OT Jason Smith, and TE Josh Baker.

New York Jets

Special Teams Coach Mike Westhoff retired and was replaced by Ben Kotwica.
O-Linbackers Coach Mike Smith left.

GM Mike Tannenbaum was fired and replaced by John Izdik.

Bill Hughan, strength and conditioning coach was fired and replaced by Justus Galac.

David Lee replaced Matt Cavanaugh as quarterbacks coach.

Marty Mornhinwig replaced Tony Sporano. I warned y'all this wasn't gonna work.

Mike Pettine joined the Bills as DC, replaced by Dennis Thurman.

LBs Coach Bob Sutton is replaced by Brian Van Groder

Tim MacDonald becomes DBs Coach.

O-Line Coach Dave DeGuglielmo was replaced by Mike Devlin.

Louie Aguiar becomes assistant special teams coach.

Steve Hagen becomes tight ends coach, and Ron Heller becomes assistant O-Line Coach

Pierre Ngo is assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

Assistant D-Line Coach Jeff Weeks

Bobby April III is now defensive quality control coach.

Bills 2013: Coaching Staff

Doug Marrone: Head Coach

Offensive Coaches Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks – Nathaniel Hackett Running Backs – Tyrone Wheatley Wide Receivers – Ike Hilliard Tight Ends – Greg Adkins Offensive Line – Pat Morris Offensive Quality Control – Kurt Anderson Offensive Quality Control – Jason Vrable

Defensive Coaches Defensive Coordinator – Mike Pettine Defensive Line – Anthony Weaver Linebackers – Chuck Driesbach Linebackers – Jim O'Neil Defensive Backs – Donnie Henderson Assistant Defensive Backs – Samson Brown Defensive Quality Control – Brian Fleury Defensive Quality Control – Jason Rebrovich Special Teams Coaches Special Teams – Danny Crossman Assistant Special Teams – John Anselmo Strength and Conditioning Head Strength and Conditioning – Eric Ciano Assistant Head Strength and Conditioning – Hal Luther

Bills 2013: Special Teams

Shawn Powell had 65 punts with a 44 yard average. Keeper

Lindell had 21/24 and 50 yarder as long.

McKelvin will return as the punt returner.

Buffalo Bills 2013: DEFENSE!

The Bills defense in 2012 was vastly improved.

Mario Williams due $6.5 million in 2013. After a season where he had 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 37 tackles while playing injured, he will be a huge part of the team in 2013!

Shawne Merriman had 12 tackles, just 1 sack, and no forced fumbles in 2012. Going on 29 in May, the Bills might look to let him go as a free agent.

Marcell Dareus is due over $2 million in 2013. 26 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2012 puts Dareus amoung the Bills best defenders in 2012. Look for him to continue his dominance in 2013.

Spencer Johnson had just 10 tackles and 2 sacks with one forced fumble in 2012. At the age of 31, he will likely not be retained. Jay Ross looks to compete for his job in 2013.

Kyle Williams is due just under $4 million in 2013. He had 27 tackles and 5 sacks in 2012. Alex Carrington had 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble to go with 12 tackles. Both will be back in 2013.

Mark Anderson is due $2.4 million while coming off a season with just 10 tackles and 1 sack. He needs to improve in 2013 for the Bills defense to be better.

Kyle Moore had 3 sacks and 24 tackles in 2012. As an impending free agent, the Bills must make him a priority on defense.

Bryan Scott had 47 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions in 2013. This is one man the Bills have to retain.

Kelvin Sheppard had 56 tackles and two sacks in 2012.

Kirk Morrison had two, that's it, just two tackles in 2012. Give me a break, goodbye. As a backup, he will only return on a really cheap one-year deal.

Nigel Bradham had 37 tackles in 2012. He will return being paid $480,000 in 2013.

Chris White and Greg Lloyd  should compete for a roster spot in camp.

Aaron Williams had 24 tackles in 2012. He is under contract for less than $1 million in 2013. He will be back if he is healthy.

Crezdon Butler had 3 tackles and 1 forced fumble. He is under contract in 2013.

Stephon Gillmore had 52 tackles, 1 interception, and 3 forced fumbles. He will start over Butler.

TJ Heath may be the odd man out.

Da'Norris Searcy and Ron Brooks will battle for the SS spot vacated by George Wilson.

Jairus Byrd will retain his FS spot and be re-signed, and Mana Silva will be on the bench.

Buffalo Bills 2013: Offensive Line

LT Cordy Glenn, a young phenom, will certainly return and provide some sense of stability to the Bills, while Thomas Welch is under a very-friendly $650,000 contract for 2013.

RT Sam Young, making $630,000, will likely retain his starting job in 2013.

LG Andy Levitre, known for his versatility, may be expendable, as Kraig Urbik, one of my favorite Bills, recently inked a 4-year, $15,000,000 extension, and Keith Williams, making $480,000 in 2013, should be a favorite to replace Center Eric Wood if he is not healthy.

Wood, under contract for $2,300,000 in 2013, is coming off a knee/MCL injury, but hopefully should be fine by August. If not, rookie David Snow ($480,000 due in 2013) is ready to go.

Bills 2013: Tight Ends

Scott Chandler (43 catches for 571 yards and six touchdowns in 2013) is due just over $3 million in 2013. While he certainly isn't the worst tight end out there, the Bills do need to consider giving Lee Smith (4/13 with 2 TDs) a chance at a starting role. Chandler should look to accept a backup role or be traded before the season.

Provided Chandler is traded, the Bills will look to the draft for a new TE.

Buffalo Bills 2012: Running Backs

The Bills running backs provided a boost to the offense during a down season for Fitz.

CJ Spiller (207 chances for 1,244 yards and 6 touchdowns) provided a good backup to Jackson in 2012, while Fred Jackson (115 chances for 437 yards and 3 touchdowns) was stellar before tearing his MCL in Week 14.

Tashard Choice (47 chances for 193 yards and one touchdown) was a huge disappointment in 2012. At the age of 28 (29 in November), he will almost certainly be let go as a free agent.

FB Corey McIntyre, also an impending free agent, and recently passed his 34th birthday, is a toss-up. With Dorin Dickerson, 10 years his junior, waiting in the wings, it may be time for him to go.

Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver

The Buffalo Bills wide receivers were pretty good in 2012, despite a less-than-stellar year by Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Star, Number one receiver Stevie Johnson (79 receptions for 148 yards, 6 touchdowns and only one fumble), put up a stellar stat line after signing a major contract in 2011. Provided he stays healthy, he will be a force in Buffalo for many more years.

Ruvell Martin (4/6 for 41 yards) made a small impact in 2012. As an impending free agent, I do not think he will be retained.

Brad Smith (14 receptions for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns) looks to see his role increase in 2013. After signing a four-year contract in 2011, he needs to make a greater impact or risk being released.

Rookie T.J. Graham (31 receptions for 322 yards and 1 touchdown) is still under a good contract paying him less than $1,000,000 in 2013. Look for him to see an increased roll in 2013 under Marrone.

Marcus Easley had 3 kickoff returns for 75 yards in 2012, and Chris Hogan, the undrafter free agent from Monmouth are expected to add a breath of youth to the receiving corps.

Buffalo Bills: Free Agency 2013

I'm Back!

The 2012 Buffalo Bills were a gargantuan disappointment to say the least.

The Beginning starts with the Quarterbacks, a position which was a very disappointing in 2012 to say the least. Ryan Fitzpatrick (24 TDs; 16 INT for 3,400 yards) was a disappointment after signing a 6-year, $59 million extension. Backup Tavaris Jackson (30 yards 0 TDs and 0 INTs) recently re-signed to a 1-year, $4,500,000 contract, leaving Tyler Thigpen (3/5 for 30 yards) as the odd-man out in 2013.