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!

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.

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.

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.



Heading to the Hall!

Heading to the Hall

Hall of Fame Ballot Features Former Greats

 

 

Being in the discussion for induction into a hall of fame is always an honor, no matter what it is for. Whether it is for golf, football, or baseball, being inducted is the ultimate honor, and, in my opinion, the only thing that can trump a championship.

 

 

This year, the ballot features a sure-fire first balloter, former Giants DE Michael Strahan.

 

Strahan was a Giants legend, and was elected to seven Pro Bowls as a four-time first team All Pro. His 22 1/2 sack season in 2006, and his controversial record-breaking 22 1/2 sack of Brett Favre in 2001 remains one of the greatest moments I have ever seen.

 

He compiled 141.5 sacks in his career. 

 

Strahan retired following the 2007 season after winning his only Super Bowl championship.

 

Strahan's controversial 22.5 sack for fellow Future Hall of Famer Brett Favre in 2001.

 



2012 Jets: A Preview

With Sanchez and Tebow manning the offense as Quarterbacks, and Shonn Greene, possibly in his final season with the Jets, leading the running game, the Jets offense has a new look in 2012. The Offensive Line, if healthy, can either make or break the team.

With the recent departure of Wayne Hunter, the O-Line seems as stable as ever, and if the defense can be as good as a Rex Ryan defense should be, the Jets look like a lock to have a supra-.500 season in 2012.

Nick Folk won the kicking job, as I predicted. With Conley and Jeremy Kerley manning the special teams unit, the Jets are in good hands.

The Jets need their safeties to remain healthy and the offensive line to click. If that happens, I feel that you will see vast improvements in Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow, helping to lead the Jets back to the playoffs.

Three Players need improvement in 2012:

-Shonn Greene-In the final year of his rookie contract, Greene must show signs of improvement in 2012 to stick around.

-Antonio Cromartie-In my opinion, Cromartie is one of the most underrated players in all of football. However, last season, the amount of penalties levied upon him and the Jets was unbelievable. Lessening the penalties will go a long way in helping the Jets in 2012.

-Mark Sanchez-Part of the problem with Sanchez last season was the lack of protection by his offensive line, which I feel is part of the reason for his increased sacking and interception rates last year. However, over the last few years, there has been a revolving door at Wide Receiver. With the exception of Santonio Holmes, Sanchez has been flanked by Braylon Edwards, Plaxico Burress, David Clowney IV, Brad Smith, and Jerricho Cotchery, just to name a few. He needs consistency, given to him by Santonio Holmes.

I have the utmost faith in Mark Sanchez and Antonio Cromartie to improve this season. Shonn Greene, not so much.

I have never really seen what Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets saw in Shonn Greene when they drafted him back in 2009

All Star Announcement

It's official, the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held in...Target Field!

This caught me off guard, as I was expecting either Wrigley Field or the New Yankee Stadium. Target Field is a huge ballpark, definitely built for pitchers, so the scoring may be affected by the dimensions.

I've never shied away from my distaste for the "Era of Expansion", the time period that claimed such architectural masterpieces as Tiger Stadium, Shea Stadium, Comiskey Park, and eventually even Yankee Stadium. However, the Metrodome was not built for baseball, period. Retractable roofs are all the rage nowadays. The Twins had to leave, period.

Target Field is a better venue for baseball. With the Vikings moving in 2016, the Metrodome may meet a sad end.

But, consider this, the Metrodome was built in 1982, making it 34 years old at the time of its replacement.

The city of Minneapolis/Vikings/Twins spent $124,000,000 (million!) for a venue that lasted just 34 years. This total does not include any renovations, such as patching the roof after it collapsed in 2010.

In STARK contrast, the Red Sox spent $650,000 for a venue that has lasted 100 years, not including the $285 million spent to improve the park over the years, such as the added Green Monster seats (.406 Club).

New stadiums do not have HALF, not even HALF, of the craftsmanship, artistry, and care that was put into the old ballparks. After 34 years, the Metrodome is being abandoned. In 2011, cracks were discovered in the concrete at the New Yankee Stadium ($1.4 Billion). After just 13 years, rumors are surfacing that the Rays are thinking of leaving the Trop (please be true!).

New Stadiums are just that, stadiums. Built to attract fans and promotions, all about the cash and trying to entice people into visiting the park.

Case in point, Citi Field.

After New York, the Mets, and NYC spent $900,000,000 for the stadium, and playing three years in the venue, following the 2011 season, they spent an additional fortune (only stated as under the original $800,000,000 estimated for the renovations) to move in the fences.

Let this be both a warning and a lesson to future teams. Before breaking the bank to build a stadium that will last 30-40 years, think for just a few moments: Is it really worth it to spend all that money on a venue just to tear it down before it's 50th anniversary?

With that said, I will leave the taxpayers of America to ponder the very questions that I have posed and the evidence supporting or denying them. Leaving them with the writings that show the terrible quality of new venues...

...an this picture of the collpase of the Metrodome roof.

Redemption Day

Redemption Day

Duo of Football Players Ready for Another Shot

Football coaches and players pride themselves on discipline. As a result, players and coaches usually get along well and journeyman players that are not backups are few and far between.

However, every so often there are players that burn their bridges and end up being released or traded despite having great numbers and Hall of Fame credentials. Two such players are now ready to transform their image.

Randy Moss-Now in his fourteenth season in the NFL after taking last year off, Moss has run himself out of the Patriots, Titans, Raiders, and Vikings. Jim Harbaugh is one of my favorite coaches in the league, and I know he can turn Moss around.

Terrell Owens-Now in his sixteenth season, Owens has burned bridges in Dallas, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Buffalo. Owens has the most to prove.

I Bid Ye Farewell

Former Giants LB Keith Bulluck has announced his retirement.

Bulluck spent 10 years with the Tennessee Titans before being signed by the Giants for a disappointing 2010 season.

Bulluck had 1,088 tackles, 298 assists, 18 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and 13 recoveries, 21 interceptions for 199 yards, and one touchdown in his career.

I genuinely though Bulluck would help the Giants in 2010, but he was limited to a part-time role at his age and never really had a defining moment. He was not retained following the G-Men's horrendous collapse in 2010.

I wish him all the best in retirement.

Bulluck sacks Big Ben in a 2010 preseason game

Folk Hero

Folk Hero

Why Nick Will Win the Job

It's no secret that Nick Folk has not been the most popular kicker in the league, nor the most popular member of the Jets. However, I feel that the job is Folk's to keep.

In 2011, Folk made 19 field goals to Brown's 21 and 44 PAT's (points after touchdowns) to Brown's 18. Folk was 19/25 (76%) in field goals to Browns 21/28 (75%). Folk, at 27 years of age, he has a chance to be a Jet for a longer time than Brown, age 33.

Folk has also been pretty reliable in the clutch since missing three field goals on Opening Day in 2010. He knows the system and had gotten to know Mike Westhoff quite well.

Make no mistake, there will be competition. But when the dust settles and all is said and done,

Nick Folk will be kicking for the Jets in 2012.

Folk reacts after nailing a 32-yarder to give the Jets a 17-16 victory of the Colts in the 2011 AFC wild card game, Peyton Manning's last as a Colt.

NFL Hot Stove

The Seattle Seahawks have signed former Jets WR Braylon Edwards to a non-guaranteed contract. He will report to camp and attempt to earn a roster spot.

Giants S Tyler Sash has been suspended four games for steroids/PEDs. Way to go...

2012 Bills: A Preview

The Buffalo Bills enter the 2012 season with the longest playoff drought in NFL history, 12 consecutive seasons. However, this year is different. I will now break down the roster by position.

1) Quarterbacks-In 16 games last season, Ryan Fitzpatrick was 353/569. That is a 62% completion percentage, a career high for Fitz. The team also signed former Titans draft bust Vince Young to a one-year deal as a backup. Young last season posted a 57.9 completion percentage. Stellar, no. Solid, yes.

2) Special Teams-Rian Lindell was 6/6 from 20-29 yards, 2/3 from 30-39 yards, and 5/6 fom 40-49 yards before being shelved with  shoulder injury in November while trying to make a tackle. In my opinion he is a very underrated kicker. In any event, Dave Rayner is gone (hallelujiah!) and John Potter is being groomed as Lindell's successor. In 72 punt attemps, Brian Moorman averaged 48.2 yards/punt. Brad Smith, the wildcat, averaged 16 yards/game. This seems like a strength for the team now and going forward.

Lindell boots a game-winner against the Patrits in 2011! Holder Brian Moorman is seen in the background.

3) Wide Receivers-Rookie T.J. Graham seems like he is ready, and Stevie Johnson is fully healthy for the season after suffering a groin injury last season and being benched for antics. As long as he uses his head and avoids questionable or stupid moves, (such as mocking Plaxico's shootng himself after a touchdown against the Jets), he will be the same Pro Bowl-caliber player he has been these last few years. Last year, he had 76 receptions for 1,004 yards (his third 1,000+ yard season). Donald Jones, Namaan Roosevelt and David Clowney IV will only add to what is already incredible depth.

4) Running Backs-Star rusher Fred Jackson was going to the Pro Bowl with 934 yards before a fractured fibula cost him the season. Along with CJ Spiller and Tashard Choice, the Bills' running core can be the best in the business.

5) DEFENSE!-Before the season, the Bills released longtime cornerback Drayton Florence. Leodis McKelvin and Aaron Williams, Justin Rogers, Terrence McGee, and Stephon Gillmore will be just fine holding down the fort without him. Jairus Byrd and "Senator" George Wilson are poised for better seasons if they stay healthy. The offensive line of Chad Rinehart, Kraig Urbik, Eric Wood, and Chris Hairston can be great if it remains intact this season. This is Shawne Merriman's make or break year. Make and he can really help the Bills defense overall. Break, and he may find himself cut following the season.

It's now or never for Shawne Merriman.

GM Buddy Nix has beefed up the defense with big signings like DE's Mark Anderson and Mario Williams. With Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, Arthur Moats, and Dwan Edwards, this team has the potential for a top defense in the league. Nix has also retained the key cogs to continuing the team's success from last year by re-signing Stevie Johnson and extending Fitz and Fred Jackson. When Nix and Chan Gailey came on in 2010 I was skeptical, but they have proved me wrong.

Now, wth all of this joy, optimism, and jubilation over the 2012 Bills, there is one position that is readily up for grabs: Left Tackle.

The Bills lost very few free agents over the offseason, but one that they lost that I wanted back was tackle Demetress Bell. From all accounts that I have heard, including Bills radio voice John Murphy, Cordy Glenn seem like the man of the hour, but we will have to wait and see. Just another reason to keep up with the training camp reports and The John Murphy Show, which premires THIS THURSDAY and will run from 7:00 until 9:00 PM from Monday to Friday through the summer and throughout the season.*

*The show may be preempted by Sabres games.

I am in NO way affiliated with the Buffalo Bills, National Football League, or WGR-AM in Buffalo, New York. Just wanted to get that out there after a few articles with promotions of the show.

                                                                       Cordy Glenn, the job is yours for the taking.

The End of An Era

Future Hall of Fame RB LaDainian Tomlinson has announced his retirement after 11 seasons. LT had two career rushing titles. His 13,684 yards and 145 touchdowns rank fifth and third all-time respectively. He had 280 yards an only one touchdown with the Jets last season. He will sign a one day contract and retire as a member of the San Diego Chargers. I knew this was coming but I really wanted LT to stick around to try and set the all-time rushing yards record. At the same time, however, I knew his time with the Jets was up. I look forward to his Hall of Fame induction in 2017 and wish him all the best in retirement. He has certainly earned it.

NFL Hot Stove

The New York Giants have announced that they have given Head Coach Tom Coughlin a 3-year contract extension. The team announced today. It begins immediately and is worth $20,000,000. He is third in Giants history with 74 wins and has changed his mind and would like to coach into his 70s. Giants Training Camp begins on July 26th and runs through August 15. Coughlin hoists the Lombardi Trophy high overhead following the Giants Superbowl XLVI victory. and finally, former Jets LB/DE, Future Hall of Famer Jason Taylor will join ESPN as an NFL analyst for the 2012 season and beyond.

On the Bills-Toronto Series

The news is out and the Bills have signed a five-year contract extension to continue the Bills-Toronto Series through 2017. According to various sources, including CBS Sports and Fox News, the Bills will continue to play one game per year in Rogers Centre but the pre-season contest in Toronto will be eliminated completely, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason. According to sources, the Bills will comply to this deal by embarking on a $200 million-plus renovation on Ralph Wilson Stadium at some point, presumably following the 2012 season. The series has been pretty successful. I really never liked the pre-season contest in Toronto anyway, as no one really wants to travel that far for a meaningless game. Kudos to Ralph Wilson and Rogers Communications for getting this done.