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!

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.

 



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...

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.

NFL Free Agency

Former Giants ILB/MLB Jonathan Goff has signed with the Washington Redskins. Goff played on the Giants from 2008-2011, but missed all of last season with a torn ACL suffered in training camp. Goff was never an electric player and with both Mark Herzlich and Greg Jones waiting in the wings, there was no chance of a return to Big Blue.

Goff in 2010 with the Giants. I wish him all the best in Washington.

The Core Four: Back In Blue

Giants fans and teammates alike blew a sigh of relief as the Giants re-signed LB Mathias Kiwanuka to a three-year, $21,750,000 contract running through the 2015 season. But not everyone was happy. Longtime DE Osi Umenyiora has for some time now been asking for an extension. Osi has one year and just over $3 million left on his current deal. With Pierre-Paul, Tuck, and Kiwi all signed for now, and the Giants' lack of need for a high-ticket free agent, now is the time to strike a deal and end this soap opera. Osi has been the lone member of the Core Four who has been up in arms over an extension that Jerry Reese supposedly promised him years ago. If they can strike a deal this will end and the Giants can worry about imrpoving their team through new acquisitions.

NFL Free Agency

The Giants have re-signed LB Chase Blackburn. His key interception of Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLVI helped the G-Men to victory.

The End of An Era

Former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has signed a contract with the San Francisco 49ers. This marks the end of any possible respect I might have had left for GM Jerry Reese!

Do I even have to state my feelings on this? In just a few short moments, Jerry Reese went from being one of my favorite general managers to being one of my LEAST favorites!

The G-Men will NOT repeat as champions unless they learn a lesson. YOU CANNOT KEEP LETTING CHAMPIONSHIP CALLIBER PLAYERS WALK AS FREE AGENTS!

I have a feeling this will come back to haunt them in the end...

Better 'Safe' Than Sorry

The Super Bowl champion Giants safeties were mediocre in 2011 and overall preformed at a low, relatively ineffective level. The G-Men need a somewhat retooled defense if they expect to repeat in 2012.

With Deon Grant expected to retire following Super Bowl XLVI, his only career Super Bowl championship in 10 seasons, the Giants must lay low and replace him with Tyler Sash. If Reese drafts a safety this year, he should be placed opposite Sash and Antrel Rolle MUST be traded immediately!

This would not only free up cap space, it would allow the G-Men to improve their defense.

All is Not Lost...

According to what Giants 101 writer Dan Benton says "There remains a glimmer of hope for Jacobs, however. There have been rumbling[s] of late that B-Jac could possibly return to the Giants on a one-year deal, and that a jersey change (to #29) is in order. Whether or not that comes to fruition remains to be seen, but a source recently shared these words with Giants 101 as it relates to Jacobs: "Once a Giant, always a Giant."

That would make me ELATED!!!

I have learned to live with the departure of Manningham, but losing Jacobs would be UNBEARABLE!

Tell me truly I implore...

Mr. Reese,

The time is right!

Brandon Jacobs breaks through the Redskins defense.

NFL Hot Stove

The New York Giants have agreed to re-sign QB David Carr. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

NFL Hot Stove!

The New York Jets have signed LB Bryan Thomas to a 1-year contract. Terms were not immediately disclosed.

The New York Giants have announced that CBs Michael Coe and Justin Tryon. Both deals' terms were not disclosed. This provides backup if T2 is not healthy.

Free agency is under way in 2012!

WR Vincent Jackson has signed a 5-year, $55,000,000 contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with $26,000,000 in guaranteed money, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

NFL Hot Stove Breaking News!

The defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants have released 2007 draft bust, CB Aaron Ross! He won two Super Bowl rings despite his less than stellar performance during his Giants tenure.

Ross fails to deflect or intercept a pass from Drew Brees during the Saints' 62-point blowout of Big Blue.

This was an obvious move as Ross was the first choice to leave after the season.

In accordance, they have re-signed CB Terrell Thomas to a 4-year, $28,000,000 contract with $11,000,000 guaranteed money.

The Oakland Raiders have released former Giants TE Kevin Boss. This may begin the eventual reunion, as the G-Men need a tight end and they would be a great fit to re-sign Boss as he is familiar with the system.

Former Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has stated he would be willing to join the New York Jets. I would be thrilled if he stayed in New York!

The Giants have also added coaches Matt Rhule and Lunda Wells, who have replaced Jack Bicknell, Jr. and Kevin M. Gilbride respectively.

The New York Jets have signed NT Sione Pouha to a 3-year, $15,000,000 contract.

The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a 1-year contract with future Hall of Fame WR Randy Moss. Moss originally stated he would pull a Brett Favre in February.

BREAKING!

The New York Giants have RELEASED RB Brandon Jacobs! He was due a $5.5 million bonus in 2012.

I am INFURIATED! This organization CANNOT expect to build a dynasty if they are continuously cutting their championship-winning players!

Jerry Reese is really PISSING ME OFF! How do you expect to keep winning if they keep cutting players!!!

Bringing Back Brandon

Many commentators and fans alike are of the popular opinion that longtime Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will not return in 2012.

The Giants had the 29th ranked run game in the league in 2011, largely due to a foot injury to Ahmad Bradshaw that slowed him down, the lack of a competent kick returner, and Brandon Jacobs' ineffectiveness early on. In fact, B-Jac was so ineffective, I called him out by name in a November 2011 article, (SEE: "You May Be Right...", Monday, November 28, 2011).

However, after that article was published, B-Jac began his turn around, including his longest run of the 2011 season, at 14 yards, which continued into the playoffs.

Jacobs is also a durable team player. For the past two seasons, he has been willing to restructure his contract to help the Giants with salary cap restraints, and was the driving force behind Ahmad Bradshaw's return when he gave up some of his potential earnings to help bring his companion back for 2011 and beyond. In his seven year long career, he has never played less than 11 games (which he played in 2007), including two years (2005, 2010) in which he played all 16 games.

Jacobs may not be a speedy player, but he is notorious for breaking tackles and pushing through defenses to get the key yardage for a touchdown or critical first down in a game. He also holds the Giants franchise record with 56 career rushing touchdowns.

Brandon Jacobs is one of the genuine team players in the league today and not only does he DESERVE to receive a guaranteed contract for 2012 and beyond, he has more than EARNED one.

Jacobs sets the Giants' franchise record with his 56th career rushing touchdown.

NFL Hot Stove

The Buffalo Bills have finally signed WR Stevie Johnson to a 5-year, $36,250,000 contract. This was right on time and I commend GM Buddy Nix for his work both leading up to this deal (extending Jackson and Fitz) and during the negotiations. A new era in Buffalo is upon us!

The New York Giants have used the franchise tag on P Steve Weatherford. He will earn about $2,500,000 in 2012 if he stays under the tag, and is the third punter in NFL history to receive the tag from any team.

The Patriots have tagged WR Wes Welker.

He's the Mann!

Mario Manningham MUST return to the Giants in 2012 and beyond!

He is an integral part of the Giants offense and deserves to return on a 2 or 3 year deal. As a solid third wide receiver. The chemistry between him and Eli as well as his past performances proves his worth to the G-Men is far superior than it is to any other team.

Jerry Reese, I IMPLORE,

Bring back Mario Manningham!!!

NFL Offseason

In a shocking move, the New York Jets announced that they will NOT fire Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh. He has one-year left on his contract. They have also hired Karl Dunbar as the new D-Line coach.

As expected, Randy Moss will return to the NFL IN 2012, if anyone signs him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired Giants QB coach Mike Sullivan as Offensive Coordinator.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has announced that he is willing to restructure his contract to remain on the team. He is 5th among all-time rushing leaders in Giants history.