Official New York Giants Forum Thread

[Champ]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=txgiantsworkouts

Manning and 8 Giants start week 2 of passing camp

HOBOKEN, N.J. (AP)—Being a free agent, Michael Clayton(notes) isn’t overly concerned about taking part in Eli Manning’s(notes) lockout passing camp without a shred of injury insurance.

Quite the contrary. The 28-year-old who spent part of last season in the UFL before joining the New York Giants sees the 90-minute sessions as an opportunity to get a jump on things once the NFL and its players reach agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Call it an edge, something Clayton probably will need to make the Giants (10-6) if there is a season.

Clayton has been a constant at the passing camp arranged by Manning at Hoboken High School. Nine players attended Tuesday’s workout, the first this week and the fourth overall since the lockout was reinstated by a federal appeals court ruling on April 29.

“I don’t take anything for granted,” Clayton said. “I just focus on the task at hand. When it (football) comes back, hopefully we’ll all be ready for it.”

Despite having no defenders to compete against, Clayton said the workouts are valuable. The patterns being run are the same ones the players would use in offseason optional team activity. It also gives him more repetitions than he would get if the entire team was assembled.

Working with Manning is another plus. During a normal camp, Manning would be throwing balls to Hakeem Nicks(notes), Mario Manningham(notes) and Steve Smith. Clayton would be lucky to get one from the 2008 Super Bowl MVP.

There are frustrations, though, the primary one being the uncertainty about the upcoming season.

“It is a little bit scary,” Clayton said. “This is our livelihood. Not just for the players, but for many people. Yeah, football players, but also stadium workers and people who get involved with the games.”

Clayton has not taken out any insurance to cover himself in the event he is hurt during the passing camp, noting his insurance is being provided “by the man upstairs.” His health insurance and that for his wife and three children comes from a COBRA policy.

The hardest thing now is being patient with the negotiations being handled by the players’ legal team.

A first-round draft pick of Tampa Bay in 2004, Clayton said the owners have an agenda and “they are going for it.”

“Everybody is going to suffer,” Clayton said. “They have the power. This is a league created by them, so at the end of the day you have to respect what they do, and you have to respect that we are trying to defend ourselves. It’s a battle and, unfortunately, a lot of people are affected.

“At the end of the day, I think that the powers that be will never let this game go away,” he added. “Whether it’s (the season) late or whether it’s delayed, it’s going to come back, and when it does, the world will be more excited about football than it was before it left.”

Clayton and Manning were joined at the passing camp by backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels(notes); tight end Kevin Boss(notes); receivers Darius Reynaud(notes), Duke Calhoun(notes), Samuel Giguere and Victor Cruz(notes); and offensive tackle David Diehl(notes), the 311-pounder who surprised many with his pass-catching ability.

“I’ll tell you what, Diehl has some pretty smooth hands,” Cruz said. “For a big guy, he has smooth hands and smooth feet. I won’t want him to be a tight end. I’ll keep him at tackle.”

Cruz, who is coming off a hamstring injury, said Manning’s tutelage has been huge.

“He let’s me know not only where to be on certain routes but where he’s looking to put the ball, and the depth of the routes,” said Cruz, who lives only 10 minutes from the high school in a trendy town across the Hudson River from New York City. “It’s coming along. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the playbook and our offense.”

Cruz also isn’t worried about being hurt in the passing camp, noting he is young enough to still be covered under his mother’s insurance policy. His approach to the lockout is to remain positive.

“The fan in me tells me it’s too much money involved for this not to get done,” Cruz said. “The athlete in me prays that something gets done because I want to get back out there. I want to test the field. I haven’t had a helmet on my head in months. I’m just dying to get that back on. Hopefully this comes to an end and we can get out there and play some football again.”

 

[strahanfan92]

Good for Michael Clayton, I like to see that even if he won't end up as a Giant.

 

[Champ]

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/05/1986_giants_set_to_reunite_25.html


1986 Giants set to reunite 25 years after Super Bowl

Harry Carson feels like a player again.

No, not in the sense he could man the middle of the Giants defense, fill a hole and take down a running back. The increasing number of gray hairs he sees each morning in the mirror reminds him his days of buckling a chin strap are long behind him.

Rather, Carson is once again handling the political side of things by taking charge in arranging the reunion of the Giants’ 1986 Super Bowl championship team on the 25th anniversary of their 14-2 season and victory over the Broncos in Pasadena.

“It’s been like being back on the team, massaging the egos of some individuals and trying to manage the expectations and excitement of some of the other players,” the Hall of Fame linebacker said by phone yesterday.

“You have some guys who might say, ‘Eh, I don’t know, I have something to do.’ But I think for the most part everyone has been very excited about the prospect of coming back together one more time.”

That’s been the selling point for Carson as he has wrangled the likes of Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms and others for a gathering at the Meadowlands Expo Center on June 12 that includes a breakfast, a Q&A session and an autograph signing.

Carson expects 48-50 players as well as eight members of the coaching staff for the event, which is being organized through the team’s official provider, Big Blue Travel.
With the next milestone anniversary another 25 years away, the players and coaches realize there will never be as many of them in the same room again.

So Carson expects plenty of playful banter, as if the teammates had been transported back to the Giants Stadium locker room of the mid-’80s.

It has already begun, as Carson playfully substituted the term “OMG” for the “4XL” size of the shirts he ordered for the players who will participate in the Giants’ annual golf outing.

“I’m sad to say I got one response with an OMG,” he said, declining to name the hefty former player. “We’re going to have to do an intervention if that OMG guy is there.”
Mostly, Carson is looking forward to talking about the days when they all were playing. But he also can’t wait to touch base and reminisce with fans.

“It was an important moment in their life they shared,” Carson said, “so it’s an important thing not just for us but also the fans.”

 

[Champ]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=capress-fbn_giants_workouts-6833874

Manning camp draws six players, five Giants

HOBOKEN, N.J. - Eli Manning's(notes) lockout passing camp ended much like the last two seasons for the New York Giants. It ran out of gas.

The workout Thursday drew Manning, four other Giants and free agent hopeful Dan DePalma for roughly 90 minutes of agility drills, running and throwing at Hoboken High School.

There seems to be some question whether Manning and company will be back next week. Receiver Michael Clayton(notes) said the players are scheduled to return for three days early next week. Tight end Kevin Boss(notes) said nothing was planned.

AdChoices

Manning again was unavailable to clarify things. The Super Bowl MVP refused to be interviewed on any of the first five days of the passing camp and nothing changed on the sixth day.

He waved to the media driving in and drove out without even rolling down the window of his SUV.

Over the two weeks, twelve Giants participated in at least one day of the camp along with DePalma, who played last season at West Chester University.

Clayton wasn't disappointed with the turnout, which is small compared to some other teams around the league.

"This is a time right now where they are on their own schedules," Clayton said. "Obviously a lot of things are going on in the world and a lot of guys have to take care of family.

"That is totally understandable. This is strictly for guys who can get away and need to get with their quarterback and other things. It's a plus to be there. If not, I know the guys who aren't here still have their regimen in their own hometown, so that is good.''

Boss also said not to make too much of the attendance, noting the workouts can't be compared to a practice. He said it's just players getting together during the lockout to throw the ball around and have some fun. No big deal for a team that blew playoffs chances the past two seasons with weak finishes.

"If this continues to go on, we might put together a few more workouts and ask the defense to get involved, the offensive line," Boss said. "It depends on how long it goes.

"For now, it's good to get among the quarterbacks and wide receivers. If this keeps going we might get more guys involved."

The biggest beneficiaries of the workouts are fringe players such as Samuel Giguere of Sherbrooke, Que., and DePalma, who hopes to get an invitation to a training camp after not being drafted.

Giguere, a former first-round pick of the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, spent most of last season on the Giants' practice squad.

"Last year, during the season, I was doing mostly scout teams," Giguere said. "I never got a chance to take reps with Eli and do the Giants' offensive plays.

"I am getting a chance to get a feel for the plays and to ask Eli how he wants the routes to be run, and since we're not in a hurry I have all the time in the world to ask him questions."

Boss, Clayton, DePalma and Giguere were the only receivers for Manning and backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels(notes) on Thursday. The workout ended with most of the players wearing sweaty T-shirts.

The final throws by Manning and Rosenfels were roughly 30-yard passes directed at Clayton as he sat on an ice chest.

While tired after the workout, Giguere wasn't complaining.

"There weren't many of us," the Montreal resident said. "It's too bad, but for me it's a great opportunity."

Giguere said the Giants were able to give players a copy of the off-season workout program and he has been following it.

After attending all six days of the camp, Boss was satisfied, noting Manning did a good job of leading the players through drills and getting them used to hearing football terminology again. He wasn't expecting anything more.

What he would like is a new collective bargaining agreement.

"It's been frustrating, not something we expected to go this long," Boss said. "Hopefully, we can get back to work sooner than later."

The other Giants who attended the camp over the two weeks were receivers Hakeem Nicks(notes), Duke Calhoun(notes), Victor Cruz(notes) and Ramses Barden(notes), tackle David Diehl(notes), return man/receiver Darius Reynaud(notes), and running back DJ Ware(notes).

 

[strahanfan92]

Let's start a chain, theme: Things you would like to see improved next year:

I'll start.


I'd like to see Boss catch the ball.

 

[Champ]

Mayock video on Austin
http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/...te---221/da4d23b4-a632-4574-bbfd-01cd277777af

 

[Champ]

NY Daily News Article on Marvin Austin
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/f...aft_pick_marvin_austin_is_a_quality_kid_.html

 

[Champ]

 

[CrimsonGhost56]

Let's start a chain, theme: Things you would like to see improved next year:

I'll start.


I'd like to see Boss catch the ball.

I'd like to see Kiwi make it through a season without a season ending injury

 

[EmpireWF]

I'd like to see the defense play an entire game without wilting when playoff hopes are on the line.

 

[Champ]

Let's start a chain, theme: Things you would like to see improved next year:

Like to see a better return game. Im tired of having a shitty return game.

 

[CrimsonGhost56]

Eli speaks on if he would welcome back Plaxico and Tiki

Giants quarterback Eli Manning appeared on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Monday and didn't mince words when asked if wide receiver Plaxico Burress or running back Tiki Barber, both attempting NFL comebacks, would be a better fit in New York.

"Probably Plaxico -- just because, you know, he has, probably, fonder memories of winning a Super Bowl and that catch for the touchdown in Super Bowl XLII," Manning said.

"Tiki, you know, Tiki -- it ended on a bad note, and, you know, it's really a shame. He should be remembered as a great Giants running back and a terrific player, because he was. Just kind of the way he went out and, you know, burned a few bridges with the fans, and kind of went after me a little bit ... it's unfortunate, really, and I'm not happy about it in that sense. So, I think Plaxico would probably be welcomed back a little quicker."

Barber has spent the past four months working out in an attempt to make a comeback, although his chances rest on the league and its players reaching a new collective bargaining agreement.

Barber, who was critical of Manning after retiring following the 2006 season, appeared on a radio call-in spot with Mike Francesa on WFAN-AM last week and addressed why he believes some Giants fans dislike him.

"I'm sure it probably has to do with the fact that I criticized (Giants coach) Tom Coughlin, and he goes and wins a Super Bowl," Barber said. "Or the conversations that I had about Eli Manning (that) got blown out of proportion. Things like that (where) people felt like I, as someone with knowledge, was attacking somebody that I just left, when it really wasn't. It was just giving my opinion about things, and I've always been opinionated."

Barber, 36, produced six 1,000-yard seasons in a seven-year span, and he finished among the league's top five rushers in his final three years before retiring. In 2005, he amassed the third-most yards from scrimmage in a single season in league history with 2,390.

Burress, the former Giants wide receiver who turns 34 in August, was released from prison June 6 after spending nearly two years behind bars on a gun charge. He is expected to be pursued by multiple teams once the lockout is resolved.

and i think that does bring up a good point. its a damn shame Tiki is mostly remembered for those stupid remarks he made, instead of the spectacular player he was. for a better part of half a decade Tiki WAS the NY Giants and is IMO one of the all time greatest to put on a Giants uniform. Tiki's season in 2005 was one of the greatest seasons ive ever seen a player have. Tiki really made a jackass out of himself with those comments he made but ill always remember him for putting the giants on his back for years and being a great player.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000...-bridges-with-fans-giants?module=HP_headlines

 

[EmpireWF]

Eli continues working out with Nicks and the rookie Jernigan.

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/06/eli_manning_holds_another_info.html

Can't wait to see how they utilize Jern's peed in the passing and return games.

 

[strahanfan92]

Metlife Stadium

 

[Champ]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oSZDzSxRCU&feature=share[/ame]

NY Giants WR Victor Cruz makes a 50in box jump look awfully easy

 

[Champ]

Fucking retard. Dumb ass article.
http://www.xydo.com/toolbar/2384991...hmad_bradshaw_or_steve_smith_-_opposing_views

 

[EmpireWF]

If 4th year players are allowed to be UFA's, Paul Posluszny could be an option at ILB for the GMen.

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/gi...gued-by-idea-of-playing-for-fewell-and-giants

I'd take him in a heartbeat.

 

[EmpireWF]

Pre-Chaotic Free Agency Look at the GMen
---------

At QB, they may be fine although don't be surprised if they look to bring in another veteran free-agent to compete for the back-up job, assuming Jim Sorgi does not return.

RB is the biggest question. Ahmad Bradshaw is a FA and is due for a big pay day. IMO, the Giants must bring him back because he adds so much to the offense and he's so damn young. Course, Jacobs is back and he's due to make a lot of money this and next year. Beyond them, there's D.J. Ware and rookie Da'Rel Scott among others. If they lose Bradshaw, perhaps they will go after someone like DeAngelo Williams or Jason Snelling or someone else.

At FB, I'm expecting Bear Pascoe to be given the opportunity to win the starting job outright. Hedgecock's time has simply passed.

WR, Steve Smith is a free agent but he's also injured and expected to miss most if not all of the upcoming season. He's a must sign and could probably be had with an incentive-laden deal because of his health. Besides him, the rest of the WR group is coming back to play including Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham (who will be playing in a contract year I think), Domenik Hixon, big nothing Ramses Barden, jumper Victor Cruz and the exciting rookie slot guy, Jerrel Jernigan. Don't expect them to bring in any more names here.

TE, Kevin Boss is a free agent and it will be interesting to see how much it takes to bring him back. He's battled injuries but he's been a reliable pass catcher and blocker. I'd expect him to return. Behind him, there really is nobody besides Beckum and Jake Ballard. The Giants rarely use their back-up TEs on offense though (occasionally blocking and a rare pass catcher).

The Offensive Line. It's the oldest group in the league and there are tons of health questions entering the new season. Biggest one may be Rich Seubert who suffered a career ending leg injury late last year. Then there's Shaun O'Hara who missed a ton of games and had foot surgery. The bright side, young guys like Will Beatty, Kevin Boothe and Adam Koets all saw playing time to a degree. Shawn Andrews is likely gone. Expect Diehl, McKenzie and Snee back in their spots. They have a ton of young guys including 4th round pick James Brewer. Not sure they'll sign any free agents here.


Defensive front….the biggest question revolves around DT Barry Cofield and DE Mathias Kiwanuka. Cofield is looking to cash in and he will likely be the Giant FA most likely to sign elsewhere. Kiwanuka is coming off of a neck injury and hopefully will sign one of those incentive contracts. We still have big contracts of Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard inside. Add into the mix our past two second-round picks in Linval Joseph and rookie Marvin Austin. Chances are, these four guys are who they head into the pre-season with. On the outside, Justin Tuck played amazingly last year and is back. Osi Umenyiora is the other question mark along the front as he wants a new contract, but the Giants don't want to give him one. Hopefully, it gets resolved and he returns with a fire lit under his ass. Throw in JPP in with the three of them for a whole season and holy shit!

LINEBACKERS….no doubt the weakest group on the field for the GMen last year. They weren't young or explosive. Keith Bulluck is a free agent and is not likely to return IMO. Gerris Wilkerson and Special Teamer Chase Blackburn are also free agents. Guys set to return include OLB Michael Boley and ILB's Jonathan Goff and Phillip Dillard. Throw in Clint Sintim, Adrian Tracy and Kenny Ingram and there's a whole lot of nothing. If they sign, you may see rookie LBs Greg Jones and Jacquian Williams. This group needs to be addressed in free agency with at least one big addition. Whether it's a mike linebacker or an outside one, they need to bring more power!

Defensive Backfield….on paper last year, it was a pretty good unit. But they had too many slip ups and helped in the late-season collapse. Next off-season is when a lot of guys hit free agency so we have at least one more year until then. We're set at cornerback with Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, rookie Prince Amukamara, Aaron Ross and other bodies. At safety, not so much. We know last year's big free agent acquisition Antrel Rolle is set at safety. Kenny Phillips had a good year (4th on the team in tackles, but only 1 interception) and a healthy year. If he can remain healthy this year, awesome. The question will be how the rest of the group plays out. Deon Grant turned out to be a big signing as he played often in the three-headed safety play. He's a free agent and may want more consistent playing time or more money elsewhere. Michael Johnson is gone and we really only have late round draft pick Tyler Sash on the roster. They will need to bring back Grant or sign another safety.

We are set on special teams…relatively. Tynes is back as kicker. Matt Dodge is still there and they don't have another punter on the roster…yet. Hopefully they bring someone in to have some sort of competition in camp.

Fuck Darius Reynaud….return duties this year will be handled by Jernigan and Hixon…hopefully!


Short List of F.A. Needs
------
1. BRING BACK AHMAD BRADSHAW (if not, try to replace him)
2. Sign a linebacker, a starting caliber LB
3. Sign another safety, whether it's Deon Grant or someone new
4. Bring back other FA's: Boss, Kiwanuka, Smith
5. OL depth?

 

[EmpireWF]

The AJC says Stephen Nicholas (LB) is likely to go to the Giants.

 

[strahanfan92]

If cut Osi would probably love to go to the Eagles, they'd take him too.