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2010-03-28T15:18:00.003-04:00

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New York Football Giants Talk will merge with Ultimate New York Giants

2010-02-06T22:42:00.002-05:00

After careful consideration, I have made a decision to join Ultimate New York Giants. Andrew Furman, creator of Ultimate New York Giants, has an outstanding Giants blog. Unequivocally, Ultimate New York Giants has thought provoking commentary as well as a fervent and knowledgeable fan base. In my humble opinion, Ulitmate New York Giants is the best Giants blog on the Net.

In the meantime, for transition purposes, I will keep this site operational. Finally, I would like to thank all of my loyal followers which I have gotten to know: Xtian, Duke, Harry, Bob, Todd, Michael, Ilarus, and Russ. And I would like to thank the anonymous followers who made this site special.

Thank you.

Glenn on Frankie the Sports Guy program

2010-02-06T22:31:00.002-05:00

This Sunday, you can hear me on the Frankie the Sports Guy program. The program airs at 9PM ET on Long Island's WGBB 1240 AM.

No need to overhaul overtime

2010-02-03T00:01:00.003-05:00

After the Saints thrilling overtime victory in the NFC Championship game, there has been an outpour from pundits and fans to change the overtime rule because the Vikings did not get a possession. According to Sports Illustrated's Peter King, I'll say only one thing about the overtime rule: It stinks.

King goes on to add: I won't repeat every one of my objections to the rule that puts an inordinate amount of importance on the coin flip on overtime winners, but the NFC game was a classic case of why it's a bad idea to not give each team one possession in overtime:

The Vikings called heads, and it came up tails. New Orleans returned the kick to its 39-yard line. That meant if the Saints gained 28 yards, they'd be in field-goal range for Hartley. They got 17 yards in drive sustaining penalties, and 32 yards on their own, and Hartley's 40-yard field goal won it.

On the other sideline, Brett Favre stood waiting for his chance, the same way Peyton Manning waited for a chance that never came 55 weeks ago in San Diego. And I ask you two questions: Do you want the coin flip to have that much importance in determining the outcome of a playoff game? And if you think it doesn't matter, why have only seven teams that won the coin flip since overtime was reinstituted in 1974 chosen to kick off and play defense?
Needless to say, this Friday when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media about the state of the league, undoubtedly, he will be asked about the league modifying the overtime rule. Last week, Commissioner Goodell is on record the competition committee will be looking into making changes to the current overtime rule. Commissioner Goodell points out, historically, 30% of overtime games were decided when the team that wins the coin flip scores on its opening possession. But in recent years that percentage has risen to about 47%.

"I think that's significant," he said. "It's something our committee needs to look at. When you couple that with the fact that our field-goal kickers are much more accurate than they have been in the past, that's a danger. However, the whole point of having an overtime period is to eliminate ties. Even if the league conjures up a new rule for overtime it may open up a new can of worms. NBC analyst Tony Dungy has stated overtime is a problem that might not have a solution. Furthermore, if the NFL decides to go to a two possession system then there is a player safety risk. Another possession for a team could lead to a player suffering a serious injury ie a concussion. Imagine the NFL adopting a two possession rule in overtime, then a player suffers a concussion. This would not be in the best interests of the league.

However, Mike Florio does not see it this way.Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio thinks the rule needs to be changed.

On the other hand, Athan Atsales, LA Times writer, has this statistic on overtime games., And despite people’s complaints, of the five overtime playoff games since 2004, the team that won the toss is 1-4. Furthermore, he opines, So the arguments resurfaced: "Shouldn’t both teams have a chance to have the ball in overtime? … If one team scores on the first try, shouldn’t the other get a chance to tie? … Why not make it like college when each team gets it on the 25-yard? … "

Uh … no, no and absolutely not.

This is what a team should do if it loses the coin toss in overtime, and it’s not too complicated –- stop the other team and force a punt. That strategy applies to the entire game, why should it be different in overtime? Football is a game of offense and defense.

Although both King and Florio make good points, I disagree with both of them. Why make a change based on a recent trend? In the 2008 NFC Championship game, Favre, quarterback of the Packers, had the ball first in overtime. The Packers did not score. At the time, I did not hear anything from Peter King about changing overtime rules. This year, the Packers and Cardinals faced one another in an NFC Divisional Playoff which went into overtime. The Packers won the toss and did not score. Again, I did not hear anything from King. In overtime of a 2004 NFC Wildcard game, Al Harris intercepted a Matt Hasselbeck pass and took it to the house to win the game for the Packers. After the game was over, I did not hear anybody grousing about the Packers not getting the football first. So is King's gripe with the current rules have to do with marquee quarterbacks not getting an opportunity in overtime? Perhaps. The current overtime system works well. Atlanta Falcons President and co-chair of the competition committee Rich McKay agrees. "Sudden death is a good procedure. It's fun, and everyone knows the rules," McKay said. "I would like to see the stats change because I don't like the fact that that the team winning the coin flip now wins 60 percent of the time, and the team winning the coin flip, 40-plus percent of the time, wins it on the first possession." Even if this trend is tipping in the favor of a team winning a coin toss, are we losing sight the game is played by three units: offense, defense, and special teams. Earlier this year, the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots in overtime. In overtime, the Patriots did not have an offensive possession. After the game was over, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick blamed the loss on lack of execution rather than not receiving an offensive possession in the overtime period. "[The] Broncos had a lot of possession passes that kept the chains moving," Belichick said. "They kept the yardage fairly short on third down. We had our chances on a couple when we had our hands on the ball but couldn't come up with it and we just have to make some of those plays. We didn't make them today."
Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher who also happens to be a co-chair on the competition committee thinks the league needs more study to find out if the most recent numbers are an anomaly or a trend -- that could help determine whether changes are needed. Jeff Fisher aptly sums up this argument. The league must deterimine whether there is a current trend with the coin flip winner. If it is a trend, then the league should follow this idiom: if it ain't broke, do not fix it.

Update: In NFL playoff games since 2004, teams which won the toss are 2-5.

Update from Sports Illustrated: At the annual "State of the League" press conference, Commissioner Goodell does not think the league will change the overtime rule.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tackled a number of pressing topics Friday in his annual state-of-the-league address before the Super Bowl.

OT rules unlikely to change
The NFL said again Friday that it likes the league's oft-debated overtime rule.

Goodell pointed to this season's pair of overtime postseason games and called them "two of the most exciting games we've had."

Arizona beat Green Bay in a wild 51-45 overtime game, and the New Orleans Saints earned the right to play in Sunday's Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts by beating Minnesota in overtime in the NFC championship game.

The NFL's sudden-death overtime rule has long been debated, especially after college football went to a system where both teams get the ball at least once. Goodell says the NFL hasn't "been able to find a better solution" even after talks with players and coaches.

A change may be possible, Goodell says, adding: "But I wouldn't hold your breath."

Will be posting again soon

2010-02-01T13:11:00.002-05:00

Because of family commitments, I have not been able to post. In the next few days, I will be back.

Upcoming events:

1. Frankie the Sports Guy will interview me.

2. Cowboy Keith is down in South Florida covering the Super Bowl for New York Football Giants Talk. As Super Bowl week kicks off, he will be sending reports. In fact, during the game, he will be on the field.

Quick takes on Championship games

2010-01-25T09:58:00.002-05:00

Jets vs Colts- Jets played extremely well for 30 minutes. However, the second half was a different story. No pressure on Manning allowed the Colts to dominate the second half.

P.S. Jets head coach Rex Ryan should not have had Jay Feely kick a long field goal. Being a Giants fan, Feely cannot kick long field goals especially longer than 50 yards. ie 2005 Seattle game and 2006 game against Chicago.

Saints vs Vikings- The Vikings should have won this game. They let this game slip through their fingers. Turnovers was the Vikings undoing. A team cannot turn the ball over FIVE times and expect to win especially in a Championship game. Please forget about the refs, Favre, or the play calling at the end, turnovers cost the Vikings a chance to go to the Super Bowl. In my opinion, the turning point of this game was prior to halftime. If the Vikings would have scored a touchdown, they would have won this game. Instead, Peterson fumbled and the score is tied 14-14 at the half. Last point on this game, home field advantage was also a big factor. This season, all of the Vikings losses came on the road. If this game was played in Minnesota at Mall of America Field, perhaps, there would have been a different outcome.

WHO DAT!!! Let's Go Saints!!!!!

2010-01-24T12:55:00.003-05:00

Since their inception into the NFL in 1967, the Saints have been synonymous with losing. Today, this will change. Here at New York Football Giants Talk, we are pulling for the Saints. I think they will dismantle the Vikings like they did my Giants.

For Saints fans, some NFL music to pump you up!!!!

Happy Birthday to my daughter Grace!!!!!

Championship Sunday

2010-01-24T09:32:00.002-05:00

Jets vs Colts: Will the decision to pull their starters come back to haunt the Colts?

YES.

The Colts should have disposed of the Jets in their regular season game. Instead, they now have to face the Jets in the AFC Championship game.The Colts are a much different team when they have a lead. If the Jets fall behind in this game, they will lose.

If the Jets do not turn the ball over, they will win this game. Hopefully, Ryan and his coaching staff will use the 2006 AFC Championship game and the 49ers game this year as a template to defeat the Colts.

In the 2006 AFC Championship game, Cowher came out throwing. They used play action a lot. On defense, the Steelers got a lot of three and outs. The Colts were a poor 3 for 13 on third down. Remember, the Steelers had a much better offense than this Jets team. This is why the Jets must win the turnover battle. Despite the Steelers being a minus 1 in the turnover ratio, they still won the game. I do not think the Jets could be minus 1 and win. This year the 49ers should have defeated the Colts. Despite being in control of this game for three quarters, 49ers head coach Mike Singletary said, "A couple dropped balls make the difference in a game like this," "Any missed opportunities in a game like this are going to bite you in the end. The only thing I can say is we came here to win the football game."

Let us hope the Jets do not turn the ball over or make mental mistakes. Right now, the Jets are playing better football. Last week, they defeated a Charger team which had won eleven games in a row. They are playing fantastic defense and have an excellent ground game. On the other hand, despite having a 14-2 regular season record, the Colts won a lot of close games. They did not dominate their competition. In their playoff game against the Ravens, the Colts did not look good. They benefited from all of the Ravens miscues. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has an 8-8 record in the post season. His record at home is 6-3 and 2-5 on the road. Finally, the Colts have difficulty running the football. I think Rex Ryan will come up with a fantastic game plan to get in Manning's face. They frustrated Phillip Rivers and they will frustrate Manning.

I like the Jets. Take the Jets +8 points. Jets 23 and Colts 17

Saints vs Vikings:

WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the Saints time. This is their time. They are at home. They have the dome field advantage. Living here in New Orleans, Saints enthusiasm is at a fever pitch. There is black and gold on every street corner. Fans are wearing Saints shirts. Right now, my daughter is wearing a pink Drew Brees jersey. Saints quarterback Drew Brees is focused. He will have a big game and will get the media attention he deserves. Saints head coach Sean Payton will have a fantastic game plan. With Shockey injured, look for Payton to use Reggie Bush as a decoy. Saints will take an early lead and will coast the rest of the way. The Vikings are a different team on the road. When the Saints take an early lead, the defense will blitz Favre. Favre will be sacked at least 4 times. Pass rushing will decide this game.

I like the Saints. Take the Saints and give 4 points. Saints 35 and Vikings 20.

A play which ended the 2009 Giants season

2010-01-23T09:18:00.001-05:00

Prior to this game, Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce said this game is
"the Super Bowl for the New York Giants." Even Coughlin said Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers was a "one-game season." Yes, Pierce was correct. Coughlin was too.

After this game was over, the Giants lost four games in a row. Their record dropped to 5-4. And for the remainder of the season, they would not put together consecutive wins. As a result of their inconsistent play, the Giants finished a mediocre 8-8. On the other hand, up until their upset loss to the Jets in an AFC Divisional playoff game, the Chargers were on an eleven game winning streak. Clearly, this game sunk one team and sparked the other.

Without question, Vincent Jackson's touchdown catch ended the 2009 Giants season.
Giants cornerback Corey Webster on the game winning and season ending play:

"Receiver and quarterback made a good throw and catch," said Webster, who refused to say if he should have had safety help on the play. "I love to be in that position right there to make it but I have to give credit to the receiver." Webster goes on,
"I understand that the other receiver is good and the quarterback is good, too. I don't want (Jackson) to catch the ball and my job is to stop him. But they are going to make some plays and you got to keep on fighting till the end."

We will keep fighting till the end. Webster's words hung in the air. As the season went on, the Giants stop fighting. What happened?
As the Giants prepare for 2010 season, in the upcoming months, it will be interesting to hear what Coughlin and Reese have to say about the deflating 2009 Giants. Why did the team especially the defense play so poorly? In the last two games, how do you explain the team's blase behavior? Did their strategy of stockpiling defensive linemen backfire? What was the reason behind not adding quality depth to the secondary? On the active roster, how come the Giants carried so many mediocre linebackers? What happened to the Giants running game?

At this point, we have more questions than answers about this team. Stay tuned. It will be an interesting off season.

Giants showed true colors in New Orleans

2010-01-20T23:58:00.002-05:00

As I was driving to work on Wednesday morning, I was listening to WWL 870 am in New Orleans. Here in New Orleans, Saints enthusiasm is at a fever pitch. Needless to say, during the morning broadcast, an audio clip is played about the Saints domination over the Giants. This game exposed the Giants. They never recovered.

Recall, prior to this game against the Saints, the Giants had the number one defense in the NFL.

To sum up, this game was foreshadowing on what was about to unfold. Giants co-owner John Mara on the 2009 Giant meltdown: Q: Is that why it hurts so much? Were you kind of blindsided by what happened here?

A: Listen, when you perform the way we performed over the second half of the season, it hurts, period, regardless of what you have done prior. I have been around a long time. I thought I had seen everything. But I certainly didn't see this coming. And I certainly didn't see the last two weeks coming.

Sunday NFL Divisional Games

2010-01-17T11:04:00.002-05:00

Hopefully, today's games are more competitive.

Dallas vs Minnesota- All week long, I have been listening and watching pundits praise the Dallas Cowboys. Today, their season will be coming to an end. A main reason will be penalties. Dallas committed 115 penalties in 2009. This flaw will come back to haunt them. The Vikings are a different team at home. This season, they are a perfect 8-0 at home. Like the Saints, dome field advantage is a big factor. Minnesota defeats Dallas. Take the Vikes and give 3 points.

New York Jets vs San Diego Chargers- The Jets have surprised many people by getting to the divisional round. Like the Cowboys, today the Jets season will come to a close. The Jets are a one-dimensional offensive team. All San Diego has to do is stop the Jets running attack. Like Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, I do not trust Jets signal caller Mark Sanchez in a big spot. The Chargers have won eleven games in a row. Today, make it twelve. Take the Chargers and give 8 points.

Saturday NFL Divisional games

2010-01-16T12:34:00.003-05:00

Here are my picks:

New Orleans over Arizona. Currently, I am living in the South Louisiana area. Therefore, I have a pulse of what is going on down here. Despite losing their last three regular season games, quarterback Drew Brees is focused. He will have a big game. Like the Giants game earlier this season, Saints head coach Sean Payton has had a week to prepare for the Cardinals. He will have a similar game plan. Attack! Attack! Attack! The fans are pumped up. Payton wants to take advantage of the dome field advantage. Score quickly and get the fans involved. Hall of Famer and Fox analyst Troy Aikman is on record stating the Superdome is a very difficult place to play. Even when the Saints had down years, the noise generated by the fans is extremely loud.

Saints by 17 points. Take the Saints and give seven points.

Indy vs Baltimore. Baltimore is coming off an emotional victory over the once mighty New England Patriots. Can they upset Peyton Manning and the Colts at home? The answer is no. At this point in his career, I do not trust Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in a big spot. The Colts are a different team when they have the lead. If the Colts score quickly and get a early lead, they will have a major advantage. The Colts have a formidable defensive line who can rush the passer. I expect Freeney and Mathis to have big games. The Ravens have to win the turnover battle and time of possession battle to win this game. I do not see this happening.

Take the Colts and give seven points.

Perry Fewell

2010-01-15T10:59:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, the Giants announced Perry Fewell is the new defensive coordinator of the New York Football Giants. Fewell plans on having this type of defense: “Disciplined, attacking, aggressive, 11 hats to the football.” Like Kevin Gilbride, Fewell is another Jacksonville retread. Fewell served under Coughlin as secondary coach from 1998-2002.

Fewell takes over an abysmal defensive unit which has an ignominious label- yielding 427 points which is second most points allowed in franchise history. The woeful 1966 team surrendered 501 points which stands as the franchise record. Since Fewell is now in charge of this defense, speculation of the Giants switching to a 3-4 defense can be put to rest. As defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills, Fewell's base defense was a 4-3 scheme. Most likely, the Giants will continue to use a 4-3 base defense. Subsequently, the Giants will be making significant changes to improve their defensive personnel.

Speaking of personnel, Coughlin's flaw as a leader is his inability to surround himself with outstanding coordinators. This could be the result of his interview practices. Coughlin has a myopic view of interviewing only one or two candidates for a vacant coordinator job. Because of his questionable tactics, with the exception of Spagnuolo, he continues to get burned. Hufnagel, Lewis, Gilbride, and Sheridan have been awful. Gilbride has been the "best of this crop". Needless to say, this speaks volumes. As for Fewell, much remains to be seen about his ability to turn things around. Based on Coughlin's poor choices, the odds are stacked against Fewell to return this defense to a formidable unit.

Last year, Coughlin stated the following about Bill Sheridan.
“Bill is a very good football coach,” Coughlin said in a news release. “As a linebackers coach, you’re a central figure in the spoke, because you’re involved in the coordination of the front and the linebackers and then the back seven. He has done a good job of encompassing the entire defense and grasping the aggressive style.”

This is Coughlin on Fewell. “I expect Perry to bring the same qualities that I expect from myself,” Coughlin said in the statement. “I want him to be firm, fair, honest and demanding. My expectation is that he will solidify and unify our defense and be an outstanding teacher. I want energy, enthusiasm, toughness and to make the necessary corrections and game adjustments. Perry is a teacher and a leader and I thought he did an outstanding job of displaying great leadership as the interim head coach of Buffalo this season.”

Tom,

Talk is cheap, play the game!

More on possible 3-4 defensive switch

2010-01-11T13:04:00.002-05:00

From New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano:

Several people with connections to the Giants (but not inside the Giants) have now speculated to me that the team should or may consider a switch to a 3-4 defense. I’m not sure I see it, but I keep hearing it. Justin Tuck could be a 3-4 end, but I assume Mathias Kiwanuka would have to move back to linebacker. Clint Sintim is a natural on the other side. But I don’t think they’ve got a natural nose tackle on the team for next year. And since LBs aren’t exactly their strength, would they want to put more on the field? Again, I don’t see it. But I hear things.

Again, for the Giants, this concept is conceivable. Of the potential candidates to replace defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan is Romeo Crennel and Pepper Johnson. Both are 3-4 guys. And as the offseason unfolds, the Giants are going to make major changes to their defensive personnel.

This is how I see things playing out:

The Giants will sign a free agent nose tackle. ie Vince Wilfork

Subsequently, the Giants will use draft choices on the following positions:

1. nose tackle
2. linebackers
3. cornerback
4. safety
5. defensive line

I would not be surprised if the Giants use most of their picks on defensive players. At this point, the only need spots on offense is the interior offensive line and running back. I will explain my reasoning in another post.

With the way the team gave up at the end of the season especially the defense, the following players will not be on the 2010 Giants.

Osi Umenyiora
Danny Clark
Antonio Pierce
Michael Johnson
Barry Cofield
Fred Robbins
Gerris Wilkinson
Rocky Bernard
C.C. Brown
Kevin Dockery
Dave Tollefson

The following players have contracts which have expired: Clark, Tollefson, Cofield, Robbins, Wilkinson, Dockery, Brown. With the collective bargaining agreement still unresolved, the Giants will most likely not re-sign any of these guys.

As for Bernard, he did not make any significant contributions in 2009. He was supposed to provide an interior pass rush. He had one sack in 13 games. As for his contract situation, only 5 million of his 16 million dollar contract is guaranteed. The Giants will cut him.

Safety Michael Johnson is a liability in coverage. And he is a poor open field tackler. Although he is under contract until 2011, he will be let go.

As for Antonio Pierce, his injury status is unclear. The severity of his neck injury could keep him from ever playing football again. He has one year left on his current contract. Prior to last season, he was looking for an extension to his current contract and the Giants made a decision not to enter into negotiations. Because of his injury, a possible new scheme, and his age, he will not be on the team.

If they do change their scheme, Osi Umenyiora does not fit in the Giants plans. Osi is too small to play defensive end. According to Big Blue Interactive, Osi weighs 263 pounds. Generally speaking, an end in a 3-4 scheme, has to have more beef on him. ie teammate Chris Canty who weighs 304 pounds. And a 3-4 defensive end must be an effective run stopper. In 2009, Osi had so much difficulty playing against the run. Because he was so ineffective against the run, Coughlin decided to bench him. "Tom Coughlin, not Sheridan, was the one who was the driving force behind his being benched."
“Ultimately, Tom Coughlin is in control of the team,” Umenyiora said. “And if it was anybody’s decision, it was Coach Coughlin’s.”
Umenyiora is in Coughlin's doghouse. With Coughlin assured to be at the helm next year, it would be surprising if Osi is on the 2010 roster.

Even though Ralph Vacchiano who is very credible doubts this defensive switch can take place, Coughlin may attempt drastic changes in order to keep his job until his contract runs out in 2011.

Waufle Out; Will Giants go back to 3-4 defense?

2010-01-07T02:21:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin fired his defensive line coach Mike Waulfe. Waufle had been the Giants defensive line coach since 2004. Within the last 48 hours, Coughlin has disposed of two of his defensive assistants. Apparently, Coughlin heard Giants co-owner John Mara's words loud and clear. John Mara said, “You’d like to have the head coach make the final decision on those things. But that would be a tough one to swallow. The status quo, after what we just went through, is not acceptable.” Waufle's high priced defensive line did not perform up to their expectations. Coming into the 2009 season, according to Giants management, the reason for their 2008 collapse was their defensive line wore down. Giants GM Jerry Reese, "We got hit right out of the gate last year with a Hall of Famer retiring (Michael Strahan) and a Pro Bowler (Umenyiora) going down. We made it through three quarters of the season, but then we got worn down. I'll try not to let that happen again. We have to sustain the madness up front." Through free agency, Reese acquired defensive linemen Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. However, with these two acquisitions, the Giants line had difficulty putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Giants compiled only 32 sacks in 2009. This is a precipitous drop as compared to the two previous seasons. Two years ago, the Giants sacked opposing quarterbacks 53 times which lead the NFL. Last year, they were slightly down registering 42 sacks.

Besides having guys nicked up, why the decline in sacks?

Coughlin cited several reasons. 1. More teams have gone maximum protection to negate the rush. ie Saints head coach Sean Payton's game plan. 2. The Giants have given up huge chunks of yardage on first and second downs. Consequently, the pass rushers have not been able to take advantage of third and long situations. Coughlin adds, "We haven't had, unfortunately, a lot of the long-yardage, tee-it-up kind of things present themselves to us." ie Eagle game at Meadowlands- Recall, the Eagles had a touchdown drive in which they did not have a third down attempt.

As a result of Coughlin's dispatching of defensive coaches, the Giants will most likely hire a defensive coordinator who has a different philosophy. Based on some of the names being mentioned, the Giants could go back to the 3-4 base defense. The last time the Giants used a 3-4 defense was back in 1993. If this is the case, the next step would be making wholesale changes to the Giants personnel. NFL.com's Pat Kirwan has written an excellent article on 4-3 vs 3-4 defense. Kirwan concludes his article. Therefore, it might be time to consider the 3-4 a better package against modern offenses. Perhaps this is what the Giants may need to do.

Sheridan Fired!

2010-01-05T00:01:00.005-05:00

On Monday, the Giants fired beleaguered defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan.

Disappointed NY Giants CEO John Mara unloads on his team

Hours earlier, Giants co-owner John Mara sounded off. But asked if he could accept Coughlin bringing back all his coaches, Mara said “You’d like to have the head coach make the final decision on those things. But that would be a tough one to swallow. The status quo, after what we just went through, is not acceptable.”

Mara said all the right things; however, he should have fired the guy who hired Sheridan--Tom Coughlin. Yes, Bill Sheridan is responsible being the leader of the worst defense in Giants history. And Sheridan is the fall guy. Umenyiora said, "Tom Coughlin, not Sheridan, was the one who was the driving force behind his being benched."

“Ultimately, Tom Coughlin is in control of the team,” Umenyiora said. “And if it was anybody’s decision, it was Coach Coughlin’s.”

On Monday afternoon, Mara's statements were raw, unscripted, and refreshing.

"Probably as disappointed as I’ve ever been in my life at this team,” he promised there would be changes in the organization after an 8-8 season that he said “felt a lot more like 2-14 to me.”

“I’m disappointed at everything. I’m unhappy at everybody. It’s just not acceptable to perform like that,” Mara said. “I’m less than 24 hours after the end of the season, so I’m sure I’ll cool down at some point and try to make intelligent decisions going forward. But obviously I’m not very happy right now. And they know that.”

“I’m not pleased with anybody right now” and hit the team hard for a “lack of mental and physical toughness, and quite frankly a lack of effort over the last two weeks. That’s just something I never expected to see from this group of players.”

“But I am anxious to hear from both he and Jerry what we’re going to do to fix this. We spent a lot of money this past offseason on free agency. We didn’t get quite the results we anticipated. Obviously we’re not as good as we thought we were.

For now, Coughlin has weathered the storm and has a recession proof job. A lot has to do with his current contract situation. After the Giants won Super Bowl XLII, the Giants renegotiated Coughlin's contract. Right now, Coughlin has two years left on his current deal which pays him a whopping 5.25 million per year. While the economy is still in a recession, the CBA is unresolved, and the Giants are moving into their new stadium, it is our belief Mara made a business decision regarding Coughlin. He did not want to eat over 11 million dollars.

Since Coughlin is still the head coach, how will this affect the franchise? Many fans including the owner are upset with the way the Giants finished this season. Here we are disappointed Mara did not fire Coughlin. From now until the start of the upcoming season, the media focus is going to be on Coughlin. If the Giants get off to a slow start in 2010, the fans will be in an uproar. Coughlin may not make it through the 2010 season. As long as Coughlin is coach, the Giants are not going back to the Super Bowl.

Second half of a season under Tom Coughlin:

2004- 1-7

2005- 5-3

2006- 2-6

2007- 4-4

2008- 5-3

2009- 3-5

Coughlin's teams sputter down the stretch. He has an abysmal 20-28 record in second halves of a season.

Open thread: Should Mara retain Coughlin?

2010-01-04T00:01:00.002-05:00

After two consecutive weeks of uninspired and woeful football, the Giants ended the 2009 season on a sour note. For a team who had aspirations of getting back to the Super Bowl, the Giants finished a mediocre 8-8. From a PR standpoint, Giants co-owner John Mara has to get rid of Coughlin. If he keeps Coughlin as head coach, during the off season and up until the regular season, the media will focus negatively on Coughlin instead of the new stadium. Therefore, if they hire a new head coach, there will be positive media attention. Clearly, the Giants would favor positive media attention. Especially since the Jets and not the Giants made the playoffs. A new mantra for the 2010 Giants would be a new coach, a new stadium, and a new beginning.

What do you think?

Update: Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio thinks Giants should consider firing Coughlin.

We agree.

Vikings vanquish Giants 44-7!

2010-01-03T20:23:00.002-05:00

Coughlin looks and sounds like he needs Miralax! Furthermore, he got testy with reporters.

After having witnessed unwatchable football over the past two weeks, Giants management must consider firing head coach Tom Coughlin. Losing games is one thing; however, when your team is non-competitive, this is a whole different issue. The Giants defense surrendered 41 and 44 points in consecutive weeks. And their offense generated a measly 16 points in their final two contests. Clearly, Coughlin has lost this team.

“This year has been a disaster.” – Giants DT Barry Cofield

Giants center Shaun O'Hara: "To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if John Mara takes off without us."

Indeed Barry, it has been a disaster. Your defense should be ashamed of yourselves. Where was the effort? Today, teams with losing records ie Kansas City, Oakland, Buffalo, and Seattle showed effort.

After watching the post game shows on different networks, not one member of the MSM mentioned anything about the Giant collapse. There was nothing mentioned about Coughlin's job being in jeopardy. Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan is being scapegoated. The Giants should fire the guy who hired him-- Tom Coughlin.

Here is Giants GM Reese at the halfway point this season:

"We had some early injuries, but you make adjustments. And we'll get guys back. This team should have an opportunity. I think we have a chance. I'll be very disappointed if we don't play well."

Hopefully, disappointed translates into making changes.

Speaking of making changes, perhaps, Giants co-owner John Mara left early without his pitiful team. Therefore, as fans, we hope he plans on making wholesale changes to the roster as well as the coaching staff.

Changes will be made!

2010-01-02T12:15:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

I have caught a cold and have not been able to post. Here is the latest on the Giants coaching situation.

As the Giants head up to Minnesota to play their last game of the 2009 campaign, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora is reporting the Giants will be making coaching changes. La Canfora is talking about assistant coaches ie Bill Sheridan. On the contrary, Sheridan believes he is "competent". If the Giants lay another egg against Minnesota, I think the Giants will terminate Tom Coughlin. At this point, enough is enough with Coughlin. Despite winning a Super Bowl, Coughlin has worn out his welcome in New York. Using former Bucs head coach Jon Gruden as a parallel, Coughlin will share the same fate. Recall, like Coughlin, Gruden won a Super Bowl. Subsequently, just like Coughlin, his teams were inconsistent. After failing to qualify for the playoffs in 2008, Gruden was fired as head coach. I think the same will happen to Coughlin.

"People said we were cheap and didn't care if we won, because all our games were sold out," Wellington Mara told The New York Times in 2001, recalling the 1970's. "That got under my skin. We weren't cheap. We were just stupid. We made a lot of poor personnel decisions on the football field. That's why we lost."

Let us hope Giants co-owner John Mara heeds his Dad's words. In my opinion, it is in the best interests of the Giants to clean house. Removing Coughlin would be the first step on getting back on the right track.

More Carson on 2009 Midgets

2009-12-30T07:36:00.003-05:00

Harry Carson was on ESPN 1050 New York. Harry tells it like it is.

Coughlin and Carson

2009-12-29T07:23:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin apologized for his team's abysmal performance against the Panthers.

“I do think the one thing that I want to say to our fans is that, to a man, we’d like to apologize for yesterday. I think that for whatever reason a team that had an awful lot to play for, that had opportunities there, that was playing in Giants Stadium for the last regular season game, didn’t play up to our capabilities. It’s been a very frustrating thing.”

Tom, apology noted but not accepted.

Former Giant and Hall of Famer Harry Carson was disgusted with Coughlin's team. Carson said, "I'm not saying that they don't have pride, but I don't see where the pride is coming from," Carson said. "Wellington Mara always said, 'Once a Giant, always a Giant.' And guys who have played here have a certain sense of pride that we have to adhere to. I don't necessarily see that same pride amongst the guys who are here now."

Carson, the former linebacker who bleeds Giants blue, clenched his teeth and questioned why the current players chose to play this day of all days as if they hadn't any heart.

Apparently, Carson's words hit a nerve with Giants linebacker Michael Boley. On Ralph Vacchiano's Blue Screen blog, Several players did seem to take to heart the criticism that Carson levied against them, mostly because it came from Harry Carson. That wasn’t the case, though, for linebacker Michael Boley who said Carson’s criticism “doesn’t mean anything to me.”

“These guys in this locker room, we play the game,” Boley said. “So any kind of words coming from the outside falls on deaf ears.”

Even when it comes from a Giants legend with the stature of Harry Carson?

“It doesn’t mean anything to me,” Boley said. “If we listen to everything that was said outside of these walls we’d drive ourselves crazy. We don’t care who it is. It’s up to us in this locker room. We know what goes on with us. So we can’t really focus on what’s said outside of here.”

Harry's words did not mean anything to you, Michael Boley. Your behavior on and off the field is inexcuseable. Your attitude tells me you are part of the problem and not part of the solution. Let me tell you something about Harry Carson. After being drafted in the fourth round in 1976, Carson played on many bad teams. Despite playing on crappy teams, Carson did not quit like you did, Boley. At one point in his career, Carson almost quit because the losing took a toll on him. From The Education of a Coach, Carson had once tried to give back a week's salary because he felt he had not played well. After Sunday's ignonimous loss, are you willing to give up your weekly paycheck? ............. I do not think so.

Furthermore, here is how Carson felt after a loss. "After a loss I would be depressed for days. It's not a depression where you want to kill yourself. You just want to go inta a hole. You don't want to go out of the house. At the market, the cashier looks at you kind of funny-you loser."

Yeah, Boley, you loser. After your shaky play this year, did the Giants make a huge mistake by signing you to a 5 year, 25 million dollar contract? Right now, it looks and sounds that way.

Dreadful Giants

2009-12-27T22:42:00.004-05:00

The Giants stunk up the Meadowlands on Sunday losing to the Carolina Panthers 41-9. Dreadful, listless, pathetic, disgraceful, disgusting, embarrassing, humiliating are adjectives to describe this unacceptable performance.

What happened to Giants' pride?

If you follow this blog, the Giants season was over after they blew the San Diego game. After falling to 5-4, the Giants have not recovered. They have been an inconsistent team all year long. Win five, lose four, win one, loss one, win one, lose another, win another, lose again.

After the game, clueless Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said, "I wasn't prepared for it," Coughlin added "I'm at a loss for words."

He is at a loss for words because his team gave up on him. After the season is over, GM Jerry Reese and upper management have to evaluate the team and most importantly the coaching staff. Half way through the season, Reese shared this, "We had some early injuries, but you make adjustments. And we'll get guys back. This team should have an opportunity. I think we have a chance. I'll be very disappointed if we don't play well."

Today, with a win in front of their home crowd at the last game at Giants Stadium, the Giants had a chance to put themselves in position to make the playoffs. They were horrible. Let us hope GM Reese and co-owner John Mara are so disappointed, they pull the trigger and fire Coughlin.

Clearly, there is no return with Coughlin as head coach. Coughlin must go!!!

Coughlin's December record as head coach of the Giants:

2004- 0 wins and 4 losses

2005- 4 wins and 1 loss

2006- 2 wins and 3 losses

2007- 3 wins and 2 losses

2008- 1 win and 3 losses

2009- 2 wins and 2 losses

His December record speaks for itself. Coughlin's teams do not finish strong.

More to come..................

Farewell Giants Stadium!

2009-12-27T01:19:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, the Giants will be playing their last game at Giants Stadium. From Youtube, I found this video.

What memorable game played at Giants Stadium evokes your memory?

2009 Giants: A December not to remember

2009-12-26T19:36:00.004-05:00

As this miserable 2009 season winds down, we have to look back at all the preseason grandiose expectations.

Click on the following links. Each article proclaims the Giants are going to have a fantastic season.

Sporting News

Defense makes Giants team to beat.

The defense

Prior to the second game of the season against Dallas, I asked New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano this question. What would you consider a successful season for the Giants?

RV: You know, they’ve set the bar very high for themselves. They followed a Super Bowl championship with a 12-4 season and now the pieces are still in place. They’ve got the quarterback, the line, the running game, the pass rush. I think they have the receivers, though I realize I’m in the minority on that. The point is that in a watered-down NFC, they are a Super Bowl contender. I picked them to go 10-6 and I think that if they finish with anything less than 10 wins and don’t make the playoffs, they will consider the season a failure. And really, they need to win at least a playoff game. I realize that’s a lot to ask, but look at last year: Does anyone think it was a success? The ending spoiled everything. The 11-1 start was nice. The top seed in the NFC and 12-4 record and first-round bye … all that was good. But the loss in the playoffs sent everyone into the offseason with a bad taste in their mouths. It felt like a failure. So I think they have to win a playoff game at least to make people – and themselves – feel like this season was anything close to a success.

In the off season, GM Jerry Reese identifies the defense as being the problem in 2008. Through free agency, he upgraded the defensive line position and added a linebacker Michael Boley. Boley was supposed to help in guarding an opponent's tight end.

Here is quotes from Jerry Reese about his 2008 Giants and his plans for 2009.

Reese: We were fine for three-quarters of the season and then we got banged up on the line and didn't have the firepower to get after the quarterback. (Fred) Robbins was playing with two broken hands, Tuck's foot and knee were banged up and (Mathias) Kiwanuka was fighting through things. We couldn't get Donovan McNabb on third-and-20 [in the Divisional playoff game]. There were a lot of turning points in that game, but that was a big one.

Are you still hopeful that Michael Boley can be a productive player this season?

Reese: Yeah, he's outstanding in coverage. We think he can help us cover the running back in Philadelphia (Brian Westbrook), the tight end in Dallas (Jason Witten) and
the tight end for the Redskins (Chris Cooley).

What did you learn from last season?

Reese: Well, I learned a lot of things. We got hit right out of the gate last year with a Hall of Famer retiring (Michael Strahan) and a Pro Bowler (Umenyiora) going down. We made it through three quarters of the season, but then we got worn down. I'll try not to let that happen again. We have to sustain the madness up front. Reese acquired defensive linemen Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. Even with these two guys, the defensive line has been horrible this year.

People like to compare teams to the Super Bowl team (in 2007) and the team that won 12 games last year," Reese told the Daily News. "This team has a chance to be better than those two teams."

Midway through the 2009 season, Reese is on record with this quote.

"We had some early injuries, but you make adjustments. And we'll get guys back. This team should have an opportunity. I think we have a chance. I'll be very disappointed if we don't play well."

Unfortunately, none of the changes on defense have helped. Again as in 2008, the defense has let this team down. So is it the players or coaches? This question will be answered after the season is over.

As the Giants close out Giants Stadium against the Carolina Panthers, will they play with passion or will they come out flat? As Ralph stated, the Giants had set the bar high for this season. This team was built to win now. Therefore, the onus is on the Giants and this coaching staff to win the next two games. And winning the next two games does not guarantee them a playoff berth. Then they will need help to get in. Getting help to make the playoffs was not on the Giants agenda for 2009. If they do not make the playoffs, changes have to be made. Let us hope it starts with Coughlin.

On the contrary, if the Giants do not make the playoffs, according to our poll, many readers think Coughlin should remain the Giants head coach. We would like to hear from you on why Coughlin should stick around.

Please opine in the comments section.

Miracle in Tampa: Super Bowl XXV

2009-12-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Great memories!

Merry Christmas to all!