Saturday, June 16, 2007

THE GIANTS ARE IN FOR A LONG SEASON

  • Eli Manning was picked off six times in mini-camp -- is that a lot? Sometimes a little context helps to explain these stats. Anyway, Newsday reports that the Giants offense is struggling so far, what with the inconsistency of Manning, the retirement of Tiki Barber, and the uncertainty about who will be playing left tackle. The Giants are going to be in for a rough season, I'm afraid. I actually think Manning is a better QB than most people give him credit for -- the stats say he's middle of the pack -- and that he'll improve this year, with an underrated group of receivers who have essentially added two new pieces in Sinorice Moss (injured most of last season) and Steve Smith, the rookie out of USC. But they are going to miss Barber more than they could ever imagine, and I just don't see the combination of Brandon Jacobs (a situational back) and Reuben Droughns (the worst back in the entire league last year) being productive at all, and their inability to be able to run the ball is going to doom them, no matter how many people are impressed with rookie Ahmad Bradshaw. Just watch. As for their defense, Paul Schwartz of the Post has a report on new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system and how the players are adapting.

  • The Jets, on the other hand, seem to be in good hands with Thomas Jones carrying the load. They are also expecting big things from newly acquired Kenyon Coleman.

  • Joe Staley, one of my favorite rookies -- I think he steps in and makes an immediate impact -- gets some work with the first team at right tackle.

  • Gregg Williams may have simplified the Redskins defensive scheme, but how does not adding any significant help to a terrible defensive line help matters?

  • Michael Huff and Donovin Darius would make for a pretty good safety combination in Oakland if it ever happened.


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