Programming Note: This is the last batch of LTTE before the holidays. I’ll run one more batch on Saturday if I have enough to run a column; otherwise, expect the next batch of letters on Monday.
I might have missed it in prior issues, but have you reported any update on the progress for Kenny Phillips' knee? He is obviously missed back there at safety. Ditto for Alford, who provided some pass rush from DT spot. Any chance the Giants pick up a deep kickoff specialist for the roster instead of a fourth TE? Is Barden making any headway in his development? – Gino P.
I believe I had it as a note in a blog entry. And no on the deep kickoff specialist; the new tight end takes the place of Darcy Johnson, who was placed on IR today. Re: Barden, he’s not progressing as quickly as they had hoped, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bust just yet. I do think this year is a washout for him.
Do you think the giants might look to try the 3-4 d formation in the next yr? Seems like a good way to get Osi, Kiwi and Sintim all on the field together while Pierce/Goff and Boley patrol the middle. Despite the Washington game our d line has struggled getting pressure and we continue to struggle with TE's and backs getting free in the middle of the field. That forces our safety problems exposing the deep balls. That or a real attempt to make the 5-1-5 work are going to be necessary soon in my opinion. The top 10 offenses are just killing everyone in the league right now and I think it will take some drastic experimentation to find a way to curb that in the future. – Chris W.
I doubt it. Besides, it’s too soon to be talking about next year. I do think that a healthier defensive group will go a long way towards solving some of the problems they’ve been having.
Great game. For some reason, I was very optimistic about the Giants winning, but never thought it would be a blowout. However, the defense still had some lapses and gave up big plays. The 46 yarder to Moss at the end of the half was very poor. And Boley missed a tackle on the RB that resulted in a 50 yard catch and run. (Yes, Boley made the tackle for the stat sheet, but he should have held it to a 10 yard pickup.) The key was the DL pressure. Let's hope their performance was a reflection on their better play rather than the Skin's ineptitude. I think the Giants will beat Carolina, so everything will come down to the final week. Shouldn't have come to this, but at least they still have a chance. – Mike M.
Thanks Mike.
I was wondering how you analyze each player in a game. – Larry C.
Larry, Inside Football is credentialed to attend the games. We divide the various units up into assignments, e.g. one guy takes the pit, another the backfield, another the secondary, etc. This way we can get as many eyes as possible on each play.
Based on the information that’s gathered during the week, mainly injuries and personnel deployment, we use that when evaluating a guy’s performance. For example, if a blocker seems to be off his mark, if we know he has a shoulder injury, we factor that in.
We look at the network tape to make sure we didn't miss anything during our initial look-see (I use binoculars to watch the plays).
Finally, as a game is in progress, we make a list of notes that pop up during a game, and afterwards, we try to get to as many players to answer those questions.
The entire coaching staff is only availasble three times a year -- before training camp, once in the spring and once during the bye week. The coordinators, though, are available weekly as per NFL media rules.
