Getting caught up with some readers thoughts about the Pro Bowl, PSLs, player celebrations, and more.
I totally disagree with Phil G's opinion about the Giants being "below average" in signing their key players. All of the players he mentioned were average to slightly above average starters who were nice to have around, but not complete players . When it comes to keeping our bread and butter players (Barber, Strahan, Manning) the Giants have been quite proficient at recognizing those priorities and maintaining the salary cap enough to afford them. – Jeff H.
Excellent point Jeff, about signing their core players.
Last week the Official made some observations and I'd like to comment on them from a Giant fan's perspective. So, here goes:
1.) JR getting all sorts of love...All the Giant fans "love" him because of his first draft as GM. Remember, all but one of those draft choices contributed significantly to the SB winning season. The "love' will likely wane soon.
2.) Rex Ryan's comments on the new stadium...I agree completely with the Official on this one. It WILL belong to BOTH teams. As a matter of fact, if the Colts win the SB, I fully expect the Giants to open the season at Indianapolis at the Thursday night game ("Manning vs. Manning").
3.) Negative & pejorative names for other teams...I don't understand this except in the case of the Cowboys. Once Tom Landry retired, the Cowboys lost a lot of their class. Once JJ bought the team, they lost all of it. The entire franchise reeks from a sense of superiority even though they haven't done much for over 10 years. It infests its way all the way down to the players too. I was at the game in December. After the Cowboys scored a go-ahead TD early in the second half, while lining up for the KO, the Cowboy players were actually taunting the fans in the stands! Unbiased observers like the Official can't understand this hatred for a team. But, that Dallas organization can really get under our skin.
4.) Joe Buck & Troy Aikman...Personally, I just don't like their broadcasting style. They just seem to be biased in their reporting. I really like "the Moose & the Goose" and their broadcasting partner. They seem, to me, to be more relaxed and to be calling an unbiased game. But, that's just me. Other people prefer Buck & Aikman. Like the old expression goes, "Thst's why they make vanilla & chocolate." I do think, however, that some of the animus comes from Aikman's once being a Cowboy. I think that's just part of the hatred of Dallas.
5.) Red Shirts...I really don't know why everyone hates them. I like to see them on occasion. As a matter of fact, the first Giant game I attended in the Polo Grounds they wore red jerseys. If you look at the history of Giant uniforms, you'll find red as the predominant color in may uniforms prior to 1956.
6.) I don't care about the Pro Bowl. But, when a Giant player is recognized for his good play by being awarded a berth, it is a thing of pride for the fans.
7.) PSLs...I think they are definitely unfair, especially for those season ticket holders who have held on since the Polo Grounds. They should've been grandfathered into their seats. Just one Giant fan's opinion... – Jim V.
Thanks Jim. I also found myself agreeing with a number of the Ref’s points.
Loved your five reasons for hating the Pro Bowl, Pat; and this one (yawn!)was a case in point. The NFL simply must reschedule it for after the Super Bowl. Always enjoy Frank A.'s letters, and his latest about players madly celebrating what they're paid to do as if they'd split the atom drives me nuts -- and reminds me of Bruce Coslet's great story about him and Paul Brown in the '60s: As a rookie, Coslet got into a preseason game in garbage time when the Bengals where just hammering some team. He caught an easy TD pass(from Kenny Anderson?)in blown coverage and proceeded to carry on in the endzone -- rare in those days. As he jogged back to the bench, Brown fixed Coslet with a steely glare and snapped: "Kid, if you ever get in there again, act like you've been there before." I think that riposte may have been used before and has been since, but Coslet agreed it fit the crime -- of not acting like a professional. – David L.
I agree David,, but then again, I can understand the excitement a player feels. It’s only natural.
