Today we have a LTTE/ ATO combo.
Was I the only IF reader bemused by Ian O'Connor's scathing blast at Jeremy Shockey in the Bergen Record just before the Super Bowl? Shockey is, of course, a jerk of the first order, and it wasn't news to any of us that he drove most people in the Giants organization nuts before he got traded. Just can't help wonder about what sparked the O'Connor piece. Any ideas, Pat? That Jeremy talked like Mr. Team Player after the Saints' win didn't surprise me; what got me was that so many Saints' players seem to agree with him. Well, nothing succeeds like success, they say. – David L.
David, I didn’t read the article in question so I’m not in a position to comment.
An open letter to Perry Fewell: Welcome to the New York Giants, but I�m afraid you have your work cut out for you. The defense you are inheriting is in shambles, is totally lacking any leadership, and not only lacks quality starters but is also very thin for backup players. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Meet in person with Osi. Find out what his problem was last year, and see if there�s any way you can turn him back into a productive player. If you get any attitude from him at all, go directly to Jerry Reese and express your desire to unload him.
2. Meet with Antonio Pierce to see if he has a burning desire to play another year. If so, let�s plan on giving him that chance since our linebacking corps is among the very worst in the NFL. Plan on trading or drafting for at least two linebackers, because other than Michael Boley, you�ve got squat.
3. Your defensive front four is aging and/or coming off injuries. Justin Tuck and Barry Cofield are keepers, and Kiwanuka is a decent player if you can figure out what position he�s best at. Canty is an unknown factor. He was awful this past season, but maybe if he�s healthy next year he could contribute. Still, you need a solid nose tackle and some depth on the line.
4. Your defensive backfield is thin�real thin. Corey Webster is a decent corner, and Aaron Ross might be a starter if he can get and stay healthy. Terrell Thomas could be OK. Other than that, you need to find 2-3 new corners to fill out the roster. At safety, things are even worse. If Kenny Phillips can come back healthy, that�s one. Bruce Johnson shows promise, so that�s two. Now you need to find two more out there somewhere.
5. Find a leader. If Pierce plays another year, he�s probably the guy. If not, I have no idea who might be willing to take on that responsibility. There are so many holes to fill, I�m afraid you�re going to have to shape your defense around the �strengths� of the players you�re stuck with. There is very limited talent on this defense, so tailoring your defense around what each player is reasonably capable of doing is likely going to be your best choice.
Finally, be fearless and be confident. There have been some really BAD defensive coordinators here over the past 10 years, so there�s really only one way to go. – John K.
John, I’m sitting here chuckling over your letter. Not for nothing, but maybe these thoughts have already crossed Perry Fewell’s mind and/or have already been done and realized?
ASK THE OFFICIAL
Toward the end of the game, the Saints intercepted. There was an offensive interference on the play, the Colts were penalized 10 yds. Why weren't the Saints given the option of declining the penalty and keeping the ball? – Gerry P.
Having watched the game during a party, I am not sure what play you are questioning. If the Colts committed OPI and the Saints intercepted the pass, they would have been given the option of declining the penalty and keeping the ball. I don't believe that it occurred the way that you have indicated. If you are talking about the play that occurred with 1:33 left, that pass was ruled incomplete.
