Train-a Thought

Letters to the Editor: September 1, 2010

Two questions why do the Giants keep Moss ? Who always seems to be injured. What do they see in him ? Any thought on D Ward coming back> -- Tom B.

Letters to the Editor: August 30, 2010

Some final thoughts from the readers about the 24-10 loss against Baltimore.

Letters to the Editor: August 29, 2010

I have to admit that after watching last night's New Orleans and San Diego game I share a lot of Ted M's concerns from his letter of 8/27. This third preseason game is supposed to be about having both units play at least three quarters to get everyone tuned up and headed in the same direction. Impossible with all our injuries.

Letters to the Editor: August 28, 2010

More from Haywood...

Letters to the Editor: August 27, 2010

A few years ago the only football sites i followed were nfl.com and giants.com. I got tired of the waiting game for new articles and decided to look for another site. So I googled "giants" or something like that and this site came up. I was not sure if i should click on it due to the fact that the title had nothing to do with the giants,but i did and I have been glad to read your articles for almost 3 years now(I swear i have been meaning to subscribe) So my question is, why the title Inside Football and not something like Inside Giants football.com? -- <arl J.

Mark, when the paper was first founded back in the 1970s, the original editor sought permissiont o use “Giants” in the title, and was denied.  In the 1990s, when the paper was sold, we again sought to incorporate the term "Giants" in there, but were denied so because we value our relationship with the organization, we kept things as they first were, but have the tagline, “For the BEST Informed Giants fan.”

Pat, I know it's a small sampling but I'm encouraged by some of the things I've seen in the preseason. Most people are focusing on the injuries and the offensive line shuffling. But here's some things I've picked up.

There success running inside the 10 yd line, the defensive secondary of the starters, the competitiveness despite missing a number of starters. The other thing I was impressed with was I don't know the last time I saw a running back take off from the 3 yd line and get into the end zone the way Brown did the other night. What are your thoughts? – Kevin L.

I think you’re spot-on Kevin. People tend to get swept up on the injuries but wht they fail to realize is that it’s preseason and this is the time of year that you WANT to be cautious with injuries. I’d rather a guy sit out a preseason game than not be available for the regular season, wouldn’t you?

I have been a subscriber to Inside Football since it first began...well over 25 years ago. Those were the days before email, and even before most people had computers. The weekly issues were printed in blue ink and mailed out to subscribers the day after the game, so we generally had to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday's mail to get the post game issues. The reason Inside Football was printed in blue ink is because in those days, "photocopiers" typically couldn't copy the color blue. Hence, less "pirating" of each issue.

The original Editor, Dr. L, didn't have a web site to worry about and therefore never had the constant dilemma that the current Editor had, namely, to limit the amount of free information given out so the paid newsletter can at least meet expenses.

To meet the expenses of the web site and all the time and travel, a certain level of income is required. I don't want to single out Haywood J. because his recent remarks are repeated on a fairly regular basis by any number of letter writers. He, like so many others, probably doesn't understand the complete working structure of the Inside Football organization. I hope this letter helps.

The Editor of this publication does her best to answer questions, and gives out a lot of free information to people who don't spend a dime to help her compile that information. Obviously that's OK with her. However, when the occasion arises, as it often does, that she feels she should not answer, or fully answer, a question I think it's grossly unfair for her to be chastised or second guessed. She's just trying to make what I'm sure is a humble living doing something she's passionate about, and very good at. Please - let's all cut her some slack! – John K.

John, thank you for your letter. You are correct in that we do rely on subscription fees to cover the expenses associated with covering this team, and coming off a losing season, the numbers do tend to dip. Travel is not cheap, folks and in order to do this right, it’s a necessary evil. And the ads we run on the site do not pay nearly as much as you’d think (or we’d like).

On a semi-related note, we have a little “Tip Jar” up that the top left corner of this page for those who appreciate the effort we put forth. The minimum donation is $2.00 (all donations can be made via PayPal) and there is no maximum.

Every little bit helps – for example, $20 covers a tank of gas for a full week of coverage at the stadium. I know times are tough and there is a ton of information out there on the team, but hopefully we bring something new to the dance that’s worthwhile. And when someone makes a nice donation, I usually send them some issues as a way of saying thanks.

I anxiously await the team assessment you reference as training camp winds to a close. I have the following fears (note that I have always been a Giants' pessimist, preferring to be surprised and even humiliated by my poor judgments if needed);

1. I said last year, that Aaron Ross may prove to be the Jose Reyes of the Giants. He just doesn't seem able to not hurt himself. Walking around in a boot with "plantar" is a bad sign, indeed, for a corner.

2. The Wisconsin draft pick hybrid (Beckum) was a poor choice from day 1. He may be a great player for someone like Dallas, but the Giants have never figured out how to use a "tight end/H back" who can't block.

3. I think there is a good chance the Giants will have to sign some discard to replace Sorgi. He needs to have the surgery and try again next year. In the meantime, I doubt they feel comfortable going with Rhett as the number 2. Maybe next year.

4. Manningham is beginning to look like a disappointment rather than a steal. He just doesn't seem to have a good head for the game.

5. I don't think Bear Pascoe is going to be great either. He is tough and well-named, but I don't think he is big/tough enough. And Boss still can't block and now one wonders if he'll ever be healthy. So I would not be surprised to see the Giants tapping the waiver board for help at that spot.

6. It is concerning that so many of our players wind up with groin tweaks of one degree or another ( Canty, Pierre, etc ). And as I watch our injury list grow daily, I see no one from the Jets camp go down. This only bothers me because it may suggest our training regimens are lacking somewhere. Also, the length of time that O'Hara's ankle has been sore is worrisome. And this is a critical position where we have no one with experience behind him.

7. Clearly, the Giants were hoping for more growth from Beatty and Sintim. That's disappointing. But it does take some players until year 3 or 4 to " get it."

8. Hopefully the Andrews pick-up will provide real strength for the OL depth.

9. I also had high hopes for Bruce Johnson, after a fine rookie contribution from this FA. But he seems to have either not improved or regressed. Either of which does not bode well. Likely the pattern for most players not drafted.

10. Matt Dodge is a worry to everyone. Coach is displaying a lot of patience here. Hope it pays off.

11. Barden and Michael Johnson have disturbing injuries. Hopefully, they will be ok but there is a chance of a lost season for one or both. Barden will likely not star for us, but for someone else.

12. DJ Ware and the concussion; Shareff and the concussion. Not good. They are adding "multiples" to their medical charts.

13. I was bummed that the back-up fullback candidate got knocked out of the running so early. He looked interesting. Maybe practice squad.

14. Victor Cruz cannot be as good as he looked. We are never that lucky. Hope Eil has an easy game on Sat. I don't want to see that cut become a year long issue. All the best. – Ted M.

Ted, while I’ll admit to sharing a few of your concerns, once again you’re going overboard with your worries. Maybe I’m lying to myself, but things are never quite as bad as they seem nor are things quite as rosy. Let's see how it all plays out in the next two weeks before we write the season off. 

In response to Haywood J.s defense of my most question(s), I will say that I was a bit taken aback by the initial response as well. I've been a contributor to the LTTE section for several years now which I believe The Editor knows. I can assure the readers, that for the most part you will get an intelligent and sensitive response. Occasionally the Editor does uncork an unguided missile, but don't we all. – John F.

Thanks John. Nine times out of ten when I “uncork an unguided missile,” I probably should have quit working earlier because I'm tired. but you know me -- I don't knwo what the word "break" means.  <grin>

 

 

Letters to the Editor: Part II

 Some early morning letters.

Letters to the Editor: August 26, 2010

Ok, let me rephrase my question and pose another. If memory serves correctly, the Giants only had two QBs on the active roster last year. Let's say g-d forbid they both go down in the same game. Who goes in at QB? There's got to be "that guy" who is not a designated QB that is slated to go in and he likely has some QB exp in his background. Also, from a gadget play pov - is there a back for example that can throw a la Ladainian Tomlinson or Dave Megget back in the day? I think people would be interested to know this. – John F.

John, I’d have to go through the entire media guide to get that info and even then there's no guarantee that every player provided the information if even applicable. With that said, I believe Antrel Rolle and Corey Webster played QB in high school, but again, why even go there?  this team is banged up enough -- let's not put a hex on the QB position.

As for a gadget play involving a running back, no. I have not seen a running back toss the rock on this roster and unless Gilbride is cooking up something in the kitchen, I doubt we’d see this.

I have what I believe to be a rather simple question: with the pre-season now half over, does the IF staff feel better or worse about the team's prospects for the coming season than they did at the start of training camp? – John K.

I know we’re not liking some of these injuries that are happening and I personally have some different opinions about things I’ve seen that have surprised and disappointed. But the plan right now is to put together an article for the last issue outlining all that.

Letters to the Editor: August 25, 2010

With everyone worried about the MLB position, I think Goff is close to locking up this spot. I think we need to be more concerned with strong side linebacker. Clint Sintim have been invisible in games. With Kiwanuka and Osi getting snaps at linebacker, I think that is due Clint Sintim development. Sintim was drafted for knack to get to the quarterback. So why would he be taken off the field and bring another defensive end to bring a pass rush?

I don’t think Sintim is developing into the player the Giants want him to be. How would you rate his development so far? If Goff hold off Bullock for the MLB job, then Bullock might steal the SAM linebacker job from Sintim. Blackburn, Dilliard and Wilkinson could make a push for playing time also. The last two preseason games are crucial for Sintim. – donnel S.

Donnell, we’ve evaluated Sintim in the last three issues of Inside Football, so I don’t’ want to go down that path (the publisher would have my head if I gave that stuff away). With that said, I do think Goff has put up a good fight to retain the starting MLB spot.

Letters to the Editor: August 24, 2010

I read a good amount of practice reports and it seems that there are an inordinate amount times when passes are defensed against Manningham. It seems that he gets much less separation than he should for a person with his explosiveness, especially as compared to the other receivers. Is it just me or does he not get open as much as he should? – Kevin L.

I would agree with your opinion.

I beg to differ on the Nicks issue. I watched that replay many times and all I saw was Nicks defending himself from #21 throwing punches. He tried to block #21's swings by grabbing his jersey, as hockey players often do. I think it was a bad call and I'm surprised the Giants haven't said something. Then again, I could have missed something. But I sure don't think so. – Ted M.

Ted, the fact that Nicks put his hands on the opponent is what got him. The situation is over with (gee, I wish I cold say the same for that dude on the Jersey Shore and his 15 minutes of fame). Nicks has learned his lesson about retaliating and perhaps in the future he’ll just walk away.

I know the Giants just picked up Dominic Randolph off waivers, but watching the game on Saturday got me wondering - is there anyone else on the team that can throw the ball? I know many players in the league played QB in high school but then switched to another position in college. – John F.

I don’t think I understand what’s driving your question. Why on earth would you want to see another player at another position who threw the ball in high school play QB at this level?  

Letters to the Editor: August 23, 2010

Back in the day it was get "younger and faster" "Andrews, Bulluck, Rolle and Grant"?? This is a bad defensive team. Perhaps a very bad one. Now with a questionable OLine. This is still a defense made up, partially, of players that quit on the team last year.  – Jon S.

I don’t think the players quit last year. They were hurting, no question. They were trying to survive, but I wouldn’t’ say they quit, and I would venture to guess many of them would take exception to your statement.

How does this work? I assume Nicks will be fined for his ejection. Given this is just a pre-season game, is it possible the NFL could/would suspend him for a regular season game as well??? Thank you. -- George D. 

I doubt Nicks gets suspended. He’ll be fined, I’m sure.

Letters to the Editor: August 21, 2010

Letters to the Editor: August 19, 2010

Some  interesting letters in today's batch.

Letters to the Editor: August 17, 2010

Opinions galore as readers chime in with their thoughts about the Giants-Jets game.

Letters to the Editor: August 14, 2010

I agree with you that it is far too early to tell what will happen with the G-Men this season. Last year we were all concerned about the receiving core and that turned out to be one of the team's strengths. Personally, I think the Giants are going to surprise people and do very well. My question is where do you see Andre Brown? He showed so much promise before his injury but I do not feel like I have heard that much about him this year.  – Peter H.

It’s too soon to say with Brown as I need to see what he does in a couple of games. Practices only tell you so much.

Barring any major injuries, I feel the Offense & Defense(plus new DC) will have very decent seasons-I do have a concern with the STs though-new holder, punter & returners is not giving me a warm fuzzy feeling(hopefully, the preseason will answer that in a good way!)-what are your thoughts at this point on the all-important STs? – Roger B.

As I said above, once I see them in a game scenario with a rush and all, I’ll be better able to comment beyond what I laid out in the latest issue.

Letters to the Editor: August 13, 2010

It's Friday the 13th, and the injury bugaboos are leaving some readers spooked...