I can't understand all the doom and gloom I am still hearing about the NYGiants - and the accusations that this is a talentless team. I did an exercise to name 12 players on the Giants that excite me -- the rest of you -- name your own - here goes mine:
Eli Manning
Eli Manning is still the most exciting player on the NY Giants to me. Ever since he’s stepped on the field I have gotten the sense that the Giants are for real and they always have a chance to win. Eli is a playmaker and the consummate professional – He always seems prepared to play when he’s out there – no matter what the circumstances. He has not only taken the Giants on two magical runs – but he has managed to have a string of exciting games in every season he has played. I believe that his best is still yet to come and that we has a couple more playoff runs in him, and I thank god every day that he is a NY Giant.
Odel Beckham Jr
What can I say other than OBJ is a sensation – a wide receiver on a level that we have never seen on the NY Giants before. He has mad game changing ability and talent and is a touchdown or first down waiting to happen on every play he’s out in the field. He’s go the sizzle and desire and the skill set to match - and with Eli Manning to throw to him – he’s got everything going for him.
Shane Vereen
Shane Vereen is a missing piece that the Giants added this year – he can catch, he can block and he can carry the rock and make tough yards. He’s a missing piece because the Giants Offensive Playbook under Coach MacAdoo requires use of the screen pass – and Shane Vereen is going to give the Giants a strong Screen pass option and game – a new dimension that it hasn’t had in the past. He’s proven under fire that he can produce when the game is on the line.
Larry Donnell
Larry Donnell is hard working big pass catching option that lumbers up the seam. He typifies the blue lunch pail player that has been part and parcel of the NY Giants success in their long and storied tradition. This year he shows up to work after having a full season under his belt and a hunger to prove that he can be the #1 NY Giants Tight End Option. This is a guy that makes the tough catches and last year – just needed to learn how to land and you can be sure that he’s spent the entire off season perfecting that skill. Never mind Ruben Randle and Victor Cruz – this pass catcher is even more important – there’s 7 potent potential passing options on third downs for the Giants: Beckham, Randle, Cruz, Vereen, Jennings, Harris and Donnell – that is an awesome set of player options – and you can’t even have all of them on the field at the same time. He is why Cruz is not a critical part of the puzzle, but a luxury we hope will eventually return.
Ereck Flowers
Ereck Flowers is a Giant. Plain and simple. A big powerful man with a nasty streak in him that is going to fire up the Offensive line. The NY Giants offensive line is set up this year to dominate. They have added pieces over the past three years that have turned this line from a weakness to an asset – They already had Beatty – who is a better player than most fans give him credit for – enter Pugh, then Schwartz and Richburg, and now Flowers – Flowers is the crown jewel to this group – he already turning heads on the blue lunch bucket crew. This addition will not only assist Eli Manning in pass protection – but more importantly will assist the NY Giants in establishing a power run game, and a screen game – both of which they must establish to be a dominant Offense.
Andre Williams
Andre Williams is muscle ripped true power runner. What has he been missing? He’s been missing a cohesive Offensive line to run behind - Guess what – This year he’s got it – and he’s going to be a battering ram runner for us. He has demonstrated production – he has been patiently developing – this year with an intact Offensive line – he is going to burst into the scene and become a 1000 yd running back for us. He’s going to win the hard yards and the goal line – bursting through with the needed yard.
Dwayne Harris
Dwayne Harris is a proven multipronged threat for the NY Giants – He’s a power hitter – a decisive runner and he’s got great hands. He’s not just a returner – he’s a third down threat – both in the screen game and the passing game. Put this guy on the field and he’s a T-Bone Playa – he’s under rated by most around here – but I’ve got a news flash for you – this guy is gonna make things happen. He’s an X-Factor that is going to send ripples through the Giants Offense
Jonathan Hankins
When you pair a 6’4” 346 lb Kendrick Ellis with a 6’ 2’ 320 lb player like Jonathan Hankins – you have clogged the middle of the field – and with his demonstrated toughness and athleticism – he becomes a new facet to the pass rushing threat of the Giants Defensive line. Never mind the rest of the line – Ellis is going to free Hankins up and make him a disruption on the Defensive front line. Spags is going to utilize these two – into a weapon we’ve never seen before coming out of the center – he is going to plunder the opposition all season long
JPP
JPP is in the best shape he’s ever been since joining the Giants. The Giants made the right choice this year – they asked JPP to prove it – and he is going to prove it. He is the most athletic, most dynamic player on the Defensive line – he is part of the forest that mystified Tom Brady in the 2012 Superbowl and he is out to prove that he is a force deserving the $100 million contract. With the aggression of the Defense ratcheted up this year – and with his Giant size, invigorated explosive strength and extra long reach - look to JPP to be a stand out disruptive force this year that sees action all along the line this year.
Landon Collins
Landon Collins is probably the most under-rated player ever coming out of a draft. He was a top 10 football player in this years draft in my book. This guy is a footballer. He’s fierce, he’s disruptive, he’s versatile, and he lays the wood. Forget about the box player everyone has been labeling him as, this guy is the missing link in stopping the run that the Giants haven’t had in the past two years, and mark my words, he’s going to become the leader of the defense.
Owa O-diggy-zu-wa
I don’t expect Owa to be a starter this year – but he’s an amazing physical specimen that is going to make a number of explosive appearances this year and show us flashes of his amazing potential sizzle. He’s going to impact Special teams and he’s going to play a bit role on the line that disrupts the game. This is not a Damontre Moore – this is a much more intelligent and gifted athlete with a will to be on the field and to be effective. This kid is going to fire the Special Teams up, and fire the Defensive line up when he’s on the field. He will add another dimension to the forest that mystifies Tom Brady on the D-Line.
DRC/Prince Amukamara
I have these two listed as one exciting guy – Why? Because not withstanding anything to the contrary – these two Cornerbacks are both great players and excel in pass coverage – the issue in the backfield has boils down to two things – can Truman McBride play at a high level all season and man the slot – and can these two be healthy – if they can – in concert with the invigorated Dline – and the new Defensive management the Giants will have not just a good defense – but a great defense.
Let me add Two Bonus Names into the mix here to make this a Bakers Dozen:
MacAdoo and Spagnuola the Offensive and Defensive Coordinators
In a league with parity - great coaching makes a difference. This is the first year that, going into a season, where I feel a charge – a power surge – calling the shots on both sides of the ball. I am going to say it right here and right now: these are the two best Coordinators Tom Coughlin ever hired! He pulled both of them from obscurity to the forefront of football, and together they are going to form one of the great coaching trios in football. I believe this, and I think the Giants personnel as currently made up will give them both some fuel to fire on all cylinders.
The key is – stay healthy boys – I’m begging you !
That’s my story and I’m Sticking to it – Go GiantS!!!
True dat and THAT is what excites me, the thought of consistency..
My sentiments 'zactly."
That's right and I still don't see why he gets so much s**t on this board.
Joe, great call on Kennard..I'm excited(and hopeful) to watch his improvement under Spags
Injuries and how well they can get around it..still a off season or two to get it up to par imho
Every year the same thing happens.....Giants fill holes at key positions and on paper, it all looks so promising, until you end the year with 22....yes...TWENTY-TWO player on IR....smh
Good job yourself Joe -- I forgot Kennard. In my mind the LBs do not need to be spectacular -- they just need to be adequate -- but Kennard has shown flashes that he may be real special and therefore another exciting player - you are adding fuel to my fire - Yeah BabY!!
OBJ - Even with a sophomore slump, I'm looking to be amazed again.
Collins - I agree he may be the best pick for the Giants. I like a smart, physical safety with a chip on his shoulder.
McAdoo - I like his rapport with Eli and I think he'll do well with his new toys (Cruz back, Vereen).
Spags - With our DL, I really think he can make the Giants pass rush feared again. I'd love for the Giants to smack Romo around like a rag doll on opening night.
With that said, I'm excited to see Moore with Spags as his DC. I think an overlooked aspect of the improved pass rush the last couple months of 2014 was the increased playing time for Moore. With a competent DC, I think we're looking at 8+ sacks from Moore in 2015.
2. Spags - Folks will be surprised how much "talent" is on the defense now that he is back.
3. Collins - He should really help the Run D. Looking forward to seeing him roam the field.
he was the first pick of the second round. he was the 33rd player selected. not too much room for being the most underrated.
With that said, I'm excited to see Moore with Spags as his DC. I think an overlooked aspect of the improved pass rush the last couple months of 2014 was the increased playing time for Moore. With a competent DC, I think we're looking at 8+ sacks from Moore in 2015.
giants in all fairness -- there are really 15 names up there including the two coaches and thirteen players i named -- but in theory I named the huber twelve player as two players - then # thirteen is both coaches
Thomas, Beason, Kennard. They have more promise than any group of LB we've had for a while. They could make life tough on opposing offenses.
Selvie, Ayers. Kiwi is gone and these are the leading candidates to replace him. Selvie was better than Kiwi last year and Ayers as well in limited reps. The LDE must at least be solid.
Cooper Taylor. He was doing as well if not better than any safety in camp last year. With Collins they could make the Giants safeties a very strong unit.
Health is even more important on the defensive side with Beason, Prince, DRC and JPP. If those guys can stay healthy for the most part (meaning not missing extended, long periods of time), I think this defense has the talent to AT LEAST be average. Couple that with what this offense can be, and you have the makings for a very solid team.
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Not 12?
With that said, I'm excited to see Moore with Spags as his DC. I think an overlooked aspect of the improved pass rush the last couple months of 2014 was the increased playing time for Moore. With a competent DC, I think we're looking at 8+ sacks from Moore in 2015.
giants in all fairness -- there are really 15 names up there including the two coaches and thirteen players i named -- but in theory I named the huber twelve player as two players - then # thirteen is both coaches
Actually, if you just split DRC/Prince you would've had your Bakers Dozen (excluding the coaches). :)
Landon Collins is probably the most under-rated player ever coming out of a draft.
he was the first pick of the second round. he was the 33rd player selected. not too much room for being the most underrated.
pj - La'el Collins was not under-rated - he was red flagged due to other that football influence
Landon Collins should have been a top ten pick and was not red-flagged -- he was miscast as an only in the box safety with limited skills -- which is bullspit
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I'm not saying it's not true, but La'el Collins was a UDFA, but Landon Collins is underrated?
Landon Collins is probably the most under-rated player ever coming out of a draft.
he was the first pick of the second round. he was the 33rd player selected. not too much room for being the most underrated.
pj - La'el Collins was not under-rated - he was red flagged due to other that football influence
Landon Collins should have been a top ten pick and was not red-flagged -- he was miscast as an only in the box safety with limited skills -- which is bullspit
fair enough, but you're still allotting 23 or so spots as the most underrated player. I think that's too little.
he went 33 and you're saying he should have been top 10.
I'm pretty sure there's some hyperbole there and there will be a player drafted in the 4th or 5th round that has 1st round talent like a Richard Sherman that better meets the superlative.
Fair enough hitdog -- but I maintain this line has taken on the piece/spark it needed to become special -- and I believes this will happen -- but as a premise I believe you are correct -- Williams needs a line to run behind to become exciting
KWALL - I have no problem with that - I sure hope that's the case
We were terrible against the run. True. But we we're most terrible against the run with the lack of contain. I can still see Wilson of Seattle, needing three yards for a first down and going around end with absolutely nobody to stop him for twenty or thirty yards. He did it again and again. It was sickening. Then other QB's did it again and again. THAT WILL END WITH SPAGS.
Devon Kennard
Kerry Wynn
Landon Collins
Ereck Flowers
Double O
Larry Donnell
Shane Vereen (he's known but now he's in a new system)
Ruben Randle ( very curious about this kid)
Jon Hankins (good player may be great player still young)
Damontre Moore
Andre Williams
Richburg
Pugh
There's a lot of young talent on this team. Think about this roster...find one position that is littered or even sprinkled with aging talent. You can't outside of maybe MLB and Kennard may be the future Mike anyway...
The Giants are clearly on the way up unless you're convinced that this regime can't identify, nurture and coach up young talent. I for think they still can and will.
Like the stuff on Harris. Agree about him making an impact with the short passing game. He is a very strong runner. They need to get him the ball on screens. I think they will use him like the OC used WR Cobb a few years back in GB. Cobb had a ton of behind the LOS stuff. They should do the same with Harris.
Eli to Beckham has a chance to be Brady - Moss or Steve Young to Rice. It could be THAT good in 2015. It was nearly that good last year in 12 games and that offense was a work in progress to say the least.
If I am trying to land a steal at QB I am going with Eli. He might have a special season with Beckham. The signs are there. 2nd year in this offense one that saw Eli play well in year one despite some growing pains. Mega star at WR. Decent options at TE and 2WR. Improved OL but the running game probably won't vulture much of the offense so the Giants will have to throw to compete. And throw they will.
Eli to Beckham could be historically good this season. That's not a stretch if you watched this team last year.
But, they're another offseason of infusion from contender imv. Need more talent at FS, nickel CB, need youngsters like Odi, Flowers, and Collins to quickly develop and make an impact.
It's the lack of impact at DE, WR (other than OB), and losing the battles on both sides of the LOS that must turned around in order for the team to ascend more quickly.
You left out the one thing that excites me the most about this team and that is our HC Tom. I don't believe there is a coach in the league as dedicated to his craft and improving it as TC is. With him leading this team I will always feel like we have a shot to win.
You left out the one thing that excites me the most about this team and that is our HC Tom. I don't believe there is a coach in the league as dedicated to his craft and improving it as TC is. With him leading this team I will always feel like we have a shot to win.
nicky -- Good point about Tom Coughlin - and I concur with you -- I agree with you about the injury thing -- however -- we've had league leading injury lists for two years running and hopefully that turns around this year -- Richburg will be fine : )
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I agree with almost all of what your said about these exciting players, however, you may be a bit to 'gidie' for the o-line. Yes, we have made some improvements there but we are still one injury away from it being in bad shape. And that is assuming that Richburgh turns out to be a good center (still unproven) and Flowers can come in a be a great starting RT at this level. We need Beatty and Schwartz to stay healthy too.
You left out the one thing that excites me the most about this team and that is our HC Tom. I don't believe there is a coach in the league as dedicated to his craft and improving it as TC is. With him leading this team I will always feel like we have a shot to win.
nicky -- Good point about Tom Coughlin - and I concur with you -- I agree with you about the injury thing -- however -- we've had league leading injury lists for two years running and hopefully that turns around this year -- Richburg will be fine : )
I too like to think the odds are in favor of us having a healthy year because I don't believe something the Giants are doing wrong is causing all these injuries. I also agree that Richbugh should be ok. You are so right about how bad we have been missing the short game Vereen can bring us too. It will be exciting to see the many ways they can use him.
Well done, my son.
However, much of the rest of the time he's making basic fundamental errors game in and out, frustrating the coaches, and getting himself benched. If he indeed turned the light bulb on versus the Rams, now he must keep it on. THEN, you've got yourself an above average NFL WR (who will probably price himself off the team).
If Richburg isnt an upgrade over Walton, then Richburg would be a huge bust of a draft-pick. He was a 2nd round draft-pick and was touted as one of the best C's (if not the best) in last years draft. Walton was one of the worst C's in the league last year. Would be VERY disappointing if Richburg wasnt a big improvement over Walton right away.
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love your list, only player I would like to add to it is Kennard, think we are going to start seeing the return of some much better LB play. Also looking forward to what Thomas brings to the table.
Joe, great call on Kennard..I'm excited(and hopeful) to watch his improvement under Spags
Thanks Doc, missing our Albany get-togethers. Hope you are well. No doubt I am looking forward to much improved LB play. Think between Kennard the FAs we brought in lot's to be excited about.
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love your list, only player I would like to add to it is Kennard, think we are going to start seeing the return of some much better LB play. Also looking forward to what Thomas brings to the table.
Good job yourself Joe -- I forgot Kennard. In my mind the LBs do not need to be spectacular -- they just need to be adequate -- but Kennard has shown flashes that he may be real special and therefore another exciting player - you are adding fuel to my fire - Yeah BabY!!
Thanks Gidie! It's been a while since our time in Albany. I agree LBs don't have to be spectacular, just solid mediocre would help make the DEF unit much improved. I think this group can do that providing most of them stay healthy.
Although I see he's mentioned in at least one response to the OP, good.
Not to miller, but did you ever go to Sardinia or Corsica? I missed it if you did.
Not to miller, but did you ever go to Sardinia or Corsica? I missed it if you did.
Thanks Zig,
I LoLed because I actually rewrote this piece for Eric and added Kennard and Coughlin more prominently because I thought they were good points of hope.
I purposely did not put in players that had serious injury issues or intelligence or work ethic issues.
We had to cancel our plans to go to Sardinia -- it was a bummer but other things came up with the family.
We are actually planning a trip to Tuscany this September which I hope to finalize this week.
part to OBJ .
The run game will emerge with Flowers and hopefully
a healthy Swartz .
Will Bromely be the 3rd rounder that will improve the
rotation while adding youth .
Eli poised for a Big Year with Vereen as a perfect check
down back .
Donnell continues to improve a solves his ball security
issues . With to stud Corners and a Stud young saety
and two promising young Players with Taylor and Behre .
McBride looked to be a decent slot CB .
Harries is a stud special all around special teamer
weatherford needs to bounce back and Brown be solid .
We have Great coaches who know what it takes to get
there . I am amped up for this season .!!!
The wife and I loved Tuscany. Enjoy, gidiefor!
Doomster. I'm waiting for your rebuttal!
I miss you all and wish there was a way we could gather somewhere, somehow at training camps, sit, bullshit, watch the team, have a few beers and go home happy.
I'm with you though. Injuries are the wildcard. Maybe we'll catch a break for once.