I know Halapio is dealing with his injury, but if healthy, will the Giants sign him back or will they go with Pulley, Gate, or Shane? If its between those 3 guys, who likely to start?
I know that Halapio took a lot of bad-mouthing here ....
And to be honest, he did stink - but so did everybody else on the O-line.
What did they all have in common - Hal Hunter. Everybody seemed lost because the protection plans were inept. Bottom-line, I think can (and has) competed at a high level, with good coaching.
RE: I know that Halapio took a lot of bad-mouthing here ....
And to be honest, he did stink - but so did everybody else on the O-line.
What did they all have in common - Hal Hunter. Everybody seemed lost because the protection plans were inept. Bottom-line, I think can (and has) competed at a high level, with good coaching.
Who do you think will start at Center for the Giants week 1?
I expect him back competing for the starting job. And his odds of winning it are as good as any of the other candidates. I think the hope is that LeMieux will take to the position change from guard, but it's wishful thinking in 2020. Pulley is the fail safe option. He is the last guy that they want winning the job.
He’s the lone reason why we can’t block the A gaps on stunts and blitzes. Their has been a huge fork in his back for a long time especially after his latest injury.
The team may be hoping that a better option emerges, but that’s unlikely to happen before the season starts. Until Halapio can pass a physical, he’s behind other long-shots like Lemieux. Even if he does sign a contract, it may not signify much. Aren’t the Giants on the hook for termination pay anyway, if the injury turns out to be career-ending?
Pio was nothing special. IMO he is a good backup, but not someone you want starting. Based on what I have read, he currently can't pass his physical. Don't know if the team will sign him when he is fully healthy, but I don't really see him as an upgrade over what's already on the roster.
The coaches have watched a lot of tape by now, if they didn’t think he could cut it, they would have signed another guy ... or they will sign someone before the season starts. Expecting Gates or Lemieux to change positions in this camp shortened year is not a reasonable plan and I can’t see Pio coming back and being the answer. Maybe they’re thinking to pickup a Dallas castoff ...
Halapio and Pulley have demonstrated their incompetence in repeated opportunities. Gates or Shane are pipe dreams about guys with little or no experience switching position and succeeding. Lemieux is more of that and a rookie to boot. We have to hope a vet center shakes loose or can be attained via trade or we will have another terrible center starting for us.
The coaches have watched a lot of tape by now, if they didn’t think he could cut it, they would have signed another guy ... or they will sign someone before the season starts. Expecting Gates or Lemieux to change positions in this camp shortened year is not a reasonable plan and I can’t see Pio coming back and being the answer. Maybe they’re thinking to pickup a Dallas castoff ...
You're applying a hopeful view here. There is also the possibility that they just don't place a very high priority on the center position in general.
The coaches have watched a lot of tape by now, if they didn’t think he could cut it, they would have signed another guy ... or they will sign someone before the season starts. Expecting Gates or Lemieux to change positions in this camp shortened year is not a reasonable plan and I can’t see Pio coming back and being the answer. Maybe they’re thinking to pickup a Dallas castoff ...
You're applying a hopeful view here. There is also the possibility that they just don't place a very high priority on the center position in general.
I can see DG maybe not thinking about center too much ... but Jason Garrett sure knows the value of a good one.
IMO. That should have been the time to really start investing in the Oline. He didn’t want to pay him. Richburg has been good with SF. I know he’s had some injuries to deal with, but he was starting to come into his own when we let him go. Anyway, I think DG likes Pio because he’s a Hog Mollie! He’s not very athletic, but he’s strong. I don’t know how a lineman like that would mesh with Garrett and Colombo’s blocking schemes?! The only guy that could possibly become the Center and beat out Pulley would be Gates, but it would be difficult for him being that he’s never done it before and that he has to help with the line calls. I se Pulley as the starter this year, at least for a good chunk of it, until he can prove he can’t get the job done or someone beats him out. Hopefully he succeeds, but I have my doubts and then the Giants will be focusing on Centers next year too.
Gala pop isn’t necessarily to blame for all that has ailed this offensive line, but it’s clear he wasn’t doing anything to help. We can’t have this guy starting another season. It’s negligence
IMO. That should have been the time to really start investing in the Oline. He didn’t want to pay him. Richburg has been good with SF. I know he’s had some injuries to deal with, but he was starting to come into his own when we let him go. Anyway, I think DG likes Pio because he’s a Hog Mollie! He’s not very athletic, but he’s strong. I don’t know how a lineman like that would mesh with Garrett and Colombo’s blocking schemes?! The only guy that could possibly become the Center and beat out Pulley would be Gates, but it would be difficult for him being that he’s never done it before and that he has to help with the line calls. I se Pulley as the starter this year, at least for a good chunk of it, until he can prove he can’t get the job done or someone beats him out. Hopefully he succeeds, but I have my doubts and then the Giants will be focusing on Centers next year too.
Richburg was always hurt, and although decent, his play did not justify what they would've had to pay him.
He’s the lone reason why we can’t block the A gaps on stunts and blitzes. Their has been a huge fork in his back for a long time especially after his latest injury.
No reason to bring him back.
100%
If Pio is the starting Center this team is stuck in Neutral
You can't move forward with him as the starter. He doesn't set the line of scrimmage and consistently gets pushed back whichs screws the rest of the line. We are going nowhere until we get an NFL caliber center. Pulley and Pio are not starting quality. Lemieux and Gates are unknowns but I think I would rather see what they can offer over Pio and Pulley. My hope is that Pio never suits up for the Giants again.
If we're lucky we'll never see halapio play for us again
Taking snaps without someone opposite him looking to crush him is not that good an indicator of how good he is. Has Gates played center in any game in his career?
Does it ever happen that an Olinemen other than center call the signals? If we go with one of the kids at center, could Ziegler take on the signal calling?
Taking snaps without someone opposite him looking to crush him is not that good an indicator of how good he is. Has Gates played center in any game in his career?
Sure hasn’t but I’m pretty sure he understands how to hit the guy in front of him. “Taking snaps” to a person or a hole in the wall is most likely the most important piece for him to get down I would think.
And the coaches have said he started that process last year anyway (pre-Covid) with humans in practice.
IMO. That should have been the time to really start investing in the Oline. He didn’t want to pay him. Richburg has been good with SF. I know he’s had some injuries to deal with, but he was starting to come into his own when we let him go. Anyway, I think DG likes Pio because he’s a Hog Mollie! He’s not very athletic, but he’s strong. I don’t know how a lineman like that would mesh with Garrett and Colombo’s blocking schemes?! The only guy that could possibly become the Center and beat out Pulley would be Gates, but it would be difficult for him being that he’s never done it before and that he has to help with the line calls. I se Pulley as the starter this year, at least for a good chunk of it, until he can prove he can’t get the job done or someone beats him out. Hopefully he succeeds, but I have my doubts and then the Giants will be focusing on Centers next year too.
Richburg was always hurt, and although decent, his play did not justify what they would've had to pay him.
Sometimes you have to pay a little to keep guys around. Non-the-less, the position hasn’t been addressed very well and it needs to be. It’s a critical position on the Oline. I don’t want to constantly see rushes up the gut getting DJ killed or not allowing him to step up.
RE: RE: RE: DG made a mistake getting rid of Richburg
IMO. That should have been the time to really start investing in the Oline. He didn’t want to pay him. Richburg has been good with SF. I know he’s had some injuries to deal with, but he was starting to come into his own when we let him go. Anyway, I think DG likes Pio because he’s a Hog Mollie! He’s not very athletic, but he’s strong. I don’t know how a lineman like that would mesh with Garrett and Colombo’s blocking schemes?! The only guy that could possibly become the Center and beat out Pulley would be Gates, but it would be difficult for him being that he’s never done it before and that he has to help with the line calls. I se Pulley as the starter this year, at least for a good chunk of it, until he can prove he can’t get the job done or someone beats him out. Hopefully he succeeds, but I have my doubts and then the Giants will be focusing on Centers next year too.
Richburg was always hurt, and although decent, his play did not justify what they would've had to pay him.
Sometimes you have to pay a little to keep guys around. Non-the-less, the position hasn’t been addressed very well and it needs to be. It’s a critical position on the Oline. I don’t want to constantly see rushes up the gut getting DJ killed or not allowing him to step up.
I have no problem letting Richburg go. He was consistently blown up at the POA once he was on film and teams saw how weak he was.
RE: If Pio is the starting Center this team is stuck in Neutral
Man, thank god my pops got me a 60 O'Hara custom made jersey (with a Rutgers patch I ironed on also!!) to drive home the point of how much a center means
They hope is ready and wins the position to start. I think they really like Gates. He's extremely versatile which is pretty valuable. I like Gates, Lemiuex and Murphy as the interior OL 3 to compete for 1 starting spot with the other 2 backing up.
I even consider Halapio. He has had trouble staying healthy. But, even when healthy there is nothing he has done with the Giants or before that indicates starter quality. He has been downright terrible. I don't think Pulley is a very good OC, but his level of play has been better than Halapio's each of the last 2 seasons.
That said, I would not plan on Pulley starting. I would go into pre-season/camp/whatever abbreviated practice schedule we have with him in contention, but I am most interested in seeing Gates at OC. I would not be handing the job to either, but would start with Gates having a leg up because I think he is a better overall OL than Pulley. I would also consider any and all FA I think are a better immediate option. Halapio would not be on that short list under any circumstances.
But he just ruptured his achilles. He’s 300+ pounds, moving non stop on his ankle and blocking 300+ pound men trying to get Jones on the ground... It is not worth the potential risk to Jones.
I would feel better about the state of the offensive line
If Halapio replaces Pulley on the roster or at least in the starting lineup. Ideally Halapio would only be a stopgap until Lemieux or Gates are ready to assume the starting role or they acquire an upgrade.
I am not suggesting that Halapio is a great player but he is noticeably better than Pulley. Obviously that is not difficult but at least he is more stout at the point of attack. Gettleman and the old staff saw something in him. Perhaps Colombo, Judge, Garrett, etc will get something out of him.
RE: I would feel better about the state of the offensive line
If Halapio replaces Pulley on the roster or at least in the starting lineup. Ideally Halapio would only be a stopgap until Lemieux or Gates are ready to assume the starting role or they acquire an upgrade.
I am not suggesting that Halapio is a great player but he is noticeably better than Pulley. Obviously that is not difficult but at least he is more stout at the point of attack. Gettleman and the old staff saw something in him. Perhaps Colombo, Judge, Garrett, etc will get something out of him.
Plley is no great shakes, but how in the Hell is Halapio noticibly better? Every time he went down with an injury and Pulley played, the OL looked jsut a little better.
RE: RE: I would feel better about the state of the offensive line
If Halapio replaces Pulley on the roster or at least in the starting lineup. Ideally Halapio would only be a stopgap until Lemieux or Gates are ready to assume the starting role or they acquire an upgrade.
I am not suggesting that Halapio is a great player but he is noticeably better than Pulley. Obviously that is not difficult but at least he is more stout at the point of attack. Gettleman and the old staff saw something in him. Perhaps Colombo, Judge, Garrett, etc will get something out of him.
Plley is no great shakes, but how in the Hell is Halapio noticibly better? Every time he went down with an injury and Pulley played, the OL looked jsut a little better.
Two years ago when Pulley entered the lineup so did Jamon Brown who was a huge upgrade over Greco at RG. The line played much better because of Brown not Pulley.
Last season I was among the posters who wanted Pulley to get a chance to replace Halapio. When Halapio went down and Pulley was inserted I quickly saw why Pulley was on the bench. He actually looked worse than the season before. Pulley struggles mightily against power and he is constantly pushed back into the pocket.
Again let's hope that Gates opens the season at center.
of two seasons ago is fair, and I'm still not sure why we were so quick to get rid of Brown. He wasn't perfect by any means, but he was serviceable, would have made for good depth in what passes for same these days.
RE: RE: RE: I would feel better about the state of the offensive line
If Halapio replaces Pulley on the roster or at least in the starting lineup. Ideally Halapio would only be a stopgap until Lemieux or Gates are ready to assume the starting role or they acquire an upgrade.
I am not suggesting that Halapio is a great player but he is noticeably better than Pulley. Obviously that is not difficult but at least he is more stout at the point of attack. Gettleman and the old staff saw something in him. Perhaps Colombo, Judge, Garrett, etc will get something out of him.
Plley is no great shakes, but how in the Hell is Halapio noticibly better? Every time he went down with an injury and Pulley played, the OL looked jsut a little better.
Two years ago when Pulley entered the lineup so did Jamon Brown who was a huge upgrade over Greco at RG. The line played much better because of Brown not Pulley.
Last season I was among the posters who wanted Pulley to get a chance to replace Halapio. When Halapio went down and Pulley was inserted I quickly saw why Pulley was on the bench. He actually looked worse than the season before. Pulley struggles mightily against power and he is constantly pushed back into the pocket.
Again let's hope that Gates opens the season at center.
I'm not disputing the impact of Brown. Concentrate on OC play. Pulley, who still wasn't/isn't very good, played better than Halapio. The line calls were better and his blocking was better. Halapio was an absolute horrible OC.
of two seasons ago is fair, and I'm still not sure why we were so quick to get rid of Brown. He wasn't perfect by any means, but he was serviceable, would have made for good depth in what passes for same these days.
Brown was an upgrade over what the Giants had but he still struggled in pass pro. I wanted him back but the Falcons gave him close to $7 million per season which made it easy to pass. They then used the 14th overall pick on Chris Lindstrom to start over Brown at RG. James Carpenter was signed before Brown to start at LG.
And to be honest, he did stink - but so did everybody else on the O-line.
What did they all have in common - Hal Hunter. Everybody seemed lost because the protection plans were inept. Bottom-line, I think can (and has) competed at a high level, with good coaching.
And to be honest, he did stink - but so did everybody else on the O-line.
What did they all have in common - Hal Hunter. Everybody seemed lost because the protection plans were inept. Bottom-line, I think can (and has) competed at a high level, with good coaching.
Who do you think will start at Center for the Giants week 1?
No reason to bring him back.
But it will be Pulley to start the season
He might settle as a back up....which is were I would prefer.
The team is also 12-36 over the past three years, worst in the NFL. Maybe their faith in Pio isn't any more valuable than the fans' distrust of him?
You're applying a hopeful view here. There is also the possibility that they just don't place a very high priority on the center position in general.
Coughlin loved Markus Kuhn. Coaches get enamored with certain players and get tunnel vision to the flaws.
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The coaches have watched a lot of tape by now, if they didn’t think he could cut it, they would have signed another guy ... or they will sign someone before the season starts. Expecting Gates or Lemieux to change positions in this camp shortened year is not a reasonable plan and I can’t see Pio coming back and being the answer. Maybe they’re thinking to pickup a Dallas castoff ...
You're applying a hopeful view here. There is also the possibility that they just don't place a very high priority on the center position in general.
I can see DG maybe not thinking about center too much ... but Jason Garrett sure knows the value of a good one.
No reason to bring him back.
100%
Yes, he's that bad.
Pio's agent it a miracle worker if he can get him back in blue next year.
Pio's not even a JAG.
Yes, he's that bad.
That is an indictment.
Sure hasn’t but I’m pretty sure he understands how to hit the guy in front of him. “Taking snaps” to a person or a hole in the wall is most likely the most important piece for him to get down I would think.
And the coaches have said he started that process last year anyway (pre-Covid) with humans in practice.
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IMO. That should have been the time to really start investing in the Oline. He didn’t want to pay him. Richburg has been good with SF. I know he’s had some injuries to deal with, but he was starting to come into his own when we let him go. Anyway, I think DG likes Pio because he’s a Hog Mollie! He’s not very athletic, but he’s strong. I don’t know how a lineman like that would mesh with Garrett and Colombo’s blocking schemes?! The only guy that could possibly become the Center and beat out Pulley would be Gates, but it would be difficult for him being that he’s never done it before and that he has to help with the line calls. I se Pulley as the starter this year, at least for a good chunk of it, until he can prove he can’t get the job done or someone beats him out. Hopefully he succeeds, but I have my doubts and then the Giants will be focusing on Centers next year too.
Richburg was always hurt, and although decent, his play did not justify what they would've had to pay him.
Sometimes you have to pay a little to keep guys around. Non-the-less, the position hasn’t been addressed very well and it needs to be. It’s a critical position on the Oline. I don’t want to constantly see rushes up the gut getting DJ killed or not allowing him to step up.
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In comment 14907309 Simms11 said:
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IMO. That should have been the time to really start investing in the Oline. He didn’t want to pay him. Richburg has been good with SF. I know he’s had some injuries to deal with, but he was starting to come into his own when we let him go. Anyway, I think DG likes Pio because he’s a Hog Mollie! He’s not very athletic, but he’s strong. I don’t know how a lineman like that would mesh with Garrett and Colombo’s blocking schemes?! The only guy that could possibly become the Center and beat out Pulley would be Gates, but it would be difficult for him being that he’s never done it before and that he has to help with the line calls. I se Pulley as the starter this year, at least for a good chunk of it, until he can prove he can’t get the job done or someone beats him out. Hopefully he succeeds, but I have my doubts and then the Giants will be focusing on Centers next year too.
Richburg was always hurt, and although decent, his play did not justify what they would've had to pay him.
Sometimes you have to pay a little to keep guys around. Non-the-less, the position hasn’t been addressed very well and it needs to be. It’s a critical position on the Oline. I don’t want to constantly see rushes up the gut getting DJ killed or not allowing him to step up.
I have no problem letting Richburg go. He was consistently blown up at the POA once he was on film and teams saw how weak he was.
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Thought more of him than the fans. I wonder why that is?
Coughlin loved Markus Kuhn. Coaches get enamored with certain players and get tunnel vision to the flaws.
Sad part is Kuhn is the better player of the two
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Thought more of him than the fans. I wonder why that is?
Coughlin loved Markus Kuhn. Coaches get enamored with certain players and get tunnel vision to the flaws.
The Kuhn! Haha, oh man. I haven't thought about that name in years. Fun times...well, not really
Man, thank god my pops got me a 60 O'Hara custom made jersey (with a Rutgers patch I ironed on also!!) to drive home the point of how much a center means
That said, I would not plan on Pulley starting. I would go into pre-season/camp/whatever abbreviated practice schedule we have with him in contention, but I am most interested in seeing Gates at OC. I would not be handing the job to either, but would start with Gates having a leg up because I think he is a better overall OL than Pulley. I would also consider any and all FA I think are a better immediate option. Halapio would not be on that short list under any circumstances.
I am not suggesting that Halapio is a great player but he is noticeably better than Pulley. Obviously that is not difficult but at least he is more stout at the point of attack. Gettleman and the old staff saw something in him. Perhaps Colombo, Judge, Garrett, etc will get something out of him.
I am not suggesting that Halapio is a great player but he is noticeably better than Pulley. Obviously that is not difficult but at least he is more stout at the point of attack. Gettleman and the old staff saw something in him. Perhaps Colombo, Judge, Garrett, etc will get something out of him.
Quote:
If Halapio replaces Pulley on the roster or at least in the starting lineup. Ideally Halapio would only be a stopgap until Lemieux or Gates are ready to assume the starting role or they acquire an upgrade.
I am not suggesting that Halapio is a great player but he is noticeably better than Pulley. Obviously that is not difficult but at least he is more stout at the point of attack. Gettleman and the old staff saw something in him. Perhaps Colombo, Judge, Garrett, etc will get something out of him.
Plley is no great shakes, but how in the Hell is Halapio noticibly better? Every time he went down with an injury and Pulley played, the OL looked jsut a little better.
Two years ago when Pulley entered the lineup so did Jamon Brown who was a huge upgrade over Greco at RG. The line played much better because of Brown not Pulley.
Last season I was among the posters who wanted Pulley to get a chance to replace Halapio. When Halapio went down and Pulley was inserted I quickly saw why Pulley was on the bench. He actually looked worse than the season before. Pulley struggles mightily against power and he is constantly pushed back into the pocket.
Again let's hope that Gates opens the season at center.
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In comment 14907824 Jay on the Island said:
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If Halapio replaces Pulley on the roster or at least in the starting lineup. Ideally Halapio would only be a stopgap until Lemieux or Gates are ready to assume the starting role or they acquire an upgrade.
I am not suggesting that Halapio is a great player but he is noticeably better than Pulley. Obviously that is not difficult but at least he is more stout at the point of attack. Gettleman and the old staff saw something in him. Perhaps Colombo, Judge, Garrett, etc will get something out of him.
Plley is no great shakes, but how in the Hell is Halapio noticibly better? Every time he went down with an injury and Pulley played, the OL looked jsut a little better.
Two years ago when Pulley entered the lineup so did Jamon Brown who was a huge upgrade over Greco at RG. The line played much better because of Brown not Pulley.
Last season I was among the posters who wanted Pulley to get a chance to replace Halapio. When Halapio went down and Pulley was inserted I quickly saw why Pulley was on the bench. He actually looked worse than the season before. Pulley struggles mightily against power and he is constantly pushed back into the pocket.
Again let's hope that Gates opens the season at center.
Brown was an upgrade over what the Giants had but he still struggled in pass pro. I wanted him back but the Falcons gave him close to $7 million per season which made it easy to pass. They then used the 14th overall pick on Chris Lindstrom to start over Brown at RG. James Carpenter was signed before Brown to start at LG.