SB Nation - Rhett Bomar

New York Giants Cuts: UPDATED Tyree, Evans, Matthews, Wright, Rashad, Woodson, Ingram, Bomar, Thompson, cut

Jim Schmiedeberg — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:00:22 -0000

The Giants have cut SB 42 hero David Tyree

Last year, on the day of final cuts, when the first victims were announced, I posted them on Big Blue View, and wound up sitting in front of the computer all day long as the cuts just kept flowing in.

So here we go again.

We'll leave this thread up all day, and I'll just post the cuts here as the day goes on. If there are any big names cut around the NFL, I will post them here as well.

Beware "The Turk"!

UPDATE:10:30 First cut is in guys, and as we all suspected, its David Tyree. Thanks for the greatest memory David

UPDATE: 10:45 S Sha'reff Rashad cut, may go to the practice squad

UPDATE: 10:50 DE Maurice Evans cut, this one is a surprise

UPDATE: 11:22: Andre Woodson cut, Vacchiano reporting Giants may only carry 2 QB's

UPDATE: 11:25 Michael Matthews and CB DeAndre Wright have been cut

UPDATE: 11:38: DE Robert Henderson has been cut

UPDATE: 11:52: LB Kenny Ingram has been waived, probably to go to the practice squad

UPDATE: 12:00: Ralph Vacchiano and MIke Garafolo are reporting Bomar has been cut, and will go to the practice squad if he clears waivers

UPDATE: 12:00 OL Orrin Thompson is reporting his own cut on his Facebook page. "Cut like a Thanksgiving turkey"

UPDATE: 12:02 S Travonti Johnson has been cut

UPDATE: 12:13 S Vince Anderson waived

UPDATE: 12:40 DT's Jeremy Clark and Antonio Bryant have been cut

UPDATE: 12:41 WR Shaun Bodiford has been cut

UPDATE: 1:50 PM: DL Tommie Hill , FB Dwayne Wright, OL Terrance Pennington have been cut. At least Hill will always have the amazing preseason play to remember.

UPDATE: 2:39 PM RB Allen Patrick has been cut

'Kudos & Wet Willies:' Final pre-season edition

Ed Valentine — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:00:21 -0000

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

New York Giants wide receiver Sinorice Moss (83) catches a touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots safety Pat Chung (25) in the first quarter Thursday.

Browse more photos »

OK, before I get to the good stuff I am giving myself a 'kudos.' Getting to the end of last night's Giants-Patriots exhibition was torture, but I managed. Without even falling asleep once. A miracle! Anyway, here is your final pre-season 'Kudos & Wet Willies.'

Kudos to ...

Lawrence Tynes: Might be the only time other than games after which he kicks a game-winner that a kicker will get first 'kudos.' Tynes kicked a 46-yard field goal and then made a tackle on special teams. Even more impressive for a wimpy little kicker, he threw the returner out of bounds and got himself a 15-yard penalty. Tom Coughlin won't agree, and neither would I in a regular-season game. But, it was pre-season and I enjoyed Tynes' macho moment.
Receivers: What was that about the Giants not having receivers who could make plays? There were a lot of impressive performances last night. Oh, and I said receivers because I am including tight end Kevin Boss among the impressive players. Let's look at some of the top performances.

Sinorice Moss -- Two catches for 35 yards and two touchdowns, one from Eli Manning and one from David Carr. For good measure, Moss added a 31-yard kickoff return. If this indeed was a fight to the finish between Moss and Derek Hagan, Moss wins by TKO. Hagan made a nice special teams tackle, but had just one catch for 8 yards and dropped a potential touchdown pass right on the goal line.
Domenik Hixon made just one catch, but it was a beauty. Hixon made a leaping catch while fighting off a defender for a 38-yard gain.
Hakeem Nicks had just one catch, but it went for 64 yards and a score. Nicks. also well covered, made a beautiful adjustment to the ball, snagged it and ran away from the defense.
Kevin Boss made two nice receptions on the opening scoring drive. I hope the Giants remember to make him a key part of the passing attack beginning Sept. 13 against the Redskins.
Mario Manningham had four catches for 74 yards. He ran good routes, and made the plays on everything thrown in his direction. Can't do much better than that.

William Beatty: The rookie left tackle started in place of David Diehl, played most of the way and held up well. I don't think his name was called all night, and that is a good thing.
Allen Patrick: I still don't think he has a shot at anything other than the practice squad, but he ran hard and totaled 50 yards on just 8 carries.
Antonio Pierce: For just getting on the field. Hooray!
Tutan Reyes: The veteran offensive lineman slid over to center when Adam Koets sprained an ankle, and did the job. I feel much better about the backup center position after watching that.
Travonti Johnson: One bad penalty, but eight tackles and played pretty well overall. I'm still not sold on him, but he has a good shot to be a backup safety.
David Carr: Went 6-for-6 for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Looked composed. David Philips, wherever you are, I know you are smiling.

Wet Willies to ...

DeAndre Wright: Got smoked by veteran Greg Ellis for a long pass that set up a New England touchdown late in the first half. I shouldn't worry about it, though. Wright will be lucky to get a practice squad invite.
Andre Woodson: If there was any doubt about Woodson's fate on the 53-man roster, he sealed it last night. I don't see any chance he makes the team. He threw a first-half Pick Six after locking in on his receiver, and ended up a woeful 6-for-19 for 98 yards. I can't give Rhett Bomar 'kudos,' since he was just 2-for-7 with a goal line interception in a paltry five minutes of work. Bomar, though, had three passes (two to Shaun Bodiford and one to Ramses Barden) that probably should have been completed and he ran twice for 27 yards, including a 16-yard scramble for a first down. He at least looked like a professional quarterback, seemed comfortable and showed he can make the throws.
Kenny Ingram: Made one tackle and whiffed at least twice. Before the game I thought he had a shot at the practice squad. Now, I'm not so sure.

New York Giants training camp: That's a wrap!

Ed Valentine — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:42:44 -0000

More photos » by Tim Roske - AP

Coach Tom Coughlin and the Giants are making their escape from Albany today.

Browse more photos »

As I write this, most of the New York Giants players, coaches and staff members are already zipping up the Thruway heading for their in-season homes in and around New Jersey.

The final practice of New York Giants training camp at UAlbany was held this morning -- perhaps the last Giants' practice ever in Albany. That means this will be your final practice report from me.

Practice began with a real downer this morning. On the first pass play off 11-on-11 drills, Aaron Ross was left crumpled on the ground in agony grabbing at his left hamstring. Ross, trying to work back in after missing most of camp with the hamstring injury, was trying to cover Steve Smith on a deep ball. Instead, he wound up being helped off the field. I doubt we see him again any time soon.

Great quote from Tom Coughlin on Ross' injury.

The poor kid cannot get beyond that. He starts working his way back and he obviously made a sudden move to try to catch back up to a receiver that was going by and…it’s very frustrating because he’s not had a lot of time on the field.

Hakeem Nicks followed Monday afternoon's all-world practice with an up-and-down effort. Nicks was consistently open, but dropped the first two deep balls he got his hands on. Both times he had beaten defenders. Toward the end of practice, though, Nicks beat safety Kenny Phillips and made a gorgeous stretching touchdown catch of an Eli Manning floater for a touchdown.
Never thought I would see this from backup tight end Michael Matthews. Not exactly known for his receiving skills, Matthews made an oustanding one-hand leaping catch on an out in the flat from Manning. He stuck his big old right hand up and the ball stayed in it.
Typical Coughlin during pre-practice stretching drills. Walking up and down the lines yelling "Be a winner, be a winner ... Focus ... Effort, effort."
I guess the Giants couldn't leave Albany without Adam Koets and Andre Woodson messing up one final snap. I can't give Koets too much grief, though. It's the first bad exchange since prior to the first exhibition game.
Perfect illustration of the Ramses Barden effect this morning. Rhett Bomar threw a triple-covered Barden a deep ball that he had no business sending in Barden's direction. Guess who came away with the ball?
Perfect illustration also of the limitations of Sinorice Moss. Single covered down the middle by Kevin Dockery, Moss could only watch David Carr's slightly overthrown pass sail over his head. Barden catches that ball. Then again, I think several of the other receivers could have hauled it in.
Kenny Phillips made a nice play to knock a Carr pass away from Beckum.
Bomar threw the ball well this morning. Several nice short throws in limited opportunities.
Domenik Hixon outran Corey Webster to haul in a deep throw from Manning.
Some nice battles this morning between Derek Hagan and Terrell Thomas.

That's about it for today. Now I go back to being a regular blogger.

Blogger journal: Chronicling the experience

Ed Valentine — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:00:12 -0000

I have not done a 'blogger journal' since early in New York Giants training camp. Well, Monday afternoon I took my 13-year-old son to camp and let him shoot pictures with my digital camera.

He was shooting from the bleachers with a small digital camera, but he got some good shots. And, more importantly, he enjoyed himself. Despite the fact that he is a Patriots' fan (yeah, I know, but I love him anyway).

So, indulge me this morning while I share with you some of the photos from the more than 200 that he shot.

Eli Manning enters practice via 'Autograph Alley' as fans look on.

Just to prove I actually have been at camp, that is me to the right overseeing the pre-practice stretching routine.

A view of practice from the bleacher area just behind the fence.

An overview of the proceedings from up in the bleachers. Can you find me in this photo?

My son has great admiration for the members of our Armed Forces, as do the Giants.

A view of the hill behind the first practice field. 'Bigbluethruandthru' is probably up there somewhere.

I believe these are Giants' players milling around after the skirmish between Darcy Johnson and Bruce Johnson.

Eli Manning calls signals during a Red Zone drill. Yes, I know Tom Coughlin calls it the 'Green Zone.'

Justin Tuck (91) prepares to rush the passer as Eli barks signals.

Derek Hagan (80) scampers away from Gerris Wilkinson (59) after a catch.

As you can see, not everyone was riveted to the action on the practice field.

Rhett Bomar prepares to take a snap.

Defensive linemen ready to take off.

(All photos by Ryan Valentine)

New York Giants training camp: Monday afternoon practice report

Ed Valentine — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:42:51 -0000

Here is your Monday afternoon practice report from New York Giants training camp at UAlbany.

Let's just say it was brutally obvious that the intensity was ratcheted up a few notches this afternoon, the first full practice since Saturday's embarrassing pre-season loss to Chicago. There was heavy hitting, and more pad-popping than at any time in camp.

Oh, and two fights. Or near fights. The first involved cornerback Bruce Johnson and wide receiver Shaun Bodiford when they got tangled up, went to the ground and came up mauling each other WWE style.

The second also involved Bruce Johnson. I didn't see what started it, but I did see tight end Darcy Johnson take a couple of swings at him, which drew a lot of players before Brandon Jacobs stepped in to play peacemaker.

Bruce Johnson, who is fighting for a roster spot, was obviously testy today. After the two fights, he knocked a pass away from David Tyree and gave the 'throat-slash' sign, which immediately drew the ire of the offense -- and the coaching staff.

Here are some other highlights of Monday's practice.

No 1 pick Hakeem Nicks has had a mostly quiet camp, fighting through a hamstring issue. Nothing quiet about Nicks' work Monday, though. He was, quite simply, the most dominant player on the field. Nicks made two leaping, one-handed catches Monday. One on a long ball down the right sideline from Rhett Bomar when he was well-covered by, who else, Bruce Johnson. The second was a red zone fade from Andre Woodson when he hauled in a pass in the corner of the end zone. Nicks also caught a long ball down the left sideline from Woodson when he ran by DeAndre Wright. Pretty obvious the coaches noticed Nicks' work. He ran with the first team in three-wide sets during the two-minute drill near the end of practice.
Mathias Kiwanuka made what is probably the defensive play of camp during 11-on-11 work. Lined up at left end, Kiwanuka picked off a bubble screen for Mario Manningham for what would have been a touchdown. Kiwanuka practically took the ball out of Eli Manning's hands. I don't know if Kiwi made a fabulous move, or Kareem McKenzie made a horrendous block, but it was an awesome athletic play.
Eli had three passes picked off today, incidentally. Oh, and there was a fumble on a handoff from Eli to Ahmad Bradshaw. Yuck! Not what you want to see this far into camp.
Derek Hagan, the Giants' practice superstar, made several nice grabs today. Now if he could only translate that to a game he might actually make the team.
Very few opportunities for Rhett Bomar, but he threw a few nice balls. A good sideline out to Taye Biddle was probably his best throw.
Rocky Bernard provided some good news on the defensive tackle front, making a couple of nice stops, including getting into the backfield to drop Danny Ware for a loss.
Dave Tollefson had what would have been a sack of David Carr when he beat William Beatty.
INJURY NOTES: Kenny Phillips, Aaron Ross, Chris Snee and Rich Seubert all worked today. Ross was limitied a bit, but the rest went fully. Antonio Pierce, Michael Boley and Danny Clark just did a few individual drills.

Today's Transcripts

Antonio Pierce
Running backs coach Jerald ingram
Quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer

'Kudos & Wet Willies:' Yes, it's back

Ed Valentine — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:00:19 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

Carolina Panthers' DeCori Birmingham (24) is stopped by New York Giants' Travonti Johnson (36) late in the third quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday.

Browse more photos »

Veteran members of Big Blue View Nation know the drill. The morning after each game we review the previous day's proceedings 'Kudos & Wet Willies' style. That means we gives 'Kudos' to the best performers and use 'Wet Willies' to heap scorn upon the worst.

So, let's get started with the first 'Kudos & Wet Willies' post of the 2009 season.

Kudos to ...

Tommie Hill: Produced what ESPN termed "the greatest finish in pre-season football history." Hill snagged a ball batted away from Hunter Cantwell by Leger Douzable and ran it about 20 yards for a game-winning score on the final play. Hill probably won't make the team, but he will have a great story to tell.
Ahmad Bradshaw: Watching Bradshaw last night had to bring a smile to the faces of Giants fans. He looked quick. He looked elusive. He looked strong. He looked ready to become the big-time part of the offense many have thought he should have been the past two seasons.
Osi Umenyiora: Flew around right end to strip the ball from a helpless Jake Delhomme, showing that last season's knee injury won't slow him down this season. And, he did not get hurt.

"It felt good. It's great to be back out there. This is a good start," Umenyiora said. "I'm paid to hit the quarterback. That's what I do."

Clint Sintim: Still has much to learn as a stand-up every down linebacker. As a pure pass rusher though, especially from defensive end, Sintim showed Monday night that he can already be a force. Gee, and the Giants sure did need another terrific edge rusher. Now, how do they get him on the field?
Adam Koets: The backup center made it through a whole game without messing up an exchange. Amazing, since I don't think he has made it through an entire practice without leaving a ball on the ground.
Mario Manningham: A nifty 22-yard punt return, and a nice catch on a ball from Eli Manning that was nullified by a penalty.
Travonti Johnson: The backup safety had a team-high seven tackles. I barely noticed him during the game, and that is probably a good thing.
David Carr: Anyone willing to sacrifice his body with a John Elway leap in the first exhibition game gets 'Kudos.' Aside from one play where he bailed out of the pocket too quickly, I thought Carr looked pretty good.
Stoney Woodson: The seventh-round pick had an interception and a fumble recovery.
Jon Gruden: I have never liked the guy. I will give him credit, though. He speaks his mind clearly and thoughtfully, and he seems pretty entertaining in the booth as part of the Monday Night Football crew.

Wet Willies to ...

Lawrence Tynes: Yeah, yeah, pre-season game, he missed a bunch of last week with a minor leg injury, yadda, yadda, yadda. Sorry, not buying. After what John Carney did last season, missing your first effort -- a very makeable 43-yarder with no wind -- is not a good beginning for the Giants' kicker. He made a 46-yarder later, but I was already annoyed with him.
Andre Woodson: The NFL game still looks too fast for the former University of Kentucky star. Woodson has been terrific in camp -- with no pass rushers threatening to decapitate him. In real game conditions last night, however, Woodson threw a bad interception and looked indecisive. He will have to do better than that to hold off Rhett Bomar for a spot on this team.
The punt team: Somebody screwed up a blocking assignment, allowing a Jeff Feagles punt to be blocked. Sadly, I think it was David Tyree. He was the gunner on the play and jumped inside rather than taking the player off the corner, resulting in the kick being blocked. Tyree seems to have little chance to make this team, and special teams mistakes won't help.

Other notables

Danny Ware had a beautiful 36-yard touchdown run on a screen pass. Nice plays from rookie runing back Allen Patrick and defensive end Maurice Evans, as well.

-- Panthers vs Giants coverage
-- Panthers vs Giants box score
-- Cat Scratch Reader
-- Panthers vs Giants recap

Updated guess at the New York Giants season-opening 53-man roster

Ed Valentine — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 11:00:10 -0000

Now that I have watched most of New York Giants training camp in Albany -- and before the exhibition games start -- I thought I would take another guess at the possible 53-man roster. This will look a little different than my pre-camp roster. It will also look heavy in some positions and light in others. I tried to give you the guys I really think "should" make this team.

I have to tell you, the last two or three cuts on this list are excruciatingly difficult. The Giants will, as we thought, be making some good football players available to the other 31 NFL teams. I have gone 'outside the box' on a couple of these, and away from some of my original choices. Let's see what you think.

Quarterbacks (3) -- Eli Manning, David Carr, Andre Woodson

Woodson and rookie fifth-round pick Rhett Bomar are pretty even in their competition for the third slot. I'm guessing the Giants don't want to lose either guy, and that Bomar will end up on the practice squad.

Running Backs (4) -- Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Danny Ware, Madison Hedgecock

The season-ending injury to rookie Andre Brown obviously changes things here. Allen Patrick is the only other tailback in camp, but I don't think he makes the squad. There are too many other good players in other positions.

Wide Receivers (7) -- Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss, Ramses Barden, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, Derek Hagan

Sorry, David Tyree. An extremely tough, unkind cut, but all seven of these guys are better players than Tyree at this point. That has to be what matters, not sentimentality. Hagan is forcing his way onto this roster, though seven receivers is probably one more than the Giants would like to keep. The Giants talk repeatedly, though, about keeping the best players and not having a set formula. Hagan is earning it. And yes, these guys are in order of the playing time I think they would get if the regular season started today.

Tight Ends (3) -- Kevin Boss, Michael Matthews, Travis Beckum

Matthews has been working with the first unit in double-tight end situations. He will hold off Darcy Johnson and Lee Vickers to keep his roster spot.

Offensive Line (8) -- Starters -- David Diehl, Rich Seubert, Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie. Backups -- Tutan Reyes, Kevin Boothe, William Beatty.

After Reyes, I am not comfortable with any of the backup linemen. I am also not comfortable with just eight linemen on the 53-man, but Koets hasn't done anything to earn a spot. We have talked repeatedly about his struggles to become a backup center, and it just isn't working. Boothe has been getting destroyed by defensive lineman at both guard and tackle most of camp. A name to watch for: Andrew Carnahan, a 6-foot-7, 305-pounder acquired from Kansas City on waivers (he was a 7th-round pick by Jacksonville in 2007) has done a good job at guard. He can also play tackle. I fully expect the Giants to pick up at least one veteran backup who can play multiple positions, including center, before the season starts.

Defensive linemen (8) -- Tackles -- Fred Robbins, Chris Canty, Barry Cofield, Rocky Bernard, Jay Alford. Ends -- Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka.

The toughest cut here is Dave Tollefson, who has been schooling Beatty much of camp. But, with the depth the Giants have -- and the fact that undrafted free agent Maurice Evans is a shoo-in to at least make the practice squad -- Tollefson is unlikely to have a place on this team.

Linebackers (9) -- Antonio Pierce, Danny Clark, Bryan Kehl, Gerris Wilkinson, Chase Blackburn, Zak DeOssie, Clint Sintim, Michael Boley, Jonathan Goff

I have an inkling that something unexpected might happen with this group. I am just not sure what yet. After a couple of exhibition games the makeup of this group might change.

Defensive Backs (9) -- Cornerbacks -- Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, Terrell Thomas, Kevin Dockery, Stoney Woodson. Safeties -- Kenny Phillips, Michael Johnson, C.C. Brown, Sha'reef Rashad.

The fourth safety spot is between Rashad, Vince Anderson and Travonti Johnson. Right now, Johnson is working with the second group and the Rashad/Anderson combo is the third group. In reality, I have no idea which of the three will end up winning the job, but I had to pick one. I am going with Rashad simply because when I asked Merritt about the three youngsters on Friday, Rashad is the first player he mentioned. I think the Giants really like Anderson, though, and he should end up on the practice squad.

Kickers (2) -- Punter -- Jeff Feagles. Placekicker -- Lawrence Tynes

New York Giants training camp: Wednesday morning practice report

Ed Valentine — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:06:54 -0000

Here is your Wednesday morning practice as New York Giants training camp rolls merrily along here in Albany.

For a guy who many (including myself) thought would not be on the field at this point following microfracture surgery, Fred Robbins sure does look good. Robbins completely blew up three running plays during 11-on-11 drills, and would have sacked Eli Manning on the first play of the two-minute drill in live action. Pretty amazing!
If you are rooting for David Tyree to scratch his way on to the roster, today was a good day. Tyree won't go down without a fight, and he was sharp today. He made a variety of nice catches this morning.
Ramses Barden continues to look like a third-round steal. Barden made two spectacular catches this morning. The first, a long ball down the right sideline from David Carr, was a play in which he just used that huge body to fend off DeAndre Wright, then just jumped over him to haul the ball in. The second was a crossing route over the middle where Andre Woodson threw the ball behind him. Despite heavy traffic, Barden was able to adjust and pull the ball in.
Speaking of Wright, he left the field with an undetermined injury. Coach Tom Coughlin is getting concerned about his depth at cornerback heading into Monday night's exhibition opener. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster have spent the last few practices on the sidelines.
Other guys who did not work today included receivers Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks. Sinorice Moss took Smith's first-team reps.
Derek Hagan continued his impressive work. He made a tremendous catch on a fade from Manning, hauling the ball in over Terrell Thomas.
Andre Woodson and Rhett Bomar are locked in quite a duel for the third quarterback slot. Woodson threw a beautiful comeback to Domenik Hixon in traffic early in practice. Bomar responded with a perfectly thrown long ball to Taye Biddle, which Biddle dropped.
The defense continues to be well ahead of the offense. I don't think the Giants were successful on a running play all morning. Defensive highlights included passes batted down by Mathias Kiwanuka and Maurice Evans, and a near-interception of a screen pass by Clint Sintim. Jay Alford stuffed a couple of runs, and would have sacked Carr on another play.
Safeties coach Dave Merritt was all over rookie Vince Anderson for not knowing where he was supposed to be during a positioning drill.
Since the Giants can't have a practice without one, Adam Koets botched a shotgun snap, failing to reach Woodson with the ball.

If anything else happened that I missed I am blaming sideline ... umm ... distractions. Let's just say the view on the sidelines this morning was spectacular (sorry, ladies!). 'Kudos' to whoever doled out today's field passes.

Land of the Giants: Off day reading material

Ed Valentine — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:00:10 -0000

More photos » by Mike Groll - AP

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) talks to wide receiver Steve Smith during training camp last week.

Browse more photos »

The New York Giants have a day off from training camp today. At least the physical part, as they will spend the day in meetings. Here are some Giants-related stories floating around the Inter-Google to keep you occupied.

Ramses Barden could be the tall target the NY Giants desperately need - NJ.com

I have been impressed during training camp by rookie wide receiver Ramses Barden, the 6-foot-6 beast from Cal-Poly. It seems like I am not the only one. The following is from Mike Garafolo.

During Saturday's one-on-one end-zone drills, Barden ran a fade to the left side of the end zone while being covered by rookie cornerback Stoney Woodson. A few plays earlier, backup quarterback David Carr didn't throw it high enough and Woodson knocked it away. This time, Rhett Bomar lobbed it high and at Barden's back shoulder, trusting (or perhaps daring) the 6-6 rookie to make the play.

Barden pivoted, separated from Woodson, jumped and reached his right hand about 10 feet into the air -- while Woodson could only remain on the ground and watch. With only his right hand, Barden snatched the ball and came down in bounds for a touchdown. ...

In a little more than a week here at camp, Barden has adjusted to the NFL about as well as anyone could have expected of a rookie making the leap from Division 1-AA/FCS Cal Poly.

The third-round pick has made plenty of catches over the top of smaller defenders, has used his big body well to create separation while grabbing a ball in traffic and has run some pretty smooth routes for a big guy. He even took a big chunk out of the "he can't get off the line quickly" criticism with a few impressive post-snap moves, including one quick shimmy that helped him blow right past cornerback Aaron Ross.

Barden's play has surprised a lot of people. Barden isn't one of them.

"I know what I'm capable of," he said. "All I'm doing is trying to be the player I can be. As far as surprises, they have to do with expectations. I didn't really come into this with expectations at all."

With his play to this point in camp, Barden is raising expectations.

"That one-handed catch was terrific. That's the kind of stuff we need," wide receiver Sinorice Moss said. "Using his size and those big hands, that's the kind of stuff you should expect from him. I know I do."

Steve Smith steps out of the shadows

From the Los Angeles Times:

The pattern will never show up in a New York Giants playbook, but it's one Steve Smith has known his whole life.

It's called deep under cover.

Despite his outstanding career at USC and two productive seasons in New York, Smith can still slip past fans the way he does defenders.

That's likely to end this NFL season, as Smith steps into a more prominent role with the Giants, who no longer have stars Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress on their roster.

Which wide receivers are earning passing grades at NY Giants camp?

From NJ.com:

Halfway through the Giants' stay at UAlbany, the largely unproven lot that is the Giants' receiving corps is having its ups and downs. A rundown of where each pass catcher stands so far.

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw hopes to be weapon in Giants' passing game

From the New York Daily News:

Bradshaw not only plans on stepping into the No. 2 running back role this season, he also wants to convince the coaches he can be Tiki-like out of the backfield.

"Oh yeah, that's a big part of my game," Bradshaw said recently. "Last year Derrick (Ward) took a lot of that role. But that's where I can complement Brandon Jacobs. I can come in and catch the ball, change up the speed, change up the pace a little bit. That'll help our offense a whole lot."

Other Stuff

New York Giants training camp: Monday morning practice report

Ed Valentine — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:39:50 -0000

I am back at New York Giants training camp, and here is your Monday morning practice report.

Coach Tom Coughlin was asked about the state of the Giants as the second week of camp cranks up.

"We're a long way from where we need to be, but there is a process here," he said. "We're throwing so much at 'em that everything is new almost every day. We're a week into it and we're not getting the execution that we're looking for, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Overall the defense has played pretty well ... caused the offense a lot of problems."

The secondary was particularly impressive, despite players being flagged on a couple of occasions for pass interference penalties (NFL officials are in camp).

"They're playing well and they'll get even better in the days to come," Coughlin said. "We've had a few of the deep balls, which is not what you're looking for. Hopefully, that'll come around as well."

Rough go this morning for David Tyree. A pair of drops, one on a sideline route the other on a go route when his defender had slipped and he was all alone. He bobbled, but hung on to a third ball. You have to root for Tyree, but he can't afford a lot of days like that.
Defensive tackle Fred Robbins took snaps with the first defensive unit during 11-on-11 drills, the first time he has done so since returning from microfracture surgery. Robbins even stayed in despite a light rainfall that made the field a bit slippery.
Among the players who did not work this morning were Corey Webster, Hakeem Nicks, Aaron Ross, Osi Umenyiora, Cliff Louis, Barry Cofield, Maurice Evans and Guy Whimper. No serious injuries in that group.
It's pretty obvious that Rhett Bomar is right now No. 4 on the Giants quarterback depth chart. Twice during practice, once in 7-on-7 drills and once in 11-on-11, Bomar got exactly one play. In 11-on-11, he took advantage of his only snap with a beautiful seam route to Mario Manningham, who made an even better catch.
Couple of other notes: Eli Manning completed a go route to Sinorice Moss this morning over Terrell Thomas. ... Defensive tackle Tommie Hill had a sack of David Carr. ... Chase Blackburn picked off an ill-advised pass by Carr. ... Kevin Dockery intercepted Andre Woodson when Derek Hagan fell down.

[NOTE: I won't be attending tonight's practice. Today is my wedding anniversary, and I haven't managed to stay married for 24 years by being stupid. So, I am taking my wife to dinner. By the way, check the 'Transcripts' page for a host of recent interviews.]