SB Nation User Blog: Ed Valentine

Giants at Redskins: 'Kudos & Wet Willies' preview

Ed Valentine — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:07:40 -0000

Let me start by saying this. As a New York Giants fan, I do not have the best feeling in the world about tonight's matchup with the Washington Redskins.

The 4-9 Redskins have played much better than their record indicates in recent weeks, they have a stout defense, and they will be at home. The 7-6 Giants? Well, we should know by now that we just don't know with this team.

Will the defense show up, or will it just play the role of sieve as it has so many times this season?

What part of the special teams will cost the Giants points this week? C'mon, we know one of them will.

Can the offense, playing against a good Redskin defense, score enough points to make up for all the shortcomings around it?

Who knows. The Giants need to win, and they should win. But, things are different for each of these teams than they were in Week 1, when the Giants won, 23-17.

With all of that said, let's run through our usual 'Kudos & Wet Willies' style preview.

There will be lots of 'Kudos' Tuesday if ...

The Giants win in the Red Zone. This will not be easy. The Giants have the league's worst-ranked defense and 25th-ranked offense in that area of the field. So, bluntly, they have been terrible. Washington, on the other hand, has the league's best defense and ninth-ranked offense in the Red Zone. Ominous numbers the Giants must find a way to neutralize.
The defense shows up. Two weeks ago against Dallas Bill Sheridan's group played much more like the unit we expected to see this season. Last week against Philadelphia the defense reverted to the unit we have seen more often than not the last eight weeks. No pass rush, putrid coverage, blown assignments and no big plays. The Redskins offense is not great, and the Giants can't afford to make it look that way.
The Giants can run the ball, at least a little. The Redskins are 23rd in the league against the run. We all know, though, that they will stack the box and try to take Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw away from the Giants. Kevin Gilbride and the Giants have to run enough not to be one-dimensional against an excellent Redskins pass rush.
Eli Manning has a big day. Seems like this is always the case with this version of the Giants. Offensively, they will ride the right arm of Manning and the big-play ability of their exciting group of young wide receivers.

There will be lots of 'Wet Willies' Tuesday if ...

The Giants can't handle Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter. The bookend Redskin defensive ends have been what Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora were supposed to be -- the most dominant duo of pass-rushing ends in the league. They both have 11 sacks, making Washington the only team in the league with two players in double-digits. Rookie Will Beatty will have to deal with Carter, and David Diehl will have to handle Orakpo. If those guys are in the backfield all day, Eli won't be able to create the big plays the Giants will need.
The special teams break down -- again. It seems like every week some area of the special teams falls flat on its face. Last week it was punt coverage, surrendering a touchdown to DeSean Jackson. I would hope for more, but I will settle for the Giants at least not making any huge special teams miscues.
The Giants can't get pressure. Ugh! Again, we need to talk about this. Redskins QB Jason Campbell has posted two straight weeks of 100+ quarterback ratings and has 17 touchdown passes. He might not have a future in Washington, but he isn't exactly JaMarcus Russell. If the Giants don't make him uncomfortable, I have no doubt he will torch the team's beleaguered secondary.

New York Giants notes: Seubert finally admits playing hurt

Ed Valentine — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:11:54 -0000

by LM Otero - AP

Rich Seubert

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Here are a few stories to keep you entertained as you wait ... and wait ... and wait for tonight's Monday Night Football kickoff.

Let's start with this. I have suspected it since training camp, when New York Giants guard Rich Seubert skipped several days of practice, and we have discussed many times the possibility that Seubert has been been playing hurt. Seubert has not appeared on the Giants' injury report at all this season, but Mike Garafolo has finally gotten Seubert to admit he is playing with a shoulder injury.

"It feels good. I’m out there playing," Seubert said. "I’m an O-linemen. I’ve been through worse. Something isn’t going to keep me out until the coaches say I can’t play anymore."

Seubert has not had a good season, by his standards, and Garafolo reported that offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride knows Seubert is not 100 percent.

"I don’t want to make it a sob story, but he has my admiration the way he fights through that stuff," Gilbride said. ""He won’t even mention it. He doesn’t want to talk about it. Let’s just move on."

More injury news

Ralph Vacchiano reports that offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie and cornerback Corey Webster did not make the trip to Washington and will not play. On the plus side, Aaron Ross expects to play. Let's just hope Ross doesn't pull up lame while chasing a receiver down the field and surrender a big play.

Smith's dreams coming true

For Steve Smith, who has already set the Giants' single-season receiving record, his personal accomplishments this season are beyond even what he hoped for.

"I said before the season I wanted to have one of the greatest Giants seasons ever," Smith said. "And I didn't really realize that it could come true."

A little more than a year since Burress shot himself in the thigh before a game against the Redskins last November, the Giants return to Washington tomorrow night with a receiver who's having a record-setting season. Smith enters the game, now more crucial to Big Blue after the Cowboys ended the Saints' perfect season Saturday night, with 85 receptions, tied for fifth-most in the NFL with Arizona's superstar receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Smith, who has more catches than stars such as Houston's Andre Johnson and New England's Randy Moss, already has topped Amani Toomer's single-season team record of 82 catches set back in 2002 and needs just 15 more catches to reach 100 with three games remaining. That would be a remarkable achievement considering few figured Smith or any of the Giants' receivers would be able to fill the huge void left by Burress.

"All the naysayers and all the things we were hearing all season long ... it's not that people didn't believe, they just didn't know about us," Smith said. "We all had confidence and knew what we could do. We had a quiet confidence amongst ourselves. It is just about opportunity."

Despite not being nearly as big nor as fast as Burress, the 5-11 Smith has become Eli Manning's go-to guy. Smith has 1,053 yards receiving and five touchdowns. While rookie Hakeem Nicks and wide receiver Mario Manningham have proven to be explosive playmakers, Smith has been the rock of the receiving corps.

"I am not surprised," Manning said of his new favorite target. "I knew Steve would have a great year going into his third year. He has always been a key guy on third down working in the slot and moving him around. I knew when he became the starter, being on the field for every play, he was going to emerge and step up and make some outstanding plays for us."

About those Cowboys

Like it or not, the Cowboys were extremely impressive in beating New Orleans Saturday night. Via Twitter, Ian O'Connor opined that they looked like a certain team from 2007.

Could it be that 2009 Dallas is 2007 Giants? Head coach and QB on the brink before very late season run makes everyone a forever hero.

Peter King said it was the performance the Cowboys had been hoping for all season.

Other notes

Former Giants coach Jim Fassel is reportedly a candidate for the Oakland job if the Raiders fire Tom Cable. Fassel has been down this road before, with both Oakland and Washington. I have never understood why he hasn't been given another opportunity. I still think he deserves one.
Mike Shanahan seems next in line for the Redskins job. The D.C. Sports Bog (yes, Bog) summarizes the various reports circulating about Shanahan.
I missed it the other day, but Dec. 18 marked the 75th anniversary of the famous 'sneakers game.'

(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com)

Open Thread for Sunday

Ed Valentine — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:27:16 -0000

With our New York Giants not playing until Monday night, use this as an Open Thread for today's games. Enjoy the day. Oh, and hopefully your 'Honey-Do' list isn't too long today.

A Q&A with Warpath Confidential

Ed Valentine — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:30:25 -0000

via web.warpathconfidential.com A bonus for you. My pal Rick runs 'Warpath Girls' at Warpath Confidential. This is Erin, current Warpath Girl.

View full size photo »

Seems like I am awfully chatty these days. First Hogs Haven, then my weekly roundtable with Ernie Palladino. Now, I have a Q&A for you with my good friend and long-time Washington Redskins beat reporter Rick Snider.

Rick's work can be found at TheRickSniderReport and WarpathConfidential. He has covered Washington sports since 1978. Incidentally, Rick gave me my first real job in the newspaper industry. So, in a way, all of this is his fault.

Anyway, on with our little chat. By the way, my answers to Rick's questions can be found at Warpath.

Ed: The Redskins are playing much better the past few weeks than they did early in the season. Can you pinpoint what has changed?

Rick: It’s a few things. First, the three playcallers finally meshed. They also started calling a lot more three-step drops to beat the pass rush and run more north-south. Essentially, they’re negating a bad offensive line by getting the ball out quicker.

Ed: It's pretty much a given that Jim Zorn is out as head coach at the end of the season. Who takes over?

Rick: Mike Shanahan is the heavy favorite. Bruce Allen’s arrival pretty much seals it.

Ed: Finish this thought. The biggest problem with the Redskins organization is ...

Rick: The owner not letting others run the team. Oh wait, Dan Snyder just hired his first real GM. So, maybe that makes a big difference.

Ed: The last couple of years have not been pretty for the Redskins. There seems to be some optimism going forward, though. The Redskins could make the playoffs in 2010 if ...

Rick: The offensive line can be rebuilt and they have a decent quarterback, whomever that is.

Ed: Which team makes the playoffs this time around -- Giants or Cowboys?

Rick: Cowboys. No wait, Giants. Wow, this is a tough one. The Redskins could knock out either in the next two weeks. Given Dallas swoons in December, I’ll go with the Giants.

Ed: How does Vinny Cerrato’s departure impact the team?

Rick: It’s huge. Cerrato was not well liked inside Redskins Park or by fans. This eliminates a big negative factor while hiring Bruce Allen is a big upgrade. Fans love the son of George Allen is coming.

Thanks to Rick for taking the time. Whether or not you guys want to thank him for getting me into this whole business in the first place is up to you.

(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com)

Which pitcher do you want?

Ed Valentine — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:37:53 -0000

Travis mentioned the probability the Yankees will be seeking another starting pitcher in this morning's notebook. So, which guy do you want?

I think everybody left on on the market comes with questions. It's just a matter of which guy is the best gamble. Let's look at the most often mentioned candidates.

Ben Sheets: Probably the biggest upside, but also a huge injury risk factor. He would likely also be the most expensive option. Missed all of last season with an arm injury, but he has won at least 11 games six times and has a career WHIP of 1.201. A big risk, but possibly the biggest reward.
Justin Duchscherer: Also missed all of last season with an arm injury. Has two All-Star appearances in his xis-year career, and probably a lower price tag than Sheets. Offers a few things Sheets doesn't. First, all of his experience is in the American League. Second, has proven that he can be effective as both a starter and a reliever so would offer Joe Girardi flexibility.
Erik Bedard: Talented and left-handed, which are two nice advantages in Yankee Stadium. But, also injury prone and has made only 15 starts in each of the past two seasons. Plus, his toughness has been questioned in both Baltimore and Seattle. That could be a problem in New York.
Jon Garland: I know 'jscape' loves this guy, but I don't. Sure, he is pretty much a lock for 200 innings, but he is also extremely hittable. With balls flying out of Yankee Stadium like they do, I just don't see him as an effective option.
Jason Marquis: A 10-year veteran coming off a solid 15-13, 4.04 season (1.38 WHIP). But, Marquis has never pitched in the American League and that is a huge red flag for me.
Joel Pineiro: Another 10-year veteran coming off a good season where he went 15-12, 3.49 for St. Louis. It was Pineiro's best season since 2003. He has lots of AL experience with Seattle and Boston. Personally, I'm not convinced he can come close to repeating his 2009 season.

I'm not including the young Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman. Even if the Yankees do land the 21-year-old lefty he is highly unlikely to be a major league option in 2010, so I'm keeping him out of the debate.

Poll

Which starting pitcher should the Yankees add?

Thanks a lot, Saints!

Ed Valentine — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:05:00 -0000

Dallas 24, New Orleans 17. The Giants' path to the playoffs got a lot more difficult Saturday night. Looks like it's win out and hope for help from Washington or Philly.

Tom Coughlin, 12.19.09

Ed Valentine — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:45:59 -0000

Q. Aaron Ross is back?

A. He did a little something today, yeah. He was limited, but he did some things.

Q. What are you going to list him as?

A. Questionable.

Q. How about Corey Webster?

A. Doubtful.

Q. Kareem McKenzie?

A. Doubtful. I am holding the trump card on that. We’ll see. It is still a ways to game time.

Q. With Ross, he went to go get examinations on his hamstring?

A. Whatever they always do, they check to make sure. He did that mid-week probably.

Q. All of that checked out OK?

A. Well, he’s got a hamstring strain.

Q. Does the weather affect your travel at all this weekend?

A. At this point, no one has really discussed that. We are going to train down, so I don’t think that will be an issue. Anything I have heard, someone said that even if it snows all night, it’s done around six (a.m.) and if that is the case, we don’t travel until one o’clock so we should be okay.

Q. Washington had to cancel their practice today.

A. Is that right? Because of the snow?

Q. Yeah. They don’t have an indoor facility.

A. How much snow is there down there?

Q. One of the things that Eli (Manning) and Kevin (Gilbride) were talking about was the emphasis on getting the ball out to the hot routes. How important is that, considering the teams you are going to be seeing?

A. Always important. If you are not, then your purpose is defeated because there is always somebody coming from somewhere to make the play. You have to beat the coverage defender and of course you are talking about, in a certain down and distance situations, it’s fine, once it moves up to long yardage it is a little risky even picking up first downs with hots. You have to have the ability to maneuver the hots and the sight adjust. Even when you max protect you are one short.

Q. Kevin said that it was more relying on the hots rather than blocking everything up?

A. That is what it was last week, yes.

Q. Did you have to tell the players much about watching the Dallas game tonight and how it might affect everything?

A. We go over the divisional standings. Who is playing who. They can see the significance of the who’s playing who and who the divisional leaders are. That has pretty much been spelled out.

Ross apparently back to work

Ed Valentine — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:33:26 -0000

Ross apparently back to work

Is it a miracle? Or a mirage? Jenny Vrentas of the Star-Ledger says Aaron Ross was back at practice for the Giants today. At corner back. Coach Tom Coughlin says Ross is 'questionable' for Monday night.

A Giants fan's plan for 2010

Ed Valentine — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:01:07 -0000

Ben, a relatively new Big Blue View community member who goes by the screen name 'BigTrueBlue,' sent an intriguing e-mail recently. It included a fairly exhaustive, comprehensive, off-season plan for our disappointing New York Giants.

I disagree with several of Ben's suggestions. But, this is a well-thought out piece of work by Ben that lays out the potential free agents the Giants have to make decisions on, and shares some draft thoughts.

It's well worth the time, so give it a look. And I'm sure it will generate some discussion. We all love to play amateur general manager.

The New York Giants - Planning for 2010

Quarterback	Age	Free Agency Year
David Carr	28	2010

What to do: David Carr is going to want to revive his career and I think a team will take a chance on him as a teacher to one of the many rookie QB's coming out of this draft class. I think we look for a veteran in free agency that has some NFL miles under his belt and sign him for a couple years behind Eli.

Running Back	Age	Free Agency Year
Danny Ware	24	2010 (RFA)

What to do: With a young RB core of Jacobs, Bradshaw, Andre Brown and Hedgecock (FB) we really do not need Ware. But with the injury histories of Jacobs, Bradshaw and ABrown keeping a pass catching and versatile back that can help on special teams is a must. Signing Jacobs was a mistake, but the good news is Andre Brown is going to be a great back with healthy size and solid hands.

Wide Receiver	Age	Free Agency Year
Domenik Hixon	24	2010
Sinorice Moss	25	2010

What to do: The Giants have established their WR core with Manningham, Steve Smith, and Hakeem Nicks. Hixon is an average returner with weak hands and poor body control -- he has been given all the opportunity to succeed and has not proven worthy, let him go. At this point Sinorice Moss is a veteran presence that has really done nothing in his career. With promising training camps the past two years and no actual real production - it's time to let him go. Ramses Barden and Derek Hagan will now have to prove themselves.

Offensive Tackle	Age	Free Agency Year
Guy Whimper	26	2010

What to do: William Beatty has stepped up big in his rookie year. I am not sure about Whimper's versatility, but if he is able to move around the line keep him. If not just let him go.

Beatty is ready to go. He can play at any position on the line. He has even seen time at the TE position in goal line situations. That said Kareem McKenzie is old, constantly fighting injuries, and a penalty liability. At 5 million a year, its time to cut ties with the veteran. The Giants have been able to turn mid-round offensive linemen into productive contributors, and it is definitely worth looking to the draft to continue this trend.

Guard	Age	Free Agency Year
Kevin Boothe	26	2010

What to do: Has been a solid backup. Similar situation to Guy Whimper.

Defensive End	Age	Free Agency Year
David Tollefson	28	2010 (RFA)

What to do: Although he is relatively old, this guy can flat out play. Having depth at the DE position is key. With Tollefson the Giants have a solid 4-man DE rotation

Defensive Tackle	Age	Free Agency Year
Barry Cofield	25	2010
Fred Robbins	32	2010

What to do: The Giants handcuffed themselves with the signing of Bernard and Canty. Canty is 26 years old and has battled injuries this year -- he will be fine. Canty has played decently these past two weeks against Dallas and the Eagles, he is clearly getting his strength and confidence back. He is also the ideal DE in a 3-4 defense in case the giants ever plan on transitioning. Rocky Bernard has been crippled by injuries and is worth keeping for another year to see if he still has what he had in Seattle. As much as I love Fred Robbins, he has been banged up through his career and while he might have a few years left, I think it is time to say good bye. Resigning Barry Cofield is a must. Additionally Jay Alford is a great DT that hit the IR in preseason. Canty, Bernard, Alford, Cofield could prove to be a top DT rotation.

The Giants and a 3-4 defense might work out. Tuck is a bit under-sized but he is about 275/280 and would be a light DE in a 3-4, but his athleticism would surely make up for it. Kiwanuka and Umenyoria might be best suited as OLB's with Sintim playing 3-4 OLB in college. That rotation would be deadly. Goff and Boley are surely athletic enough and good enough tacklers to play the Inside linebacker spots. The Nose Tackle spot, which is considered the key to the 3-4 could be handled by Cofield who is listed as 6-3, 305, but I think he is a tad ashamed of his true weight. Jay Alford is a bit small as well, but he is athletic enough to make up for it.

Outside Linebacker	Age	Free Agency Year
Danny Clark	32	2010

What to do: Time for Clint Sintim to play. Chase Blackburn can play all three line backer positions decently and will serve as a solid backup. Danny Clark, you had a solid career - enjoy retirement. Sintim and Michael Boley complement each other well with Sintim being a big LB and Boley being an athletic veteran.

Middle Linebacker	Age	Free Agency Year
Antonio Pierce	30	2011
Chase Blackburn	26	2010

What to do: AP is signed through 2011 and is finished -- time to say good bye. Although he is an extremely intelligent linebacker, he lacks the quickness to cover backs and tight ends and therefore is useless in the Giants 4-3 defense. Jonathon Goff has played much better than I expected. He is a smart guy that definitely has a future in the NFL. He is a smart guy that has a knack for reading qbs and being around the ball. He has definitely earned his spot, and will hold on to it for now. Chase Blackburn is a great goal line linebacker that has the versatility to play all three linebacker positions and is a must re-sign.

DRAFT -- A MLB in the draft might not be necessary. The Giants generally don't draft by need so Brandon Spikes may still be a target on our draft board.

Cornerback	Age	Free Agency Year
Kevin Dockery	25	2010

What to do: Corey Webster is an elite corner back with great instincts and shut down capabilities. The Gants issues lie with the second cornerback and nickel back. Aaron Ross was a first round pick who has surely not lived up to his expectations, but is only 26 and still has good football left in him. Ross has been playing safety. He is a bit slow out there and is definitely not 100% yet, not to mention he is playing out of position, but I expect him to be playing at a high level come next year when he moves back to corner. Terrell Thomas filled in for Ross and did ok as a cover guy, was active in the run game and had a few interceptions. Thomas is a great athlete and definitely has all the tools, but I fear he lacks the fluidity to become a top cover corner. Undrafted free agent Bruce Johnson is a bit undersized at 5-10 170lbs but his footwork and speed make him a great asset to a team against some speedy receivers. Due to the emergence of Johnson, Dockery seems expendable in his contract year. The core of Webster and Ross with Thomas for bigger receivers and Johnson against quick receivers -- I think the Giants will be fine. They may want to consider looking in the later rounds of the draft for a physical corner back.

Safety	Age	Free Agency Year
C.C. Brown	26	2010
Michael Johnson	25	2011
Aaron Rouse	25	2011

What to do: Kenny Phillips is 22 and has a lot of football ahead of him. I hope he can recover from his injury and be on the field during training camp picking up where he left off. The Giants had him playing at SS although being 6-2 215lbs. I think with his speed and coverage ability he is better off playing the Free Safety position. Michael Johnson was a nice surprise in the 7^th round and is definitely an above average Free Safety - but if Michael Johnson is playing, that means Phillips is playing out of position and is not being utilized correctly. Rouse is actually a very interesting prospect as he is a big kid that with a little time in the weight room could have played some linebacker. His problem is he lacks the agility to be a play maker in the passing game. Also, his name is oddly similar to cornerback Aaron Ross. C.C. Brown is an elite tackler with almost linebacker tackling skills. As a strong safety his main priority is to be the running games final level of protection. His coverage skills are atrocious -- if I was the opposing team's coach I would send receivers deep at him all game. Bottom line here is we have four extremely hyped out of college and talented safeties that could play on many teams around the league. We just lack a true SS that can be a factor in coverage, cover deep, while being a force in the run/screen game. I think we let Brown go, keep Rouse and Johnson around and then look to the draft in the early rounds for a true strong safety.

Special Teamer	Age	Free Agency Year
Lawrence Tynes	31	2013
Jeff Feagles	43	2010

What we need: Feagles, you had an incredible run. You deserve to be in the hall of fame and you were an integral part of the Giants success during the past few years. I am sure your behind the door leadership was much appreciated by the coaching staff. You may still be the best at pinning the ball in the 20, but your leg strength is atrocious. I wonder if Madden gave you a 98 for accuracy and 50 for leg strength. I remember watching a Michigan football game and watching their punter (who looked like a good athlete that could make a tackle if need be) kick a 52 yard punt and put it out of bounds at the 4 yard line. I am sure there are better punters, but we should definitely spend a 4^th-7^th round pick on a punter. Might be worth using our 7^th round pick to draft a kicker for some healthy competition with Tynes in training camp.

The Giants lack an elite kick returner. While it is extremely difficult to find a good kick returner, I think there value is generally underappreciated with the thinking that many guys can be good kick returners. But look at guys like Josh Cribbs, Devin Hester, Tedd Ginn, Johnny Lee Higgins, Sproles, Leon Washington, Welker and Percy Harvin these guys constantly get their team good field position. Returners are generally difficult to scout but if a guy s like Wes Welker and Josh Cribbs can go undrafted I'm sure Reese and Co. can find a quality kick returner.

Summary:
Cut -- Carr, Hixon, SMoss, Booth Or Whimper (maybe both), Robbins, Clark, Pierce, Dockery, Brown, Feagles.

Re-sign- Blackburn, Cofield, Tollefson, Booth or Whimper (maybe both), Ware.
FA- Veteran QB and Punter

Draft needs in order -- OL, LB, Punter, KR, Safety, DT, Cornerback, Kicker

You want to be angry about the whole Johnny Damon situation? Blame this guy.

Ed Valentine — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:38:32 -0000

You want to be angry about the whole Johnny Damon situation? Blame this guy.