Roger Goodell is expedient. He just did the one punishment that satisfies all the leagues concerns.
First off, the League is worried about future class action suits regarding the health of
long off retired players who are now suffering from a variety of health issues directly caused by the game itself. The League needs to gain credibility that it cares about the health and well being of its players. Once the League became aware of the activities of the Saints, it was handed an opportunity to grow that credibility and to stamp out any other such programs across the League. How so you ask? Goodell just dropped a thermal nuclear weapon on one team to make an example of for all other.

• Owners have just been shown how vulnerable they are to devastating set backs by the League.
• Coaches have just been shown that integrity matters. They have to know what is going on inside their team and stamp out any practices that even remotely smell of bounties.
• Players are about to learn that if they do not police themselves, the League is not above voiding their contracts and suspending them for a year or two.

In one fell swoop, Goodell has made an example of one team for the other 31 to learn from in a manner that will change the culture of Pro Football for all time.
Oh and for comedy relief, there is the Jets.

Justin Tuck says 

"I am not me," said Tuck, who also used stronger language to describe his play. "I am not a very good player right now. It's frustrating because I do look at myself on film and I don't like what I see, and it's not the effort. I feel like I am putting forth the effort. It's some things not allowing me to play my style of football."

Justin is a player we need performing at an above average level but injuries are slowing him down

 

More at 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82437b0e/article/giants-tuck-disgusted-with-play-since-return-from-injury?module=HP11_headline_stack

Just like the way he treated the team at the end of his career...

 http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/05/28/tiki-barbers-estranged-wife-bans-delivery-room-twin-daughters-birth/?test=faces

A true class act.

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

OSN reports on Eli and his off season issues.

 

INDIANAPOLIS-Clapping randomly as he struggled to follow the action on the field, a confused Eli Manning attempted to cheer for his older brother Peyton in the AFC Championship Sunday, barely comprehending the most basic elements of the game. "Which one is Peyton? Is he the one kicking the ball?" said Manning, the Giants quarterback and Super Bowl XLII MVP. "  See more from the below link.

Continue reading this post »

Brandon Marshall is now looking to be traded.  He is a physically gifted receiver with a great deal of up-side but has to grow up.  Lots of bad behavior in his past including domestic violence.  He is another head case but could the Giants be interested in trading several Wide outs to Denver for him?  If he could grow up, Eli would have a magnificent target to throw to for years.

http://www.fftoday.com/stats/playerprofile.php?PlayerID=2646

What are your thoughts?

From NFL.COM

*The Giants also announced the signing of Lee Vickers, a former college defensive end who moved to tight end when he entered the NFL.

Vickers, 6-6 and 279 pounds, has played eight NFL games with two starts, all with the 2007 Baltimore Ravens. He caught two passes for four yards. The Ravens waived Vickers on Aug. 31, 2008.

“He converted to tight end and he has good hands,” Coughlin said. “I think we can get some versatility out of him as a blocker and a short-range receiver, but also on special teams. He’s pretty good in the wedge.”

Vickers entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006. He was waived on Sept. 3 and signed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad two weeks later. The Eagles released him on Sept. 18, 2007 and he joined Baltimore, first on the practice squad and then the active roster.

Vickers played defensive end for four seasons at North Alabama. He began his collegiate career as a pitcher at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Ala., then transferred to North Alabama, where he was a walk-on quarterback. Vickers quickly moved to defensive end.

Vickers was a standout quarterback at Athens (Ala.) High School. He was born on March 13, 1981.

Hopefully this will allow us to convert a few 4th and ones.

Washington has released Jason Taylor as he would not restructure his deal for them.  So, do the G-Men have it in them to sign premier stand up line man / Linebacker?  They passed on JT last year but I have to believe that the Eagles would not have thrown them around like a rag doll if the LB's were a step faster and more athletic.  He can fill a hole and drop back in coverage and would kill to play on a winner.  I have no idea if the cap room is available but it sure is nice to dream...

No details but it sounds like he would like a fresh start...

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/features/rumors?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2ffeatures%2frumors

 He has been a gentleman his entire career and the NYG will miss his quiet competent leadership.  The young guys could sure use him as a role model.

I wish him well if it does not work out in NY as he deserves what ever favorable deal he can get.

If you are feeling a little down about the Giants, Bob Papa gives an extremely positive perspective on the season.

Courtesy of Giants.com

http://www.giants.com/player/ivideo-08.asp?file_300=rtmp%3A%2F%2Fcp50514.edgefcs.net%2Fondemand%2F50515%2F50515%2FPapa_Perspective%2Fpapa_09_0114.flv

Big wins against the best in the league

Players progressed in their development

No let down with Strahan and OSI being gone.

Other tid bits and some good video of memorable plays.

Enjoy

 

It was a great year but what a missed opportunity.  The Giants beat all 4 of the remaining teams this season in relatively convincing manner (Eagles not withstanding).  I wonder if that has ever happened before in the NFL.   

At this point, I will be rooting for the Cardinals to go to the Super Bowl as my DNA prevents me siding with the Eagles.

Hopefully we will have some competitive games this weekend.  Will more than 6 points combined be scored in Pittsburg?