Don't Call It A Comeback -- Giants vs. Cowboys, Oct. 28, 2012

So the Giants of New York square off against the Cowboys of Dallas.

What I see is simple.

The Giants Offensive Line is healthy and thriving.

David Diehl isn't even needed, and he's pretty darn good.

I would run the ball all over Texas, and throw in the play action.

For the folks knee deep in this rivalry there's this.

Oh, and for anyone still thinking about the Bradshaw slap , these are the little things that build character.

Til' Sunday...

~Your man Zeke

Giants vs. Jets: The Battle for New York

It's official.  The Christmas Even matchup between the Giants and Jets is upon us.  Was anyone surprised that its comes with colossal stakes attached?  The game is on Christmas Eve! Of course, the stakes is high.

But what we need to look at, is who has arrived at this point prepared.

Unfortunately, my practice field pass was revoked because I just couldn't stop barking to the guys about playing tight coverage.

Here's the thing, from what I heard this week, the Giants don't agree with Perry Fewell defensive scheme.  Not a good sign.  But I agree with them.  The Giants have never been known as a loose cover team. They have always been (in the good times) an in-yo-face pass-rushing, man to man coverage sacking force to be reckoned with.  It's high time they get back to that style of play.

The Jets? Who knows with these guys. The same thing essentially goes for the Giants this season.  Who the heck knows what kind of team is going to show up come game time.

The only way the Giants pull this thing out is if, by some strange chance, one or two New York Giants defensive players take a real leadership role this week and make it clear that if guys don't pull their weight, they might get beat up at halftime.

There you have it folks, motivation by fear of being beat up by a big ol' defender is the key to Giants victory.  Let's see if we can spot that dynamic on the field.

Go Big Blue!

Giants vs. Packers: What They're Saying...

In anticipation of Sunday's matchup between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the stories coming out of both camps in order to see how both sides view their opponent and what they see when they look in the mirror.

Here's what I found:

Out of the Big Apple: 

Giants getting Michael Boley back...Big Blue writers seem to understand his importance -- http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/vet_linebacker_likely_to_suit_up_9DGM5dyR0j8NmxunLsbl7O

Strahan tries to motivate the D -- http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/michael-strahan-pays-a-visit-to-the-struggling-new-york-giants-defensive-line/2011/11/30/gIQA9jt7DO_story.html

Bradshaw feels ready to go -- http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/giants/good_news_for_big_blue_ailing_bradshaw_noCercI1znyhFlX7Nal27M

Perry Fewell is fired up -- http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/giantsblog/giants_assistant_says_defense_will_6HWPma5B4AZnHOi24Fba9L

Much respect for Aaron Rogers -- http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/aikman-theismann-quaterback-experts-analyze-greatness-packers-aaron-rodgers-article-1.986308

From the land of brats:

Respecting Bradshaw and the Giants D-Line -- http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20111203/PKR01/312030130/Packers-vs-Giants-3-keys-game?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CGPG-Sports%7Cs

Packer LB arrested and bailed out after assaulting his girlfriend....Will start vs. Giants -- http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20111129/PKR01/111129138/Notebook-Teammates-accept-Walden-apology-look-move-on?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CGPG-Sports%7Cs

Packers starting two rookie LBs this week...Continue to win in spite of injuries -- http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article_ketchman/article-1/Packers-Giants-in-test-of-wills/6051b0d8-0bc2-4334-ae29-d1a9b6c3628e

Packer Nation is Growing -- http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-1/Packers-Everywhere-free-pep-rally-in-New-York-area-accommodates-for-more-fans/61064068-9111-4493-a5e8-2c9e56effb8a


So there you have it folks. Giants seem to be getting some important cogs back into their machine this week and the Packers couldn't care less that their starting linebacker hits women.

I have no idea what's going to happen on Sunday.

Go Big Blue!

MAKE IT HERZ SO GOOD

That's right, there's a player on the New York Giants set to get his first taste of NFL action tomorrow on defense against the Philadelphia Eagles.  And his name ain't Prince.

Actually, he's a Giant among men and his name is Mark Herzlich. Don't worry, I'm not sure myself how it's pronounced.  But, boy do I wish good ol' John Madden could be telling us for sure on Sunday.

If you're not already aware, Herzlich was once considered a great football talent in college.  In fact, he played for the same college Tom Coughlin coached (BC).  Then something tragic occurred.  He was diagnosed with cancer. Didn't get many looks from the NFL after that...Until that is, The NY Giants said, "Hey Mark, if you want to work, we got plenty to keep you busy over here in the marshes of East Rutherford, New Jersey."



I mean, sounds like a tough offer to pass up.  Though, I'm pretty sure Mark became a Giant because of the all you can eat egg sandwich agreement from the TD Express.

Kegs and eggs, I believe that was the clincher.




At any rate, Mark Herzlich is playing tomorrow.


Antonio, you better buy all of your old jerseys now, while you can still get a #58 with Pierce on the back of it.

Go Big Blue!

I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING...GIANTS VS. EAGLES

That's right, it's me! Transmitting live from 1982, right here at the famous Big Barry's in Rocky Point.








And I know what you're thinking...






How can the Giants blow this one?

"Say it ain't so!"

Here's how, and this one comes from your local AM sports radio caller, which reminds me of a thought I once had about what's worse...Being one of those guys who's a regular caller on sports talk radio shows, like Jimmy from Baldwin something like that, or being one of the guys who's always calling but never gets on the air?

Giants all week say they're preparing for Michael Vick.  Hey, here's an idea, how about preparing for all of their QBs?  Perhaps because the Giants always get torched by back-up quarterbacks.

Vince Young may get even younger thinking about the magical comeback he had way back when he convinced Mathias Kiwanuka, during the play mind you, that William Joseph had said all kinds of rude stuff about Kiwanuka's mother on the last play at the line of scrimmage.  See for yourself (Hint: It's at the :35 mark).

And what about this Mike Kafka guy?  I see he's averaging 1 INT a season.  Still, The Giants need to watch out for these guys. They have barely any film on the guy.  I'm just saying...That's when the eagles utilize all of their other weapons.  They have a ton of guys who can run the ball.  Steve Smith is looking for redemption (or maybe a job back with the Giants).

Also, the last time I checked, DeSean Jackson is pretty good at returning kicks.  How about not kicking it to him?

Now I just got the word from one of the Big Barry's bartenders that Young is definitely starting on Sunday for the Eagles.  Coughlin, Fewell, please tell me you're preparing for this guy AND Kafka too. Chances are you're going to see both of them.

Now, Gilbride.

You're my next victim.

I know what you're thinking...




"How am I still here?"




I'll tell you how...

By every now and then pulling out a few dazzlers that wow the crowd.  You may know nothing of consistency or you may know it all too well, but the one thing you do know about, is timing.  Hey, sure, it wasn't your crew that blew that lead last year, or have let running backs rush on the Giants all year long thus far.  How about we take a look at what works and make that happen in an unpredictable manner.

Pump Fakes...Work -- Use them sparingly [do i have to spell it out Kevin?  On first down or a crucial third down.  they're good for goal line stuff every once in a while too].

Cruz....Works -- Just not on ordinary plays, that's what Manningham, Barden and Nicks are for.

Da-Rel Scott screen passes....Work -- Incorporate them into the game plan

Ballard up the middle....Works -- So don't use it too often, instead throw him the out routes to continue a drive.

Here's a thought, why not run a two man backfield set with Ballard at the TE spot, Nicks on one side and Manningham on the other side every once in a while?  Seems pretty unpredictable.

This one is going to be some kind of game.

Go Big Blue!

THAT'S RIGHT, GET FLYERED UP!

The Giants and Eagles don't care for each other much.  There's a history brewing on every snap of the ball.  Fans glance a little harder at other fans wearing the other jerseys.  A fire stoked by the New York Metropolitans superbly executed lack of winning, further heightening the stakes for Giants fans, determined not to allow two division crowns to fall atop the Wiz-wit-ful staches of Philly fans.

Speaking of Cheesesteaks...

When you're in the neighborhood, be sure to pay homage to the now-defunkdafied Explorer's Den and then mosey on down to LARRY'S STEAKS!


HOME 
OF 
THE 
BELLY FILLER

And while we're on the subject of these two tough NFC East-don't- matter-what-place-we're-in-we-still-wanna-mash-heads kind of teams, you deserve to know what plays helped define all these years...

TOP 10 MOMENTS FROM THEIR PAST

Ouch – Giant’s lose a tough one. And it hurts!

For those of you who read my game review, I said Giants were more talented than the 49ers and that is Giants limited turnovers, they would win the game. So what happened…Giants outplayed a good 49ers team, but made too many mistakes. The Giants out-gained the 49ers in first downs (21 to 16), third-down efficiency (50% to 27%), total net yards (395 to 305), net yards rushing (93 to 77), net yards passing (302 to 228), and time of possession (34:37 to 25:23). But the Giants were only 1-of-4 in the red zone, they lost turnover battle with one interception by the 49ers and two by the Giants.

Good News….Giants hung in a game that they could have been blown out in after an early 4^th quarter turnover led to a 49ers TD and a 2 score lead. Eli and the offense drove down the field late in the game and had a good chance to tie it up. Giants ran the ball against a tough run defense and did a lot better against the run. They also made a lot of big 4^th down conversions on that last drive and were a Mannigham catch away from tying the game late.

Bad News…Giants were bad in Red Zone (1 for 4). I know SF has a tough D, but can I get a 1 on 1 jump ball for Barden? The guy did it all through college and he is 6’6”. Giants ran the ball better, but still couldn’t get the 2 yard gain when they needed it. Couple of bad turnovers (1 totally on Eli, and the 2^nd on Manningham). Manningham needs to finish his route and that 4^th quarter ball doesn’t get picked off. Giants need to get Prince on the field. I know he is a rookie and we can’t expect much, but he has to be better than Coe and Martin. Martin played terrible on Special teams and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was waved this week.

What it means for Gmen…. Giants were helped out by Eagles losing. That pretty much eliminates Eagles. The Cowboys had a big win against Bills and now the NFC East is a two team race. Giants will have their chance to win it, since they have two games left with Dallas, but with a very tough schedule still remaining, the Giants have little room for error. Cowboys next 4 games are all easy, while Giants have 4 tough ones. It is going to be very tough for Giants to maintain a one game lead through this stretch. A win yesterday would have really been huge.

What’s next…A huge game against the Eagles. I know Eagles are struggling, but you know they are going to play hard against us. Not only do Giants need to win to help conference and division record, but it is the only game in the next 3 where Giants will be favored.

What do you guys think? How bad did this one hurt? Was it a bump in the road or a crack on the highway to playoff town?