New York Giants Specialists
By Joe Tufaro
The New York Giants had a tremendous need at punter coming into last season. Jeff Feagles had retired and Matt Dodge had been such a lightning rod the previous season that it would make it impossible for him to continue as part of this team. The kicking situation on the Giants had not been a strong point coming in to say the least.
Steve Weatherford could have been named MVP of the Super Bowl without much of a stretch. Steve Weatherford was basically kicked off the Jets, and now has a Super Bowl RIng to show for it. Weatherford was re-signed quickly and his directional punting will continue to be a weapon for the Giants for some time. He is the real deal, and he will make the defensive and offensive units that much better.
“Lawrence Tynes has kicked the Giants to The Super Bowl” has now been uttered twice by the voice of the Giants Bob Papa. Many have thought if Lawrence hadn’t (Finally) made the kick in Green Bay in ’07 that he would be long gone, and now he has made another in San Francisco, and a few more in Indianapolis. There might be some competition in camp, but Tynes gets the nod in a close battle.
Zak DeOssie now has one more ring than Dad. He is a great long snapper and Special teams players. Consistency is the key here.
The return game however is up for grabs. Does Hixon secure a wide receiver spot and forfeit kickoff returns on the process? Do the Giants allow their young running back David Wilson to start out as a punt returner ala Tiki Barber? These are key spots where players like Jerrel Jerrnigan, Andre Brown, Jayron Hosley, and Da’Rel Scott can contribute in different ways to ensure a roster spot. I think this is another great watch for training camp and am looking forward to see who emerges.