Tyree’s charities of choice for this event were Children of the City and The Legacy Center. The event took place at 300 Bowling Alley at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. All proceeds from the event and silent auctions went to both of the charities in equal fashion.

Feb 3, 2008; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with wide receiver David Tyree (85) after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

David Tyree made sure to bring along many of his former teammates who bowled and mingled with fans throughout the night. The guest list included such names as: Tiki Barber, Jake Ballard, Kevin Boothe, Chris Canty, Victor Cruz, Shaun O’Hara, Jason Pierre-Paul, Steve Weatherford, Antrel Rolle, Ramses Barden, Justin Tuck and of course Eli Manning. 

Though there was limited media access, Cat Fiorentino and I were able to squeeze in and get some quotes from Antrell Rolle, Eli Manning, and an exclusive interview with Victor Cruz. Of course, the topic of choice was the contract reconstruction of Osi Umenyiora and what he means to the team.

Eli Manning was nothing short of ecstatic that Osi was back. With Osi, JPP, Tuck, and Canty on the D-line, the offense will be sure to have the ball a lot more due to turnovers. Antrel Rolle  also took some time out from bowling to let us know his thoughts on Osi. He said, Osi is like a “brother to me” and that “business can get sticky.”  He also said Osi was “smiling like a kid in a candy shop” and he still thinks the Giants can improve even though the Osi situation is finally cleared up.

The media was asked to leave after an hour due to the event being private and for the fans (rightfully so), but before we left, we were able to catch up with Victor Cruz. Cruz offered his sentiments on the Osi situation saying he was obviously happy to have him back and he thinks the defensive line is one of the best in the league. When asked who he thought could be the next “Victor Cruz”, Cruz did not hesitate to say Rueben Randle. He also mentioned Ramses Barden and Jerrel Jernigan. Before he left, Cruz let us know that he has no plans to ditch the Salsa celebration anytime soon and he hopes to continue his celebration multiple times this upcoming season.

*Stay tuned for Cat’s interview news and notes from both Cruz and Rolle later in the week, with pictures!*

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Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives and for the Giants it is nothing short of a must win.

Christmas is a time of gathering and relaxation for families all over the country, but in New York, there will be no relaxing until the clock hits 0:00 in the 4th.

Most Giants fans are well aware of the struggles in the secondary. Prince is not ready for prime time, Grant looks old, and Rolle takes no blame for blown coverage. The only player who has looked somewhat decent has been Corey Webster.

Here is a haunting stat in regards to this that should make fans quiver. The Giants have allowed opposing wide outs to score 11 touchdowns in the past five weeks. Ouch.

Touchdowns aside, the Giants need to make sure that Santonio Holmes is in check. In 15 weeks this season, Holmes has yet to eclipse over 100 yds receiving. The Giants do not want to give Holmes an early Christmas present by allowing him to get over that mark.

A sight into the future?

The Giants are hoping that their secondary ends up on the nice list rather than the naughty list for this coming Christmas. (I’m sorry, I had to)

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