NFLPA records show baas due to get a $1.26M base in 2013. He had been due $4.75M.

This should free up enough money for the Giants to “Tender” their restricted free agents, thus keeping them on the team.  Look for Victor Cruz to receive a first round tender which guarantees him a nice bump in pay, while they work on a long term extension.  Other restricted free agents Andre Brown and Stevie Brown should also receive tenders of either 2nd or third round.  These tenders force teams that want to sign these players to give up a draft pick along with giving the player a new contract to his liking….pretty safe bet that never happens.

Aug 2, 2010; Albany, NY, USA; New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell holds up a play card for his players during training camp in Albany. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

As OTA’s get started and training camp right around the corner, what are the keys to watch for this season? For the Giants to get a playoff birth and make another run at the title they will need to fill the holes of outgoing players and upgrade at a few other areas.

1. Who will be the Victor Cruz of 2012? When Steve Smith departing last offseason there was a huge question mark at the WR position. Thankfully out of virtually no where Cruz emerged and had a monster season finishing behind only Calvin Johnson in recieving yards in the NFC.  With Mario Manningham gone to the left coast and now a question mark on Hakeem Nicks season the WR position has yet again become a problem area. So, who will step up? As of now we have Cruz, Domenik Hixon coming off injury, and rookie Rueban Randle as the likely top 3. After that it’s  Ramses Bardan and Jerrel Jernigan both of which have yet to show any promise. Hopefully Nicks can return to form by week 4 or 5.

2. The linebacker position seems to be the opposite of last year at this time. With Chase Blackburn being re-signed and emerging as a force in the middle and the signing of Keith Rivers from Cincinnati really will solidify the LB corp with Boley and Kiwi flipping between LB and End. And the experience that Williams, Jones and Herzlich gained last year filling in now makes this a strength and no longer the weak link of the defense.

3. The running game had an extremely lack luster year in 2011. Being non existent for most of the year only emerging in the latter part of the regular season and the playoffs, mainly due to the respect for Eli and fear of the big play, needs to be better. With Jacobs joining Manningham in SF and DJ Ware and Da’rel Scott showing very little last season it was clear that Bradshaw would need help. The Giants turned to the Draft and picked David Wilson. With Bradshaw always fighting injuries from his running style and Wilson being a rookie it would appear the G-Men will probably go to a 3 headed running attack with Bradshaw, Ware and Wilson. But this area will be a question with only 1 back That is battle tested.

4. The Offensive Line had an up and down year in 2011, giving good protection in the passing game and poor run blocking. The one constant on the line has been and will be Chris Snee at right guard. With Kareem McKenzie not being re-signed mean that Will Beatty and James Brewer fighting for right tackle, off season signing Sean Locklear with provide depth. The left side appears it will be David Diehl at LT and Kevin Boothe and Mitch Petreus battling for RG. Petreus would add needed toughness and help for the running game. David Baas had a rough start, but seemed to settle in at the center position nicely.

These questions should be answered by the end of training camp and will be key areas that will need to be solid for the Giants to make another run to the playoffs and possible championship.

Unfortunately there seems to be a bit of a downside that makes him a bit like the last 1st round RB the Giants seleted, Ron Dayne. Wilson is an indecisive runner and hesitates at the line when there is not a clear hole and starts running east and west. That is never a good thing in the NFL. He could be a help in the return game with his speed and tackle breaking ability and has had a 92 yd return, but I’m sure sure that makes him 1st round talent.

The Giants did have some bigger concerns than RB that could have been addressed. With players like TE Coby Fleener and O linemen like Konz, Glenn, Martin and Adams all available I wonder if this pick could have been used to address those needs considering last years starting  TE will not be ready by seasons open. And the O line did struggle at times last year, especially with Baas at center.

So was Wilson the right pick? Time will tell, we all hope so and will all be watching.

Here is the early early look at the Giants and Redskins injuries for the week according to NFL.COM.  Good news for Giants fans is the participation of Kenny Phillips even on a limited basis.

Washington Redskins  at  New York Giants
Name	Position	Injury	Practice Status	Game Status
WAS
Jammal Brown	T	Groin	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
LaRon Landry	S	Groin	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Mike Sellers	RB	Elbow	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Donte’ Stallworth	WR	Illness	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Stephen Bowen	DE	Knee	Limited Participation in Practice	–
Reed Doughty	S	Rib	Limited Participation in Practice	–
London Fletcher	LB	Ankle	Limited Participation in Practice	–
Saverio Rocca	P	left Ankle	Limited Participation in Practice	–
NYG
David Baas	C	Neck	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Travis Beckum	TE	Chest	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Ahmad Bradshaw	RB	Foot	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Mark Herzlich	LB	Ankle	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Derrick Martin	S	Back	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Justin Tuck	DE	Toe	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Osi Umenyiora	DE	Ankle	Did Not Participate In Practice	–
Spencer Paysinger	LB	Hamstring	Limited Participation in Practice	–
Kenny Phillips	S	Knee	Limited Participation in Practice	–

RT @Giants: The @Giants have activated WR Ramses Barden to the 53-man roster..Nicks, Bradshaw & Baas have been ruled out for Patriots Game

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The hype for this Sunday’s matchup between the Super Bowl XLII rivals has begun. The New York Giants make their way up north to face the New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium. New England are undefeated at home, so far this season (3-0). In fact, the Pats have not lost a home game since November 30, 2008, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Both teams are coming off of mediocre performances. The Patriots offense looked subpar last week. Their defense has been struggling all season long, giving up the most yards per game in all of the NFL. The Giants offense looked confused at times, but Eli Manning delivered an electric performance. Their defense struggled all game long, but came up with some very big plays to ensure the win, albeit from one of the worst teams in the NFL. Big Blue are certainly capable of beating the Patriots this season. But can they do it against a team who are 20-0, at home, since December 16, 2008? Let’s hear what Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick have to say.
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In his postgame interview, New York Giants’ LT David Diehl said,

“It’s a determination. We knew in order to win this football game, you can’t settle for field goals down there. So, we had that determination – “Hey we get it down there, we’re putting touchdowns up” and that was the case today. It was an awesome win.”

There is bittersweet irony in that statement. The obvious, the Giants were forced into kicking 3 FGs yesterday against a solid Buffalo Bills defense, one of which was blocked from 50 yards out. The not so obvious, the Gmen are dead LAST in the FG department throughout the league. That might sound jarring, if it were any other category. But our Boys In Blue have been very successful down in the red zone thus far in the season and have been registering more touchdowns this year than those, quite often, disappointing 3 pointers. Is this the secret to their overwhelming, under the radar success? Read on my friends.
(more…)

With Baas back, and possibly no Jacobs again on Sunday, you can expect Ahmad Bradshaw to put up some big numbers in both rushing and possibly even receiving.

Baas under Center

Feel confident starting Bradshaw this week for all you fantasy football owners.

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In the offseason, all the experts deemed the Giants’ biggest weaknesses to be along the offensive line and the linebacking corp. Both look to be solidified by young players already on the Giants roster. The players I’m talking about are William Beatty and Clint Sintim. Those players are entering their third season in the NFL, a season many believe is the season that young players become stars in this league.

In addition to the signing of David Baas, the progression of Beatty will allow the Giants’ offensive line to return to the productive levels we have seen back in 2007 and 2008. David Diehl, David Baas, and Chris Snee form one of the best interior lines in the league, and flanked out at right, Kareem Mckenzie looks to add another solid year to his resume. This leads to the only question mark on the line, William Beatty. Beatty was a guy with first round talent, and fell to the second round simply due to the tremendous depth at the tackle position that year. In his third season with the Giants, he should have a firm enough grasp of the offense to make a huge contribution. If he does, watch out.

Michael Boley and his hefty contract will undoubtedly start at weak side linebacker this season. With Jonathan Goff’s great season, and lack of competition, he should look to man the middle for another year. That leaves the strong side spot open. All indications have been that the coaching staff is looking to Sintim to fill that role. The third year player has worlds of talent, it just hasn’t been realized on the football field yet. It is his third year, however, and you’d hope by now Sintim would be able to show something. Like Beatty, if he can reach his potential he can turn what was a question mark into an asset for the Giants.

In addition to these two players, look for Travis Beckum, Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden to all improve on their previous performances, giving the Giants the impact players so many are craving from free agency. It might not be splashy, but the Giants have the makings of an improved team. That is scary when you realize they were 10-6 and possibly eight minutes away from being the 2nd seed in the playoffs last season.