In offensive lineman David Diehl’s case, it’s the only reason he still has a roster spot on the New York Giants.

The Giants announced yesterday that they had reached an agreement to cut Diehl’s salary from  a base of 4.475 million to 1 million. The move helps lower Diehl’s cap hit from 6.825 milion to 3.125 million.

On the surface, it’s a justifiable move. The Giants needed cap space and while Diehl ideally wouldn’t be the starting right tackle again, he can still function as a versatile backup, being able to play multiple positions on the offensive line.

There are a few major problems with this line of thinking. The first is that versatility only exists if the player is able to play the named positions at an adequate level. Diehl has proven that he is unable to play at even a below average level at any position.

Pro Football Focus ranked David Diehl as the worst pass blocking tackle in football from 2009-2011. Diehl gave up 116 pressures on only 1,191 snaps. That means on 9.7% of his snaps as a tackle, he allowed Eli to be hit, sacked or forced him to get rid of the ball quickly.  PFF’s number doesn’t even account for the fact that Diehl had extensive snaps at left guard during that time.

In 2012, Diehl was slightly better but still very much a liability at right tackle. He was far from the only problem with the Giants offense but it should not be taken as a complete coincidence that two of the worst Giants offensive games of the season (Week 1 vs the Dallas Cowboys, Week 9 vs the Pittsburgh Steelers) came with him as a starter. It also shouldn’t be taken as a complete coincidence that the Giants offense played much better after Sean Locklear replaced him in the starting lineup in Week 2.

Even after the Giants offense more or less flourished under Locklear, the Giants still put Diehl back in the starting lineup. The reasoning? “You don’t really lose your job because of an injury” according to Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty. Ignoring the fact that it happens all the time in the NFL, the Giants were playing at a higher level with Locklear than Diehl. The Giants took that as a blip and not indicative of something more.

If Diehl were being brought back as a strict backup, this move would not be so troubling. That’s the problem: Barring another draft pick or free agent signing, Diehl will be the starter at right tackle. 2011 fourth rounder James Brewer is viewed as a possibility to start but barring an injury or disastrous preseason, Diehl will start. That’s because the Giants organization views him as an asset and not a liability.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin publicly stated he wanted Diehl back, as did co-owner John Mara. It’s unlikely that the Giants would have been so public about a player they view as a backup.

Diehl represents a major blind spot for the Giants organization. They were quick to jettison Ahmad Bradshaw, Michael Boley, and Chris Canty this off-season. In the past, they’ve let veterans like Antonio Pierce, Shaun O’Hara and Rich Seubert go when it was clear they were past their prime. Diehl is long past his prime and actively hurts the Giants offense when he sees the field. Giants fans can see this. Impartial observers can see it. Advanced statistics spell it out clearly. Yet for whatever reason, the Giants organization just doesn’t see it that way.

It’s also not as if Diehl’s problems were solely on the field. Last June, Diehl was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Many players better than Diehl have seen their careers turned upside down for crimes less serious than that.  Diehl received no reprimand from the Giants and it was essentially swept under the rug.

At age 33, Diehl is more likely to see his performance get worse rather than better. With Eli Manning at quarterback, the Giants offense will always be better than average but their potential will be always be limited by Diehl. There’s only so much a quarterback can do when facing constant pressure from pass rushers.

In the end, the Giants season won’t be defined by their right tackle, it will be defined by how their offense and defense as a whole perform and whether or not they make the playoffs. If they fail to do so, the Giants organization will ask what went wrong and will look at every aspect of the team, including the offensive line. It’s a good bet they won’t look in Diehl’s direction though.

Diehl will not be allowed to drive or apply for a driver’s license in New Jersey, where he lives, for over a six-month period and will have to wear a SCRAM bracelet for 90 days. The NFL could fine Diehl for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.

He stated this after the arrest last summer:

“I have been here for 10 years and throughout those 10 years I have always tried to carry myself and be a positive role model for people on and off the field. I apologize to my teammates, I apologize to my family, the New York Giants, all my fans and to anybody who has supported me throughout these years. I am going to make sure that I learn from this, and it is a mistake that I guarantee will never, ever happen again. I will help other people to make sure that they don’t make the same decision that I made in this circumstance. I will become a stronger person because of this.”

The object of the story was to compare position players of all the NFC East to see who the “Beast of the East” were in the Division by talent level. His conclusion Dallas far outweighed the Redskins but also the Eagles and the Super Bowl Champion Giants. Okay let us go to his first ridiculous statement in which he writes; “I have listed as a tie between Eli Manning and Tony Romo. Although in my opinion Romo is the better QB by far. Romo has a higher QB rating, completion percentage, and more TD’s per game then Manning. In fact without the luck of a David Tyree miracle helmet catch, a Wes Welker 2nd down Super Bowl bobble with 4 minutes left in the game, or a Miles Austin dropped wide open 50 yard game clinching TD pass, it isn’t even a debate.” Okay we all know that statement is just plain stupid but I am not going to respond as a fan, I will respond with what their NFL colleagues have stated. In NFL Networks Top 100 players, Romo was rated 91, Vick 71 and Manning 31. So according to their fellow NFL players Romo is not even close to a tie with Manning and in fact is closer to Vick, the better QB, at 71. Call us all when Romo wins more than one playoff game in 9 years. These statements by itself needs no commentary. Anyone reading it will know how foolish it is or did Romo win 2 Super Bowls and more than one playoff game when I fell in a deep sleep?

Now let us go to this writers erroneous facts. First off I hate comparisons this early in the season when we do not know players health or standing on the team. So first mistake I saw was this writer placing David Diehl as the Giants LT. In fact Diehl is slated as RT. Then this writer, out of god knows where, places Prince Amukamara as the Giants starting CB. Prince might not even be the Giants nickle corner this season. Just for this writers’ edification Terrell Thomas and Corey Webster are the Giants starting CBs. You might remember Webster, the number one Corner for the Giants last year and the starting CB for the Giants the last 3 years. I know I am concentrating on the Giants and ignoring the Eagles and Redskins but this writer should be comparing his Cowboys to the Super Bowl Champs with some type of knowledge. Okay next mistake he places Chase Blackburn as starting MLB for Giants when in fact both Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese have said that is a open position and Michael Boley may start there. There are more factual mistakes concerning the Giants, Eagles and Redskins but I do not have the stomach to get into it and do not want to write a 2 page article.

I will not rate which team has the better players at each position because it is quite frankly stupid. We do not know where these players will be at the end of Training Camp, who the surprises will be and the changes in line ups. I will tell this writer the next time you present an article like this; tell the reader this is written from the heart of a Cowboy fan and not as a analyst. To show you the difference I am a big Giants fan but judging pure talent I think the Eagles easily take that crown but it is about winning which by the way Romo has a lot to learn even this late in his career.

Around 8:45PM Sunday New York City Police received reports about a car hitting several cars along 35th Avenue in Queens. When they arrived they found David Diehl driving his BMW. Diehl blew a 0.18 on the breathalizer, twice the legal limit.

Diehl was then arraigned on two counts of impaired driving and ordered to be released on his own recognizance. His license has been suspended and he must return to court on July 26. This is also the first day of Giants’ training camp.

Diehl made this statement: ”I’ve worked hard during my career to set a positive example, and yesterday I fell far short of this standard. I apologize to my family, my fans, the New York Giants, and the NFL. I made a poor decision that I sincerely regret, and, as always, take full responsibility for my actions.”

The Giants released this statement: ”Obviously we are aware of the situation, although we have not yet had a chance to discuss it with David. Since it is an ongoing legal matter, we will refrain from comment at this time, although we will say that David has been an outstanding representative of this organization for the past 10 years, and nobody knows more than David does what is expected of our players both on and off the field.”

Diehl was selected by the Giants in the fifth round in 2003. He’s missed just four game since then and helped the Giants to two Super Bowl victories. On May 22 of this year he was given the team’s Wellington Mara Man of the Year award.

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.

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.
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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.

Source: Sean Kerr

Memorial Day weekend started early for Giants fans this year and on a very positive note to boot. With weather forecasters predicting rain over the holiday, and on a seemingly overcast night, the left tackle for the New York Giants brought a heaping portion of sunshine for all to enjoy, as well as a few friends.

David Diehl hosted the Big Blue Moon Charity Event on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at The Garden @ Studio Square in Queens, NY. Diehl is 6′ 5″, 319 lbs but with the passion and motivation that he has for his charity, it is safe to say that his heart is twice the size.
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The injuries that the New York Giants have had to contend with this season have passed over the borderline and into the territory of the obscene. Before the start of the preseason, and at the very first practice, their “Plaxico Burress successor”, Domenik Hixon, suffered a season ending accruciate ligament injury. From that practice up until the game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, the Giants’ receiving corp continued to be depreciated by a nasty little injury plague.

There was a glimmer of hope on Monday night though. David Diehl, Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks all made it back into the starting lineup only to find the injury plague back in full swing. Steve Smith was Big Blue’s second leading receiver before his pectoral injury. In the 3rd quarter of the Vikings game, Smith suffered a hamstring injury and is likely to miss at least one game.
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Source: Sean Kerr

Tis’ the season is the popular saying this time of year; the season for giving. Christmas in New York City is truly a magical time. Perhaps I am a little biased, being a native New Yorker but if you are looking for that Yule Tide feeling, you wont have to look very far in the Big Apple. This past Thursday night was one of many nights, I am sure, that New York Giants Defensive End Osi Umenyiora was feeling the Christmas spirit.

Perry Ellis sponsored Lord & Taylor’s, “Guys Night Out” last night. To say it was a huge success would be an understatement. On hand to meet and greet the fans were New York Jets LB – Bart Scott, the New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders and our very own Osi Umenyiora. The Lord & Taylor flagship store was brimming with holiday shoppers and Giants fans alike. While most in attendance of the “Guys Night Out” couldn’t wait to meet their favorite New York Giant, some just wanted to play video games.
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Seubert and Diehl are perhaps the two toughest players on the New York Giants, and that’s saying something regardless which NFL team you’re discussing. This one would be a drag-em-out, last man standing, blood on the jersey position battle. Seubert demolished his leg in 2003, came back, and has started the previous 3 seasons, including the Super Bowl winning year. Diehl has started at 3 positions on the line, and has mentioned in the last post, has been named a 2nd team All-NFL selection as well as a Pro Bowler. Seubert played all last season with a shoulder injury so severe he needed surgery as soon as the season was over. But Diehl is probably the more skilled of the two.

It’s doubtful the Giants would even consider this battle unless they are sure that Beatty is ready to take over at tackle. But assuming that he shows enough in camp to lay claim to the position, this would quickly shape up to be one of the fiercest training camp battles in the NFL. The middle linebacker race would probably get more attention, but this one would be the most brutal.

When all is said and done, David Diehl would have to be favored. But don’t count Seubert out- people made that mistake after his leg injury, and he has been playing admirable left guard for the team the last three seasons. If Diehl holds off Beatty at the tackle spot, we won’t ever see the result of this battle, at least for another year. But if he does, get ready for a treat.

There’s no question that the Giants’ running game wasn’t the same last season. The Giants linemen took a lot of pride in setting the record for most consecutive games played as a cohesive offensive line. For more than four seasons’ worth of games, the same five lineman lined up next to each other through bruised bones, barking backs, and corroding knees. Did the injury sacrifices to chase that streak hurt them in the long run? It definitely seemed to catch up to them exponentially last season, where they more than made up for the previous years’ with a rash of long overdue injuries.

David Diehl is 29 and a lynch pin of that consecutive streak offensive line. But have all those injuries caught up with him? The Giants hope that William Beatty is the future left tackle. Drafted last season with the 60th overall pick in the second round out of UConn, Beatty had to be hurried into duty in 15 games, starting 3, because of the aforementioned rash of injuries. With a full year under his belt, will he be ready to take over from the accoladed vet? Beatty is both shorter and less stocky than Diehl and comes with a higher pedigree. But pedigree has never mattered to Diehl.

He’s a fighter. A 5th round draft pick who started every game in his rookie year… at right guard. The next season, Diehl started every game again… at right tackle. His third season, Diehl started 1 game at right tackle and the other 15 at left tackle. Perhaps the Giants are eying this versatility as a chance to move Diehl to another position on the line, allowing the future left tackle to take his role this season? Beatty definetly outperformed expectations last season when called upon, and few would question he is much more athletic than Diehl, which would come in handy against teams with ferocious pass rushers on that side like the Cowboys and DeMarcus Ware.

It seems the Giants want Beatty to take over for Diehl, which opens up more interesting position battles along the line.