Justin Tuck was hurt for the first time in his career this season and still was healthy enough to dominate some teams.  Hopefully he will be able to get his neck and other issues under control and return to being the pillar of strength and the consistent player he has become.  He will be wearing a new facemask this year to help keep offensive lineman from twisting his neck and head.

Marvin Austin was drafted last year and suffered an early injury.  At 6’2″ 312 pounds he is a natural defensive tackle that should provide run stopping ability and pressure up the middle of the field.  We will see.

Rocky Bernard played in all 16 games this season and had 15 solo tackles, 15 assisits, 3 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble and recovery.  He is the veteran in the middle, holding the place until Joseph and Austin are ready to dominate.

Linval Joseph had a nice season starting 15 of the 16 games and recording 49 tackles and 2 sacks.  He is set to play the middle for a while here in New York.

Chris Canty signed away from the Dallas Cowboys after the 2008 season played in all 16 games and showed why the Giants and Jerry Reese wanted him so badly.  47 tackles, 4 sacks, one for a safety.  Canty is another very valuable asset up the middle for the Giants.

Dwayne Hendricks did play in one game this year.  At 6’3″ and 305 pounds, he is another young player for the Giants to develop.

Jason Pierre-Paul is now the media star of this team.  He is the Victor Cruz of the defense.  The great thing about JPP is he defers to Tuck and Osi and the true leaders of this team, he is not too big for his britches as they say, and will be a star in the NFL for a long time to come.

Justin Trattou is entering his second year with the Giants and will benefit greatly from all the off season training he missed last year.

OSI….He has reached one name status.  Osi missed a number of games last year with a knee issue and some say a bad attitude.  Since Osi came back full force, he proved his worth as a pass rusher.  He still gives up the edge too quickly on running plays and can be schemed against when he is in the game.  As a pass rusher he is relentless and adds a dimension to this line that would be missed if he didn’t stay with the team.  Having the luxury of moving JPP to the opposite side, add Justin Tuck and Canty up the middle, and third and long becomes impossible for the opposing teams.  Osi is a free agent at the end of the season, and will want to show exactly what he con offer to teams in the future.

Also in the mix here are Matt Broha a Defesnsive End drafted out of Louisiana Tech, Dwayne Hendricks, Defensive Tackle from Miami, Markus Kuhn Defensive Tackle out of N.C. State, Craig Marshall Defensive End from South Florida, Adewale Ojomo Defensive End also from Miami, and Martin Parker out of Richmond.  These are all young players that the Giants will look to develop through the system and hopefully fond some hidden gems.

Shaun Rogers was also signed this offseason from the Detroit Lions, but he is having a lingering issue and it still needs to be proven that he can contribute to this team.

This group is in good hands and has plenty of depth to withstand some minor injuries throughout the year.  This unit should continue to dominate most games.

“I’m just happy, I’m happy all that’s over with,” said Umenyiora. “It’s time to get back to work. It was definitely frustrating (not being on the field this spring), but hearing some of the things they said, whether it was Kiwi or (Justin) Tuck or JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul) or Antrel (Rolle) – hearing the way they supported me, it made me want to come back even more and be around them. Those guys really stepped up for me. I really appreciate it and I’m happy to be here with them.”

This has been difficult for Osi because he loves the Giants and did not want to leave his teammates or the fans. 2012 will be his ninth season with the Giants and has played with no other team in the NFL.  Recently, other defensive players have been given contracts larger than the 2007 $41 million dollar extension he agreed to. This was the catalyst for Osi’s requests for more money. He was to make $3.975 million in the 2012 season. He has not been practicing with the team during the contract negotiations. Details of the new agreed have not yet been released.

“This gives me peace of mind, definitely,” Umenyiora said. “We just resolved a situation. It really was affecting me in a bad way. Because I didn’t like all the negativity that was surrounding the whole situation. I couldn’t stand it, because if you know me, you know I’m not that type of person. I’m just happy all that is over with and I’ll be there. I’ll play out this contract, I’ll play this year and I’ll play my heart out.”

“I appreciate Osi’s patience and effort through this process,” stated Giants GM Jerry Reese. “We talked it out, and it makes sense for everybody involved. We are very pleased, excited and looking forward to seeing number 72 on the field at Monday’s OTA.”

In his career, Umenyiora has made 333 tackles, 69 sacks, 30 forced fumbles, and recovered 13 fumbles. Last season he played 9 games and made 25 tackles, 9 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

 Cat: I see you’ve been busy these last couple of days – I even saw you on the morning news earlier today. You must be exhausted!

 JPP: Definitely, but I think I’ve been doing a great job

 Cat:  It’s an honor to be interviewing you, I’m a Giants fan and obviously have become a huge fan of yours over the last couple of years.

JPP: That’s what’s up.

Cat: So here we are on the eve of the draft, could you tell our readers a little about your draft day experience?

JPP: Let me take you back. First of all, I didn’t know where I was going. It didn’t really matter if it was the first round or second round, either way I would’ve been the player I am today. The Giants picked me at the 15th pick and they made a great pick, and I am happy to be here today. Honestly, draft day is crazy, but I wasn’t nervous at all.

 Cat: Well, you knew you were getting drafted early didn’t you?

JPP: Nah I didn’t. I didn’t know if I was going first round or second round. I didn’t really care—like I said I still would’ve been the player I am today. Once they put me out there I was going to do what I had to do.

Cat: How has New York been to you so far?

 JPP: It’s been great. New York is a crazy place to stay, a lot of people walking around, I love it. I like the fans too, they’re crazy. I’ll tell you one thing though, once you do something wrong they will let you know, they will boo you. Otherwise the fans are great here you’ve got to love them.

 Cat: I was actually at the parade this year. How was that experience for you?

JPP: That was a hell of a parade. I thought it was never going to end. It was a long parade I actually jumped down and went into the stands. It was fun, I hope we have one this year.

Cat: How does it feel to have contributed so much, not only to the Giants but to the NFL, this early in your career? You made the Pro Bowl, you have a Super Bowl ring, what’s next for JPP?

JPP: What’s next for me? Keep hitting it. I want to get better and better—if you think I was good this year than wait until next year. I want to see more 90 jerseys in the stands – you know how that goes, you don’t want to buy a jersey until you see what that player can do.

Cat: Has there been a player that has been like a mentor to you?

 JPP: I’d say all the guys have been mentors to me, I’m not even going to lie.  Especially in the D-line room, we know we’re the heart of the defense so we talk a lot. So, one mentor, no, we all talk a lot and we help out each other and go out and play hard every week.

Cat: Given the rumors flying, do you think by this time next week Osi will still be a Giant? 

The Giants travel to Grren Bay this afternoon with one thing on their mind: PRESSURE.  Pressure on Offense, Pressure on Defense, and Pressure on Special Teams.

The Giants, much like the 49ers did yesterday, must apply pressure in all phases of the game to be successful today.  They  must pressure the wide-outs of the Packers, and make them fight to run their routes.  The must not allow them free releases to run timing patterns at will. The Giant defense must pressure the running backs.  They must make them decide who to block in pass protection, and allow them no room to run.  They must pressure the offensive line and Aaron Rodgers into mistakes, poor throws, and indecision.

On Offense the Giants need to apply pressure to the weak secondary of the Green Bay Packers.  Force them to make tackles on short and intermediate passes, and then take deep shots to apply pressure on the back end.  The must be aggressive when the situation dictates, and patient when it doesn’t.  They must run the ball with authority, applying pressure to linebackers and safeties to make tackles on two of the toughest running backs in the game.  Eli and Kevin Gilbride must pressure the Packers into coverage mistakes, and costly penalties.

The Special Teams for New York must continue to force the issue up front on punts and field goal attempts.  Forcing the issue by playing the likes of Chris Canty, JPP, Rocky Bernard, and Justin Tuck on punts.  Pressure the unit for the Packers to figure out blocking schemes and not allow them to relax at any moment.  Steve Weatherford must continue his great play of the past few weeks by pressuring the returners towards the sideline, by making them decide when a fair catch is necessary, and pinning the Packers deep in their zone whenever possible.

The Giants can win this game if they continually apply pressure in all phases of this contest and force the Packers to play perfect.  I think the Giants must steal two possessions from the Packers to be successful today.  Two possessions where they get a turnover, block a punt, block a FG, intercept Rodgers, or force a fumble.  Two possessions where they change the outcome from success to failure for the Packers, and then capitalize.  They will need to score in the red zone, and play a clean game.

So, when you are watching today…..look for the key to victory…..Pressure. Pressure in all phases, that leads to a two possession difference.

Here are some of the Giants audio clips from Wenesday. Stay tuned to Gmenhq and twitter (@tom_brant) for GIANTS information leading up to the game.

Tom Silverstein with Mike Francesa on WFAN. Silverstein works for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel covering the Packers.

Justin Tuck with Mike Francesa on WFAN.

Paul Dottino with Joe and Evan on WFAN. Dottino covers the Giants for WFAN.

Greg Jennings with Joe and Evan on WFAN. Jennings is a WR for the Packers.

Antrel Rolle with Joe and Evan on WFAN.

JPP with Joe and Evan on WFAN.

I know that this is a late posting, but my computer got hit with a major virus, and this is the first chance that I’ve had to post. I apologize for my tardiness, but I hope that everyone understands.

The good news is that the G-Men won the battle of NY, and made everyone’s Christmas a little merrier, unless you’re a Jets fan. By virtue of the win, the Giants still control their own destiny (they would have anyway, with a win over Dallas this coming week), but the Giants’ emotional state is probably better for it. As is typical of the guys in blue, the game was a microcosm of the season: flashes of brilliance with periods of lackluster performance. More after the jump.From a statistical viewing, the game was somewhat even. The punting game was virtually equal, with each team punting 9 times. The Giants had a 43 yard average, while the Jets averaged 42 yards. Tynes drilled two field goals, while Coach Coughlin iced the Jets kicker, and Mr. Folk missed his one attempt. Offensively, the Giants running attack showed some signs of life in the second half. The rushing totals were ordinary, but after only 6 yards gained in the first half the G-Men came up with a respectable tally for the game. Both Jacobs and Bradshaw literally ran over people. 26 attempts for 115 yards versus 25 attempts and 105 yards for the Jets. About even, although it seemed as if the Jets secondary wanted no part of either of the Giants main backs. (more…)

So, The circus has left town, with it’s ring leader still selling his snake oil to anyone who is gullible enough to be listening.  The Giants now go back to work in the real world of the NFL.  The Giants and Cowboys will meet in what amounts to the NFC EAST CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.  Now, of course, the naysayers will scoff at a 9-7 team winning a division and getting a home game in the playoffs, but that’s how the NFL works.  It’s not baseball where an exhibition game determines home field for their Championship.  Winning your division is the purest test in sports.  The schedules for the two teams are for the most part identical, and therefore determines the best team against that competition.  The Giants and Cowboys, for all their faults, have survived to this point, and now have a chance to get into the tournament as they say, and see if they can make a run.

The Cowboys entered the last game these two played just three weeks ago as “Healthy as they have been all year”  They enter this one in not such great shape.  In the last meeting they lost RB DeMarco Murray for the year. Last week they lost OL Montrae Holland for the season, had Tony Romo leave the game with a badly bruised hand, and RB Felix Jones is also nursing a few injuries.  The Cowboys are dangerously close to having no running game to compliment Tony Romo.  The slowing of Jones would allow the Giants to play defense the way they want…rush the passer, and cover the short routes tight.

The Giants on the other hand might be getting some guys back for this one.  Jake Ballard who missed last weeks game might make his return, and Mario Manningham hopefully will be available.  It will all depend on who is able to practice this week.  A good story that came out this morning concerning the Giants.  It seems the Special Teams Unit  was going to be short handed due to injuries, Coach Coughlin asked the veterans for volunteers to take a few more snaps.  Antrel Rolle, JPP, and Corey Webster all stepped up and said they wanted to be part of it.  The result was each participated in over 100 plays in the game.  A nice sign from a team many have said might have some locker room issues.

Just a final note on last weeks contest…..The Jets said they were New York’s best when the new stadium opened.  They then went on to:

Lose the first pre-season game between the two teams in the new stadium (Thanks to one Victor Cruz).

Lose the opening “prime time” game in the new stadium, while the Giants had defeated the Panthers in the first day game.

Make the playoffs in two seasons, but failing to win a division title received NO home games.

Lose the first Regular Season meeting between the Jets and Giants (Thanks to one Victor Cruz).

And now have to go to Miami, a team they are 2-3 against the previous two seasons, win that game and then watch to see if Cincinnati, Tennessee, AND Oakland or Denver lose. Kings they ain’t!

Well, here it is. The date has been circled on the calendar since the schedule was released, and now the two teams get ready to play the game. Without further ado, here is the analysis.

Offense: Statistically, Eli is a better QB than Mark Sanchez, especially in the fourth quarter. In fact, the only time Sanchez and Manning are statistically even is when the game is tied. Quite simply, Manning needs to play well, and be able to account for the blitzes and disguised defenses that Rex Ryan will throw at him. The Eagles didn’t seem to have any problems last week, but this game is different. The Jets may have been looking ahead. With Jim Leonhard out, the Jets defense in the middle of the field has been suspect. If the G-Men had a healthy tight end, this would be an advantage that they could exploit. If Travis Beckum is healthy, this may help. The Giants wide receivers are good. Both Cruz and Nicks have the chance to beat Amani Toomer’s yardage record. They might have done it already if they could have remembered how to catch the ball. They will be matched against the Jets’ strength. Revis and Cromartie present different challenges, but they both have the ability to shut down the wideouts. Teams have been more successful challenging Cromartie, but the Giants must attack Revis to at least keep him honest.

The Giants get Baas back at center. This is a plus and a minus. Boothe was a better run blocker (the Giants rushing game improved with Boothe and Petrus in the lineup), but Baas is a better pass blocker. The Giants should attempt to run the ball, as the Jets D-Line appears to be their weak link. (more…)

Umenyiora is coming off a rocky offseason to say the least in which he demanded more money from the Giants, but ultimately had to get arthroscopic surgery in mid-August. This made his attempts futile at securing the new contract he said was guaranteed to him by Jerry Reese.

While Osi has been sidelined, 2nd year former 1st round pick Jason Pierre-Paul has taken the reigns and run with it. And by run with it, I mean run AT the quarterback.

Jason Pierre-Paul has 4.5 sacks registered thus far through 3 games. His athleticism and explosiveness is exactly what made him a 1st round talent.

Even though Pierre-Paul is taking the NFL world by storm, he knows that Osi will ultimately jump back into his starting role.

What may be a problem to some is not a problem for the young star.

The confidence from Pierre-Paul could be heard from his quote earlier in the week on the matter, “It’s cool. When they put me in, I’m going to get a sack regardless. It’s not if you start. When you come off the bench you can do the same thing.”

The team first mentality and swagger that JPP has shown is exactly what the Giants need to finish atop the NFC East.

JPP and Osi

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