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? 

Lin has taken the sports world by storm by becoming the starting point guard of the New York Knicks and turning the teams fortunes around.  They have now won 6 straight games with Jeremy Lin in the starting line up.  He has been the undisputed star of every one of those games, and is now the the center of attention of a star driven league.

Victor Cruz, of course, was an undrafted free agent out of Umass.  He made his mark in the pre-season for the New York Giants, and when injuries forced him into the starting lineup he made the most of the opportunity.  Victor Cruz was the talk of the league for most of the second half of the NFL season and helped the Giants win Super Bow 46.

Now Lin and Cruz are alike in a few ways.  They are both from minority descent, they were both undrafted out of college, they both made the most of their opportunity when it presented itself, and they are both very nice young men that know that the Team comes first.  Of course, Lin has a long way to go to be part of a Championship team, but he certainly has the attitude and the drive to make himself a success in the NBA.  Two great stories. Two great kids. Two underpaid athletes. Two New York Underdogs for the fans to root for, and we all know how New York loves an Underdog.

I was able to track down a respectable, intelligent, and quite lovely Jets fan.  Here are the answers to the questions I posed to her and a little more about Kristine. 

Kristine Reese is an actress, singer and freelance writer living in New York City. She is the lead New York Jets writer and regular contributor of Fantasy Sports and NFL content for Aerys Sports, the only online sports network run entirely by women. She is also a regular contributor to Sports of New York, the lead writer/creator of content for the Hard Ninety Activewear blog and the sole contributor to her own sports blog, gridirongirlnextdoor.com. You can follow her on Twitter @kristinereese or visit www.kristinereese.com for more information on her “day job.”

1. We know Rex Ryan came to town talking, and will leave that way too.  I understand the fans loved it in the beginning as he was totally different from the coaches that preceded him.  What is the feeling now that it seems to be the same old words over and over again?

2. Mark Sanchez has taken some heat lately.  I believe he is a talented QB that has been stunted by not being allowed a learning curve, due to the win now atmosphere. What do you think Mark’s strong and weak points are?

3. The Jets will always be the little brother in town, just as the Mets, and Islanders have been.  Shouldn’t the only thing that matters be putting trophies in the case, and not winning a pre-season trophy or beating the Giants this weekend? (more…)

1. How has the addition of Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram impacted your offense this year?

When Reggie Bush was traded to the Miami Dolphins the immediate question was how would the Saints replace his versatility in the offense?  The answer came just hours later — Darren Sproles — and the common consensus is that he is a better inside runner than Bush, a better return man, and in general a better fit for the New Orleans potent offense. He has become an outlet for quarterback Drew Brees on third down and their chemistry has helped not just Sproles, who leads the league in yards after catch, but Brees who is so far having one of his best statiscal passing seasons of his career. Rookie Mark Ingram hasn’t been a let down, but at the same time he hasn’t had the breakout game we all expected. He is however a tough, physical inside runner who displays a knack at getting those tough yards that the Saints have struggled with in seasons past.

2. Why is it that your team and in particular your QB plays so well at home?

Historically the Saints have been among one of the NFL’s winningest teams at home in the Sean Payton era. Reasons are numerous — faster artificial turf, raucous Superdome crowd — but in the simplest terms, the New Orleans players love to play for their Who Dat Nation, and equally Who Dat Nation loves cheering for Brees and company. Put it all together, and it seems that the players perform just a little better, while opposing teams play just a little worse.

3. The Giants have developed a good passing offense.  Victor Cruz in particular seems to have a knack for beating the best CB’s in the league.  How do the Saints plan on stopping the Giants aerial assault?

It’s a pertinent question, and Cruz has been enjoying great success as of late, but it seems as if he is benefiting from the attention Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham usually command.  Anyone that watches the Saints knows that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes to blitz. He is not afraid to lock up his corners in one-on-one coverage with opposing receivers so that he can bring the house. Philosophy dictates that the Saints will use the blitz to slow Manning, to slow Cruz, and the other Giants receivers. It wouldn’t surprise me either if Williams matches Jabari Greer, the Saints best cover, exclusively on Cruz. Greer is a top cover corner in the league, top five in fact, and he just doesn’t get beat for big gains down the field.

4. If Jonathan Vilma does not play Monday night, how does that impact your defensive game plan and pressure on Eli?

Vilma is a huge asset to the Saints defense without question. But, in New Orleans they deploy a “next man up” mentatlity, meaning of course that regardless if your a backup or not you leave it all on the field. Linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar has taken this to heart as Vilma’s backup. He has played very well, in fact some would say he has played as well as Vilma himself. so the defense shouldn’t miss a beat.

5. Does the modern Saints fan still have the respect and love for Archie and the Manning family?

That’s a trick question really as you would likely get a different answer from most Saints fans you asked. Archie helped the Saints achieve moderate success after so many terrible seasons. However, he was never able to deliver what fans really wanted — a Superbowl championship. While fans thank him for his accomplishments, current quarterback Drew Brees has erased most, if not all, of Manning’s legacy as a Saint — including all of his franchise records too.

Here are the questions Keith had for GMENHQ about Sunday’s game:

1) Osi and Tuck seem to be the keys to making this defense work. If either don’t play or are limited because of their injuries, how can the Giants still create pressure on Tarvaris Jackson?

Two of the best veteran tandem pass rushers in the NFL — you’re darn right it effects pressure from the front 4 if they play or not. And not getting that pressure really stresses out the secondary for the Giants or any team that relies heavily on Cover 2 fundamentals. Now, I think Osi will probably play, Tuck might be inclined to rest until after the bye week. He’s day to day right now. That said — both JPP and Dave Tollefson have done a fine job filling in respectively. Will it be a 10 sack game? No, but the Giants will nip off a few sacks here and there and get enough pressure to be competitive for 60 minutes on the defensive side of the ball. LB Mathias Kiwanuka and Michael Boley also are fantastic pass rushers — if the Giants bring 5 with A gap in mind that’s who you will see there. And off the edges S Antrel Rolle and CB Aaron Ross have been known to cause a lot of problems for opposing QB’s.

More after the jump

(more…)

Offense:  Coach “Spags”  was fortunate enough to inherit a top ranked running back in Stephen Jackson.  Jackson, as many of you know, is a true stud at running back.  He recently became the only player in team history to rush for 1,000 yards in 5 consecutive seasons. He is banged up this week, and is backed up on the depth chart by the newly acquired  Cadillac Williams.  At Quarterback the Rams have Sam Bradford, the number one overall pick in the 2010 draft.  Bradford stepped right into the role of starting QB and impressed many in his first year in the NFL.  He is still a work in progress, but it is clear he has all the tools to be a very good if not great NFL QB.  The Offensive line is young on the outside.  They have a rookie Left Tackle in Rodger Saffold, and a second year right tackle in Jason Smith, Smith might be held out this week with an injury.  The interior of their line was all acquired through free agency and has an average of 7 years experience anchored by Right Guard Harvey Dahl.  Where the Rams fall short on offense is in their receiving corps.  What was once the strength of the Rams of the 1990′s has now fallen on hard times.  Danny Amendola is out with a dis-located elbow and that leaves Mike Sims-Walker and Greg Salas as the starters along with Tight End Billy Bajema. Sims-Walker was signed this year after some average years in Jacksonville.  He had one catch last week for 5 yards.  The offense is obviously based off the running game, but with Jackson listed as doubtful, it could be a long night for the Rams offense.

The Defense:  This obviously is “Spags”s specialty and is littered with familiar names, high draft picks, and former Giants.  Up front they have Chris Long, a first round draft pick, Fred Robbins, a former Giant, Justin Bannan, and James Hall each with 10 years NFL experience.  Behind them is a fabulous group of Linebackers that would make any New York fan jealous.  Second year linebacker out of Ohio State, James Laurinaitis is in the middle of two free agents Brady Poppinga formerly of Green Bay, and Ben Leber, formally of the Minnesota Vikings.  Once again however, the fall off to the secondary is noticeable.  With injuries to this unit they are left with a very young group at corner, and some castoffs at Safety.  Justin King and Bradley Fletcher are the young corners with a combined total of 5 years experience, and Craig Dahl and Quintin Mikell are the starting safeties backed up by former Giant James Butler.

The transformation of the St. Louis Rams is well underway and “Spags” is building a team and an organization at the same time.  He needed to change the culture in St. Louis and begin a new era.  He certainly seems like the right person for the job.  After finishing at 7-9 last year and having a chance to make the playoffs in the weak  NFC West Division,  The Rams will continue to build through free agency and the draft. They have a franchise Qb, and what seems like a good mix of veterans and young players.  With no one player having more than 10 years experience, they are set up for good things in the future.

The Giants have struggled on Special Teams the past few years.  Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese made a strong effort this year to handle that problem head on.  In an interview with Jon Gruden before the Bears pre-season game, Coach Coughlin stated he wanted to use more linebackers on Special Teams.  This little tid-bit of information passed on during the telecast may have gone un-noticed, but it bode well for the young players wanting to make this team.  The coverage teams in past years have shown a lack of team speed.  We lost players like David Tyree and Domenik Hixon to injury and retirement.  Special teams coverage guys need to be very athletic, speedy, and big enough to fight off blocks and make tackles.  Big receivers such as Hixon are naturals.  However, big linemen usually are not.  The answer in today’s game are Linebackers and Safeties.  Most of them are fast enough to get down the field, strong enough to fight through blocks, and certainly they should know how to tackle.  The opportunity was there for some young players, and they took it.  Jacquian Williams, Spencer Paysinger, Tyler Sash, Greg Jones, and of course fan favorite Mark Herzlich all walked into a great situation and made the most of it to this point.  These are the names along with Zak DeOssie, Da’rel Scott, and Devin Thomas that you will hear all year long when it comes to Special Teams play.  The Giants had a plan to get faster and more athletic and this roster shows that.  There has been an out cry from fans for the past years about the lack of Linebacker talent on this team, well that has been addressed through the draft for this year and for years to come.  I personally believe that Mark Herzlich will be a long time success in the NFL.  Greg Jones could be another London Fletcher, a guy that everyone says is too small, but does nothing but make plays, and Jacquian Williams may be the fastest and quickest Linebacker we have had since the Glory Days of Banks and Taylor in New York.  This is the first step in revamping the Special Teams, and along with Steve Weatherford I think it will be  successful one.  The one thing that will make this make-over a total success?  Jerrel Jernigan will settle down, learn the fair catch signal, and understand that possession is the key to punt returning.  This is not a video game anymore, this is the NFL.

Weatherford also has the added bonus of being a good holder. This probably means bad news for Sage Rosenfels, who was already on the outside looking in because he missed most of preseason due to illness and injury, and stands to make significantly more money this season than David Carr. Overall, I am happy with this move. The Giants needed to address problems on special teams and I think this will help the rest of the unit have more confidence in their punting game.

Matt Dodge is reportedly being shopped around for a trade, he has not been officially “cut” yet.

Speaking of an improved special teams, we officially no longer need to worry that Darius Reynaud will be returning kicks. He has been waved along with Dodge and 11 other players. The current cut list is below. It seems that, for the time being at least, bubble players Henry Hynoski and Mark Herzlich are poised to make the team.

Here are the final cuts:

1.C Jim Cordle

2.WR Darius Reynaud

3.DE Ayanga Okpokuwuruk

4.OL Ikecheku Ndukwe
5.K Rhys Lloyd

6.DE Craig Marshall

7.TE Chris Hopkins

8.DT Gabe Watson

9.DE Alex Hall

10.S Jerrard Tarrant

11.LB/DE Adrian Tracy

12.TE Daniel Coats

13.P Matt Dodge

14.RB Charles Scott

15.DE Justin Trattou

16.S David Sims

17.S Brian Jackson (waived/injured)

18.DT Dwayne Hendricks

19.RB Andre Brown

20.CB Joe Burnett

21.QB Sage Rosenfels (injured reserve)

22.QB Ryan Perrilloux

23.T Jamon Meredith

24.T Jarriel King

25.WR Michael Clayton

26.C Chris White

27.LB Phillip Dillard

[Source: Star-Ledger]

For the Giants this is a good place to practice the running game, work on blitz pick-up, and look at some options for nickel back, and third down receiver.  With all the blitzing the Jets will do, the receivers will need to know their reads, and the backs will need to know their protection along with the Offensive line.  It really will be a good test on that front considering the Cowboys, Redskins, and Eagles will seek to employ the same tactics on defense once the season begins.  The key here is to get some work in, see some players for the past time, and as always get out healthy.

The game has been moved to 2p.m. as previously published here at http://gmenhq.com, and now will be aired live on the NFL Network.  Enjoy the game!

On Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 1pm ET, TXN Sports and Big Lead Sports organized a conference call with NFL Analysts, Chris Collinsworth, Howie Long and Boomer Esiason. A select group of reporters were invited to join, myself included, to discuss the upcoming NFL Draft that will take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City from April 28-30 2011.

The call was also organized to promote TXN, a newly formed website (txnsports.com) that will launch this coming Tuesday. TXN, “The Experts Network” will introduce a new way to interact with analysts such as the panel above and the launch of their site is highly anticipated. It was a round robin type of discussion with no shortage of Q & A from the media and experts alike. Click below for transcription of the key topics that we discussed.
(more…)

The glory of the Lombardi Trophy is a mere two wins away. Men put their life and limb on the line just for an opportunity to hold it in their hand. The road is long for some, longer still for others. Four teams will have to endure 60 minutes of regulated football time and the elements of a cold, hard winter. The Super Bowl is upon us and the ESPN panel of fortune tellers verdicts are in.

I should note that last week, after my prediction article was published, Ron Jaworski and Chris Mortensen changed two of their picks. Both had originally picked the Jets to win over the New England Patriots. I am sure the trash talk of the New York Jets had something to do with it. Changing their picks was a mistake on their part nonetheless. Only one expert went 4-0 last week and you are reading his article right now. Thank you very much. Who am I picking this weekend and why? Read on for my breakdown and analysis!
(more…)

Voluntary OTA(s) start tomorrow, Tuesday, May 18, 2010 and it looks like Osi Umeniyora will be present with “bells on,” sounds like Osi is ready to come in and compete for the starting job opposite Justin Tuck, instead of complaining that he “wants his starting job back.”  A happy and motivated Osi makes Giants fans smile.  A return of the Giants pass rush is essential is the Giants hope to return to the playoffs in 2010.  The NFC East has the look of an offensive juggernaut with explosive players like Miles Austin, DeSean Jackson, and McNabb wearing a Redskin uniform, the Giants defense has to get better otherwise we are looking at another season of high scoring affairs, not exactly Giant football.

Other good news:  Apparently, after Chris Canty spent more time in the training room in his first year in blue than he did making plays on the field, Canty has been “living at the Giants facility.”  No one knows yet how Canty’s skills are going to translate to the 4-3 defense after what amounts to a redshirt year in his first year, but news that Canty has been a fixture during off season workouts bodes well for the G-men.  Canty is huge, versatile and will have plenty of opportunities playing next to Barry Cofield and rookie Linval Joseph to make an impact, at least a healthy and motivated Canty has a shot to live up to his big contract.   For Jerry Reese’s sake, Canty and Boley (the other big Giant free agency signing in 2009) better show stronger than in 2009.

And, possibly more good news, the Redskins added free agent defensive lineman, veteran Vonnie Holliday to the mix on the defensive line, could big Albert Haynesworth really be on the way out?  Rumors continue to swirl regarding the Titan’s possible interest in bringing back Haynesworth, at the right price, and Minnesota could have renewed interest after the recently announced Williams Wall suspension.  Either way, I doubt Giant eyes will be tearing up with sadness if big Albert is gone, eliminating the automatic double team off the bat.  Couple the Haynesworth news that the Cowboys have a pretty unhappy Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd, a little locker room unrest in Dallas also makes Giants fans smile.

On to the New York Mets, just for a quick minute.  After 38 games, coming off of a four game sweep at the hands of division rival Florida Marlins, the Mets again find themselves in last place in the NL East, at 18-20, six games back of division leader Philadelphia.  Embarrassing.  Manager Jerry Manuel has finally banished Ollie Perez from the starting rotation (why do I think a bullpen role is not going to help this long-time headcase)?  With news that promising rookie left Jonathan Niese is already back in New York for an examination on his troublesome hamstring, the Mets rotation is thinner than the Giants secondary in 2009.  Not good.  Jerry Manuel’s guys aren’t hitting (you have to love the Mets refusal to even discuss moving in the fences at CitiField), this Mets team is built on pitching and defense, the only problem is that after Santana and Perez (who have both pitched pretty well, albeit a tad inconsistently), the Mets have three no. 5 starters in Perez, Maine, and Niese.  Perez is now in the bullpen, Maine is not much better, and Niese is hurt.  This has the look of a long summer.

Stay Blue!