Dec 7, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Brian Witherspoon (38) is tackled by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Israel Idonije (71) on a kick return during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Just 30 minutes into a new season CB Brian Witherspoon was carted off the field with what appears to be an ACL injury. Witherspoon, who was returning to football after tearing his ACL last year,  was performing individual drills and was said to be playing very well when he went down with an injury to his surgically repaired knee.

Witherspoon was very excited about making a comeback to football after a year out. He seemed to be a lock to make the 53 man roster. Dominic Hixon who himself is returning after 2 ACL injuries called it “devastating”

With what appears to be another devastating injury on a DB on only the first day of OTA’s I hope there is not a repeat of last year. That could make for a very long year after such a great run to a title. The trainers have their work cut out for them.

NFL Predictions Week 11 – The tides are definitely turning in the NFL. The results from last week are, as they say, the pudding to which the proof resides. If predicting the weekly winners of the NFL were the stock market, this thing crashed BIG time last week!

We’ll take a look at how the panel at ESPN did last week, along with myself, and we will look into the future to determine who are the teams to beat this week. Sit back, grab a cup o’ joe and check out who we think are the bee’s knees of Week 11.
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Are you ready for the second half of the 2011 NFL season? Do you think you can handle the adrenaline rush from the multitude of clutch comebacks? Or, for that matter, the overwhelming depression of staggering defeats?

If you answered, “Yes!” to these questions, then you are a true BLUE football fan! Let’s get it started! Week 10, or weak 10 for some teams around the league, finds us on our continuing mission to deliver you the winners of every NFL game, alongside the pigskin picking’ panel at ESPN. Who have we picked this week? Who won the battle of the predictions last week? You might be surprised at the results. read on…if you dare!
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We have landed at the halfway point of the 2011 season. Every team in the NFL have played out their first 8 games. Only two teams have played into the second half of a 16 game schedule, the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. The second half is upon us and the playoff brackets are beginning to take shape.

The NFC East has always been a competitive division, in and of itself and outside of the conference/division. The first impressions that many had of the NFC East have been blown out of the water. Regardless of record, any team in this conference is capable, at any time, of making the opposition sorry for mistaking a losing record for terminal weakness. We’ve got the grades and projections for the remainder of the season right here. Welcome to the NFC EAST Midseason Report Card! Check it out!
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It was a glorious day to be a New York Giants fan yesterday and the morning after is just as sweet. The energy around town is electric. All of the New York Metro area, sorry Buffalo, is flying high, with good reason. Jets fans are happy with the outcome of their game, 27-11. The New York Giants are more than just a little bit happy. They are downright ecstatic!

Giants fans could not contain their excitement. So, they took to the internet, Twitter in this case, to share their Big Blue pride. The virtual sea of Tweets from Giants fans were countless. Reading the Tweets from my followers was both side-splitting hilarious and jam packed full of emotion. Needless to say, I thought I would share a small collection of them with our readership who are not up on the whole “Tweeting thing.” Read on to experience the virtual Big Blue love.

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They were without their leading receiver. Their starting running back, full back and center all missed the game due to injury. Their 1st pick overall in the 2011 NFL Draft made the trip, but did not play.

Of the six categories (ten positions within each slot), not one…NOT ONE single member of the New York Giants earned themselves a slot in the NFL Weekly leader board. They were shutdown for the entire first half. Just how did Big Blue pull off their biggest upset of the season? We’ve got answers. Join me on this incredibly inspiring fact finding recap.
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OK fans, let’s get this out of the way right now. The Rams?! Really? The Rams beat the Saints. My head is still spinning on its neck like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. What can you say? Any given Sunday. Well, we’ve got another Sunday (and Monday) right around the corner and our picks are fresh out of the oven.

ESPN has baked up a tasty little batch of predictions for the upcoming week, as did I. Each week I go head to head with the experts and their two fortune telling robots. The race is pretty close and is still anyones game. Read on to see how they did, how I did and what teams we’re labeling as the easy wins, the fights to the finish and the upsets of the week. Check it out!
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It’s hard to believe that we are at Week 8 of the 2011 NFL season. It seems like only yesterday that we were fretting over a football season that would not be. Now, we find ourselves at the midway point with a view of the regular season’s end on the horizon. Only the strong will survive the remaining eight games and make it into the post season. Who will be the chosen few?

Well, the high priests of predictions at ESPN, and yours truly, are here to help you make sense of it all. Each week I take a shot at fortune telling, alongside the eight esteemed members of the ESPN brain trust and their two trusted robots. How did they do last week? How did I do? Who are we collectively picking this week? Read on to find the answers to the questions that bother you so.
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In a recent interview, Andy Reid gave his perspective on the upcoming game against the New York Giants. The interview seemed devoted to the pursuit of details regarding Michael Vick’s health issues and status for next Sunday’s game. However, the big guy couldn’t help but chime in on his thoughts about the Big Blue defense.

“I think they’ve given you about every look they could possibly give you over the last couple of games”

With the Philadelphia Eagles losing this past week’s game, where Michael Vick was booed off of the field, they have nothing to relish in but the days of yore. The New York Giants, of course, have the day off to relish in their victory over the St. Louis Rams last night.

It sounds to me like Andy Reid is currently concerned about what he already knows about the Big Blue Wrecking Crew. What he doesn’t know just might keep him awake at night. Let the battle of the Turnpike Fandom begin!

Don’t forget to—> —> for Giants/NFL news, updates, trivia and more!

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Some tough decisions will be made here — but the key again is going to be maintaining depth of talent across all the positions. So with that said, here is my prediction for how the final 53 will shake out:

My predictions for the NY Giants Practice squad is also:

1. QB Ryan Perrilloux
2. TE Christian Hopkins
3. OL James Brewer
4. LB Adrian Tracy
5. LB Jacquian Williams
6/7. DB Joe Burnett / Jarrad Tarrant / Darnell Burks

UPDATE: This list is a work in progress. I’ve changed the list 3 times since originally posting it to correct errors, etc.

1. Tom Brady obviously wants to get some time this week against the Giants, and Bill Belichick played your #1′s for a couple series last year in the finale. How much time are the Patriots going to give to their starters tonight?

I think the starters will play, but likely only for a series or two. If Tom Brady drives the offense down for a touchdown on the first drive, his night will likely be done. There will be some starters that could see extended time, like safeties Brandon Meriweather and Patrick Chung.

2. Are Patriots fans over Superbowl 42, or is this game still pretty meaningful?

Well I was until you brought it up! I don’t think it is in Patriots fans’ minds unless they have to relive the experience. It does come up at times when talking about how the Patriots haven’t won in the playoffs since then, but other than that I think most are over it. At least I’m over it, but my best friend in college was a Giants fan so I grew to not dislike the Giants.

3. Patriots and Jets — who wins the division this year between these two teams?

I still think that the division is the Patriots’ to lose. If the Pats can at least split the two games against the Jets, they stand a good chance at winning the division. I see the Patriots as a much improved team this year over last year, at least on paper, whereas the Jets are about where they were last year.

4. What more than anything has been the Patriots offseason focus this year? Have they accomplished their goals?

The Patriots definitely wanted to improve their defense, which was last in the NFL at getting off the field on third down. It’s evident that it was the main focus of Bill Belichick, as the scheme has changed from three to four down linemen and has been much more attacking, at least in the preseason. It’s tough to say if they accomplished their goals until the regular season gets underway, but the preseason has shown a better pass rush and a defense that can get off the field on third down.

5. Prediction for the Patriots season?

I’m thinking the Patriots go 12-4 this season. They have a tough schedule, so expecting a repeat of last year’s 14-2 is a stretch. I think the team will be better while its record may not reflect that.

6. Prediction for tonights game, what can we look to see from the Patriots?

This is the final shot at making the team, or any NFL team for that matter, for a lot of players. I expect to see more spirited play from both sides as jobs are on the line. The final score doesn’t really matter, but I think after last week’s abysmal performance, the Pats will pull out a late victory tonight, 24-21 to end on a positive note.

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Check it out:

1. The Giants haven’t had much luck with injuries, especially at corner. Are there any trade rumors floating around or are they going to try and weather the storm until Prince Amukamara returns?
No trades, just hopes that 3rd year nickel corner Aaron Ross finally steps it up in place of Terrell Thomas which is a huge loss any way you slice it.  It looks like he’s much better on the outside than on the inside, and he was always a liability if offenses ran on that package.  Contract year coming up, my bet is Aaron Ross plays better than he ever has.  Antrel Rolle may play corner is certain situations as well, with Deon Grant having been resigned to safety. The Giants like the 3 safety package and used it with much success last year.

2. What are the chances we see the Giants’ starters in the preseason finale?

50%.  I think one series will do it, but I doubt the Giants are going to risk anymore injuries to their #1′s.  That’s not to say they don’t need the work, reps, and momentum if they can put up a good showing.

3. The Eagles seem to be the team to beat in the NFC East according to the national media. Are Giants fans believing the hype?

Giants fans and the team itself wont let themselves believe the hype.  They look stacked, no doubt.  But I think the Giants are up to the challenge, defensively especially.  Remember last year, the Giants were 8 minutes away from a very decisive victory over the birds and they basically stopped playing.  24 points later, the Giants are out of the playoffs and once again have that bitter taste in their mouth at the start of this season.   They hopefully won’t forget it come week 3.

4. Do Giants fans feel that Eli Manning is taking a step back or is his slow start to the preseason nothing to be worried about?

It’s certainly debate-worthy.  People point to a change in QB coach, but that’s probably not it.  He just needs to throw it away and take sacks more than he does currently. In general I think he’s been trying to force things into his receivers and got off the “minimize mistake” track since 2008. In 2009 he had a great offensive season with marginal turnovers, but the defense took such a step back that they had nothing to show for it.  Last year, again another explosive season offensively but implosively with bad luck with tipped balls, bad decisions, and just bad injuries to his best receivers.   This year I think he checks it down more and gets back to minimizing the turnovers. Last weeks game just underscores the need for him to focus on that more than anything. I think he’ll have a better year in 2011.

5. What’s your prediction for the Giants’ record this season?

I think they go 10-6 and make the playoffs.

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I know it’s a little late for last game analysis, but Pro Football Focus has their weekly rewind of all the preseason games up, and something jumped out at me that I thought was worthy of another mention – Jake Ballard could be the best option at TE for the Giants.

Though it seemed like Travis Beckum would be the player to step up after Kevin Boss’ departure to Oakland, Jake Ballard used this game to show the coaching staff why he may be the better option. Ballard, a 2010 undrafted free agent out of Ohio State, was extremely impressive in his ability to block effectively. On a number of occasions, he was driving defenders down the field for so long, that the running back would be tackled before he had disengaged. It wasn’t just against linebackers and receivers, either, as on one play, he drove Jets’ rookie defensive tackle Wilkerson five yards down the field. Ballard certainly isn’t the weapon or threat that Beckum could be in the passing game, the Giants would be better off with Ballard who is definitely the better blocker of the two.

Given the fact that Beckum cannot block whatsoever, and Bear Pascoe has had an off preseason — I’ll take Ballard’s potential at starting TE any day of the week as one of the Giants bookends.  This year is one of those seasons for the Giants where young players are going to have to make the most of their opportunities, where better to start than at TE.  We know he can catch, we now know he can block… this might be the answer the Giants have been looking for.

via Philly.com:

Under the terms of his agreement with creditors, Vick must dedicate a share of his earnings to paying back those to whom he owes money. The percentage he pays increases with his income, according to court documents. Ten percent of his first $750,000 in annual earnings goes to creditors, for example, with the share increasing to 40 percent of any money earned over and above $10 million.

Vick is due between $16 and $20million this year depending on what happens during his 2011 season, and that means the 40% clause will come into play immediately. His creditors are certainly happy about that.

And with this new $100 million contract, that’s not to say Vick is going to be undergoing any significant lifestyle changes. His bankruptcy laden prison term is still going to be affecting him for years to come:

Vick owed roughly $20 million when he filed for bankruptcy. Through the end of June, he had set aside about $2.1 million for the trust collecting money on behalf of his creditors, according to court documents. As part of his bankruptcy plan, Vick is restricted to a budget that limits him to about $300,000 of personal-living expenses. The budget is scheduled to be in place through 2015. But at the end of October, Vick can ask the court to remove the restrictions. After paying taxes and his creditors, and setting money aside for his budgeted spending, Vick has been putting his remaining income into savings he can access later.

Vick said of the contract:

“A lot of things happened in my life. Whether things were done right or wrong, it doesn’t matter anymore. I have an opportunity to move on with my life, and that’s all I prayed for, and that opportunity has come.”

It’s a good thing Vick has the pieces in place to do whats best for him going forward. Saving money, laying low, and paying his debts. It really is an amazing story, however controversial, and he’ll continue to have the spotlight on him with every move he makes.

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[Source: Philly.com]

Yes, it’s preseason. But here’s the debate to be had – the suggestion has been made that switching QB coaches from Chris Palmer to Mike Sullivan has somehow caused a regression in Eli’s abilities. Off the cuff, it sort of makes sense. I’ve wondered myself what mantras have changed in the coaching transition from Palmer to Sullivan, and although it is Eli Manning’s 8th season this is the sort of blame assignment that fits right in here in NY. But evidance to the contrary is worth noting before we jump to any conclusions.

Our own Sean Kerr wrote something in December of 2010 that is starting to creep back in to the conversation, and rightly so.

Now 30 years old and heading into his 8th season, Manning has become one of the franchise’s top leaders. Although #10 has been to and won a Super Bowl, has 5+ years of experience under his belt and is considered one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks it seems that Eli Manning has not yet reached his full potential. That is good news for Giants fans and potentially bad news for Quarterbacks Coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan, who spent the previous six years coaching the wide receivers, made the transition to QB coach this season, after Chris Palmer retired. Palmer coached Manning to the Super Bowl in 2007. It is worth pointing out here that Eli was tied for 1st with the most interceptions thrown in that season.

So Sean basically nailed it — even when Palmer’s voodoo was in Eli’s ear in 2007 he led the league in INTs. So what gives? Is there a debate here to be had?

Probably not.

But let me set this debate up anyway. During that 2007 run the Giants obviously focused on ball protection from the top down. They executed beautifully with the only turnover from Manning coming in the Superbowl via a hot ball off Steve Smith’s hands in the red zone after a tremendous drive from the offense down to the Patriots 5 yard line. Look – the only reason they were playing in that game to begin with is because the Giants minimized their mistakes when it mattered most.

So in all likelihood, the point driving this whole debate is that Palmer’s mantra at that exact time HAD TO BE:

PROTECT THE FOOTBALL, MAKE GOOD DECISIONS, GET RID OF IT IF THERE’S NOTHING.
PROTECT THE FOOTBALL, MAKE GOOD DECISIONS, GET RID OF IT IF THERE’S NOTHING.
PROTECT THE FOOTBALL, MAKE GOOD DECISIONS, GET RID OF IT IF THERE’S NOTHING.

Now, over the past 2 seasons however under new coaching, Manning and his offense have looked nothing like the glory days of 2007 and 2008. The offense has gotten more complex, the receivers have changed, Eli is throwing more passes for more yards and more TD’s. And he now has a receivers coach in his ear instead of Palmer’s mantra that obviously works because it won the Giants a championship. So what is it that Sullivan is saying or not saying that is causing the problem with Eli Manning? Whatever it is, it’s likely not whatever Chris Palmer was saying.

So that’s the debate as I imagine it to be. There may be something to it, but because Manning is dealing with a different offense that’s trying to do different things, and so many of those INTs came off tipped passes last year – it’s not that cut and dry for me. I think it’s intriguing, but certainly not a smoking gun scenario.

But what do you think?

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But I’ve got the game up now thanks to my subscription to NFL’s Preseason Live and I’m slowly going through it. The first point of contention we come to of course — Eli Manning’s first interception and the Giants first turnover of the preseason.

My thoughts:

• The clock wound all the way down to zero due to communications issues — problem #1.

• No one got to the blitz, and the defense had a quick, free shot at Eli… problem #2.

• Back foot throw to a receiver that wasn’t expecting that quick of  a pass… problem #3.

• Poor decision to throw that ball instead of away, problem #4.

Now, this was the Giants first turnover of the season and if you view it through last seasons turnover template — it falls into the forced pass/bad decision category.  These are the kinds of things that need to get worked out, and I think will get worked out.  As the season progresses, this play will receive more work and study, and guys will know what’s coming.  Eli will not have to put the offense at such a disadvantage by bringing the play clock down to zero.   And in the event that nothing is there, Eli needs to get used to either taking the sack or throwing the ball away or spiking it.

It’s preseason, nothing to get overly worked up over… and the offense looked pretty good up until that point.  Going for it on 4th down and Jacobs getting the physical extra yard, loved it.  That INT play looked sloppy from the outset and does not in any way make my nervous about the 2011 offense.  It will get better.

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On offense, Eli Manning simply needs to throw the ball away or take a sack instead of create turnovers. Duh! Easier said than done apparently, though.

Watch the clip:

[clip via Giants.com]

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[clip via Giants.com]

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The Washington Post has an article up today about his hard work paying off — and it is. The Shanahan’s gave him a shot late in the year last season to prove what he can do and it’s scary. If you’ve been sleeping on him, promise me you’re now awake. Check it out – he’s the same size and quickness as DeSean Jackson, plays a similar role in the offense and return game, and has simply been overshadowed by Santana Moss and Brandon Banks. Trust me — this kid is good and he’ll light the Giants up way more than the other two Redskins weapons I just named if Big Blue fails to prepare for him. Listen to Shanny’s words on the kid heading into his second year:

“He’s a lot more mature after learning defenses in the National Football League, and I think he’ll keep on getting better,” Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said. “The one thing you can’t teach a guy is to be fearless, especially at his size. Regardless if it’s special teams, returning punts or kickoffs, running routes or blocking, it doesn’t take long to see that he doesn’t have a lot of fear.”

Austin has had a great preseason campaign, and I most notably remember pointing him out to our gracious hosts at the Giants/Redskins game last year and commenting about his untapped potential — only to see him go in and light up the Giants and nearly achieve a comeback victory for the Skins. He won’t be on the practice squad this year, I can assure you. And if opposing defenses don’t plan for it — he can be extremely explosive when you least expect it.

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Former Giants WR Derek Hagan had a stellar preseason game with his new team, the Oakland Raiders.

Photo: Paul Sakuma / AP

Hagan caught 6 passes for 120 yards and 1 35 yard TD from QB Jason Campbell in a very impressive preseason display, and perhaps the lone bright spot from the Raider offense in a 40-20 blowout by the New Orleans Saints.

Here’s a great quote about via the San Francisco Chronicle:

“It definitely comes down to film study,” said Hagan, who is playing for his third NFL team in six seasons. “We knew coming into the game the Saints were going to be in single man coverage. We knew if you just give ‘em one move and break the tackle, there was nobody left. Just a simple hitch route, Jason threw it out there, I made the guy miss, that’s all she wrote.”

Now, I’m actually kind of surprised that the Giants didn’t try and get Hagan to stick around this year. You may remember in 2009, Hagan was signed due to a lack of depth at WR and shined in special teams, and made a great 4th option at WR when asked. In 2010, he was cut and then re-signed off his couch midway through the season when the Giants WR core was depleted by injuries. Hagan had a slow start to shake off the rust, admittedly, but he looked good by season’s end. Particularly against the Redskins when he was the starting #2 in a must win game.

Somehow, I thought the Giants would appreciate his contribution last year when the organization was between a rock and a hard place and figure out a way to keep him on the roster… or even better utilize him going forward. Looks like Oakland is going to be reaping the benefits from all the prep work the Giants were involved with.

*** In Other News ***

Rhett Bomar, who hasn’t played a preseason game for Minnesota, was waived by the Vikings today.