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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“We definitely have not run the ball as well as we would have liked to have run it. I think as we go along we’ll get better at it. I think part of it is just the coordination and the cohesion of the guys up front – the better deepening of understanding of some of our new guys, whether it’s the tight end or center, the moving of the tackle to the guard and the new tackle, that type of thing. It’s also people. Certain formations, certain personnel groupings are just loaded up trying to stop the run, which has given us a chance to throw the ball well. As long as we continue to do that, I think things will change. It’s amazing how those things work hand in hand. But I think the passing game will help to set up the running game. You always hear just the opposite, but the reverse can be true, too.”

QB Eli Manning – 320/500, 4264 yards, 32 TDs, 8 INTS, 8 Fumbles, 44 sacks.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw – 220 rushes, 912 yards, 8 TDs, 60 receptions, 476 yards, 4 receiving TDs, 4 fumbles.

RB Brandon Jacobs – 152 rushes, 464 yards, 8 TDs, 16 receptions, 236 yards, 4 receiving TDs, 0 fumbles.

WR Hakeem Nicks – 96 receptions, 1388 yards, 8 TDs.

WR Victor Cruz – 44 receptions, 900 yards, 8 TDs.

WR Mario Manningham – 32 receptions, 460 yards, 0 TDs.

TE Jake Ballard – 32 receptions, 480 yards, 4 TDs.

TE Travis Beckum – 4 receptions, 8 yards, 0 TDs.

****

Obviously, this is a pretty strict set of projections bases on the first 4 games of the 16 game season. This is straight math – and although I highly doubt things will play out exactly this way I think it’s interesting to embellish the numbers to their annualized state to see how some players are being utilized and how others are not.

For example, Mario Manningham. Did I really think Super Mario would get injured and be relegated to only a few catches and no TDs? No I didn’t and I really didn’t expect Victor Cruz to put up the numbers he has this season. So if these trends become the norm – the above projection is what we’ll get. Interesting to think about.

Same idea applies to Travis Beckum. Perhaps no other offensive weapon had larger plans penciled into their playbook than Travis Beckum, and yet no player has seen less field time than Beckum. If he finished the year with 4 receptions and 8 yards, he would obviously be on his way out of NY… so it will be interesting to see if Ballard really is the new hot hand at TE or if Beckum will come on strong as the pass catching H-Back we all thought he would be this year.

Hakeem Nicks — obviously he’s a beast and is on track for a breakout year as one of the best young receivers in the NFL.

And of course Eli Manning is on track for a monster year… in terms of yardage, TDs, minimal turnovers, and of course sacks. These annualized numbers are amazing and frightening at the same time — Manning has done everything asked of him, right down to taking more sacks to minimize his turnovers. However, if Eli took 44 sacks I would seriously doubt he could still stand by the end of the year, let alone throw a football. This is one thing that has to be addressed before the franchise QB joins his brother on the sidelines with serious, career threatening injuries.

On the run game. If both running backs can barely make 1400 yards together it will be the worst tandem performance for the Giants in a long, long time. It’s not panic time JUST yet, but we’re nearing the point of erasing the power running persona from the Giants identity all together based on what we’re seeing right now. Besides, one of reasons Eli is going to have so many passing yards is his utilization of the RBs in the checkdown game, another aspect of the offense that has seen a big resurgence this year and a major reason why the Giants haven’t turned the ball over as much in 2011. And, this is how 700 more yards are going to be accounted for out of the backfield with a little bit of misdirection. That’s where the extra yardage for the RBs are going, into receptions, not handoffs. Is it still a power run game? Well, it’s not exactly a finesse run game either…

In the end — it’s just as well I think. The strategy has benefited the Giants with fewer interceptions, more yards, and more TDs through the first four weeks. Taking a closer look at this offense, well, maybe these projections WON’T be that far off after all.

[Stokley] caught passes with at a summer camp back in Louisiana in the mid 1990s — Eli Manning.

“I have caught from Eli since he was in high school at the Manning passing camp,” Stokley said Thursday after finishing his first practice with his new team. “I have known Eli for a while. You could tell way back when he was going to be a special quarterback and I think he has proven that.”

Stokley is the type of receiver the Giants (0-1) have needed since losing Steve Smith to free agency last month. He is a possession specialist who plays the slot.

It seems like this move is staring to make more and more sense with each passing (pun) day.

First up to talk about the acquisition, Coach Tom Coughlin:

[clips via Giants.com]

Check out his interview here:

[clip via Giants.com]

Good News:

• Justin Tuck worked out just about everything today in practice, he will participate but be listed as limited
• Prince Amukamara is slightly ahead of schedule and did some light jogging straight ahead yesterday with minor soreness.

Bad News:

• Hakeem Nicks made good progress, we’ll see what the doctors say before he suits up
• Travis Beckum did not practice, and Coughlin is not happy about it.

Videos of Tuck, Nicks, and Amukamara discussing their progress after the jump

It’s a little late this week due to my travelling back from the west coast, missing the game, having to re-watch it and being delayed a day — so just know that usually this post will come out Wednesdays after our initial gut checks have taken place, no matter if the Giants win or lose. The point is the NY Giants are always one of those teams that seem to be criticized by a stat line — with little to no analysis as to what’s going on behind the numbers. Here, we’ll always try to acknowledge that some stats speak for themselves, others have to be unpacked a bit more to tell the whole story. Here’s where we strive to get to the quantitative AND the qualitative meanings behind the stats for of each and every Giants game. So without further ado, here we go!

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My thoughts on the Stokley signing are here.

Stokley’s most famous claim to fame is of course his game winning tipped reception in Denver from 2009… one of NFL’s wild plays of that season. But one of the plays of the year for Stokley last year was this 45 yard TD in the playoffs during the Seattle Seahawks upset Wild Card game.

The Giants are obviously impressed with his speed to get behind the defense. I’d think he fits right into the Giants system as well, short passes that are designed to hit guys in motion and get vertical quickly.

Now I happen to love that slant play — classic Josh McDaniels. They bring Welker, I mean Stokley, across in motion, bunch him up momentarily and then he sells a route to the outside perfectly and then cuts back inside to get behind his man and into the middle of the defense where it’s been cleared out by the other two receivers. He takes a 7 yard slant 60+ yards and sets up a scoring opportunity for his offense, all off a simple little 3 step drop and slant.

Eli Manning and Kevin Gilbride, adjust your playbooks accordingly.

[clips via NFL Videos]

Aiming to challenge die-hard fans that live outside the market of thier favorite NFL team, DIRECTV’s Ultimate Displaced Fan contest asks displaced, fanatical NFL followers to creatively display their perpetual passion for their favorite out-of-market team. By submitting videos, essays, or photos that best display their extreme dedication and the difficulties that come with being a far-away fan, contestants vie for a chance to earn the title of America’s Ultimate Displaced Fan. To enter, displaced fans can log onto www.UltimateDisplacedFan.com and upload an essay outlining their loyalty along with an optional (but highly encouraged) video and photos. (Watch video HERE to get submission tips from last year’s winner)

In addition to bragging rights, one grand prize winner will receive the ultimate Super Bowl experience, including a trip for two to Indianapolis, two tickets to the game and the opportunity to go on a media tour at the famed “radio row” with a player from their favorite team. If that’s not enough, the winner will rub elbows with NFL greats and celebrities when they participate in DIRECTV ‘s nationally televised Celebrity Beach Bowl flag football game.

Last year’s Ultimate Displaced Fan title was awarded to Kris Jones, a Raleigh, N.C. resident with a fanatical loyalty to the Baltimore Ravens. In a video that showcased his unparalleled passion for the Ravens, Jones provided viewers with a complete tour of his “Ravens Room” – the home of his Baltimore memorabilia, wall decals and a special bed where he superstitiously tucks himself in between Ravens-branded sheets the night before every game. It was due to his enthusiasm, creativity unique video and obvious un-wavering love for the Raven’s that Jones earned a place in DIRECTV history as the 2010 Ultimate Displaced Fan. Other fans also found themselves among the top entrants.

Full press release after the jump

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Clipped from: nflmocks.com (share this clip)

Here’s a snippet on MLB Greg Jones who unexpectedly played his first start for the Giants in place of Jon Goff who is out for the season with a torn ACL:

Jones was just getting his feet wet on Sunday and did a pretty good job. Jones biggest responsibility this year is going to be in run support and the Giants will use other players (they used another rookie a lot) for pass support. Jones has to stick his nose in the run game, and try to blow up plays. He had four tackles in the game and was used a lot more early than he was late when the Giants used more three safeties. Jones didn’t make any tackles for loss or deliver any impressive blows, but played admiarbly. He clearly has natural instincts though he was a touch late on Tim Hightowers’ touchdown run. Solid outing. He has a lot of room for improvement though.

Be sure to check back each week at NFL Mocks for more rookie news, and we’ll be linking to each story referencing the Giants for you as well here at GMEN HQ.

Good morning guys. St. Louis Rams week and we are excited about getting started and trying to improve and get better. The Rams played the Eagles in the opener in a very physical game, without a doubt. Both teams rushed the ball very well. Eventually, of course, Michael Vick took off and made the 97 yards and McCoy had 122 yards against them. Really McCoy’s run was a long run towards the end of the game. It was a very physical game and both teams got after the quarterback with five and three sacks. They played a very physical game and we played a very physical game and now we are excited about getting ready for Monday night.

Q: How is Nicks?

A: He won’t practice today but he is making pretty good progress.

Q: What is the injury?

A: Knee.

Q: What did the tests show?

A: It was a bone bruise.

Q: How long do you think he will be out?

A: I have no idea. We will just go day by day.

Q: What about Tuck and Osi?

A: Osi, no, and Justin is going to practice limited today. We are in shells and that’s the way he will go.

Q: Do you see Spags bringing an NFC East mentality to that division?

A: I don’t know. They are a physical football team. I don’t know if it is categorized as NFC East but it looked like an NFC East battle. That type of game.

Q: Do you talk to him?

A: We text at the beginning of the season ‘good luck’ and naturally we look for each other at the league meetings and in Indianapolis.

Q: Is he the same coach that he was as a defensive coordinator?

A: I am sure he is the head coach, so he has all those hats to wear. No question he has his hands on the defensive side, but I am sure offense as well and special teams as well. They are an aggressive special teams outfit.

Q: What do you miss when Tuck is not in there?

A: Leadership ability. Pass rush. Where do you want me to stop? What do you think we lose? You lose a heck of a football player and the captain of your defensive team.

Q: Does his presence help calm things?

A: Sure, absolutely. You lose Osi, too, if you want me to keep going. Get them out there and you will quickly see and that’s not taking anything away from the guys that are playing. They are playing their tails off. Tollefson played well. Trattou came in and gave us some snaps. JPP rose up again when he had to and made a couple sacks. They are playing hard and there is no if, ands or buts about that. You are talking about reinforcements of a very high quality.

Q: Do you think the Rams will run as much without Steven Jackson?

A: Absolutely. 19 for 91 with Cadillac, they are just going to keep on doing what they do very well, or attempt to.

Q: How about Beckum?

A: Beckum is Beckum. He has a hamstring.

Q: How do you get better as a team?

A: Every phase. Stop the big plays, punt the ball better, kick the ball better. Consistently move the ball on offense, move the ball on third down. Make your short yardage runs. There is a lot of ways that we must improve as we go forward and it is going to happen. It is just not there yet but it is going to happen.

Q: How different is Cadillac from Jackson?

A: Much different, but they are both very good football players and very good rushers. Cadillac has gone through some injuries that he was fought his way back from and he looks like the guy of old. Steven Jackson has been at the Pro Bowl level for a long time.

Q: Do you think hey will run the same?

A: Absolutely. It is the same offense.

Q: Do you think they will pass a lot with the Bradford injury?

A: I think you assess all that during the course of the week. They do have an extra day so that is going to help and then they will make their adjustments as it gets closer to game planning. I’m sure they game planned as if he is healthy and then as they get closer, they will make some decisions about what he can and cannot do.

Q: You seem frustrated by Beckum. Can Travis Beckum fight through this injury?

A: Evidentially, it is not that way yet. It hasn’t gotten to that point yet. We have had hamstring issues with Travis before. I am not frustrated but expectations are very high. It is very difficult to improve him when he is not practicing.

Q: Do you think Brandon and Ahmad can have the same number of carries?

A: The first thing that has to happen is that we have to get some plays on offense. If you make some third downs, then you have a chance to have some plays and you have a chance to have some continuity. You have a chance to do a lot of different things. I am not going to tell you that it will be this or that. I know in my mind what I am looking for in all the players if they were healthy. How many times I want them to touch the ball. But that is under circumstances where you have some snaps and you are doing some things in the game to keep the ball.

Q: Are you confident in the other wide receivers if Nicks can’t go?

A: Dominek has done it before and very well. I would be very high and I think that you can’t judge a guy on one game. Victor has to get ready and go play. Jernigan has to get ready and go play and Devin Thomas will have opportunities as well so they have to prepare themselves to go and when the opportunity is there they have to take advantage of it.

Q: What do you lose if Hakeem can’t go?

A: You lose a playmaker. You lose a guy who can put the ball in the end zone. You lose a guy who loves the ball coming his way and can make the hard catch, the easy catch and has great confidence. He loves to play and wants to be out there all the time.

Q: How good are the guys at picking up the hot reads?

A: They are starting to get it better. Of course, Mario has had that experience before. You saw what Hixon did the other day, two of his catches were sights and hots. They have to be able to do it all. The quarterback has to get rid of the ball when that happens. When you don’t do something to pick it up with your protection call or you can’t because there is too many of them and they are going to have one more than you do, the ball has to go somewhere quick.

Q: What do you see out of Bradford?

A: Poise. Toughness, he stays in there and takes a lick. Throws the ball down the field and has a good, strong arm, and will come out of there if he can and knows when to slide.

Q: Is communication an issue with the offensive line?

A: That is part of it but it is also that split second adjustment that has to happen, the cohesive action that has to happen by everybody, not just two guys or not the other guy and so on and so forth.

via the Daily News

Hakeem Nicks has “just a bone bruise” Coughlin said. Nicks won’t practice today. Coughlin has “no idea” if he’ll be ready for Monday night.

The snake bite continues to spew its venom….

“Honestly, talk to me right now, I don’t see how I will not play on Monday. And that’s me. Obviously, you’ve got to go through the process of doctors, coaches, general manager, owner, and going through what’s most important for me and what’s most important for this football team. If I come out (today) and this thing feels 100 percent, I’m going. It just all depends on how it feels. We are just taking it day by day, and how I go out on the football field and play is in direct correlation to how the neck feels.”

According to various reports, Tuck has a muscular issue causing his neck injury – not a herniated disc or worse. But a neck injury is of course not something you push or rush — and Justin Tuck sitting out for 2 weeks is not as bad as playing injured and missing 4-6 weeks thereafter. Considering the repercussions of missing more games by playing too early, I’m completely fine with Tuck not playing Monday night, or the week after until he’s 100% ready.

Between JPP, Kiwi, and Toly — I think the Giants defense can get to the QB with their defensive ends. If they want to get creative in Tuck’s stead — they’ll inject rookie LB Jacquain Williams for some speed on the outside as well the way they hoped Clint Sintim could be used. The Giants simply need to keep the pressure dialed in, and rely on man coverage from their corners on the outside to defend quick passes. Anything over the middle is still going to be a problem, and I think if the Giants are going to rush 5 or more they need to keep the MLB in coverage and bring pressure off the edges. That seems to be the best recipe for Big Blue success under Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell. Why he gets away from it for half the game, I have no clue.

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]

That 41 – 13 drubbing of Chicago cost the Giants half theirtdefensive team it’s looking like.

WOW.

ESPN NY’s Ohm Youngmisuk sums it up:

So Giants lose Brian Witherspoon (ACL) and T. Thomas (ACL) all in one night. Witherspoon hurt his knee on a return, was having a good camp

The Giants dominated in their win to the tune of 41-13, but at the same time are decimated at corner depth to the tune of -4. Time to open up the wallet, Jerry Reese, and throw some money at the situation before things get worse.

Mike Garafolo points out that former Eagle Lito Sheppard could make the most economical sense. The full list of CB free agents with a shot according to Garafolo in a separate post are as follows:

Kelvin Hayden
Randall Gay
Lito Sheppard
Tye Hill
Brian Williams
Will Blackmon*
D.J. Johnson*

Blackmon is injured, but he does know the defense a bit. You’d have to think any of the veteran guys at the top of the list would be worth working out though…. but perhaps they’re available for good reason. Dare to dream, anyway.

Rex Ryan and March Sanchez can’t say enough good things about Plax after his 3 catches for 66 yards and a TD:

via PFT:

Ryan: “You see we beat Cover-One and we beat Cover-Zero throwing the ball up to him. I don’t care who you are playing corner, you can be Willie Brown or Darrelle Revis out there, that’s going to be tough. We were smiling from ear to ear. That’s why he’s here.”

Sanchez: “I’ve never had a target like him.”

I’m still a little bitter about this because I wanted to see Plax back in Blue, but the Giants made him a ‘responsible offer’ and he went with more guaranteed money. Now, the Jets offense is going to be that much better with Plaxico Burress lining up in the red zone — guaranteed.