Travis Beckum, who also was hurt in the Super Bowl, will probably be like Jake Ballard, and not be ready to start the season next year.  Travis showed a little light at the end of the tunnel this year, but not enough to secure him a spot on the roster, or to excite too many fans about the promise he supposedly possesses.

Bear Pascoe will now move to at or near the head of the line.  Bear was always held back because he was used as a fullback at times, and is not a prototypical Tight End.  He struggles with his blocking, a key to being a Giants Tight End, and has yet to show his true potential either.  The Bear did show a bit more in the post season, but in this era of Jimmy Graham (N.O.), Jermichael Finley (G.B.), and Antonio Gates (S.D.) the Giants could use a big play guy at this position.

Christian Hopkins 6’5″ 277 a second year man out of Toledo is the new project if you will.  Jerry Reese says he has the tools, the hands, the size, to be a good Tight End.  This we will have to see.

In free agency the Giants signed TE Martellus Bennett away from the Cowboys.  They re-structured his contract to give him a one year try-out with the Giants.  He stepping out of the shadow of one of the most productive tight ends of the last 10 years in Jason Witten.  He says he is ready, we will see.

The Giants also took a young man on draft day in Adrien Robinson who is 6’4″ and 264 pounds.  He is another raw talent for Mike Pope the tight ends coach to mold into a player.  He fits the model of the new bigger athletic tight end in the NFL and it will be fun to watch him develop.

Also on the team and competing for a spot are: LArry Donnell 6’6″ 269 from Grambling, and Ryan Purvis at 6’4″ and 264, a four year man out of Boston College.

One thing most fans seem to forget is no one knew who Jake Ballard was before the season began.  He made some nice strides and became a fast fan favorite.  We didn’t lose a hall of fame tight end, and the position is not the most important the Giants need to fill for another run.  I believe they have set themselves up well for the immediate future, and for the long term, as Jerry Reese often does.

Offensively, Victor Cruz came through again. Another spectacular catch and run for a TD. Hakeem Nicks avoided the drops and had a big game as well. Bear Pascoe came up big, as did Henry Hynoski. Both of them made big catches in crucial situations, and showed some leaping ability as well. Poor Terrence Newman was the targeted d-back, and the Giants took advantage of the mismatch. The line kept Eli Manning upright, and Eli had zero INT’s. The rushing game still looks like a weak link, although there were flashes of brilliance last night, and Ahmad Bradshaw came up big in situations, as did D.J. Ware.

Defensively, the G-Men played well, although they felt a need to make things close. Whether it was the urgency of playing for a playoff spot or a ticket home, playing for a job next year, the return of Osi, a simplified scheme, or any other factor, the Giants defense came through. They d-line gave Dallas’ undermanned o-line fits, and put consistent pressure on Tony Romo. They held Dallas’ wekened rushing game in check, but still gave up some plays to the wideouts.

Special teams managed, with a bit of luck, to avoid a costly turnover, and the Giants got a few lucky bounces. The missed 40 yard field goal hurt, but Tynes came back to make the 28 yarder. All in all, not a bad way to close out the season. The Giants now face the Falcons at home next week. For now, let’s just enjoy the victory. Way to go, gentlemen! (more…)