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5 Questions Patriots fans have about the Giants

Joe Tufaro — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:41:50 +0000

Once again we have engaged the enemy here at GMENHQ.COM Jamie Pacheco of Musketfire.com asked me some question about the Giants heading into Sundays big game!

1. What has sparked the late-season surge that has propelled the Giants to Super Bowl XLVI?

Defense..The Giants went to a more aggresive, physical defensive stance. They are physical with the receivers, and rush the passer with 4 when they need to play coverage. Also the maturation of guys who had to step in for injured players has been key. Good defense made the Giants a very balanced team.

2. The question of whether Eli Manning is an elite QB has been answered. Where would you rank him among the top QBs in the NFL right now?

Rodgers can throw the ball better and can run for big yardage. Eli is just behind him with Tom Brady, Brees and Big Ben. Romo, Vick, Ryan, need to win something in a big spot to move up in my opinion.

3. Do Giants fans gain more confidence in their team from what happened in Super Bowl XLII or the Patriots-Giants Week 9 game?

Super Bowl XLII was a wonderful moment, but week 9 proved to us we can beat your team as it is presently constituted, or at least be competitive in all aspects. I think what happened 4 years ago is meaningless to most players, but the fact that our starting QB has been to a Super Bowl and won is a big confidence builder for him.

4. Much was made in the New York media about Tom Brady’s comments at the Patriots’ send-off rally. What’s your take on Brady’s comments? Was he trash-talking or was it much ado about nothing?

He said nothing wrong. These two teams, now that Plaxico and Randy Moss are gone, will never say anything out of bounds. There is no need to fuel any fires and both coaches are well aware of how players and they should act.

5. What matchup is clearly in the Giants; favor? Which matchup is clearly in the Patriots’ favor?

Giants clearly have the edge in the Wide Receiver vs D-Back match-up. I would say Vince Wilfork could be a force against our interior line if we are not careful.

6. If Super Bowl XLII and the game in Week 9 of the regular season were any indication, it should be a great game on Sunday. Game prediction?

Great game for sure…I think it depends on how your defense reacts to the match-ups and if the Giants can get pressure on Brady, but more important put him in position to hold the ball for longer routes. I will share more on Thursday when we do our Spreecast!

Giants Key to Victory: PRESSURE

Joe Tufaro — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:55:26 +0000

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.

GMENHQ Exclusive: 5 Questions for a Dallas Sports Anchor

Joe Tufaro — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:06:54 +0000

Timm Matthews was kind enough to visit us here at GMENHQ.COM and answer some questions about the Giants Cowboys showdown this Sunday night. Timm has been a sports anchor/reporter/editor in Dallas/Ft. Worth for 25 years. Timm was a sports anchor at KXAS-TV NBC-5 and then at KTVT-TV CBS-11 for 21 years. More recently he’s served as Editor-in-Chief of Scoreboard Magazine, the only sports/lifestyle magazine in Dallas/Ft. Worth. In addition Timm is an anchor/host for Fox Sports Southwest, hosting Mavericks, Stars and Rangers shows. Timm is the host for the ESPN Golf Connection show on ESPN radio in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Throughout his career Timm has hosted numerous local television programs covering the Dallas Cowboys, NASCAR, golf, tennis and high school sports. He’s also served as an emcee for various charity and business events.

1. Jason Garrett was touted for years as the “next hot assistant” and a great Head Coach in waiting. In the short time he has had the job what is your take on the job he has done, and what is the general take of fans?

I think he still has a lot to learn as a head coach…he’s not sure if he wants to be aggressive and unpredictable like his former coach/mentor Jimmy Johnson or play it safe to keep Jerry happy, so he’s a little of both. Most fans are thinking that Princeton is over-rated for brilliance.

2. Dez Bryant is one of the most talented athletes we have seen in years. Of course, he has also been one of the most injured, and perceived as a knucklehead at times. Is he soon to be the dangerous weapon he can be, or is he a disaster waiting to happen? (more…)