Well it looks like plenty of Giants fans showed up to ESPN blogger Matt Mosley’s live chat this afternoon armed with some good questions for the NFC East guru. Here are some of the best questions and answers from the bunch with my afterthoughts in red:
"Jake (VA Beach): Have you had the chance to see Sintim in action yet? Does he look like he’ll be able to handle the starting gig?MM: Sintim looked a lot more relaxed early in camp. I think he’ll be fine as a starter. He uses those long arms to knock down passes and he’s looked really good in coverage.styles (lyndhurst): So why do i keep reading about giant’s de standing up and droping back into coverage? correct me if i’m wrong but didn’t tuck say thats what he didn’t like about sheridan’s defense? whats the diffrence with pf’s system?MM: The difference with Fewell’s defense is that Tuck might end up rushing from one of those LB spots. There’s just a lot more unpredictability. Tuck or Umenyiora didn’t mind dropping into coverage every now and then. It was just happening with too much frequency."
I agree with the sentiment that I’d rather not see any defensive ends dropping back into coverage this year — under any circumstances.
"Matt: do you think that Goff can hold back Bullock? if not when do you see that switch taking place?MM: I think Bulluck will win the job if his knee responds in the preseason. He’s an excellent leader, so it will be hard to keep him off the field if he’s right from a physical standpoint."
FYI – Bulluck says he’s amazed at how well his post injury knee has responded so far, and that if the game were tomorrow he’d be playing.
"Andrew (NYC): People are saying that the reason that Barden isnt making it onto the field as a receiver is because hes not making his mark on special teams. Why isnt having to be a good blocker or tackler on special teams a must to be thrown into an end zone package? Just because hes not a good special teams player shouldnt mean hes not a good receiverMM: Andrew, it’s a crowded spot. If a guy’s only going to give you 5-10 snaps on offense, he needs to do something else. Can’t afford to have “specialist” receivers."
Barden did dress for two games last season and did not play special teams because he was a “liability” – so it is physically possible to work this out. If Hagan continues to be a standout though at WR, it’s going to make it that much harder for Moss and Barden to get into the rotation since Hagan is actually quite good on special teams.
"Jc (Clearwater, FL): Hey there Matt. Andre Brown and Ramses Barden. All reports is that they are looking good Brown post injury and Barden post rookie year which of those 2, both, or neither will make a significant contribution to this team in you opinion?MM: I think both guys are capable of making a valuable contribution. But Brown will get more touches early in the season simply based on his decision. He’s a lot quicker than I realized. He’d already ruptured his Achilles by the time I got to Albany last year."
Everyone got that joke? Good. Andre Brown is in a unique position to really blow his competition out of the water. We know Coughlin is not high on Ware and Johnson for whatever reason – Brown just needs to impress in a game situation and show that he understands his role in the offense. Easier said then done. There will be oversights, mistakes, missed opportunities… but if he can provide a spark or something unique it may mean he gets that shot in the rotation instead.
"Chad (NYC): If the Giants O line is healthy, how many yards can Ahmad Bradshaw amass?MM: I think 1,100 yards is a good number for him.How far can the Gmen go if they are healthy?MM: They’re the biggest x-factor in the division. If they can get back to Giants football, they’ll challenge the ‘Boys for the division title."
Nice to hear.
"Giants Fan (NY): Who gets more rushing yards this season Bradshaw or Jacobs?MM: Bradshaw."
Not surprising, when you think about how the Giants would give Bradshaw more of Ward’s old carries now that he’s proven he can handle it.
"The Duke (The Dirty Jersey): Do you think the Giants O-Line will be ok this year? Do you think they will find the right balance of youth and experience, by plugging in some of the new young guys, or go with the same O-Line and try to get one more year out of the group?MM: Diehl, O’Hara and Snee are hardcore competitors. They have too much pride to have a repeat of that mess from last season. I’m anxious to see if Beatty can take over at LT. They’ll be better."
One thing that needs to be addressed is whether Beatty will play tackle or guard should he overtake the starting role. But if you listen to O’hara, there will be no changes to the starting line.
"ike (new jersey): Hey matt, i was wondering how big of an impact will linval joseph and jpp have this year?MM: Joseph’s made a big move in camp the last couple days. He’s been excellent. I would not be surprised to see him in the starting rotation at some point this season. JPP will get plenty of playing time. They’re not easing either player into the mix. Good camp for both of them so far."
Can’t wait to see these two in action this preseason.
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"dustin (albany): ramses barden recently had his best practice of training camp. he has ___ touchdowns this year?MM: Six TDs for Barden."
I would love to see him get 8 total, 5-6 come in the red zone alone.
"dKyle (Newark): Provided that the defense is corrected, are the GMEN one of the elites in the league?MM: I’m not sure they’ll return to “elite” status, but they are one of the better “under the radar” teams out there. No one seems to know what to make of them. Tom Coughlin thinks they’ll be REALLY good."
The word elite is overused… to the point now that “ultra-elite” means what “elite” once meant. I like to say the Giants are the class of the NFC East.
"Matt (DC): Matt, what numbers do you think Eli post this season? Do you think both Smith and Nicks each could have a thousand yards receiving?MM: That’s certainly a possibility. I think Nicks is about to become one of the top receivers in the division. Just a huge downfield threat. And I loved watching him run routes in camp last week. Man, he’s really turned the corner. Just needs to stay healthy."
I think Nicks is going to have 1000+ yards this season and 7+ touchdowns, provided he stays healthy of course. They’ve been working him in the red zone, he’s making spinning catches, skys the limit.
"Dave (Sacramento): Rank your top 4 RBs in the beast.MM:1. Felix Jones2. Ahmad Bradshaw3. Clinton Portis4. LeSean McCoy5. Marion Barber6. Brandon JacobsBrandon, they made me do it!"
Oh no he didn’t! BJ – use it on the field. Glad to see Bradshaw getting some love though over Portis and Barber, though quite a statement.
"Dan (Tx): what can we expect from Boss this year, will he be 100% by week 1?MM: At this rate, he’ll probably have to play through the pain throughout the season. The Giants will have to manage that situation. Time for Beckum to seize the opportunity. And it’s time for me to bail on you guys!! Thanks for stopping by."
The chat started with the Giants, and fittingly ended with the Giants. Boss needs more plays called for him, less chipping and less blocking — get him into a route instead of Hedgecock and let him work.