NFL-Giants: NY Giants football news

The Giants waived Luzar and picked up Sean Berton, an excellent blocking tight end from the Vikings. He has also played H-back and special teams making him way more versatile than Luzar:

2004 Started 7 games and played in 14 after being released by Vikings during 2004 training camp…Returned to Vikings following season-ending injury to Jim Kleinsasser…Played at H-back and TE, providing a rugged blocking presence out of the backfield and on the line of scrimmage…Caught career-high 3 passes in back-to-back games at Detroit (12/19) and vs. Green Bay (12/24)…Notched career-high 24 receiving yards vs. Green Bay (12/24)…Career-long catch in regular season play was his 1st career NFL catch, a 14-yarder from Daunte Culpepper vs. Tennessee (10/24)…Hauled in 1st career playoff catch at Philadelphia (1/16/05) in Divisional Playoff game, a 16-yarder from Culpepper…Helped Vikings offense set a franchise record for total yardage at 6,339, an average of 396.2 yards per game.

2003 Picked up a squib kick at San Diego (11/9) and returned it 7 yards…Notched a special teams tackle at Atlanta (10/5)…Saw time at TE and on special teams at Detroit (9/21) and recorded 1st career stats by making a special teams tackle…Played on special teams and at TE/H-back vs. Chicago (9/14) on ESPN’s Sunday Night Football…Saw time on special teams and H-back in season opener at Green Bay (9/7)…Signed by the Vikings as a rookie free agent on 5/10/03.

(from his bio on the Vikings website, soon to be taken down I imagine).

I’m going to start with the offensive line. Luke Petitgout, David Diehl, Shaun O Hara, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie, Bob Whitfield, Rich Seubert, Jason Whittle.

I was a bit surprised that the Giants kept only 8 linemen, making Lucier the odd man out. He was a valuable backup in that he could play guard or center, but the Giants must have felt that Whittle could provide depth at the same positions and be an emergency long snapper. Everyone is happy to see Seubert back and you wonder if he won’t be starting soon at left guard. Nothing against Diehl, but Seubert will be better if he regains his old form. There was some concern about Whitfield after the final preseason game, but we need a backup left tackle (especially since Luke hasn’t always been able to stay healthy) and Whitfield is the best we’ve got. It’s hard not to think that Winey would have a bigger upside than Whitfield (yes I know I’m stating the obvious) but if they think Whitfield has a better chance of keeping the franchise (Manning) safe, of course they have to go with Whitfield.

We’ve known who the starters would be for some time: they weren’t as dominating as some Giants fans expected in the preseason but you have to believe that Snee and McKenzie can get it done on the right side. Petigout has seen his share of criticism, and needs to stay healthy. If he does he has shown in the past that he can play well. Diehl seems solid at left guard and might move back to right tackle in an emergency (McKenzie injured). O Hara has been consistent.

The Saints will be playing at Giants stadium instead of New Orleans. No word yet on how to buy tickets, but some of the proceeds will go to help Katrina victims.

After J-Load’s performance against the Patriots, many Giants fans are wondering if he doesn’t become the #3 QB – it seems he’ll get picked up off the practice squad (where he’d likely go if he doesn’t make the final roster). I say keep the young guy with upside…