NFL-Giants: NY Giants football news

Based on this article, it seems that Burress has a good chance to avoid going to jail:

Statistics show that more than eight out of 10 people arrested in the city last year on the same charge Burress faces received reduced charges, though some plea deals included jail time.

Former prosecutor Randy M. Mastro, a deputy mayor under Rudy Giuliani, said Burress’ case was going to be “a close call.”

“He’s got a pretty compelling story to tell,” Mastro said. “But, at the same time, there’s been a tremendous public outcry, particularly by some politicians, about this famous figure having a weapon.”

Prosecutors, in offering reduced charges in gun possession cases, consider past criminal history, arrest circumstances and the reason for having the weapon.

The 31-year-old wide receiver, who caught the winning touchdown pass in the Giants’ 2008 Super Bowl victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots, has no criminal record. The gun he was carrying had a Florida license that only recently expired; it wasn’t licensed in New York.

Burress has not spoken publicly about why he was carrying a gun, but some have speculated it was for safety reasons after teammate Steve Smith was robbed at gunpoint three days earlier.

Good luck Plax!

According to the Boston Globe, the Giants will be one of the teams most affected by the new wedge rule (there is no more wedge – at least not the way we used to see it).

Interesting article here about the 17-18 game season talks. Seems that John Mara is the only owner not in favor:

“I don’t know if there is anyone else,” Mara said. “… I just think it’s pretty tough on the health of your players late in the season… but it [a longer regular season] is coming.”

We miss Amani Toomer already:

Think back to week 8 vs. the Steelers. Greg Cosell breaks down Eli Manning’s gutsy 30-yard pass to Amani Toomer on 4th and 6.

Plus it’s nice to remember some of Eli’s clutch plays. Maybe we can forget about his performance in the Eagles playoff game.

The Rams are paying Butler some real money: could be more than 4 million / year with incentives. I always liked Butler but 4 million does seem like a lot. Anyway, I wish him luck.

I’d like to draft a wide receiver, a safety, and a kicker. Some people don’t like drafting kickers but consider:

1. Our oppents get good field position when we kick off.

2. We had to use two roster spots on kickers last season.

3. We have more draft picks than roster spots.

4. The following guys are available:

1. Graham Gano, Florida St.
Ht – 6-1, Wt – 200, 40 – 5.00
Gano proved himself in his only year as a starter. He was almost automatic going 24-26 this past season and 5/7 on field goals 50+. Did punting and kicking for Florida State and he won Lou Groza award this past year.

2. Jose Martinez, UTEP
Ht – 5-10, Wt – 200, 40 – 5.00
The most powerful leg in college football. This past season, Martinez hit a 64 yard field goal. However, that was his only successful field goal of 50+ yards out of 7 attempts this past season.

3. Louie Sakoda, Utah
Ht – 5-9, Wt – 180, 40 – 4.80
Mr. Everything for Utah this past season, did both kicking and punting duties for the Utes. Went 21/23 this past season and 2/3 from 50+. Academic All-American with a 3.73 GPA. Was a captain last year.

C.C. Brown is a young safety who missed most of last season with an injury.  I can’t remember seeing him play but the Giants people speak highly of him and Reese and Coughlin dos eem to know a thing or two about football so I’m excited to see what he can do.

The Giants also signed Lee Vickers, a big tigth end who Coughlin says is good on special teams (in the wedge) where the Giants certainly could use some help.

I resisted talking about mock drafts as long as possible but for the next month and a bit…

This nfl.com one has us taking Kenny Britt, a 6′3″ 220 pound receiver from Rutgers. I’d be happy with him at #29.

Dude!

Michael Boley, Rocky Bernard, and Chris Canty? Pretty awesome!

Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield, Rocky Bernard, and Matthia Kiwanuka is pretty awesome because all 7 of those guys are good enough to start somewhere in the NFL.

Canty is the only guy I haven’t blogged about yet. Good ESPN article here (how often does that happen?) on the signing. They say he’ll play DT for the Giants, probably replacing Robbins as a starter.

But I don’t see why he would replace Robbins, the Giants best DT. If anyone cares, Pter King made Haynesworth and Cofield his 2 all-pro defensive tackles this year. Wouldn’t we better off demoting Cofield?

I have to think Canty willl see some time at DE as well because we have 3 guys who play only DT (Robbins, Cofield, Bernard) and 4 full time DTs seems like one too many.

6 years and 42 million makes him the Giants most expensive acqusition yet. Clearly they expect big things from the guy.

Nice video here. Says the Giants have the best offensive line + the best defensive line. That means we’re gonna win some games!