NFL-Giants: NY Giants football news

Giants linebackers against the Redskins and in 2006

The linebacking corps will likely be the same this Saturday against Washington as it was against the Chiefs with Blackburn in the middle, and Torbor and Griesen outside.

Blacburn is looking to improve on a performance against the Chiefs that satisfied Coughlin:

“What I saw was Chase coming into the game and doing a good job, a solid job in there,” coach Tom Coughlin said.

Blackburn was more critical in his self-analysis.

“It was an average performance,” he said. “I thought it was a decent first game, a decent start for me. There are a lot of things I could have done. Any time you play a game you’re probably as big a critic on yourself as anybody. There are a lot of things I can improve on, just fitting in my gaps properly and taking a little bit more physical approach.”

The newly signed Pfifer should see time on third downs. As Coughlin answered during his press conference:

Q: Do you see Phifer as an inside guy?

A: He could be an inside guy, but he could also be involved in third downs.

Q: Is his strength, as far as you know, still picking up guys out of the backfield?

A: I think his strength is as a savvy, smart veteran football player who has performed in multiple roles over the years – playing on the outside, playing on the inside. So that would be what we would count on.

Giants fans also have to wonder about next year. As usual, the Eagles seem to ahve gotten rid of Emmons at the right time - he can't seem to play a 16 game season anymore. Will the Giants keep him around? What about Green who spends way more time on IR than on the field? Will Griesen get a big offer or are the Giants willing to give him starter's money?

Personally I'd be happy with Griesen, Pierce, and Torbor with Blackburn and a draft choice as backups. I'm also happy giving Green another chance. He's faster than Griesen and might be more of a playmaker if he can get on the field.

Posted by James Trotta at December 21, 2005 11:38 PM