Category: NY Giants

News, notes, and opinion on New York Giants football

Brandon Jacobs (photo by P. Borriello)

On today’s (Friday, 7pm EST) “Live From Mickey Mantle’s”, I will talk with former All-Pro punter for the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Sean Landeta. We’ll preview Sunday’s upcoming NFC Divisional playoff at Giants Stadium between the two division rivals. John Delcos will also be on board, talking about the NY Jeets coaching search, the Brett Favre question and the next move for Gang Green.

You can listen live here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Gotham-Sports-Media/2009/01/10/NY-Giants-Playoff-Preview

As always, the call-in number is 347-324-3989

The New York Giants reached the next level with the development of quarterback Eli Manning, but make no mistake, they are the cream of the NFC because they still believe in smash mouth football.

They are a defensive giant, but setting their offensive tempo is a punishing, three-pronged running attack averaging just under 170 yards a game.

Brandon Jacobs is the banger; Derrick Ward is a slasher; and Ahmad Bradshaw is a combination of power and speed.

“They have different personalities and styles,’’ said Giants coach Tom Coughlin. “We certainly believe in throwing the ball as well, but we do believe in the balance factor and the ability to rush the ball. We just believe in this conference, in this division, you have to be able to do that.’’

Sunday’s game against Baltimore will be a study of power against power; the Giants’ running game against the Ravens’ defense, with somebody’s five-game winning streak at stake.

The 8-1 Giants, who are 5-0 at home, will receive arguably their sternest defensive test of the season in the Ravens, who are giving up a NFL-best 65 yards a game on the ground.

Baltimore’s defense is personified by linebacker Ray Lewis, who has all the temperament of a boiling teakettle, and identified Sunday’s key.

“We’ve got to stop the run, and that’s the bottom line,’’ Lewis said. “We’re the best team in football doing that, so if there is a test, the test is just (to go) and uphold what you are already built to do.’’

If the Ravens shut down the Giants on the ground, the game will fall into the hands of Manning, whose development has come a long way from arguably the worst game of his career, a 4-for-18 nightmare for 27 yards and two picks, in a December loss to Baltimore in his rookie season.

Manning hasn’t thrown for over 200 yards in five straight games because of the running game, but he threw two touchdowns against the Eagles, has thrown for five in his last two games, and has been picked off only six times this season.

Manning said his development is accepting conservatism.

“(It’s about) understanding where your opportunities are, when to take chances, when to be conservative,’’ Manning said. “Just try and be smart with the ball.  Don’t turn the ball over.  Go out there, guys are going to get open and make plays for us.  It is my job to get them the ball.’’

And Sunday, that might mean more handing off to Jacobs than airing it out to Amani Toomer.

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to GothamGridiron.com.

Over the last several weeks, Gotham Sports Media, LLC has made a concerted effort to increase our sports coverage across the board.   Today’s launch of Gotham Gridiron is just another small part of this ongoing effort to provide New York sports fans with the kind of in-depth analysis they deserve.

Longtime sportswriter John Delcos, who has been covering pro sports for the past 20 years, is bringing his expertise to Gotham.  Each week, he’ll be live-blogging every Jets and Giants game, and in between, he’ll lead an editorial team that will be providing daily content about the Past, Present and Future of New York Football.

On this past Friday’s Gotham Gridiron radio show, former New York Giants (and Eagles) punter Sean Landeta helped break down the Giants/Eagles matchup on Sunday night, while Delcos gave Mark Healey and Keith Hejna his take on the Rams-Jets.  You can listen to the archive here.

Unlike other sites, which really only delve into the here and now of New York’s National Football League teams, Gotham Gridiron will bring you stories of some of the greatest football players that have ever played in this town.  With our companion radio show, we’ll bring you fresh perspective and no holds barred commentary every single week.

In between contests, trivia games, and other assorted fan-friendly treats, you’ll read news and notes from around the NFL, and get to ask our Fantasy Football experts their advice on how to set up your teams.

Gotham Gridiron is the Past, Present and Future of New York Football, so enjoy your stay!