Y.A. Tittle was a two-time NFL MVP

Just finished re-reading “Y.A.TITTLE: I PASS” for about the fourteenth time, so I thought it would be appropriate to discuss  this great quarterback’s career.

Tittle, who held many NFL passing record when he retired in 1964, only to see them shattered by later signal-callers who were allowed much more freedom to do their jobs. is less known to current fans of Big Blue than Scott Brunner.

That’s a damn shame.

I don’t know why the history of professional football gets treated so shabbily by today’s media and fans, but perhaps it’s because the football fan has less room in his brain to grasp the perspective of history in his sport.

Tittle was a trend-setter, an innovator, and a gunslinger in an era when many teams played the single-wing.

His favorite tight end of all-time?  None other than former Jets coach Joe Walton, who was one hell of a good tight end, and you can look it up.

Tittle was one of the first QBs to work out of the shotgun formation, and though he never won a championship, was the leader of some of the best Giants teams ever assembled.

He should be remembered for more than just this photo.

Make sure to visit http://www.yatittle.net/, the official site of the legendary quarterback.

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.

Veteran Sports Writer To Become Editor At Large For Online, Print and Broadcast

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 12, 2008 — Gotham Sports Media, LLC is proud to announce that veteran sports writer John Delcos is joining the company as Editor at Large.

Delcos, who has spent most of the last two decades covering pro sports, will contribute to all of Gotham Sports Media’s properties, including Gotham Baseball Magazine, Gotham Sports Radio’s network of shows and the company’s newest website; GothamGridiron.com. He will also bring along his successful blog, “John Delcos’ New York Mets Report”, to the Gotham Sports Media Network.

“Having a real newspaper pro like John Delcos joining our diverse editorial staff is incredible,” said Mark Healey, the President / CEO of Gotham Sports Media, LLC. “As we bring together the Past, Present and Future of New York Sports, bringing in someone like John, who’s been in the thick of them for the last decade, is really quite awesome.”

For the past ten years, Delcos has covered baseball; the last three covering the New York Mets and seven on the Yankees’ beat before that. Prior to New York, he covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years, and before then the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns, and briefly the Pittsburgh Steelers..

“I am thrilled to be joining Gotham Sports Media,” Delcos said. “I’m looking forward to a long and prosperous working relationship with Mark Healey and his company.”

About Gotham Sports Media:

Gotham Sports Media LLC, founded in 2005, publishes Gotham Baseball Magazine, the only periodical dedicated to comprehensive coverage of New York area baseball. The company also owns and operates the Gotham Sports Network, a collection of award-winning websites that boasts the largest audience of any independent New York sports media outlet. For more information, visit Gotham Sports Media online at www.gothamsportsmedia.com.

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!