Added 4/24/2007
By Damon Micalizzi
for BigBlueInteractive.com
A lot of Giants fans have been frustrated this off-season due to new GM Jerry Reese’s refusal to “make a splash” in free agency. Hell I say he should get GM of the year just for getting someone to take Tim Carter, let alone get a decent NFL player for him. Now, as we get close to the draft, this is where our supposed great evaluator of talent can really put his stamp on this team. Although, the guys he let go could be just as important to the future of this team as the new guys will be.
Sure, cutting Luke was a bit of a shocker, but let’s face it, he makes a lot of money and had a pretty bad injury. If Diehl can make the move to LT (and I think the guy is seriously underrated and very dedicated to bettering himself each and every off-season) this could turn out to be a very good move down the road. In addition, Guy Whimper impressed in the pre-season last year, there’s no reason why he couldn’t step in at tackle in a pinch and fill in… without 15 yard penalties for the head-butts. In this case we are younger and cheaper. If Luke doesn’t make it all the way back from his injury… it will be a move that was made at the appropriate time, rather than…a year too late.
I also had high hopes for LaVar. It’s a shame to see him go out like this, but really, did Reese have any other choice? Although he was playing well for the first time in Blue when he went down for the year… he always seemed to be an injury waiting to happen, and at that price tag and given our current cap status, it was a wise move to let him go. Again, we’re getting younger and cheaper.
Speaking of an injury waiting to happen and a cut made a year too late, see: Carlos Emmons.
Jay Feely is gone. It’ll be a little more difficult for him to make his cameos on Cold Pizza every other day during the week to fight with Skip Bayless. For that, I am grateful. He did kill us two years ago in Seattle. He does have a problem getting his kickoffs past the ten yard line. More importantly, he won’t be assisting in the media circus that is the New York Football Giants.
A lot of people are disappointed because Reese has not really pursued any “marquee” free agents. When it comes down to it… aside from Asante Samuel, Nate Clements and Lance Briggs, who were the “marquee” free agents? I would have loved to see Samuel come to the Giants. He was tagged. So was Briggs and wherever he ends up, I don’t think he’ll be the player he seemingly was in Chicago, without Urlacher and Company behind him. I think Clements is overrated and was grossly over paid.
The rest of the 07 free agent class is for the most part under-whelming. Still though with an elevated salary cap, second-rate players are breaking the bank. Give me a break. You have all seen Visanthe Shiancoe for a few years now. Nice guy, keeps his mouth shut, occasionally makes a block for a stretch run on the outside or picks up a blitz. He’s good for a catch every other game for about five or six yards. The Vikings inked this guy for 5 years at 18.2 million? Don’t tell me he was stuck in Shockey’s shadow, because Jeremy, although a warrior who has played more games hurt than not, has also given Shank plenty of opportunities to get on the field. So I ask you this.. If Shank is pulling that kind of money in this weak free agent market, who out there would you warrant giving that kind of money to?
Make no mistake, this is not an all is well in the Meadowlands editorial. I still think having Kevin Gilbride anywhere near Eli Manning let alone, calling the plays is a potential disaster. However, I don’t think the Giants are in as bad a shape as we originally thought.
For one, the schedule appears to be a lot less brutal than last year. Secondly, the guys that have been brought in could play a big role in “Restoring Giants Pride.” No, Reuben Droughns is not the “change of pace” back to “complement” Brandon Jacobs that many (including myself), have hoped for. This move though, could be one indication that we will see the Giants revert back to the smash mouth, pound the ball down your throat style of football that many of us grew up watching.
Reese also made a run at Houston restricted free agent fullback Vonta Leach. It didn’t pan out as the Texans matched, but it showed that the GM wants to make sure we have playmakers at every skill position on offense.
Kawika Mitchell was not the top free agent LB on my wish list and I doubt he was on many other teams’ radar either. But, when it comes down to it, he comes in at a relatively low price tag, and, if he can stay on the field for maybe 13 or so games, he’s an immediate improvement over Carlos Emmons, who just could not stay healthy and seemed to slow a step with every passing day. Again, younger and cheaper.
Anthony Wright has been around the block a few times. He’ll provide some competition in camp and probably push Tim Hasselbeck out the door by the end of Summer. Heaven forbid anything happen to Manning, but if so, Wright has more game experience than the other two and could run a bit as well. That said, I still hope J-Load keeps his weight down.
The three legs brought in, as FA Kickers/Punters should make for an interesting camp. More concerned about securing a pro job…. I doubt any of them will be auditioning for a TV gig any time soon. They won’t cost as much as Feely did either.
And of course, Steve Spagnuolo could end up being the best pick up of them all. He comes from a system and a background that is the complete antithesis of Tim Lewis’ when it comes to scheme.
One would think a player would excel in a system that plays to his strengths. Since Webster and Madison are press corners, they should benefit more than anyone else on D from the hiring of the new coach. Bump and man-to-man coverage with defensive ends (not dropping back into coverage) pinning their ears back and linebackers blitzing constantly, would be a welcomed change for us as fans and probably for the players as well.
I haven’t given up on Reggie Torbor…yet. I think he too was misused in Tim Lewis’ system. We’ll see if Spags can put him in a position to succeed.
Once again, this is not an everything is going to be alright piece. This team has holes and question marks at key positions on both sides of the ball and special teams. However, this team does have talent on offense, defense and specials and if Reese is as good of a talent evaluator as advertised, there’s no reason to think that this team won’t be able to make a run at the NFC East. The Draft is four days away. There is no hairpiece looking over his shoulder. Of course it all boils down to Eli. If the young gunslinger takes the next step we’re going to be better already. A solid draft and maybe one more late free agent pick up along with a dose of luck when it comes to injuries and this team could surprise a lot of people. Besides, I can’t remember the Giants ever having a good year when they were supposed to be good. Younger, cheaper and under the radar may be the way to go.
.gif)