Oct 192013
 
Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants (October 10, 2013)

Brandon Jacobs – © USA TODAY Sports Images

October 19, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Saturday were RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), RB David Wilson (neck), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (illness), DT Shaun Rogers (knee), and CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring). Wilson and Hosley have officially been ruled “out” of Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs, Pierre-Paul, and Rogers are “questionable” for the game.

Practicing on a limited basis were TE Adrien Robinson (foot), CB Corey Webster (groin), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), and S Cooper Taylor (shoulder). Robinson and Taylor are “questionable” for the game; Webster and Thomas are “probable.”

OC David Baas (neck) fully practice and is “probable” for the game.

Article on the 2013 New York Giants: Giants, the Stalwarts of a City, Suddenly Can’t Make It There by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Articles on QB Eli Manning:

Articles on the Giants Running Backs:

Article on OC David Baas: Return of center Baas could boost Giants offensive line by Zach Braziller of The New York Post

Oct 182013
 
Jon Beason, New York Giants (October 10, 2013)

LB Jon Beason – © USA TODAY Sports Images

October 18, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Friday were DE Jason Pierre-Paul (illness), CB Corey Webster (groin), and RB David Wilson (neck).

“(Pierre-Paul) was sick,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “He’s actually been sick since Monday.”

Practicing on a limited basis were RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), TE Adrien Robinson (foot), OC David Baas (neck), CB Terrell Thomas (knee), CB Jayron Hosley (hamstring), and S Cooper Taylor (shoulder).

“Today I took every rep. It’s definitely something I’m just working on,” Baas said. “I’m trying to get a feel for it and get out there and work with my teammates. Things are going well right now and no predictions, but right now I would say we’ve got a really good chance (to play).”

New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of Friday’s media sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Friday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Articles on the Giants Pass Rush:

Article on Head Coach Tom Coughlin and QB Eli Manning: Giants willing and stable with Coughlin, Eli by Dan Grazziano of ESPN.com

Article on QB Eli Manning: Giants standing behind Eli Manning by Tara Sullivan of The Bergen Record

Articles on the Giants Running Backs:

Article on TE Brandon Myers: Myers moves on from Chicago mistake by Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com

Oct 122013
 
David Baas' Contract Details - Courtesy by OverTheCap.com

David Baas’s Contract Details – Courtesy of OverTheCap.com

Three Ways of Dealing with David Baas’s Contract: I’ve seen people ask me questions here on The Corner Forum about Center David Baas’s contract, and it’s impact on the team going forward. His contractual breakdown is pictured above, courtesy of Baas’s salary cap page from overthecap.com. Let me point out the three most likely ways how his contract can be dealt with (meaning ’86ed). Baas has two years left on his deal after this season. He restructured this past off-season, moving dead money further down into his last two years, making it more difficult to cut him. One way that the Giants could deal with his situation is to cut him after this season, and gain $1,775,000 in cap space this off-season. The second course of action that they can take is to wait until after 2014 to cut him, when they could gain significantly more cap space – $5,250,000 to be exact – and have less dead money on the books as well ($3,225,000 compared to exactly double that amount if the Giants cut him after this year).

This brings me to the third option…(somehow Heisenberg’s voice during his conversation with Gustavo Fring from Breaking Bad out in the desert is rattling around in my head as I type this).

If Baas continues to be a liability by not being able to stay healthy, or play well when healthy, then they might have to go with the first option – something which is becoming increasingly apparent. A third way that they could do this AND gain MORE THAN $1,775,000 in cap space would be by releasing him this off-season and designating him as a post-June 1st cut. Teams can do this with up to two players a year. The Dolphins did this with two of their own this past off-season when they designated Linebackers Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby as such; you can read about it by clicking HERE.

Teams that use this strategy won’t reap the cap benefits right away though. They have to wait until June 2nd to do so; however, the players who are released under this designation are free to sign elsewhere as free agency starts when more money is available, and teams are ready to flex their wallets, so to speak. This is advantageous to the player in that it gives them a much better opportunity to find a job elsewhere at a higher salary, instead of waiting until after June 1st when teams have shot their collective wads.

As of June 2nd, the team can then gain room from not only the regular cap savings (which after 2013 in Baas’s case would be $1,775,000), but they’d also be able to spread out the remaining dead money – provided the player has at least 2 years left on his deal and has not completed his 4th year with the club (as per the present CBA, NFL contracts can’t be prorated more than 5 years). If the Giants were to exercise this option with Baas this coming off-season, they’d be able to split up his Dead Money over the course of two seasons – 2014 and 2015.

That Dead Money amount, if he were to be released this off-season would be $6,450,000. The Giants would be able to evenly spread this amount out over those two years of 2014 and 2015. They would also GAIN an extra $3,225,000 in cap space in addition to the regular amount of cap savings mentioned above ($1,775,000) if they were to release him under normal non-post-June 1st standards. Their cap savings in this case would be $5,000,000 in 2014 with only $3,225,000 in Dead Money remaining on the books for 2014 – half the original amount. The other $3,225,000 will be added to the 2015 season’s Dead Money total.

This third option that I described in detail above will be seriously considered after the season, as the Giants evaluate Baas’s future on the team. Suffice it to say, due to a combination of his injuries and consequent sub-par performance in comparison to this contract, he won’t be here past 2014 at the LATEST. Hell, he’ll be lucky to be here next year the way things are going. To wrap this up, and paraphrase Heisenberg in the process, let me go on record as saying that as of this moment, I prefer option 3.

Sep 262013
 
Aaron Ross, New York Giants (September 22, 2013)

Aaron Ross – © USA TODAY Sports Images

September 26, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – Terrell Thomas Sits Out: Not practicing on Thursday were OC David Baas (neck), OG Chris Snee (hip), TE Adrien Robinson (foot), DE Justin Trattou (ankle), LB Jacquian Williams (knee), CB Corey Webster (hip), and CB Terrell Thomas (knee).

“(Baas and Snee are) trying like heck to get better and they’ve been kept inside,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin.

“Supposedly (Williams is) going to be able to practice tomorrow,” said Coughlin.

“I did think (Webster) might make it today, but that’s not the case,” said Coughlin.

OT David Diehl (thumb), LB Spencer Paysinger (hip), and S Cooper Taylor (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis.

“(Diehl is) doing well,” said Coughlin. “He’s had two days of practice now. He’s enthusiastic, trying to help as best he can…I don’t know (if he will play on Sunday) just yet.”

“(Practice) went pretty good,” Diehl said. “It’s just great to be back out there. I’ve been working my ass off. I did a little bit more today at practice than I did yesterday. As long as I keep making the progress that I’m making and feeling good and the doctors clear me to go on Sunday, we’ll see what happens. I’m going to go out there tomorrow and give it my best shot to see if I can be out there and help this football team compete.”

New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of Thursday’s media sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com:

New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Articles on the New York Giants Offense:

Article on the New York Giants Pass Rush: Pass Rush Struggles May Be Larger Problem by Kieran Darcy of ESPNNewYork.com

Sep 202013
 
Corey Webster, New York Giants (September 8, 2013)

Corey Webster – © USA TODAY Sports Images

September 20, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Not practicing on Friday were CB Corey Webster (hip), TE Adrien Robinson (foot), and OT David Diehl (thumb). Webster is officially listed as “doubtful” for the game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Robinson and Diehl will not play.

“Evidently (Webster) has an issue with his hip flexor, in that area somewhere,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin, “and he couldn’t practice yesterday and couldn’t practice today.”

QB Ryan Nassib (foot) and OG Brandon Mosley (back) practiced on a limited basis. Both players are officially listed as “probable” for the game.

WR Hakeem Nicks was excused from practice for personal reasons, but is expected to play on Sunday.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday press conference are available at Giants.com.

Giants.com Q&A With Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Coughlin Corner: Emotional Tug of War by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Friday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on the 2013 New York Giants: NY Giants Deserve Benefit of Doubt by Ralph Vacchiano of The Daily News

Articles on Head Coach Tom Coughlin:

Article on the Giants’ Offensive Line: Giants Shifting O-Line Can’t Key Together to Create Holes by Paul Schwartz of The New York Post

Article on DE Jason Pierre-Paul: Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul Seeks Breakout Game by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record

Article on LB Spencer Paysinger: Giants Defense Puts Faith in Paysinger by Jeff Roberts of The Bergen Record

Article on S Stevie Brown: Stevie Brown’s ACL Surgery: 63 Minutes to a New Knee by Jenny Vrentas of SI.com

Quotes: Head Coach Tom Coughlin on TE Larry Donnell: “When he was a free agent tight end a year ago before he got himself hurt. He’s athletic and he’s big. He can run, he wants to. I love ‘want to’s.’ I want every guy to have the same passion that he did when somebody said, ‘Sign this and you can be a Giant.’ That’s what I’m looking for. This kid’s got it. He’s got it. Now he’s green as that grass right there, but I like that, too, to be honest with you. Every day is a new day. But he wants to, he wants to.”

Sep 112013
 
Antel Rolle and Tom Coughlin

Antel Rolle and Tom Coughlin – Photo by big d E

September 11, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report – David Baas Returns to Practice, but Da’Rel Scott Injures Knee: Not practicing on Wednesday were CB Prince Amukamara (concussion), LB Dan Connor (neck), OT David Diehl (thumb), and TE Adrien Robinson (foot).

“(Amukamara) does feel pretty good, but he’s got to follow the protocol,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin.

OC David Baas (knee) and DE Damontre Moore (shoulder) were limited in practice. This was Baas’ first action since injuring his MCL in the second preseason game.

Baas was asked if he might play this weekend. “That’s my plan,” Baas said. “Today was a big step forward and we’re just going to keep monitoring it day by day. Last week, it didn’t work out, I prepared myself like I was going to play. This week, I’m going to do the exact same thing…I feel like we definitely made some progress today.”

RB Da’Rel Scott left practice early with a knee injury. According to press reports, the MRI showed no structural damage, but Scott will be monitored for swelling in the knee.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Wednesday press conference are available at Giants.com.

Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Wednesday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on Head Coach Tom Coughlin: Tom Coughlin Concludes Giants Team Meeting With a Remembrance of 9-11 by Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger

Articles on the Running Backs:

Articles on the Defensive Line:

Article on Giants’ Senior Vice President of Medical Services: He Might Be Giants: Is Longtime Trainer Ronnie Barnes the Most Powerful Man in New York Football? by Greg  Hanlon of The New York Observer

Notes: On Tuesday, the Giants worked out linebackers Aaron Maybin (ex-Bengals), Tavares Gooden (ex-49ers), and Emmanuel Acho (ex-Eagles). As previously reported, the Giants signed Acho to the Practice Squad.

Aug 302013
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 29, 2013)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

New York Giants Must Reduce Roster to 53: By 6:00PM on Saturday, the Giants must make at least 22 roster moves in order to reduce their roster from 75 to 53.

August 30, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Various press sources are reporting that RB Andre Brown, who fractured his left leg in the preseason game against the Patriots, will miss 4-6 weeks. Head Coach Tom Coughlin was less definitive. “Not really (any timetable), said Coughlin. “Not until I hear some more information. There’s MRI’s and that type of stuff going on so, when we know, you’ll know.”

Coughlin was asked if Brown could be placed on Reserve/Designated-to-Return List (temporary Injured Reserve). “He could be. Yeah. Sure,” replied Coughlin. If Brown is placed on the Designated-to-Return List, he would be ineligible to return until for eight weeks. And the Giants could only put him on temporary IR after he is first on the 53-man roster, meaning another player would have to lose a roster spot first. Teams can only use the temporary IR option once per season.

TE Adrien Robinson sprained his left foot in the preseason game against the Patriots. “Supposedly a sprain,” said Coughlin. “At this point in time and, again, you could come back in five minutes and I could say it’s a different story. There’s no surgery or anything like that to talk about…It’s not exactly mid-foot (sprain), it’s off to the side a little bit. I think he tried to turn around at halftime and go last night, but he couldn’t really get up on his toes well enough to be able to do that. ”

LB Dan Connor suffered a burner in the preseason game against the Patriots, but is not expected to miss any time. “Just shoulder tightness, nothing terrible,’’ Connor said. “I could play today, I could have played a lot more (against the Patriots).’’

S Tyler Sash suffered a concussion in preseason game against the Patriots. No word yet on how much time he might miss.

WR Victor Cruz, who suffered a heel contusion in the preseason game against the Jets, says he hopes to be able to play in the season opener against the Cowboys but is unsure if the team will let him. “I hope so,” said Cruz. “We’re still going to gauge it throughout the weekend. I’m still going to be coming in for treatment or whatnot, so we’ll see how it goes. Still doctors that have to say it’s OK. The training staff is taking it slow, but I’d like to practice and get some live work in on Monday if possible.”

OC David Baas, who sprained the MCL in one of his knees in the preseason game against the Colts, says he is improving but Baas is not sure if he will be ready for the season-opener against the Cowboys. “It’s responded really well,” Baas said. “My doctors have said they are very happy with my progress. And, like I said, this is something that we’re just going to continue to work on and keep pushing it to its max and hope for the best. We’ll take it day-to-day.”

Surgery for S Stevie Brown, who tore the ACL in his left knee in the preseason game against the Jets, has not yet been scheduled. “It’s very disappointing,” said Brown. “You work all summer getting ready for the season and just a freak accident like that to happen definitely sucks.”

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Friday press conference are available at BigBlueInteractive.com and Giants.com.

Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Friday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on Head Coach Tom Coughlin: A Kinder, Gentler Coughlin Still Makes the Giants Stand Up Straight by Bill Pennington of The New York Times

Article on RB David Wilson: RB David Wilson Ready for Primetime Role by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Article on S Ryan Mundy: How Will the Giants’ Defense Use Ryan Mundy? by Jonathan Clegg of The Wall Street Journal

Aug 202013
 
Justin Pugh, New York Giants (August 18, 2013)

Justin Pugh – © USA TODAY Sports Images

August 20, 2013 New York Giants Training Camp Reports: The Giants held their 16th training camp practice on Tuesday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. The last training camp practice is on Wednesday from 1:30-3:45PM. For a complete training camp schedule and Giants.com Q&A guide, see the Training Camp section of the website.

Injury Update: Not practicing on Tuesday were RB Da’Rel Scott (shoulder), WR Victor Cruz (foot), WR Louis Murphy (leg), WR Ramses Barden (knee), OC David Baas (knee), DE Damontre Moore (shoulder), CB Corey Webster (groin), S Antrel Rolle (ankle), FB Henry Hynoski (PUP – knee), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (PUP – back), and DT Markus Kuhn (PUP – knee).

Cruz, who suffered a heel contusion against the Colts on Sunday, was wearing a protective boot on his right foot and using crutches on Tuesday.

“I feel good. I feel better than yesterday, which is a good sign,” said Cruz. “Just trying to get some of the swelling down and take it from there…Good thing it’s just a heel bruise, a heel contusion. It’s not too bad…I have to listen to the docs and keep my weight off of it, so it’s good.”

“They’re just saying day-to-day right now,” said Cruz. “Coach Coughlin and the doctors had a conversation and told me just take it day-by-day, see how the swelling goes and we’ll take it from there…The MRI just showed some blood in there, in the area where the swelling is and that was about it. They were just showing the inflammation and the blood…No tear, nothing wrong with the bone. Everything’s fine, which was a good sign, which was what I was worried about. Even though I didn’t hear anything pop, but you just never know with any injuries. I was happy about that. I’m just on the road to recovery.”

Baas, who suffered an MCL sprain against the Colts, had a knee brace on his left knee and was also using crutches on Tuesday.

“I’m just going to do everything I can to get back as fast as I can, but be smart about it,” said Baas. “I just want to help this team win. I’m looking forward to doing that as fast as I can.”

Baas was asked if it was realistic if he could return in time for the season opener against the Cowboys. “I think it is,” responded Baas. “That’s what I expect, too. Obviously, I’m going to follow the doctor’s orders and that’s why we’ve got to take it week-by-week and see how it’s progressing. It’s kind of one of those annoying things that you’ve got to let go for a little bit. But I’m one of those guys that likes to work through this. I just want to be ready for my team.”

As for Murphy, Head Coach Tom Coughlin said, “He has a sore leg, they’re going to do all the tests on him and see what the problem is.”

WR Jerrel Jernigan (hamstring), WR Brandon Collins (hamstring), DE Justin Tuck (hamstring), and S Cooper Taylor (hamstring) practiced.

DE Adrian Tracy left practice early due to dehydration.

Meanwhile, OT David Diehl was wearing a cast on his right hand on Tuesday. “I got hurt during the game, but I’ll be all right,” said Diehl. “It’s a thumb (injury),” said Coughlin.

Giants Re-Shuffle Offensive Line: With OC David Baas (knee) injured, the Giants have shifted left guard Kevin Boothe to center, right tackle David Diehl to left guard, and promoted offensive tackle Justin Pugh to first-team right tackle. Will Beatty remains at left tackle and Chris Snee remains at right guard.

“Well, it’s the best way for us to play right now,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “We, fortunately, have some guys that can play in a lot of different spots and David Diehl has played in a lot of spots in the course of his career and he’ll go inside there and do a fine job.  We’re trying to get a group on the field now that can work together, hopefully to prepare for the regular season.”

Roster Moves: The Giants waived/injured OT Chris DeGeare (ankle) and WR Keith Carlos (unknown) on Tuesday. The Giants did not replace their vacant roster spots so the Giants’ roster currently stands at 88.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Tuesday Press Conference: The transcript and video of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s press conference on Tuesday are available at Giants.com.

Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Tuesday’s media Q&As with the following players are available at Giants.com:

Article on TE Larry Donnell: TE Larry Donnell Earns Coughlin’s Praise by Dan Salomone of Giants.com

Aug 192013
 
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (August 18, 2013)

Tom Coughlin – © USA TODAY Sports Images

August 19, 2013 New York Giants Injury Report: Head Coach Tom Coughlin provided the following injury updates on Monday afternoon when addressing the press via conference call:

  • OC David Baas suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. “Well, it’s weekly,” said Coughlin. “That’s all I can tell you. It depends on how fast that whole injury and rehab goes. We say weekly and that’s probably the best I can do right now.”
  • WR Victor Cruz suffered a heal contusion. “We’ll see where he stands with that as the days go by,” said Coughlin. “He probably will not practice (on Tuesday), although I haven’t seen him. We’ll have to take that one as it comes.”
  • DE Justin Tuck strained a hamstring. “Justin Tuck has a mild hamstring and, again, who knows?” Coughlin said. “Come (Tuesday) morning, it may be that he can’t work at all and hopefully he’ll have an opportunity to do some things. That’s the word I have now.”

Coughlin also provided updates on the following players who did not play against the Colts:

  • FB Henry Hynoski (knee -PUP): “Hynoski has been working very well. They’re pleased with his work.”
  • S Antrel Rolle (ankle): “The projection is hopefully that we will have an opportunity to get Antrel on the practice field this week.”
  • DE Damontre Moore (shoulder): “He’s getting closer. According to the doctors, he’s not there yet, but he’s getting closer.”

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Monday Media Conference Call: The transcript of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s media conference call on Monday is available at Giants.com.

Only Two Training Camp Practices Left: The Giants’ summer training camp has two remaining practices left, one on Tuesday (3:25-5:25PM) and the final one on Wednesday (1:30-3:45PM). If the weather cooperates, these are the last practices open to the general public.

Article on OT Justin Pugh: Justin Pugh Gets Taste of NFL by Michael Eisen of Giants.com

Aug 192013
 
Aaron Ross, New York Giants (August 18, 2013)

This Aaron Ross Bobble Went for a TD – © USA TODAY Sports Images

Baas, Cruz, and Tuck Injured in 20-12 New York Giants Preseason Loss to Indianapolis Colts: The New York Giants fell to the Indianapolis Colts 20-12 on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium. The bigger concern for the Giants was the injury suffered by OC David Baas early in the game. According to press reports, the preliminary diagnosis is that Baas suffered an MCL sprain to his left knee. The press is speculating he could miss 3-6 weeks. Meanwhile, WR Victor Cruz left the game with what is believed to be a bruised heel after x-rays proved negative. DE Justin Tuck also suffered a slight hamstring strain.

As for the game, the Giants’ starting offense played the bulk of the first half, and moved the ball at times, but failed to finish drives. The Giants’ first drive stalled when the team could not convert on 4th-and-1 from the Colts’ 7-yard line. The Giants reached the Colts’ 7-yard line on their next possession again, but settled for a 25-yard field goal. QB Eli Manning was picked off on 3rd-and-1 on New York’s third drive of the game. The Giants went three-and-out on their fourth possession after RT David Diehl gave up a 13-yard sack. The Giants had 1st-and-goal from the 5-yard line on their fifth possession and had to settle for a 27-yard field goal. And on New York’s final possession of the first half, the Giants reached the Colts’ 12-yard line but ended the drive with a 45-yard field goal.

Defensively, the Giants forced a three-and-out on the Colts’ first series. But then Indianapolis drove 81 yards in eight plays to score a touchdown when CB Aaron Ross batted a sure interception into the air that was then caught on the rebound by the man he was covering for a touchdown. After Manning’s interception, the Colts could not pick up a first down, but still managed to successfully kick a 52-yard field goal. On Indy’s fourth drive, the Colts drove 60 yards in seven plays with QB Andrew Luck throwing a perfect 18-yard touchdown strike over CB Jayron Hosley. Indianapolis reached the Giants’ 29-yard line on their last possession of the first half, but Hosley picked off a pass from back-up QB Matt Hasselbeck and returned it 37 yards.

In the second-half, the reserves for both teams only managed three points each.

Video highlights/lowlights of the game are available at NFL.com.

Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s Post-Game Press Conference: The transcript of Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s post-game press conference is available at Giants.com.

Post-Game Notes: The following Giants did not play in the game: QB Curtis Painter, RB Da’Rel Scott (shoulder), FB Henry Hynoski (PUP-knee), WR Jerrel Jernigan (soreness), WR Brandon Collins (hamstring), OT Chris DeGeare (ankle), DE Jason Pierre-Paul (PUP-back), DE Damontre Moore (shoulder), DT Markus Kuhn (PUP-knee), CB Corey Webster (soreness), CB Terrell Thomas (knee/hamstring), S Antrel Rolle (ankle), and S Cooper Taylor (hamstring).

New York Post Q&A With WR Rueben Randle: Serby’s Sunday Q & A with… Rueben Randle by Steve Serby of The New York Post

Article on LB Kyle Bosworth: Giants’ Kyle Bosworth Tries to Be Special by Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record