Eli Manning Has Been Benched

To start: I know many, many, MANY Giants fans who have gotten on Eli over the years. Interceptions thrown, fumbles, delay of game penalties, etc. I have had to defend him over and over again to the best of my ability. Sometimes it was difficult, but in my mind I knew that this team was nothing without him. This man has been beaten, battered, and stood behind some of the worst offensive lines in football but has NEVER blamed anyone else. Always found a way to make it about him even if others are to blame. The #10 in Blue was the first jersey I purchased with my own money, and for good reason. He is my quarterback and always will be...

Ben McAdoo and Jerry Reese have slapped every single one of us across the face and kicked Eli Manning when he's already down. And it is a fucking atrocity. Unfortunately, Mara is in NYC at owners meetings, but he's on my shit list too.

Let's start with the coach:

After a season FULL of terrible roster move after terrible roster move, the McAdoo has decided that benching Eli Manning for Geno Smith would be better for the team. What does it tell me? That he wants us to believe Eli Manning is one of the main reasons for this absolutely abysmal start.

Ben McAdoo, YOU have lead this team to a 2-9 start. It is YOU. You have lost multiple players at multiple times throughout this season. Your offensive genius mind has prevented the Giants from scoring 30 points in 28 consecutive games. Your lack of creativity and inability to figure out a way to score points with what players you have (more on that in a minute) is a main reason why this team is the laughing stock of the league. Not Eli Manning. It is you.

This is a decision that McAdoo and Reese have made. On their way out the door, they have decided to give the Giants fans the biggest "Fuck You" they could find in their pockets.

Jerry Reese:

Mr. Reese, your ass should have been gone last year. But instead, somehow you weaseled your way back and let Coughlin take the fall for your inability to draft more than a handful of players. Thanks for that great defensive free agent class by the way. That same class that is leading this team to one of the worst defensive performances in the league this season. You know you're gone. You have nothing to lose. You don't care about what the fans want or what is best for the team, you're in it for yourself and yourself only. You and McAdoo can take your smug ass answers and stick them. I'm going to have the biggest smile on my face after you're gone. I hope you and McAdoo enjoy unemployment.

This is a decision that McAdoo and Reese have made with the backing of John Mara. On their way out the door, they have decided to give the Giants fans the biggest "Fuck You" they could find in their pockets.

John Mara:

Unbelievable that John Mara was made aware of this decision and thought, before speaking to Eli first, that this was the way to go. You are the same man that decided that Tom Coughlin was at fault for a couple bad seasons. Kicking him out the door in the nicest way possible. And at the same time, deciding that Jerry Reese deserved another shot. You not stepping up and defending Eli is completely disrespectful to a man who has given you everything you could've ever wanted from your starting quarterback. The quarterback that has started 210 CONSECUTIVE GAMES for your team. The quarterback that has brought you 2 Super Bowl rings. Absolutely ridiculous. You decide that it is the "Giants way" to not fire Reese or McAdoo during the season but in the same breath decide that benching Eli is okay? What world are you living in?

When I first saw the news, I thought, "probably not, but hey maybe Eli decided it's time." Then I saw this:

Eli Manning fight back tears. Almost crying, tough to see #Giants pic.twitter.com/cHRTZYEXK4

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) November 28, 2017

Does that look like someone who wanted to sit out?  What I hear is one of the best things to happen to this Giants organization holding back tears while guys like JPP (confirmed by Pat Leonard) laughing and having a grand ol' time. The disrespect towards Eli starts at Reese, trickles down to McAdoo, and now the players decide that "hey, is that our quarterback practically crying in a swarm of media? eh, who cares. This shit over here is hilarious!" Absolute joke and very telling. 

As fans we deserve more than this. After sitting here week after week, watching this terrible product, this should've never happened.

Rant over. 

Giants Thoughts After Two Weeks

Reese/McAdoo - USA Today

Week 2 of the NFL season is over and the Giants are 0-2. They have scored 13 FUCKING POINTS COMBINED in two games. Why are they 0-2? How have they only scored 13? I'll give my thoughts. They are pretty simple thoughts, and many that you've probably seen. But here's my take. 

Ben McAdoo is NOT a head coach 

Problem is, he is the head coach. This guy is an offensive coordinator. Just how it is. Until I see he can actually coach, my opinion will not change. As a head coach, you are responsible for so many things. Watching the playclock to see if a timeout is needed (don't tell me that's all on the QB, it's at least 50/50), eyes on defense, offense, and special teams, even if you're not calling the plays plus other responsibilities. Ben McAdoo is over here calling the plays on top of that. Now his playcalling blows, and he isn't paying enough attention to things on the field, thus throwing all blame on his QB for playclock issues. Remember when the team was putting up 20+ points 13 times in 2015? When McAdoo was the offensive coordinator and Coughlin was the head coach? Yeah. Now it's been 8 straight games they haven't scored 20 points. Give up the playcalling. Focus on the game and let Sullivan call the plays. I'd rather get 17 rabies shots than watch this pitiful offense.

#FreeDarkwa

I have been preaching this since 2015, and honestly I've been relatively relaxed about him not starting due to injury history and what not. But now this team has ZERO FUCKING EXCUSES to not start Darkwa. What Perkins has shown me is that he's afraid of contact. Does a lot of dancing and refuses to lower his shoulder. Guess what?  With this line you need to hit the hole hard, fast, and with authority. Darkwa is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, Paul Perkins is averaging 1.9 ... are you kidding me McAdoo? And when Darkwa gets his opportunity, gets 10+ yards on a carry, they run a fucking playaction fake/fake end around and get sacked. WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT PLAYCALL? Week one Darkwa ran the ball for 12 yards, when Dallas was only up 6-0 and it took McAdoo over TWENTY OFFENSIVE PLAYS to run him again. Unbelievable. Watching Perkins try to run with this line is like watching a mouse go through a maze when there's no cheese within 500 miles.

Offensive Line

Biggest issue of this team by far and it starts at the top. Jerry Reese and the rest of management have fucked this team and the end of Eli Manning's career. I'm not kidding when I say this, I'd be surprised if Eli isn't hurt against the Eagles. Division game, these guys will be gunning for Eli, and against little resistance. "But they've drafted Flowers, Pugh, Richburg in the 1st and 2nd rounds! They've tried!" Guess what? They missed on Flowers. I understand he was forced into the LT position his rookie year with Beatty injury, but he's a 9th OVERALL pick. They have given him one too many chances and the team is paying for it. 

For Jerry Reese to look at the OL last year and say, "hey ya know what? I think doing absolutely nothing on the offensive line, drafting a tight end, and signing a wide receiver will be great!" is absolutely ridiculous and a fireable offense. But hey, they drafted Adam Bisnowaty after trading up for him in the 6th round! Bisnowaty is on the practice squad. Now Hart, the starting RT and a 7th round draft in 2015 is hurt. Pugh moved to RT, Brett Jones who was a Canadian Football League CENTER is starting at LG. I don't think John Jerry is startable anywhere else in the league (maybe Seattle), and he's the starting RG. 

You have to do something with Flowers. Can it get worse? How could it get worse? Throw a gumball at Ziggy Ansah and there'd be more resistance than I saw on multiple snaps Monday night. Help him with ELLISON or a chip from the RB, Move Pugh there. And since the team thinks Fluker is incapable of playing tackle, but SOME HOW thinks Flowers can play there, maybe you put Fluker at LG with Wheeler at RT. You FIGURE SOMETHING THE FUCK OUT. McAdoo, Reese, whoever else, you get paid a LOT of money to make these decisions. Do something right. 

Brandon Marshall

The Giants brass made the decision that the team needed a big body threat, especially near the endzone. Marshall was cut by the Jets and there he was. The 6'4" wide receiver was exactly what the Giants wanted. Now, I won't get on Marshall for week 1, because Eli barely looked to him. But on Monday night, he not only dropped a PERFECTLY placed ball a play before the punt return for a TD, he ALSO tried to basket catch a ball in the endzone. Why? Why are you trying to basket catch a ball when the cornerback is 4 inches shorter than you are? He's not up to your knees. You let that ball drop to your chest and he hits it away. Be smarter. Play bigger. 

I'd like to see Marshall get up here. Basket catch levels the height difference. This is the opposite of Jones TD in every way. #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/mcDHCH0ILd

— GiantsBlueBlooded (@RealTlkFB) September 19, 2017

Eli Apple

Giants had the opportunity to draft Tunsil who was practically locked for the #1 pick until gas masks, weed, and a video. They got scared and drafted Apple instead. I've been on video stating that I wanted Tunsil or Hargreaves. Didn't go with either. "But Hargreaves sucked last year!" Do you see who he was going against? Julio, Cooper, Crabtree. Jenkins is locked on #1s, and Apple gets the remainder. Dallas picked on Apple (12 times, 10 receptions 123 yards and a TD). Lions picked on Apple. That touchdown that Apple gave up was absolutely atrocious to watch. Guy had NO idea where the ball was. If Eli Apple doesn't get his shit together, teams can keep drives going on 3rd downs. Just look to Eli Apple's guy and deliver the ball.

In Conclusion

If the Giants don't win Sunday, it is a STEEP hill to climb. They'd be 0-2 in the division, 0-3 in the conference with Bucs (Noah Spence & crew) next, then Chargers (Bosa, Engram & crew), then FLY to Denver (Von Miller, etc), and fly back home to play Seahawks.

This season could be over before it even began and the Giants could start 0-7 before their bye. Simple as that. Big changes need to be made. 

Giants Final Roster

Giants Roster vs My Projection

So I got some cool ones right (Smith, Geno, Rosas) and some terribly wrong. Let's break it down. Mine in Red. Giants in Blue.

QB: 

Stay: Eli, GENO, Webb

Stay: Eli, GENO, Webb

RB: 

Stay: Perkins, Darkwa, Vereen, Gallman 

Stay: Perkins, Darkwa, Vereen, Gallman 

WR: 

Stay: Odell, Shep, Marshall, Rudolph, Lewis Jr., King

Stay: Odell, Shep, Marshall, King, Lewis Jr., Harris

Obviously, Rudolph not on the team is a bummer, but he's on the practice squad, so that's good. 

TE: 

Stay: Ellison, Engram, LaCosse

Stay: Ellison, Engram, LaCosse, Adams

Adams made it when I thought there was a chance he wouldn't. Only because I had LaCosse making it and didn't think they'd keep 4 with a FB. 

FB:

Stay: Smith

Stay: Smith

I think a fullback on this team will do wonders for the running game. Plus a nice blocking tightend and things will look real different. 

OL:

Stay: LT Flowers, LG Pugh, C Richburg, RG Jerry, RT Hart, G/T Fluker, T Wheeler, C Jones.

Stay: LT Flowers, LG Pugh, C Richburg, RG Jerry, RT Hart, G/T Fluker, T Wheeler, C Jones.

DE:

Stay: OV, JPP, Okwara, Taylor, Moss, Wynn

Stay: OV, JPP, Okwara, Moss, Wynn

No Taylor was a little surprising to me. But that's the way the cookie crumbles.

DT:

Stay: Snacks, Bromley, Thomas, Tomlinson

Stay: Snacks, Bromley, Thomas, Tomlinson 

LB: 

Stay: Kennard, Goodson, Casillas, Munson, Thomas III

Stay: Kennard, Goodson, Casillas, Munson, Thomas III, Robinson

Robinson makes it when I thought he may go to IR with the concussion. 

DB: 

Stay: Jenkins, DRC, Apple, Deayon, Hunter, Collins, Thompson, Adams, Berhe, Pinkins 

Stay: Jenkins, DRC, Apple, Cockrell, Hunter, Collins, Thompson, Adams, Berhe 

No Deayon. Was supposed to be Deayon, but they traded with the Steelers for Cockrell right before cuts. No Pinkins who I thought would make it cause of special teams.

Kicker: 

Stay: Rosas

Stay: Rosas

The rookie did it.

Punter: 

Wing

Wing

Obviously. 

Long Snapper: 

DeOssie

DeOssie

My Final Roster Projection

Giants Roster Projection: Post Pre-Season Game 4

(Don't bother reading the above pic, it's old)

Here's what I'll do. What I had on August 10th, I'll put in red, new is blue.

QB: 

Stay: Eli, GENO, Webb

Out: Johnson

QB: 

Stay: Eli, GENO, Webb

Out: Johnson

Geno went out and proved he could sling it and command the offense. He's talented but tends to throw the stupid picks. Game 4 he showed promise, and good decision making eating the ball and taking the sack close to the goal line instead of forcing it. I could see them trying to trade Johnson. 

RB: 

Stay: Perkins, Darkwa, Vereen, Gallman 

Out: Draughn, Abdullah

RB: 

Stay: Perkins, Darkwa, Vereen, Gallman 

Out: Draughn, Abdullah

Game 4, Vereen went out and showed why he will be important in this offense. Darkwa went out and ran wild. Now it's up for the coaches to figure out who gets what touches between Perkins and Darkwa. I feel a lot of "went with the hot hand" during post game pressers. Also, don't be shocked if Gallman gets reps if Perkins starts to struggle for whatever reason. #FreeDarkwa

WR: 

Stay: Odell, Shep, Marshall, Harris, Powe, King

Out: Rudolph, Lewis Jr., Lane, Snead, Johnson, Norwood

WR: 

Stay: Odell, Shep, Marshall, Rudolph, Lewis Jr., King

Out: Harris, Lane, Germany, Severin, Eagan, Bundy

There's been some late additions, they won't make it. Powe got hurt and was released after IR settlement. King hasn't done anything all preseason and has ankle issues but I think he could go short term IR, so that means he needs to be on 53.. BIG move will be Harris getting axed. I don't think the Giants should risk Rudolph on the practice squad. Guy made too many plays and looks to be a great downfield blocker. Oh and McAdoo trusts him returning punts. So there's that. Keep Lewis Jr. as a gunner and WR depth. 

TE: 

Stay: Ellison, Engram, LaCosse

Out: Tye, Adams

TE: 

Stay: Ellison, Engram, LaCosse

Out: Tye, Adams

LaCosse has had 2 straight good camps and really showed what he is capable of last night. Tye fumbled early but made some plays later on. However, it was LaCosse with the two TDs and multiple catches on that last game winning drive. Where has Jerell Adams been? I'd like to see snap counts because I've barely heard his name. A 6th round pick from last year should not be a lock to make the team. Period.

FB:

Stay: Smith

Out: Huesman

FB:

Stay: Smith

Out: Huesman

If you're not on board with a real fullback, I don't know what to tell you. Darkwa averaged 6.7 yards per carry in game 4 with Smith in the game most of the time. Darkwa wants Smith there, I want Smith there, you should want Smith there. No hybrid TE/FB nonsense. Smash mouth punishing fullbacks. Football. 

OL:

Stay: LT Flowers (sorry), LG Pugh, C Richburg, RG Jerry, RT Hart, G/T Fluker, T Wheeler,  T Bisnowaty, C Jones.

Out: The rest. 

OL:

Stay: LT Flowers, LG Pugh, C Richburg, RG Jerry, RT Hart, G/T Fluker, T Wheeler, C Jones.

Out: The rest. 

Bisnowaty got beat too many times this preseason. He gets axed and hopefully stashed on PS. Wheeler looked decent and I don't think you take the risk. Reese & Co traded up for Bisnowaty in the 6th round too. So that's funny. Fluker has looked real nice in pass pro, and had a mishap last night in the run game. Other than that, he's good to go. Jones is a versatile guy, got some 1st team RG reps. He's the backup center. I still think Fluker comes in to start at some point this season at RG. #FlukerTakeover

DE:

Stay: OV, JPP, Okwara, Taylor, Moss

Out: Owa, Williams, Wynn, Schwan

DE:

Stay: OV, JPP, Okwara, Taylor, Moss, Wynn

Out: Owa, Williams, Schwan

Owa, like I said August 10th, will go down as a 3rd round bust. He's suspended and off the team already. Wynn came out and performed like he always does in preseason. Had a pick-6 last night. I think he makes it. Taylor is one I'm not sure of. pass rusher, had him dropping in coverage some, had a pick. I think he's versatile enough to stay. Okwara with LB work as well, might as well keep DEs to help spell OV and JPP. Williams could have coaches thinking too. Can play in and outside but I think he goes PS.

DT:

Stay: Snacks, Bromley, Thomas, Tomlinson

Out: Banks, Bryant.

DT:

Stay: Snacks, Bromley, Thomas, Tomlinson

Out: Banks, Bryant.

Same here as August 10th. Bromley knee and you definitely need the DT depth. 4 sounds good. Tomlinson should start the season off next to Snacks and stay there. 

LB: 

Stay: Kennard, Goodson, Casillas, Herzlich, Robinson, Munson

Out: Grant, Skinner, Thomas III, Maponga

Stay: Kennard, Goodson, Casillas, Munson, Thomas III

Out: Grant, Skinner, Maponga, Herzlich, Robinson

Big moves here. Herzlich could go to IR with a "stinger" and Robinson has the concussion issues. I think both have a big shot to land on season ending IR. Munson came out and played like I thought he could. JT Thomas was a huge surprise for me. I thought the knee would definitely limit him, and I wasn't even sure he'd make it on the field. But there he was. Great game 4 too. Skinner had a sack opportunity last night that he missed. And that's not good. 

DB: 

Stay: Jenkins, DRC, Apple, Deayon, Collins, Thompson, Adams, Berhe, Pinkins 

Out: Hunter, Blake, Tribune, Ihenacho, Murphy, Robinson, Amos, Thompson (gone already)

DB: 

Stay: Jenkins, DRC, Apple, Deayon, Hunter, Collins, Thompson, Adams, Berhe, Pinkins 

Out: Blake, Tribune, Ihenacho, Murphy, Robinson, Amos, Thompson (gone already)

Blake left the team for whatever reason, didn't have him making it anyway. Apple lack of health has me concerned and in need of another outside corner (yes I know they usually keep 5) so Hunter gets it even though he has been in concussion protocol. Deayon needs to be the backup in the slot. Outside height scares me. 

I'm a HUGE Berhe guy. I'm not too sure what I am seeing in his game lately. Missed tackles are not his thing, but I've seen a couple. Is making sure to use the right (safe) technique getting in his way? I'm not sure. I still think he makes it because of depth. Pinkins will be a stud on specials. 

Kicker: 

Stay: Rosas

Out: Nugent

Kicker: 

Stay: Rosas

Out: Nugent

Both did everything the Giants could ask for, but Rosas sealed the deal with a game ending 48 yard bomb in game 4. 

Punter: 

Wing

Punter: 

Wing

Obviously. 

Long Snapper: 

DeOssie

Long Snapper: 

DeOssie

This guy is funny, talking smack late in preseason game 4 after a hit on punt coverage.  

Once cuts come from other teams, guys can get cut, no question. Keep that in mind please.

There you go. My 53. Now tear me apart on twitter: @realtlkfb ... should be a fun conversation. 

Preseason Week 2: Giants at Browns

Pre-Game Giants @ Browns

(nj.com)

A little bit of what and who I will be looking at during tonight's game.

Ereck Flowers

This is the obvious one. Should see number one overall pick, Myles Garrett, early and often tonight with the 1s playing into the 2nd half. I mentioned this last week, but I want to see him in the game even longer. He had an okay game vs the Steelers (no pressures, no sacks), but I am very interested in how he does against a guy like Garrett. 

Weston Richburg

Haven't been too impressed with Westy over here. He got lucky with Danny Shelton injured and not playing this week, but I want to see the dominant Richburg we are used to. 

DJ Fluker 

I think #FlukerTakeover comes out in full force tonight. I watched a replay of last week and he seemed to hold his own and then some. Guy is tenacious. 

Eli and Co. 

Eli and the starting wideouts have a chance to come out and shine tonight. I know about Beckham and Eli, I'm more concerned with Marshall and Eli. See where they are at with chemistry. Eli and Engram as well, excited to see what they've got for us.

Darkwa vs Perkins

You already know the #FreeDarkwa movement is all systems go. Perkins has a little fire lit under him after last games performance. But Darkwa was out there doing his thing. Let's see how Perkins responds, and how Darkwa continues his momentum. 

Shane Smith

Guy pops. That's all there is to it. A real FB to lead Perkins or Darkwa through the hole is exactly what this team needs. Ellison is there, but he's not a full-blown fullback. I want the real thing. Keep an eye out. 

Why you want a fullback. @ShaneSmith821 pops. #Giants pic.twitter.com/WFnuwzInKB

— GiantsBlueBlooded (@RealTlkFB) August 21, 2017

Donte Deayon vs Valentino Blake 

From everything I've seen, Michael Hunter has that 4th CB spot "locked" so now it's up to Deayon and Blake. Blake had a pick on a badly thrown ball last week but seemed to get beat for two TDs afterward. Deayon had a muffed punt, but didn't seem to make any glaring mistakes in coverage. Deayon needs to have a couple big games to prove his worth. 

Calvin Munson/Skinner

Herzlich, Thomas, Robinson are all out tonight so Munson and Skinner will be getting some real burn in this game. Munson is that Herzlich type of special teams player. On all the special teams units. and impressing in practices. Skinner is an athlete that can play in the hole left by Robinson. Will be interesting to see how both do in their respective LB positions. 

Returners

Said it last week, and maybe even earlier. I don't think Harris is a lock as a returner, and thus a lock to make the team. Let's see what Rudolph has. The kid has a real shot to make it. Especially if he shows up on offense with Powe out. 

Defending the Njoku

David Njoku is a guy many Giants fans wanted, and now they have to watch the Giants defense try to defend him. How do the LBs do? Will we see a three safety set to try and combat what he can do on the field? Njoku sat out last week, so this is his first game to show what he can do on the field. 

Jabrill Peppers

Where will he play? Safety? Some LB? The special teams units need to be careful of his return talent. I want to see what kind of impact he can have on the game and if the Giants can contain him on specials. 

Giants Final Roster Projection

Giants Roster Projection: Pre-Preseason Game 1

It's an interesting ordeal, trying to cut guys off of OTA and training camp tweets, but hey, I promised, and I shall deliver. 

** The guys in italics are the guys I'm torn on. 

QB: 

Stay: Eli, GENO, Webb

Out: Johnson

To be honest, it can go either way with Johnson and Geno, these preseason games will give them both the chance to prove their worth. Geno off a torn ACL, in a new offense. Johnson has the leg up, being in the system already. I'm taking a risk here and going Geno. 

RB: 

Stay: Perkins, Darkwa, Vereen, Gallman 

Out: Draughn, Abdullah

I've said it before on twitter, I don't think Vereen is a 100% lock to make this team. took a pay cut to stay on, if some depth guys at other spots impress, do you take the risk and cut them for a 3rd down RB? Perkins has had some drops in camp, so I'm not comfortable with him there. Vereen is a vet at the position, and a mismatch, so I'll keep him there for now. Gallman as a 4th rd pick can't get cut (hopefully) but really, we'll see. A guy like Abdullah could go crazy in the preseason games. #FreeDarkwa of course. 

WR: 

Stay: Odell, Shep, Marshall, Harris, Powe, King

Out: Rudolph, Lewis Jr., Lane, Snead, Johnson, Norwood

King proved his worth last preseason and then was rarely used. Hope is they figure out a way. Powe, I thought had a chance to make it last year but Lewis got the nod. Now Powe, my #DontSleep candidate, is having an insane camp, he's gotta ball out in the games. I think it gets interesting with Harris, another guy that took a pay cut to stay on. What if Rudolph goes crazy as a returner in these preseason games? We know he's been taking PR snaps in camp. Doubtful, but pay attention.

TE: 

Stay: Ellison, Engram, LaCosse

Out: Tye, Adams

One of the bigger surprises in my projection. LaCosse over Adams. Adams a 6th round TE that has looked decent, but didn't make much of an impact his rookie year. LaCosse had a strong camp last year, and now doing well again, just has to stay healthy. It comes to the guys that can contribute more on specials vs Adams really. That, and I have a fullback making the team even with Ellison's ability to play the position.

FB:

Stay: Smith

Out: Huesman

Huesman converted QB still learning the position, emergency long snapper, joined late last season on the practice squad. UDFA Shane Smith is a monster. 36 reps at 225 during his pro day would've been best at the combine. His 10'6" broad and 37" vert (0.5" less than McCaffrey) would have put him 4th among RBs in each of those tests. Smith started out as a LB at San Jose State, redshirted, switched to FB, was the primary FB the next 4 years. McAdoo while talking about Smith on Tuesday, "very physical, heavy-handed type player" and then “showed his good hands today and did a nice job” ... exactly the kinda quotes you want from your coach. Special teams work could lock him in. Here's a video of Smith laying the wood to Casillas in the hole, sounds sooo good (@DDuggan21 w/the vid).

OL:

Stay: LT Flowers (sorry), LG Pugh, C Richburg, RG Jerry, RT Hart, G/T Fluker, T Wheeler,  T Bisnowaty, C Jones.

Out: The rest. 

They usually carry 8 OL so I think Wheeler, Bisno, and Jones gotta duke it out for 2 spots. I still think Fluker becomes a starter on this line somewhere by the end of the year, maybe before season starts (#FlukerTakeover). Wheeler got some reps at 1st team LT and got "beat like a drum" so there's that. At least he's impressing. And Bisnowaty has the talent to stick for depth. Jones could easily be cut if they can find a backup center. 

DE:

Stay: OV, JPP, Okwara, Taylor, Moss

Out: Owa, Williams, Wynn, Schwan

Owa will go down as a 3rd round bust. Hasn't done much of anything, had some off field stuff going on taking a break from football. Who knows with him. 0 sacks 18 games in 2 seasons: that's all I know. Wynn also getting the boot. He's flashed, but I like Taylor's length/pass rushing ability. 7 sacks in 15 games as a reserve in 2015, but then only managed 4 sacks in 16 starts in 2016. Moss (34.5" arm length) was at Nebraska, got hurt freshman year, next year came back got a handful of sacks and a pick 6, but then he exposed himself to another student... getting him kicked off campus. Went to Youngstown State and in 15 games he had 59 tackles, 17.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. 

DT:

Stay: Snacks, Bromley, Thomas, Tomlinson

Out: Banks, Bryant.

Bryant is a vet that the Giants picked up after he was on the Bills for a few years. Graded out decently in run stopping, but has had health issues. Not a flashy player, just pretty consistent. Bromley is ready to step into the void left by Hankins, and McAdoo has noted his physical play. Thomas got to the Giants last year and all of a sudden came down with an "illness." The Giants never took him off the 53, and then resigned him, so they must see something. Tomlinson is the rookie that will eventually take the starting spot next to Snacks. 2nd round pick from Alabama, can be a 3 down guy if used correctly. Active hands, strong, and has a real nice motor. Won't give up on a play. 

LB: 

Stay: Kennard, Goodson, Casillas, Herzlich, Robinson, Munson

Out: Grant, Skinner, Thomas III, Maponga

I can't see Thomas being healthy. Gets interesting after the first 3 guys staying. Herzlich should make team as that guy that does what is asked of him, specials, depth, whatever. Robinson suffered a concussion and hasn't been doing much at camp. Munson could be a shocker. A UDFA that the Giants are using in almost every special teams unit. High motor, downhill LB. Earlier in his career, he was also the gunner on kickoffs (running into doubles) and on kick return, he was setting the doubles. Skinner can get some quality burn if Robinson is out for extended time, so see if he can make some noise. 

DB: 

Stay: Jenkins, DRC, Apple, Deayon, Collins, Thompson, Adams, Berhe, Pinkins 

Out: Hunter, Blake, Tribune, Ihenacho, Murphy, Robinson, Amos, Thompson (gone already)

A lot of italics here. Giants usually carry 5 corners, so most likely 2 of 3 CBs italicized will make it. I wanted Deayon on the team last year as a slot corner. 5'9" but plays like he's 6'3". Has that attitude you love to see on defense, always around the ball. He's been battling with Hunter who has had a great camp as well. Blake was added in March but was almost put on the PUP because of a back issue. However, he would be that veteran behind Jenkins, Apple, and DRC which would be nice. 

Berhe strikes fear into opponents. He flies around and just lays people out. If he can stay away from concussions, he should be good to go. 3 safety sets! Pinkins is a beast. Going 100% in every single drill, pissing off teammates in the process (had a little fight with Jenkins during WIND SPRINTS). This guy just wants to play. Drafted by Seattle in 2015 as a corner, then moved to safety, got hurt, gained weight, moved to LB, got hurt, got cut. Then he was added to the Giants practice squad last October, he told the coaches to put him at his natural safety position during a practice due to injuries. He hasn't left since. Promoted to active roster week 13 last season and became a core special teams guy. 

Kicker: 

Stay: Rosas

Out: Nugent

Rosas has been impressive so far in camp. Like pretty damn impressive. Bombing 50+ yarders. Nugent is a vet which is a decent fallback option, but I think Rosas kicks his way onto the team.

Punter: 

Wing

Long Snapper: 

DeOssie

- I understand why they keep DeOssie around (resigned in February), he's been here forever (10 seasons). Just not a huge fan of (just) a long snapper taking a roster spot. 

There you go. My 53. Now tear me apart on twitter: @realtlkfb ... should be a fun conversation. 

New York Giants Week 2: Madden 17 Simulation

(Madden 17)

Disclaimer: Obviously this is Madden 17. Owned by EA Sports. I’m just bringing you a fun way to look at the matchup.

Each week during the season I will run a full simulation of the Giants game. All-Madden difficulty, 15 minute quarters, injuries, and depth charts up to date to the best of my ability. So with that said, here’s the Madden 17 Week 2 Recap:

Another Year, Another Shootout, Another Giant Loss to the Saints

The Giants came into week 2 knowing there could be an offensive shootout. Those thoughts came to fruition, but the Giants were on the losing end 42-35.

Drew Brees passed for 354 yards and 5 TDs with 0 interceptions while completing 72% of his passes.

Mark Ingram did his fair share of the work as well running for 147 yards on the ground and 1 TD.

Rookie Tommylee Lewis, who sat out week 1, made his mark with 2 TDs off of 3 receptions.

Colby Fleener had 9 receptions for 79 yards and a TD as well.

Brandon Cooks, another 3 reception guy, made the most of them as he scored twice also.

The Giants seemed to be clicking on all cylinders the first couple of drives. Saint went 3 and out to start the game which resulted in a punt that was downed at the 1. Nothing a little playaction BOMB to Odell can’t fix:

After another Odell TD (9 yds), the Giants were up 14 with 6:23 left in the 1^st.

The Saints ended up marching right down the field on the following drive. Brees ended up hitting Fleener for his 1^st TD pass of the game from 2 yards out to make it 14-7.

Sadly, a Giants 3 and out = the Saints taking 5 plays to score. The drive was highlighted by a 47 yard run by Ingram, and capped by this pretty pass to rookie Tommylee Lewis with 12:18 left in the half:

The Saints ended up going for 2 on a fake FG pass, but they were unsuccessful.

Rashad Jennings saw Ingram’s 47 yard run and decided to break off a long one of his own, to a tune of 72 yards and a TD (12:07):

Giants were up 8 until Wil Lutz hit a 31 yarder to make it 21-16 at the half.

The 3^rd quarter was made up of a few Drew Brees’ dinks, dunks, and TDs. By the time it was over, the Saints had the lead, 28-27.

Giants started the 4^th off with a bang. Jennings ran 15 yards, dragging defenders into the endzone after straight up running over Kenny Vaccaro:

Giants had to go for 2, and succeeded, making the score 35-28. Saints scored twice more making it 42-35. The Giants did have a chance to tie the game after getting to the Saints 21 with 1:38 left, but after a 10-yard sack (2nd of 2 on the day) and a false start, the drive stalled.

Eli finished 26/47 with 454 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception. His main target was Beckham, hauling in 9 passes for a whopping 213 yards and 2 TDs. 

Rashad Jennings was impressive on the ground, carrying the ball 19 times for 163 and 2.

Final: 42-35. Onto Washington.