Aug 22, 2011
Position Battles Galore For the NY Giants – by Ted A.
Every team in the NFL has their share of position battles in training camp. Fortunately for Tom Coughlin and the NY Giants the 2011 season is one of tinkering rather than an overhaul. An intriguing battle is taking place at punter. The incumbent is Matt Dodge who had an at times very trying rookie season. Even non- followers of the team remember the punt that should have been sent out of bounds against the Eagles. Plays like that made the player personnel department settle on Steve Weatherford, former Jet punter. Throughout camp and during the first preseason game against Carolina, the competition has been even. According to Pat Traina of Inside Football, “ I’ve noticed that Jerry Reese isn’t so quick to part with a draft pick, so I doubt they give up on Dodge after only one season, especially if you take into consideration that he’s been victimized by his coverage at times.” I agree with Traina and I believe that Dodge is talented enough to become the punter and possible kickoff specialist that the Giants need.
Another position of interest is tight end. I view Travis Beckum as an H-Back. He is probably better blocking in space rather going against a linebacker or lineman. He does have excellent hands and speed. Another player in the mix is Bear Pascoe who played a lot of fullback last season. He is a blocking tight end but does have good hands. His issue may be being quick enough to create seperation from a safety or linebacker. Therefore, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride may be using a fair amount of two tight end sets.
The departure of WR Steve Smith has provided receivers in camp the opportunity to line up as a third and fourth receiver. This battle has several combatants which include return specialist and starter in recent seasons Domenic Hixon as well as 2010 camp star Victor Cruz. It also includes Devin Thomas who is playing with a severely dislocated pinky and rookie Jerrel Jernigan.
The defense had a very good game against Carolina. The starters will remain the same. Defensive End Jason Pierre-Paul continues to build on the success he had in 2010. He recorded 2 sacks and 4 tackles in one quarter of play. The Giants will need JPP to continue that since their starting DE Osi Umenyiora will be out at least 3-4 weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery. The coaches are pleased with the play of rookie linebackers Greg Jones and Mark Herzlich. They should be at the head of the chart to backup the starting tandem of Michael Boley, Jonathan Goff and Mathias Kiwanuka.
The last position that I’ll comment on is the backup QB spot. Sage Rosenfels and David Carr are very capable players. This one will depend on Jerry Reese’s willingness to spend $3 million for Rosenfels who also holds for place kicks. I believe David Carr has as much a grasp of the Giants offense as Rosenfels.
The Giants face the Bears on tonight
. We’ll see if these positional races become more clear cut or remain close. Game one at the Redskins is only 3 weeks from this Sunday!
Post Tags:Auto, camp star, devin thomas, Draft, game, giants, kevin gilbride, ny giants, player, player personnel department, specialist, tom coughlin, Traina, travis beckum
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by: Ted
more by: Ted
