What Rivalry

In a game that was the most highly anticipated game since I have been at SU, the Cuse told all their haters to shhhhhhhhhh.  Believe me, there are still some people not believing in this team, but after mondays performence I dont see how you cant.  Forget that Syracuse is #4 in both polls, they are #1 in RPI and their Strength of Schedule is #6, o and not to mention they are 20-1 and 7-1 in the Big East.  Still, going into Monday, all you heard was that Syracuse had not been challenged by a "legit" team and that the Hoyas would pound them inside with Monroe, kick it out to Freemon and the scorching hot Hoyas would win.  In fact, some tool from OUR OWN PAPER picked G'Town over Cuse on monday. 

Let me set the scene on Monday before I delve into the actual game.  The DO (DailyOrange for those who dont know) devoted 7 articles and over half the newspaper to the game.  All the talk was that this rivalry, once top 5 in college basketball, was now back.  The first time both Cuse and G'Town were in the top 10 and played each other since 1990.  All the talk was that it was back, and that this was the biggest game the Dome has seen in over five years.  Syracuse #4 G'Town #7 (in the AP) EVERYONE was talking about this matchup.  Sensing this is going to be a huge crowd, I waited on line at 6, an hour before the game.  The line wrapped around half the Dome, I could not believe my eyes, never have I EVER seen our student section line like this.  It took 35 mins to get in, which has me thinking for the Nova game (a matchup that could very well be a #1 vs #2 matchup) could take over an hour and a half to get in, and possibly the biggest game in Carrier Dome history.  What we all saw was a beat down that would make old John Thompson want to kill himself.

Before anyone even sat down it was 14-0 G'Town.  Shock, disbelief.  Everyone was searching for answers, WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPEND!!!???  Where we really going to get blown out in the biggest game in the last five years at home?  Slowly we came back, with a monster effort by Scoop Jardine and Kris Joseph and somehow led 34-29 at the half.  I would have to say that 34-15 run was the most proud I have been rooting for this team in the four years I have been here.  Every year it seems this team is just not up to snuff, but this year against a team on FIRE like G'Town, they proved they are for real.  And just for good measure, proceeded to BLOW OUT G'Town A TOP 10 TEAM by 17 points.  What an effort, you cant say anything less.  The crowd, which I have been on at times, came out ready and was AWSOME, the team responded, and G'Town did not stand a freaking chance.

I will have to say, I have been on Arinze's case the whole year.  People who know me know that.  But he, Rick Jackson, and to an extent Wes Johnson SHUT DOWN Greg Monroe, who by the way is going to be a top 10 pick in the NBA Draft come June.  My take on Monroe, he looked soft, tenditive, and a bit scared.  8 Pts, 4 Reb and fouling out is an atrocious game for someone trying to prove to the country he is a top 10 pick.  But as I said, Arinze and the Brick, Action Jackson where big reasons for that.  A guy who I WOULD take on my NBA roster is Austin Freeman.  What a performence.  There is never enough spots for a guy who can drain threes at will.  Freeman is under sized in height but is huge, listed a 230 and can stroke it as good as anyone in the country.  He was on fire yesterday, especially in the beginning, but that is a guy who will come up big come Tourny time.

The X-factor of the game was Scoop, hands down.  He hit two HUGE shots to get the crowd back into the game and stop the Hoyas onsluaght.  Kris Joseph has turned into a very good player, someone who will be the star of this team next year, and proved it on monday.  Another guy I am so impressed with is Andy Rautins.  When he came in 5 years ago he was nothing but a lanky shooter.  Now?  He can shoot, pass, and play defense, his 2.4 stl per game ranks 2nd in the Big East, and is putting up 5.5 ast a game. 

Hero of the Game

Wes Johnson

-It sounds like a broken record, but Wes Johnson made so many plays in this game that you have to believe he will be the 2nd name called behind John Wall in the NBA Draft this June.  Wes finished with 14 (5-9) 9 Rbs, 3 stl and 4 blks.  His two blocks in a row almost brought the house down along with his and-1 ally oop.  The one negative thing, actually two, about Wes is that he does not shoot enough and he MOST stop turning the ball over.  13 turnovers in two games is GOD AWFUL, absolutly pathetic.  He tries to sneak the ball into traffic one too many times, and that kills rallies.  Let me say this, wheather its Scoop, Andy, Kris Jospeh, Wes Johnson etc, Syracuse has about 3-5 RIDICULOUSLY dumb plays.  It could be an ally oop to nobody, a pass in traffic, a baseball pass that is over thrown etc.  So far it has not come at a crucial time, and hopefully it never will, but Jimmy B, SAY SOMETHING DO SOMETHING!!!

Defender of the Game

-Rick Jackson, Wes Johnson, Arinze (Sigh), Andy Rautins

- I cant believe I am saying this but Arinze is part of the trio of defensive player of the game.  Arinze grabbed 7 Rbs, and added 3 hard fouls (all three were decent fouls to give) and played Monroe very well straight up (sorry, no stats for doing that).  Rick grabbed only 4 rbs but added 3 blks and also played Monroe very well in the post.  As for Wes Johnson, 9 Rbs, 4 blks, 3 stls.  He was fearless on the boards and stepping into passes.  Lastly, you cant ignore Andy, who continues to play fabulous defense adding 6 steals which lead to four of his six assists. 

Zero of the Game

Greg Monroe

- Here is a guy who NBADraft.net had going #10 to the Bucks, a guy averaging 15-10 along with 3 Ast, a guy who put up 24-15 vs Butler, 15-10 vs Uconn, 29-16 vs Nova, and 13-11 vs Pitt PUT UP 8-4, six turnovers AND FOULED OUT against Cuse.  If you want to say Monroe is a project, you can, he has been the next coming of Dwight Howard at times, and he has been the step brother of Arinze at other times.  But he was on a roll coming into this game and for him to lay an egg like that is unacceptable for Georgetown.  They need him if G'Town is going to go anywhere.

What We Learned

-We learned that Syracuse is possibly the best team in the country.  Georgetown came in this game winning 4 out of 5, beating Uconn, BARELY losing to Nova, and beating Pitt on the road to snap Pitt's home winning streak.  G'Town had lost some games, but all where by 5 pts or less.  Syracuse did not just beat Georgetown, they DESTROYED THEM.  Cuse has beat every team they have played but Pitt, and every team loses at least one game (look at Kentucky last night as an example).  Syracuse is a force to be wreckon with, and anyone who says other wise is lying.  With game against DePaul and Providence, Syracuse most likely, will be 22-1 going into a trap game @ Cinncy.  I would not for a second overlook the Bearcats, this is a game Cuse can very easily lose.  In all honesty though, looking at the next seven games headed into the MONSTEROUS game vs Nova, I think we have a shot to lose only two games, @ Cinncy, and @ G'Town.  THATS IT.  I dont see us losing to DePaul or Providence twice, I dont see Louisville at home being an issue, and I think playing UConn at home is a benfit of the schedule.  That leaves @ Cinncy and @ G'Town as games I can see us losing, and frankly, what I saw from G'Town on monday, I dont see them coming close.

- Lew

CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY

Not sure if you can recongize the two hooligans on the left.  One doesnt realize Brett Favre plays for the Vikings and is in the NFC Championship game, and the other looks like Old Mac on the Legends of the Hidden Temple.  Yes, we are finally here CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY where the Super Bowl is decided and the loser can can hold the claim that their coach was the coach in the Pro Bowl.  How did we get here?  God only knows.  If you would have told me the Jets would be in the AFC Title game after they lost to the Falcons and Rex Ryan declared the Season Over, I would have slapped you.  On the other hand, didnt we all think back in week 10 that the Colts, Saints/Vikings would be in the Super Bowl and the very least conference championship games?  So here we are.  Some may call me bitter.  Some may call me obnoxious.  Some might say I cant see the truth.  But here are my Picks for the first time since the Giants decided it was a good idea to take a dump on their fan base/organization.

Jets (+6) Over Colts

-If there was a god, he would know not to have the Jets play in Super Bowl 44 in Miami.  If there was a god, he would know how much shit I would get for this from Jets fans, not like I havent gotten stuff already.

-Jody: What channel is the Giants game on today

-Jody: Sheli playing 18 today??

-Jody: Sheli and Tommy C going out on the town tonight (INCREDIBLY G version)

-Colino: SHELI COOKING LIKE MARTHA STEWART TONIGHT WE JUST SAW HIM!!!  (Again, very watered down version).

Heres the deal, I was 11 the last time the Jets got this much coverage over the Giants.  The Giants usually own this town, but there are times like these where the Jets make the Giants irrelevant.  The Giants right now dont exsist in NYC, nobody cares that they hired Perry Fewell as their D-coordinator, just liked nobody cared last year when the Jets hired Rex Ryan.  But right now the Jets have proven everyone, even their most loyal fans, wrong by making it this far.  And to be honest, it is truely amazing, not too mention the karma that stinks around this game.  The Colts let the Jets in the playoffs, and now they will pay.  I buy it, I truely do.  But what I buy more is the Jets defense.  Now, dont give me "this Jets defense is the best defense since the Ravens" crap.  I would take the 2002 Bucs, the 2003-2004 Pats,  the Eagles defense 2003-2006 and the last 4 games of the 2007 Giants over this Jets defense.  With that being said, this Jets defense is playing out of its minds.  The fact they held the Chargers to 14 points last week was outstanding.  It proves a great defense beats a great offense.  So why are people not going to pick the Jets.  Two words: Peyton Manning.  Peyton will some day go down as a top 3 NFL QB and possibly better than Montana as the best ever.  He calls his own plays, and makes EVERYONE BETTER.  Even the defense is better because they have that comfort that Peyton Manning is on their side, not too mention that if they need a breather, he can go on a 6-7 min drive almost whenever he pleases. 

I love Rex Ryan, I love this Jets defense, I love Revis, who is becoming Deion 2.0 and BY FAR the best defender in the league, (dont EVER give me Charles Woodson, and Ed Reed is even getting old despite his great performence last week) love the O-line and love the running game.  But I HATE the rookie QB thing.  Ultimatly, against a very, VERY fast defense, Sanchez is going to have to make plays, and thats where it might bite the Jets in the ass.  This team is pretty much IDENTICAL to the 2008 Ravens, a Ravens team who shocked everyone by getting to the AFC Title game, but ultimatly fell short to the Steelers on the road.  I see too much of a connection to THAT team than the '05 Steelers or '07 Giants.  This game is going to be tough, rough, and physical.  In fact, if the Jets had ANYONE besides a rookie QB I would say right now the Jets are winning the Super Bowl right now, no if's ands or buts, MARK IT DOWN (no pun intended).  Frankly, if they beat the Colts tomorrow this Jets team will 100% win the Super Bowl.  But getting past Peyton might just be too tough for the Jets.  But think about this.  In the car after the Cuse-Rutgers game, I was talking to Fish, and I said "If the Jets beat the Chargers, this team is going to win the Super Bowl."  Put that next to the time I said after the Colts gave away that game vs the Jets, "With this strategy, the Colts will never even make the Super Bowl."  COMBINE THAT WITH the death of Woody Johnson's daughter Casey.  Its all too errie and everything has aligned for the Jets the last four weeks....And though they remind me more of the 2008 Ravens teams than those Cinderalla teams, I just feel like a stronger power is willing this team on.  After 41 years, Joe Beningo might be able to die in peace.

Jets 20 Colts 17

Saints (-3) Over Vikings

I am going to make this short and sweet.  I said this all along, and it cannot fail me now, despite that EXCELLENT performence against the Cowboys, Brett Favre is going to choke against the Saints.  The Saints have been the team of destiny ALL YEAR.  Starting 13-0, and captivating that city, the Saints HAVE to win this game for their fans.  Forget the suffering Vikings fans have gone through, the Saints have made the playoffs seven times in their history, will play in only their second conference title game, first one at home, and after Katrina they HAVE TO WIN THIS GAME.  Its simple, the karma thing can fail (Yankees 2001 after 9/11, Saints 2006 after Katrina, Loyola Marymount 1991 after Hank Gathers died, George Mason 2005 etc) but can it fail TWICE??  I cant see it.

Saints 34 Vikings 24

Jets vs Saints Super Bowl XLIV in Miami 2/7/10.

-Lew

Cuse is On the Loose

Yea, I know what your thinking, "What, is this blog updated every three weeks."  Well, believe me that was not my intention but its harder than people think.  Anyway, looks like Syracuse is legit.  I am loving Wes Johnson, who in two months has turned himself into a potential good fit to the 2nd overall pick in the NBA Draft come June.  Andy Rautins actually plays defense now, Rick plays a little more under controlled, Arinze is still soft, Kris Joseph has suddenly emerged as a legit 6th man, and the Triche/Scoop combo has not killed us....yet.  Let me get back to Wes Johnson.  To all the people who just go by numbers (and believe me I do as well) he is beyond that.  Here is an example.  In today's game Johnson, who is 6'7, jumped OVER Marquette forward Jimmy Butler who is roughly the same height as him.  Johnson proceeded to grab the rebound, even though Butler had position, and as I said before jumped over him and put the ball in the basket.  In basketball you cant teach intangibles and athletic ability, and Johnson possess both qualities.  He is an inside/outside player, plays defense and fits exceptionally well in a 2-3 zone with his long wing span, and o, did I mention he is averaging nearly 10 boards a game?  The guy is the best player I have seen here at Cuse, and that includes Johnny Flynn.  If only Johnny stayed, (like he said he would remember) could you imagine this team?  Flynn to Johnson would be the most amazing thing to watch in college basketball this year, way over John Wall and Kentucky.  I will say this:  If Johnny was still on this team (forget the me-first Devendorf and offensivly inept Paul Harris) Cuse would be the first team to go undefeated since the 1976 Bobby Knight led Indiana Hoosiers.  The team is already 19-1, why wouldnt they be undefeated with Johnny Flynn, a guy who is putting up 14 a game in the NBA.

Lets get back to this game today.  The first half I felt Cuse was a little sloppy, and were not focused.  Acker and Odom kept draining threes, and Cuse was a little hesitent on the offensive side.  Marquette took a 34-27 lead and looked like a team ready to bounce back after an absolutly horrendous loss to DePaul.  Cuse then went on a 7-0 run to close the half, and eventually a 43-19 run to go up 70-53 with four mins left in the game.  Getting back to the first half, Wes Johnson was untouchable, scoring at will, and Rick "the brick, action" Jackson scored 8 consecutive points.  Once Cuse realized that that height-challenged Marquette Eagles were not going to challenge them inside, thats when we took off. 

In the second half more of the same, pounding the ball inside and scoring at will.  As I mentioned Cuse took a 70-53 lead with 4 mins left....and then it all came apart.  Marquette ended the game on a 18-6 run, covered the spread (of course) and left every Cuse fan wondering what the hell.  In addition, what can we expect for monday night's HUUUUUUUUUGE game vs hated Georgetown.  This is the 5th time Syracuse had blown a huge lead after the first half of a game.  Luckily, four out of the five turned into wins, Pitt being the only loss (the others were by my count, Florida, Seton Hall, West Virginia, and Marquette).  Heres the deal, if Cuse continues to do this, we are not winning a National Title.  In fact, we are not getting to the Final Four.  The two flaws I see in this team is free throw shooting and failing to close out games.  Winning a game by five points when you were up by 17 with four mins left is unacceptable.  The defense loosens up, the offense goes stale, and everything goes wrong.  I am interested to see how Cuse comes out against Georgetown on Monday. 

GAME BALLS:

Best Player:

Wes Johnson

-That was easy.  Wes totally dominated the game on offense and defense (22 pts, 15 reb, 2 stl) and continues to put his name in the POY race.  Needs to cut down on the turnovers though, 6 is a lot especially from a forward.

Best Defender:

Rick Jackson:

-Rick played a very good game (12 pts 5 reb) but his it was his blocks (7) that caused people to take notice.  Unlike Arinze who had zero blocks, Rick challenged every Marquette player who went in the paint, and swatted his shot away.  Kudos to Andy Rautins as well defensivly. Rautins actually did not even score, was COMPLETLY taken out of the game by Acker, Odom, and Butler.  In fact, Andy only took two shots today, missing both.  However, his defense in the second half was steller, grabbing three steals and breaking up several passes.  Plus, Marquette in the 2nd half was not shooting as well as they did in the first from the primeter, and you can credit Rautins for some of that.

ZERO OF THE GAME

Marquette's Interior Defense

-The reason Marquette is not going to the Tournament this year is because they have no size.  When Lazar Heyward is your center (6'7 on a good day) you have a problem.  Arinze might not be tall, or tough, (well in fact Arinze sucks) but at least he is 6'9 and close to 300 pounds in additon to Rick who is the 6'8 or 6'9.  Marquette on the other hand has nobody who is taller than 6'7, and nobody heavier than 250.  They could not stop Arinze who was 6 of 7, Rick who was 5 of 5, Johnson was 6 of 8 inside, and Kris Joseph who was 3 of 7 inside.  In additon anyone who drove to the hoop either scored or was fouled, in fact Marquette incredibly did not have a block on the day in additon to racking up 20 fouls, or 7 more than Cuse did including all three Marquette forwards having four fouls.  HONARABLE MENTION: Cuse's three point shooting.  1-8 which comes out to a nice 12.5% but again, if the inside was open as often as it was today, you dont need to be chucking threes. 

WHAT YOU LEARNED:

You learned that Marquette cannot keep up with the big boys this year.  I know they have had some decent wins this year (Xavier, Gtown) and came close with Nova twice, and lost on a last second three to West Virginia, but this game was not close in the second half, and in my opinion Syracuse is the best team they have played this season, yes, even better than Nova (Ask Joe Lunardi and his new Bracketology board).  As for Cuse, they keep rolling, 19-1 and after UConn beat Texas, will be #4 on Monday (as you might know Texas lost twice this week, and therefore drop out of the top 5 to most likly 6) in the polls.  This team keeps rolling and if they beat Gtown will have three gimmes against DePaul, Providence and Cinncy until they are home against UConn. 

- Lew

Mad Dog Moment #2

Yea its late but happy new year everyone.  The people I was with and they knew who they are, know that we had some fun on the eve and also the day of.  Let me say this, I think the new, New Years Eve is New Years day.  I personally had more fun on new Yrs day than New Yrs Eve. 

I have heard some whispers that people think I am shutting down the blog.  As Lee "dirtbag" Corso says NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND.   This is the worst possible month in all honesty.  Yes, the Knicks are playing well, but not well enough, the Giants were flat out miserable, the Yankees are pretty much done with their off season moves, and Cuse basketball is roaring but thats one sport.  I am done talking about the Giants unless I have to, and I guess I am going to do a playoff preview on the invisable New York Jets who make it a knack to appear and than disappear than re appearing. 

First thing is first, the Mad Dog moment #2. 

WHO THE HELL IS PACMAN JONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy6ShZYlj68

AND THE GREAT IMPERSONATOR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppKLhlpkKyg

People might think this is number one, but I made an executive decision based on what I have watched more and I think number 1 BY A SLIGHT, SLIGHT hair. 

This is classic though. 

- Lew

Giant Disgrace

Sorry I havent posted in a while, I know you all missed me.

What we saw sunday was one of the more disgraceful performences in Giants history.  Sure, you can go back to "the fumble" in 1978 or getting blownout by Dallas on Monday Night 1995.  But this, this was as low as it gets.  The Giants have had more heartbreaking losses obviously, but for pure embarressment purposes, this one might take the cake.  In all my years of watching the Giants, I would say this might have been the most disgusting game I have ever seen them play.  Forget what was at stake; they couldnt tackle, block, do anything for that matter.  On top of that the team did not seem to care.  Because of this changes need to be made.  I already gave you a list a couple of weeks back, an overhaul needs to be done defensivly.  You dont know what you are getting with Kenny Phillips who had major knee surgery, and young players such as Aaron Ross and Kiwi have proven too not be as good as advertised.  We all know Osi needs to go, I dont care if he miraculously returns to form, he is a clubhouse cancer, someone that practically asked out after the game.

I think on offense the team is set, Smith and Nicks are going to be an unbelievable tandem, Boss has proven too be very solid, Eli had a career year despite being hurt, Ahamd Bradshaw proved he could be a very good number 2 back.  What I worry about on offense is the line holding up because besides Snee and Beatty, who will take over for McKenzie in 2010, this line is old.  Depth needs to be established.  And then the number 1 back.  Maybe you reverse the role with Bradshaw and Jacobs.  One thing is for sure, the cap hit on Jacobs is too big to cut him, so they have to keep him.  With Andre Brown coming back (who knows rutupuring your achilles as a 22 yr old running back is devastating) and D.J Ware, someone might emerge.  Running backs or like middle relievers, they are a dime a dozen, so I wouldnt go crazy over that. 

When you look at the free agent d-ends, two names stand out: Julius Peppers and Elvis Dumervil.  Sorry Gmen fans, but neither will hit free agency.  Carolina will retain Peppers and Dumervil will 100% be re-uped by the Broncos.  Also, people forget, Peppers disappered for 1 1/2 years, he finally has regained his form, and is a club house cancer from all accounts.  I will pass.  Dumervil on the other hand would be an AMAZING acquistion, but again, a zero percent chance of that happening.  Besides that there really isnt anyone.  The good news is that this does not include cuts, so there might be other ends out there come March.  However, the rest of the list includes, Aaron Kampman who is coming off an injury and is 30, Marcus Spears, Kyle Van Den Bosch, and a 33 year old Javon Kearse.  However, just take a look at the interior lineman.  Wilfork, Seymour, Casey Hampton are all free agents.  However, the Coefield and Robbins are free agents as well.  I think the Giants resign Coefield, let Robbins walk and go HARD after Wilfork.  If they can manage to sign Wilfork you move Chris Canty to D-end and rotate him with Kiwi.  The GIants could not stop the run whatsoever this year, and what better way than signing one of the best run stuffers in the league in Vince Wilfork.  Remember, the Pats dont like paying guys, and I could EASILY see them letting him walk.

Couple of linebackers stick out.  Merriman for one, and Karlos Dansby, Demeco Ryans, and Barret Rudd.  I LOVE Ryans, and I think he would make an AMAZING replaced for fat Pierce.  Listen, the Giants have so many holes on defense that they are going to have to spend and outrageous amount of money this spring in free agency.  Its an uncapped year, and they are going into a new stadium where the revenue will POUR in.  The bad news is the list of DB's are non-exsistent, and safties you could potentially sign a Nick Collins, or Roman Harper of the Saints.  But the guy I am looking at, is Darren Sharper.  If you cant beat him, then sign him.  He KILLS the Giants, could give pointers to Eli to why he kills him, and also would bring desperatly needed leadership to that locker room.  He could mentor young guys like Johnson, and Phillips and not too mention that he still is pretty good. 

So here is my 2010 to do list:

- The Cowboys it looks like will not fire Wade Phillips, so you have to lure an excellent d-coordinator that runs a 4-3. 

- Sign Vince Wilfork, DeMeco Ryans, and Darren Sharper. (Realistically, you would get two of three)

- Shore up the offensive line depth

- Trade Osi for a 3rd and 6th round pick

- Use 5 of now 8 picks on defensive players

- Cut Kareem McKenzie, Rockey Benard, Antonio Pierce...Let Danny Clark, Fred Robbins, Chase Blackburn, Kevin Dockery and obviously C.C Brown walk.

If you do those things, which sounds like a lot, and frankly it is, the Giants will be back as a contender next year.

- Lew

Mad Dog Moment Number 3

I am still in finals week, but this always cheers me up.  One of the best Mike and the Mad Dog duo of all time.  They fed off each other amazingly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZtE4huz7RM

AND

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5Q2uIg1Ifk&feature=related

AND JIM HIMES!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0isdo6MYvM&feature=related

- Lew

Giants Prepare for to Get # 6 Seed

Kiss the NFC East goodbye.  I dont even want to talk about that game sunday.  I am in the middle of finals, the game upsets me everytime I think about it, and everyone who wanted to know my opinion has already talked to me.  Bottom line is, this defense is simply atrocious.  BEYOND BAD.  So the Giants can say what they want, that they are going to win out and how for the best blah, blah, blah and all that junk.  The defense might as well call themselevs the Detroit Lions because thats what they resemble right now.  They are ruining a career and breakout year for Eli Manning, Steve Smith, a very productive Kevin Boss, and a playing hurt but yet pretty effective all season Ahamad Bradshaw.  Look, best case scenario the Giants sneak into the playoffs and will either lose in a shootout to the Eagles are Cardinals.  This team is not going any further than that.  In any case, here is what I do ensure none of this happens again.

Fire Bill Sheridan; Hire Wade Phillips...as D-Coordinator

-Ok the first is a given and in addition to that I fire everyone on the defensive staff, even veteren defensive line coach Mike Wauffle.  As players, you dont deserve anything for performing like that, things need to be COMPLETLY SHAKEN UP.  As for Sheridan, he has been lost all year, he sends blitz packages in none blitz situations, sends pass rushers in coverage etc.  The guy has been lost since training camp.  Now, the ladder might come as a surprise.  Wade Phillips will 100% get fired at the end of the season, # 6 seed or not.  Why not hire Phillips to run the Giants defense.  As a Head Coach, Phillips is atrocious.  As a defensive coordinator, he is in fact pretty decent.  Now, after compiling his overall defenses with the Saints, Eagles, Broncos, Bills, Falcons, and Chargers (only as d-coordinator) his defenses have ranked about 13th in the league.  That number is not fantastic, but it is certainly better than what we have been since week 6, which is about 29th in the league.  Plus, Phillips knows the NFC East inside and out, he has been the Cowboys coach for the last three years, and would know everything there is to know on the Dallas Cowboys.  Not too mention, I think he and Coughlin would make a good team combining their knowledge of how to attack the Eagles.  Now its not great, its not like getting Dick Lebeau, but I am being realistic, and I think it is worth a shot. 

Trade Osi

- Some might be saying, "why would you subtract from an awful defense."  I will tell you why.  Osi is a distraction on this team.  Last year they went 12-5 (incl. playoffs) without him and were well on their way to winning the Super Bowl if not for the Plax incident.  Now, if you remember, the pass rush was dipping greatly at the end of the year, but it was still decent, not like it is right now.  And still, the rest of the defense was playing well enought to combat the lack of pass rush.  Certainly, if Osi were around in 2008, I dont know if he would have made that much of a difference.  Pre injury Osi and post injury Osi are two different things.  Since week 1 he has looked flat, and does not have that speed he used to have that made him so great.  He thinks he is a much better player than he is, benefiting GREATLY from Michael Strahan.  From waht I understand he is a complainer, the last of the old guard from the "2006 complain squad" and I think its time for him to go.  Now, I think you can get a 3rd and 5th or 4th and a 6th for him, and honestly I would do either.  The last thing this team needs is a distraction and its not exactly like Osi is helping out on the field either.  In fact, the Giants are worse of WITH him than they are without him.

With the Giants first Four to Five Picks draft a defensive player

-This is a must.  It doesnt all have to be secondary, but it HAS to be defensive players.  The offense for now is ok, getting depth along the offensive line, and certainly a speedy, shifty back would be nice.  O, and a veteran reciever who can catch the ball (where are you Amani) but besides that the offense is pretty much ok for the future.  The defense is a completly different story.  I think the pieces are there, but its still a bit away.  I think drafting Brandon Spikes to replace Antonio Pierce is a given, Todd McShay has him going to the Giants, and I think he should be available for the Giants to take.  From there you have to draft at least two guys in the secondary, another linebacker, and a guy on the defensive line.  I am serious, out of the seven or actually six picks the Giants have for the 2010 draft, five have to be on defense. 

Sign a Free Agent On the Defensive Line

- I need to see the list of FA out their for 2010 but we are headed into an uncapped year, so I think going out and making a smart move for a top defensive player is a given.  It doesnt have to be the best player on the market, but one close to it.

Cut Rocky Benard, Antonio Pierce, C.C Brown, Fred Robbins, Michael Johnson, Gerris Wilkinson, and Danny Clark

- Heads have to roll for the performence of this defense.  Remember after 2006 how the Giants cut Pettitgout, and Arrington as all Giants fans were absolutly shocked?  Well same sort of deal, except these are not as big players.  I would have included Osi but since I traded him, and since his contract is simply to massive, I cannot cut him.  All seven have been absolutly AWFUL this year, some the whole year, others at times.  I would love to do the same to Chris Canty, but remember, its only one year and his contract is way too big.  Clark and Pierce are too old, I would love to have them on the coaching staff, but both think they can still play, which they cant.  Pierce thanks for the memories, and dont let the door hit you on your ass.  Robbins, I think the longest tenured Giant along with Osi, and Jeff Feagles has been a very solid memeber of the Giants.  Again, he is old and his career is almost finished.  Benard was an ENOURMOUS free agent bust, so bad that he was deactivated last game and his tenure with the Giants is almost certainly over.  Brown, Johnson, and Wilkinson are young players who you have to make examples of.  Wilkinson was a complete non factor barely ever played, but was a draft but, Brown was maybe the worst Giant I had ever seen, besting Curtis Deloatch, Tito Wooten, and Frank Walker.  Johnson might come as a shock since he contributed in '07 and '08 but you know what, he was down right bad, check that, AWFUL this year, and was completly exposed for what he is. 

Five moves, follow these guidelines, and the Giants should be ready to do big things come 2010 in the new stadium.

- Lew

NFL Picks/ Giants Preview full of scenarios

Big week 14 in the NFL tomorrow as teams look to position themselves for a playoff run or stop winning games so they can get the number one pick (great QB class this year so big for the Panthers to lose all there......O WAIT, the Panthers don’t have their first round pick...sorry Panthers).

Saints (-10.5) Over Falcons

This is all dependent on if Matt Ryan or Michael Turner play. Both are questionable, and after reading numerous articles, it both sounds like if they play, they are both not going to be near 75% percent. This does not at all bode well for the Falcons, as they are slipping and sliding due to injuries. The Saints meanwhile had a miraculous win out of their ass over the Redskins last week, something that just proves that this might be their year. Teams who are really good, don’t win these types of games and not go AT LEAST to the Super Bowl. I would be very, VERY surprised if the Saints did not win the NFC. This was the game I circled for the longest time that the Saints would lose. But after all the Falcons injuries, I just don’t see it anymore. Saints go 13-0 and are one step closer to perfection.
Saints 34 Falcons 17

Lions (+13.5) Over Ravens


To the blind, casual fan, the Ravens have a physical, great football team. Unfortunately, in what real football fans called "the real world" the Ravens are a soft, lacking a killer instinct team. Joe Flacco has looked awful in his Sophomore slump season, and though the Ravens defense isn’t statistically bad (6th in points, 9th in total defense) they have lacked that fire they have had for a while. You would be dumb not to think Rex Ryan had a lot to do with it. Ryan was the emotional fire the Ravens needed and fed off of. The Lions will lose, but will not get blowout.
Ravens 20 Lions 10


Bears (+3.5) Over Packers


Maybe this is wishful thinking, and yes, we all know the Bears stink, but the Packers have not beaten anyone. Say what you want about the Giants, but the Packers have not beaten anyone more dangerous or more impressive than the Giants have. The Packers have an outrageous amount of flaws (running game, offensive line) and I feel the Bears are due. Cutler can’t be this bad...Or can he.
Bears 23 Packers 20 OT


Texans (-7) Over Seahawks


I don’t think I have written more than a few sentences of the Seahawks all season. You know why? because they are far and away the most boring team in the NFL. At least the Jags have Maurice Jones-Drew who do the Seahawks have? They either get blown out or blow someone else out, the ladder usually does not happen, and the teams they have beaten have all been other boring teams. Nice contract to Matt Schaub by the way hes a real clutch QB, delivers well under pressure. Nice move. Has nothing to do with Andre Johnson.
Texans 27 Seahawks 18


Broncos (+7) Over Colts


I am not going to go Broncos outright, but that line is a little fishy. If this game was at Denver, I think the Broncos win. However, at home, in cozy Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts take this one, in a close game, and move to 13-0.
Colts 27 Broncos 23


Jags (-3) Over Dolphins


Don’t look now, but this is a HUGE playoff like game. With the Steelers out of the picture (not at all officially but come on, do you think the Steelers are a playoff team after losing to the Raiders and Browns back to back) you pretty much have a battle between the Jags, Dolphins, Jets, and Ravens for that last AFC wild card spot. This is very intriguing for a couple of reasons. For one, if the Bengals end up with the #3 seed, the #6 team I think is going to win. Which would set up a nice #6 team vs. Colts matchup which could be a 30 point Colts win. Second, the battle between all four of these teams is going to come down to the wire, maybe the last week of the season, that is why this game is so important. If the Dolphins lose, cross them off the playoff list. They would be three games behind the Jags (2 games in the standings plus the Jags have the tie breaker making it 3) so they would officially be eliminated, three behind with three to play. As I previously mentioned, the Ravens are going to win, putting them at 7-6 (7-4 Conference) and the Jets should win Mark Sanchez or not. If the Jets win they would go to 7-6 (6-5 Conference) and leap frog Miami. The Jags, as I think they will, will take care of business and go 8-5. But now it gets REALLY interesting. The Jags have a home game against the Colts next week, a game that I can see the Jags winning, followed by @ the Pats and a home game against the Browns. Popular believe would mean the Jags would go 9-7. I, on the other hand, think the Jags will in fact beat the Colts and finish 10-6. The Jags will ultimately grab that last spot in the field of 6.
Jags 23 Dolphins 17


Bills (+1) Over Chiefs


Common, I am in playoff football mode, not meaningless games that’s main storyline is how long is TO going to try.
Bills 13 Chiefs 10


Redskins (-1) Over Raiders


What did I say? I thought we were not going to cover non playoff teams. Alright, well the Redskins almost made me look like a genius last week, until they collapsed....AGIAN. Yes, I am going against my rule of not picking the Redskins two weeks in a row and it probably will back fire.


Redskins 17 Raiders 13

Rams (+13) Over Titans


Wow, soooooo intriguing. My question though is why is this line so high?? The Rams have done well against the really obnoxiously high spread so I don’t see how Chris Johnson and company is going to change that. Though, I do see Chris Johnson rushing for about 250 yards in this game.
Titans 26 Rams 17


Vikings (-6.5) Over Bengals


Ok, THATS more like it. The Favre theory I have had all year is making a showing, as Favre stunk up the joint last week. I am absolutely not sold on the Bengals, as they have fallen off recently, winning but playing badly against bad teams. I don’t like that sign. If they won this game, I would re-evaluate the Bengals. But I think the Vikings are too talented for them. Which leads me to my next point. Why does everyone think the Vikings are this juggernaut team? Look at the teams they have lost to (Cards, Steelers) and look at the teams they have beaten (Browns, Lions (2), 49ers, Packers (2), Rams, Ravens, Seahawks, Bears). ARE YOU KIDDING ME. That is by far BY FAR the easiest schedule I have ever seen. Enough with the four easy games the Giants played, after that they have not played an easy game since week 5. The Vikings have had 8 count them 8 easy games this year. You want to discount the second Packers game fine, but don’t tell me the Ravens at home is not an easy game. The Ravens stink, their QB as awful, and their defense is not nearly the same. Don’t give me the Ravens who are 6-6 in a down-year AFC North. I would take the Bengals but I just don’t see them coming up in a big spot. They don’t know how to win. You watch, I have been saying this for a long time now, Favre and this team will lose in some big spot whether its the NFC Title game or the 2nd round of the playoffs.
Vikings 30 Bengals 20


Panthers (+13) Over Pats


Talk about a team that simply does not have it. The Pats are not good period. Their defense flat out sucks, and Moss is now starting to take off plays. When Moss takes off plays you know he knows something is wrong. This does not bode well down the stretch for the once mighty Pats.
Pats 27 Panthers 16


Bucs (+4.5) Over Jets


A reader emailed Bill Simmons saying this before the Jets took on the Panthers a couple weeks ago: "I can guarantee you the Jets beat both Carolina and Buffalo, get their fan pumped up that they can make a big playoff run, and then lose and crush their fan base with them to the 1 win Tampa Bay Bucs." Well, so far this guy has been right, and this is typical Jets reeling you in spitting you out type of season. Paper and stats and everything tells me Jets, but my gut and what I have seen with the franchise year in and year out tells me Bucs. I know I said early in this column that the Jets SHOULD WIN and go 7-6. But should win doesn’t mean they will win.
Bucs 20 Jets 17


Chargers (+3) Over Cowboys


Chargers in a heartbeat. I love the roll this team is on, but I question whether this team could do it in a big spot in the playoffs. The Cowboys on the other hand are a mess. Typical December swoon, if they lose, look out below, because this is just going to keep snowballing from here.
Chargers 29 Cowboys 23


Cards (-3.5) Over 49ers


The Cards are winning this division end of story. When has the NFC West had two good, competitive teams at the same time? You have to go all the way back to 2003 when the Rams went 12-4 and the Seahawks went 10-6. Also, in 2001, the Rams were 14-2 and the 49ers were 12-4, which was pre re-alignment.
Cards 30 49ers 16


Giants (PK) Over Eagles



I am going to use this space to write a little preview of the game. This is the season for the Giants, if they lose this game, they can just go home because the division is out of the question, and the wild card looks very much up in the air. I don’t know about you, but I think this once again is going to be a war. The Eagles EMBARESSED the Giants last meeting, a 40-17 pounding in which the Giants looked like a pee-wee team out there. However, I took from that game that the Giants looked so, SO, SO bad but the Eagles were not that good. I look at the Eagles as a solid football team, but not a team the Giants can’t beat.


The Giants need to run the ball well, something they have not done all year, and I am not yet convinced that the Giants well ever run the ball well this year. Jacobs looks like a shell of his former self, and the O-Line is simply not doing a good job of opening up holes for him. Bradshaw meanwhile had two nice runs, but continued that fumbling problem and cost the Giants 7 points. Another thing that concerns me is Eli is December at Giants Stadium. Let’s throw out his rookie year, he only had 7 starts and was thrown into the fire on a team that was collapsing and panicking. So starting in 2005, Eli in December/January at home is 4-8 with 13 TD's 13 INT and 4 of those TD's came in one game against the Pats in 2007. Bottom line is that he has been absolutely atrocious at home in the last month of the season. Eli has to HAS to come out and have a big game tomorrow, BUT NOT FORCE THINGS. If it is not there, then throw it away, or take the sack, do not DO NOT throw these ridiculous lobs in traffic that are always picked and returned for a big gain.


The defense is the other issue. Remember guys, this defense still stinks, it stinks big time. But if they force turnovers, and make big stops, then that should be enough. On the flip side, that is very, very hard to do. They were lucky to do that in the Cowboys game, despite out playing Dallas (I have to bring this up because Ron "I am the biggest Eagles homer on the face of the earth and though I am incredibly biased I still inexplicably have a job on ESPN and announce Monday Night Football....O and LT OWNED me as a player and made me look like a 5 year old girl" Jaworski said that Dallas outplayed the Giants last week. How so? If not for a late garbage TD, the Giants would have won by 14. Typical Jaws). The Eagles are going to try to go deep to Jackson, but there is some good news in this, the Giants Stadium winds are supposed to make an appearance tomorrow night. That means this will significantly cut down on the deep balls McNabb will want to throw to Jackson and Maclin, killing the thing the Eagles rely on most.


I know most people are going to pick the Eagles, but I really think the Giants can win. They are gaining confidence, this crowd is going to be a playoff atmosphere a ROCKING Giants Stadium in the last ever game against the Eagles (barring a playoff meeting) at Giants Stadium. The Eagles will be there, but the Giants fans are going to be drunk, very rowdy, and loud as hell. As I mentioned before, this is it for the Giants. Win this game, and they are 8-5, 6-3 in the conference, but more importantly 4-1 in the division. Barring a letdown against the Redskins next Monday night in Washington, the Giants can go 5-1 in the division, which would be better than the Eagles or Cowboys, and would give the Giants a tie breaker in the NFC East. The Giants then would play the Panthers at home in the last ever regular season game at Giants Stadium (could be last game ever) and then @ the Vikings. Let’s say the Giants win the next three games and are 10-5 going into the Vikings game. The Eagles have two home games against the 49ers and Broncos and will most likely be 10-5 heading into a showdown at Dallas. The Cowboys have a home game against the Chargers, @ the Saints, @ the Redskins and then home against the Eagles in an extended playoff game. Heres how I can see this stacking up if the Giants beat the Eagles tomorrow night, heading into that Eagles-Cowboys matchup:


Giants 10-5 (5-1 Division)
Eagles 10-5 (3-2 Division)
Cowboys 9-6 (2-3 Division; beat the Eagles 20-16 in their first meeting)
(Yes, I am predicting the Cowboys to beat the Saints, but in typical Cowboys fashion lose @ the Redskins)

This could be a problem for the Giants. The Vikings have a easy schedule along the way, (home vs Cinncy, @ Carolina and Chicago) but the Favre collapse does loom, as well as the fact they will play two very cold games in Carolina and a bone-chiling cold game in Chicago.  They can easily get picked off in one of those games, not to mention the Cinncy game.  If that happens it is not good because the Cards have the easiest next three games of any NFL team.  @ the 49ers, @ the Lions, and home against the Rams before they face off at home against the Packers.  So lets say the Vikings lose one of those games, and are 12-3 going into the Giants game.  The Cards will probably be 11-4 heading into a home game against the Packers.  Remember if both the Vikings and the Cards tie at the end of the year, the Cards get the #2 seed because of the win they had over the Vikings last week.  All of this means if the Vikings lose one or two games from now until the Giants game, that the Vikings will be playing very hard against the Giants, and frankly I dont see the Giants winning that game despite the "momentum" the would have had heading into that week.  Adding the Packers into the mix, they have games @ the Bears, @ the Steelers, home against the Seahawks until the game @ the Cards.  I can see them going 10-5 heading into that game which would mean the playoff scenario would look like this heading into week 17:

#1 Saints 14-1 @ Panthers

#2 Vikings 12-3 vs Giants

# 3 Cards 11-4 vs Packers

# 4 Giants 10-5 @ Vikings

# 5 Eagles 10-5 @ Cowboys

# 6 Packers 10-5 @ Cards

LOOMING

Cowboys 9-6 vs Eagles

That is one hell of a week 17.  Now, this is all predictions, so this will probably never take place.  But can you imagine what this would be like.  Every team plays hard, and I can tell you the Giants will lose that game if the Vikings play hard.

Scenario #1: Giants win @ Vikings, Cards beat Packers, Eagles beat Cowboys

Giants win NFC East and 4th seed.  Since the Cards beat the Giants, the Giants cant go any further than the 4th seed.  The Cards are now the # 2 seed.  The Vikings are #3 the Eagles are # 5 and the Packers are #6 based on their win over Dallas.

Scenario # 2: Giants lose @ Vikings, Eagles win @ Cowboys, Packers win @ Cards

That would eliminate the Cowboys, the Packers would be 11-5 and be the number 5 seed automatically.  The Vikings are # 2 and the Eagles are #3 based on common opponets record being better than the Cards.  The Cards are #4 and the Giants sneak in as a # 6 seed.

Scenario # 3: Giants lose @ Vikings, Cowboys win vs Eagles, Packers win @ Cards

Vikings are the # 2 seed, the Cards are # 3, the Giants win the NFC East based in division record and are the # 4 seed.  The Packers get the # 5 seed at 11-5 and the Cowboys, based on sweeping the Eagles are now the # 6 seed.  The Eagles are eliminated.

Scenario # 4: Giants lose @ Vikings, Cowboys win vs Eagles, Cards win vs Packers

The Vikings are the # 2 seed, the Cards are # 3, the Giants win the NFC East and are the #4 seed.  Based on common opponets, the Cowboys and Eagles are the # 5 and # 6 seed, eliminating the Packers, despite the fact the Packers beat the Cowboys.  (All three teams would be 8-4 in the conference based off of this scenario so it would then go to common opponets).

Whew.  That was pretty complicated.  Pick a scenario you want, more than likely this will never happen so I just wasted an hour are so conjuring up a hypothetical scenario.  Bottom line, the Giants need to win tomorrow night or none of this is possible.

- Lew