The dog days of August. Training camp. It can only mean one thing...NFL Football. With the Giants coming off a tremendously disappointing 2009 season, they look to get back to the team of 2007. Even though, they won the Super Bowl that year, even as as Giants fan, I must admit they weren't the best team that year. But there was a certain swagger about them, a distinct confidence if you will. After the disgrace of a defensive performance that was given to us the fans, the team went out and signed veteran safety Antrel Rolle of the Arizona Cardinals and veteran linebacker Keith Bullock from the Tennessee Titans. However, after three preseason games, I am not the most confident fan out there. What I saw was about as unsightly and smelly as a dirty floor of a Baltimore crab house at the end of a busy Saturday night. Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens picked apart Perry Fewell's defense with a no-huddle offense in a 24-10 win over the Giants that wasn't as close as the final score. It was really easy to find those who did play well. Defensive end Justin Tuck and defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, who was starting in place of injured Chris Canty, had two sacks apiece. Cornerback Corey Webster had one interception and broke up three passes. Rookie punter Matt Dodge finally looks like he has settled into his role. He got plenty of work with nine punts, including one for 74 yards. Eli Manning looked rusty but my concerns are very limited because I know he will be out there week one like he has every single year.
Only time will tell us if the Giants are for real this season. Look to see if Victor Cruz lives up to the preseason hype.
Now, on to the Jets. With about two weeks until the season opener, Darrelle Revis is still
nowhere to be seen and today they were hit again. Outside linebacker Calvin Pace has a broken foot and must undergo surgery that will sideline him for four to six weeks. This is a big deal for the defense because this will now require Jason Taylor to step up and be an every down pass rusher. Physically, he is not up to the task. Taylor was brought to the Jets to be a situational pass rusher on the various blitz packages. With Pace out, and with no end in sight for the Revis contract situation, the Jets defense will have to blitz to get to the quarterback. However, without Revis locking down his side of the field, a short pass will negate any pressure. Without Revis, the Jets not only lose his shutdown ability, but also his incredible tackling ability. Right now the main concern for the Jets needs to be signing Revis and getting him out there ASAP. But the biggest issue on defense might be the head coach. Rex Ryan keeps saying that he is not concerned about the loss of Pace and the absence of Revis. He might be told by upper management to say these things, but there is no way in hell he can feel that way. Many teams can't take the loss of one star player, and lets not think about two. I do think Revis will sign but I don't think that it will before the season starts. Mark Sanchez looks good, but watch out for the sophomore slump. But I doubt his slump will be that bad considering he has Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery, two very skilled recievers to throw to. Not to mention Santonio Holmes, acquired by trade from the Steelers, in week five after serving his suspension.
The Jets are moving in the right direction but they do too much talking. There is nothing for them to base the trash talking on. Talk is cheap, play the game.
See you after the season opener on September 9th.
No comments:
Post a Comment