Today marked the first day of practice for several teams around the league. The preseason is a very optimistic time for all the teams; everyone has the same record, every team still has a chance, and anything can unfold during the season. However, it seems that every preseason is marred by the injury of a marquee name. While many people don't tend to think of offensive lineman as premiere names, the Browns lost the prize of their free agency class for the season in today's first practice. Two time Pro Bowl Center LeCharles Bentley is lost for the 2006 season to a torn patellar ligament in his knee. At age 26 he is an up and coming force on the offensive line and this is a devastating loss for the Browns. They spent their offseason on a major roster overhaul that featured the additions of Bentley, Willie McGinest, and Joe Jurevicius among others. All were expected to play big roles in what the Browns were hoping would be their first winning season since returning to Cleveland several years ago.
The injury to Bentley demonstrates why holdouts are so frequent in NFL contract negotiations. It is the only sport that players routinely lose their season at practice and many never get to play a down in the regular season. It is also the sport that typically pays the least guaranteed money. For this reason, it is crucial that players work a significant portion of their contract to be guaranteed. With rookies, this may be the only chance they haveto leverage the team for this kind of money. While I still find rookie holdouts to be an unbelieveable waste of time, the frequency of major injuries in the pre-season makes it a bit more understandable.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
All Rookies to Report to Camp on time
Although people will continue to question why the Giants made a Defensive End their first round draft choice, at least he will report to camp on time. The Giants and Mathias Kiwanuka reached an agreement on a five year deal on the eve of the first day of practice. They also announced the signing of Offensive Tackle Guy Whimper, one of two fourth round selections, which wrapped up their entire draft class. It was unbelieveably important to get these guys in to camp on time and General Manager Ernie Accorsi worked real hard this week to get it done. Many draft pundits rate this class to be very average, but there are a couple guys who could make an impact right away.
With two All-Pro Defensive Ends, Kiwanuka is not going to see the field too often in any base defensive packages. However, Tim Lewis should create schemes to get his pass rushers on the field. The attention that will paid to proven stars such as Umenyiora, Strahan, and Arrington should open some rush lanes for Kiwanuka. He can certainly have an impact in year one. Their second round speedster Sinorice Moss should add an explosive element that has been missing from this offense. With oft-injured Tim Carter already reporting injuries that will limit him early in camp, the third receiver spot looks like Moss' to lose. Expect the Giants to run lots of bubble screens to Moss like the Redskins do with his older brother Santana. It'll be nice not only to get Moss touches, but allow Eli to make some easy throws to get in to a rythm. He should have a good chance to unseat veteran Chad Morton as the punt returner as well. Third rounder Gerris Wilkinson has a giant fan club within the organization's hierarchy, led by Director of Player Personnel Jerry Reese. Wilkinson has the ability to start at all LB positions, as well as experience at Defensive End. With the status of Carlos Emmons a bit uncertain, the Giants feel he could fit well in to the defense. Expect him to contribute immediately on special teams. The rookie that could have the most impact is fourth round DT Barry Coefield. He's a big bodied run stuffer who should keep blockers from getting to the next level on to the linebackers. He should eat up space and blockers at the line of scrimmage allowing the playmakers on the ends and linebackers behind him move freely. Coefield is also very athletic and should be capable of filling the void left by Kendrick Clancy. Their other fourth rounder is a project. Offensive Tackle Guy Whimper possesses outstanding athleticism and shows tremendous footwork. The Giants believe he will be able to play Left Tackle, a very important position in keeping franchise QB Eli Manning healthy. At this point he is extremely raw and should not be counted on for this year, but could be an important part of the offensive line down the road. With their last two picks, the Giants focused on the secondary. In the fifth round they selected Charlie Peprah who is listed at safety, but has all the tools to play corner as well. The Giants love his versatility and expect him to contribute on special teams in the immediate future. In the seventh round they took speedy cornerback Gerrick MacPherson. This guy is a real burner who might be the fastest man on the field in Albany. He's a former track standout who can make up for coverage lapses with excellent closing speed. He, like Whimper, is a bit raw and more of a project. I really hope he makes the roster because his speed could be a real difference some day.
With two All-Pro Defensive Ends, Kiwanuka is not going to see the field too often in any base defensive packages. However, Tim Lewis should create schemes to get his pass rushers on the field. The attention that will paid to proven stars such as Umenyiora, Strahan, and Arrington should open some rush lanes for Kiwanuka. He can certainly have an impact in year one. Their second round speedster Sinorice Moss should add an explosive element that has been missing from this offense. With oft-injured Tim Carter already reporting injuries that will limit him early in camp, the third receiver spot looks like Moss' to lose. Expect the Giants to run lots of bubble screens to Moss like the Redskins do with his older brother Santana. It'll be nice not only to get Moss touches, but allow Eli to make some easy throws to get in to a rythm. He should have a good chance to unseat veteran Chad Morton as the punt returner as well. Third rounder Gerris Wilkinson has a giant fan club within the organization's hierarchy, led by Director of Player Personnel Jerry Reese. Wilkinson has the ability to start at all LB positions, as well as experience at Defensive End. With the status of Carlos Emmons a bit uncertain, the Giants feel he could fit well in to the defense. Expect him to contribute immediately on special teams. The rookie that could have the most impact is fourth round DT Barry Coefield. He's a big bodied run stuffer who should keep blockers from getting to the next level on to the linebackers. He should eat up space and blockers at the line of scrimmage allowing the playmakers on the ends and linebackers behind him move freely. Coefield is also very athletic and should be capable of filling the void left by Kendrick Clancy. Their other fourth rounder is a project. Offensive Tackle Guy Whimper possesses outstanding athleticism and shows tremendous footwork. The Giants believe he will be able to play Left Tackle, a very important position in keeping franchise QB Eli Manning healthy. At this point he is extremely raw and should not be counted on for this year, but could be an important part of the offensive line down the road. With their last two picks, the Giants focused on the secondary. In the fifth round they selected Charlie Peprah who is listed at safety, but has all the tools to play corner as well. The Giants love his versatility and expect him to contribute on special teams in the immediate future. In the seventh round they took speedy cornerback Gerrick MacPherson. This guy is a real burner who might be the fastest man on the field in Albany. He's a former track standout who can make up for coverage lapses with excellent closing speed. He, like Whimper, is a bit raw and more of a project. I really hope he makes the roster because his speed could be a real difference some day.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Giants, Moss agree on 4 year deal
According to ESPN.com the Giants have agreed to a four year deal with second round draft pick Sinorice Moss. This is great news for Giants fans as it guarantees their newest playmaker will report to camp on time. Moss is represented by Drew "The Shark" Rosenhaus, who allowed Shockey to miss a few days of camp in his first summer with the team. Rosenhaus is all about getting his players paid, regardless of what adverse affects it has on the team. It is a huge relief that the Giants and Rosenhaus were able to agree to terms prior to training camp. With Moss in the fold, the Giants receiving corps looks to be among the best units in the league. He is expected to gain the #3 receiver spot in his rookie season and should have a shot to return punts. It is very encouraging to think that the only thing that should keep this guy off the field would be the unexpected, long overdue emergence of former second round pick Tim Carter. Another bright spot in the receiving corps could be undrafted rookie free agent Anthony Mix. Many draft pundits expected Mix to be drafted out of Auburn in the 2006 draft, but he slipped to the Giants in free agency. Mix is listed at 6'4'' which would give Eli another huge target to throw to if he can gain a roster spot. In the latest edition of Whispers around the NFL from Pro Football Weekly, word is that Giants executives and coaches have been impressed with Mix's ability in mini-camps.
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