WANTED: Capable Outside Linebacker

No team ever likes to lose a player, but the Giants may have gained an opportunity when reserve DE Adrian Awasom suffered a potentially season ending injury on Sunday. If he is put on Injured Reserve (which all reports indicate), the Giants will be in a position to add a player to the roster. With the shaky play of the linebackers in the seasons' opening weeks, an outside addition would be welcomed with open arms. Despite having seven players on the current roster listed at that position, bringing in another would allow the Giants to terminate the ill-advised Mathias Kiwanuka experiment. He could transition back to his natural defensive end position which is in need of a boost with the loss of Awasom, and the Giants could attempt to upgrade their greatest weakness during its first two games.

During the offseason, many feared the linebacker position would be a weakness. Many people were looking for the Giants to draft college standouts Jon Beason or Paul Pozluszny with their top pick. However, we were assured that with the signing of Kawika Mitchell and switch by Kiwanuka, the linebacking corps would be fine. After two standout performances by tight ends, it is apparent an upgrade is necessary. They failed to obtain Al Wilson via trade this offseason, but he remains a free agent. If he could be deemed physically fit, he always excelled in pass coverage. It would at least be wise of the Giants to re-visit this option.

Two games in to the season, there's many reasons for concern. With 14 left to play, there's plenty of time to right the ship. However, the long term issues bother me the most. New general manager Jerry Reese has proven very capable on draft day but has left this roster with many question marks. He's sat by in recent weeks as many veterans (Donovin Darius, Jeremiah Trotter) who could have helped this team tremendously were signed at low prices. As it stands, the Giants are dangerously thin at safety and have received no positive contributions from the linebacking corps. Reese looks to suffer from Isiah Thomas syndrome; great eye for amateur talent, but no ability to form a cohesive roster. Hopefully he uses this new opportunity to start turning things around.

New York In Need of Giant Shake-Up

In getting off to their worst start since 1996, the Giants defense has surrendered an astounding 80 points in just two games. To avoid a devastating 0-3 start, the Giants will need to make some dramatic changes to a defensive unit that looks among the worst in team history. As has been the case in the Tom Coughlin era, they've struggled to get teams off the field on 3rd down. Along with attrocious tackling, lack of a pass rush, and a staggering inability to cover the middle of the field, opposing offenses will continue to score in droves. If the Giants are to salvage their season (isn't it awful to think it may be done in September?), they should seriously consider doing the following:

Give up on the Kiwanuka experiment. Did the organization think he could make the transition based on zone schemes that had him drop in to coverage a year ago? Many teams institute packages where the DE will shift in to coverage to throw off a quarterback's reads. Just because he was fortunate enough to have a couple interceptions hit him between the numbers, didn't mean he was capable of doing it on a regular basis. Kiwanuka is certainly extremely athletic and a gifted football player...with his hands on the ground. He needs to go back to his natural position instead of watching tight ends roam free.

Replace Kawika Mitchell until further notice. Mathias is not the only one LB getting burned in coverage. "Major" free agent acquistion Mitchell has been far slower than advertised. He's been lined up on the weak side, a position he's been unfamiliar with. Late in games, the Giants have turned to Reggie Torbor in passing situations, but he has not made much of an impact. The Giants are waiting for the return of Gerris Wilkinson, which could send Mitchell to the bench or to his more familiar SAM role.

Sign a veteran safety. Outside of Gibril Wilson, the Giants are extremely thin at safety. Giving the Free Safety position to James Butler and releasing Will Demps was a flat out mistake. Butler has struggled with his tackling and in coverage. Unfortunately, the Giants have no options behind him. The inconsistent rookie undrafted free agent Craig Dahl sits behind him on the depth chart, and seventh round pick Michael Johnson is the only other safety on the roster. Not making a run at Donovin Darius or Lamont Thompson (both of whom recently signed with the Dolphins) was another in the series of questionable decision making by the front office.

Get Aaron Ross on the field. I realize he was lifted in the 3rd quarter for cramps, but if the secondary is going to get torched, at least let him get some valuable game experience. Corey Webster has failed to show any progress, Sam Madison has shown hes on his last legs, and R.W McQuarters has never been anything more than a nickel back. The defending Jim Thorpe award winner for top college CB, Ross has a promising future in this league. That future could be now. Despite being beaten on the play, his deflection of a Brett Favre pass led to the Packers only turnover of the game. In a defense struggling to make plays, his presence could be instrumental in righting the ship.

However you slice it, the Giants need a major face lift. Whether that's the current starters looking themselves in the mirror and making a change (totally unintentional MJ pun) or some hungry back-ups proving they can play in this league, the defense needs to start showing a little pride. Rookie coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has shown his aggressiveness, but the defense's inability to get to the passer or cover the voids filled by blitzers' is alarming. The vaunted front four have registered zero sacks, with the team's only 2 coming from back-up Justin Tuck.

The offense has demonstrated it can move the football and will only improve with the return of Brandon Jacobs. Still awaiting word on Plaxico's bum ankle and the early diagnosis for rookie Steve Smith is not encouraging (fractured shoulder blade), but fortunately they have capable back-ups in Sinorice Moss and Anthony Mix. The offensive line has looked great in creating a pocket for Eli Manning and opening up holes for Derrick Ward. Without dumb mental errors by Shockey and Toomer, the Giants would have put up a bunch more points in yesterday's loss. It's hard to imagine the defense is this bad with a solid front four and some capable players behind them. Hopefully they can get everything clicking soon and turn this season around.

Eli Engaged

A month and a half ago Peyton Manning made big news when he finally got his ring. Now his kid brother is in the news for giving one out. The fourth year QB proposed to his long time girlfriend Abby Crews, a girl he's been dating since their days at Ole Miss. With older brother in town to host SNL, Eli popped the question he's been waiting to ask for months according to family friends. Hopefully his brightened personal future will translate in to greater success on the football field.

In March Madness action two games have gone final, and two more higher seeds have moved on. Kansas and Memphis won tight games to advance to the Elite Eight. The number one Jayhawks survived a close battle with Southern Illinois despite a pace that favored the Salukis. As for Memphis, an unlikely missed layup by Acie Law IV with A&M up one opened the door for the clinching free throws. With A&M eliminated, my brackets have been officially busted. Like this country, I placed my faith in Texas (with UT and A&M) and have been sorely let down.

Giants on Verge of First Move

Shortly after publishing an entry yesterday, reports surfaced that the Giants had reached an agreement with restricted free agent FB Vonta Leach. The Texans have a week to match the offer, but if they don't, would receive no compensation for his departure. Since Leach went undrafted and the Texans tendered him at the lowest level, the Giants can essentially acquire him as an unrestricted free agent. The only hook is that the Texans have the one-week window to match. Leach is regarded as a terrific, power-run blocker. With the RB tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns, that is exactly the type of football the Giants will look to play. In that regard, the signing makes sense. But a fullback, with all of their needs? It doesn't seem like Reese has attacked the free agency period with a clear plan.

This offseason the Giants have said goodbye to their all-time leading rusher, two offensive tackles, two outside linebackers, a wide receiver, a cornerback, a kicker, and kick returner. They've filled those holes with one running back, and potentially his lead blocker. I'm a firm believer in building through the draft, but it's only 7 rounds long. With the free agent pool dried up, there don't seem to be many moves Big Blue can make. It appears the Giants will take a step backwards in 2007.

Tourney, Giants, and More

I've been MIA the past week, but my commentary from March Madness can be found at http://mvn.com/ncaa-syracuse. Opening weekend featured some thrilling overtime games, but most of the higher seeds have survived. In other words, the people who know the least about college basketball are probably winning your office pool. My brackets were busted when the rest of the Texas Longhorns decided not to help out freshman sensation Kevin Durant. While he put together one of the finest seasons ever for a freshman, he can't compete with '03 Melo without that national championship.

With the sport's world transfixed on the Big Dance, there's not too much for NY sports fans to get excited about. The Giants are one of six teams in the NFL not to have signed a free agent and the Yankees are playing well but it's only spring training. On brighter notes, the Knicks and Rangers have played themselves in to playoff position. The Knicks thoroughly dismantled divison leading Toronto at the Garden yesterday and received a huge boost from rookie Renaldo Balkman.

Just a few hours after the Knicks win, the Garden hosted the city basketball championship. The game was broadcast on MSG and I tuned in to check out sophomore sensation Lance Stephenson. Stephenson plays for the Lincoln Railsplitters, the same high school team that made Sebastian Telfair a NYC legend, and many think the sophomore is the next Coney Island great. He did not disappoint, showing off great range and an ability to score in many ways. The biggest knock is his attitude. He showed no defensive intensity and looked very unhappy when he didn't get touches on the offensive end. In short, in many ways he showed that he's still a young kid. Lincoln dominated Boys and Girls High School to take home the city title, their fifth in six years. Remember the name though. Lance Stephenson will be playing elite D-I ball in a couple years.

Giants Make First Move

The Giants finally got their feet wet in the 2007 offseason, but not through free agency. Big Blue sent oft-injured WR Tim Carter to the Browns for RB Reuben Droughns. With the departure of Tiki Barber, GM Jerry Reese has made RB a top priority for the offseason. After unsuccessfully entertaining Dominic Rhodes, Reese acquired Droughns who was on his way out of Cleveland regardless. After the Browns signed Jamal Lewis, and are likely to draft Adrian Peterson with the 3rd pick, there was no way they'd pick up the pick roster bonus Droughns was set to make. The trade marks the end of the Tim Carter experiment in New York. There were high hopes for the speedy wideout whom the Giants made their 2nd round selection in the 2002 draft. They envisioned Carter being able to stretch the field with his track star sprinting ability, but injuries and inconsistency characterized his tenure.

The deal seems very low-risk, moderate reward for both teams. The Giants wanted a complimentary back to Brandon Jacobs, and Droughns is capable of handling a big work load. It would have been preferable to bring in a change of pace guy, especially with a smallish offensive line, but he's a quality back. Now that they brought in a veteran to share the load with Jacobs, hopefully they can start to turn their attention on their glaring defensive needs. For the Browns, Carter is a risk worth taking. If Carter could stay healthy, his ability to stretch the field could increase production from TE Kellen Winslow. They already have a solid starting WR duo of Joe Jurevicius and Braylon Edwards, and Carter's addition would offset the loss of Dennis Northcutt. Overall, not the blockbuster move Giants fans were looking for, but it's an upgrade with low risk involved. It's still puzzling why they've been passive in their pursuit of defensive help, but hopefully those answers will unfold in the next few weeks.

Giants Continue To Wait and See

It's a great time to be a mediocre athlete in professional sports. On the heels of a baseball offseason that heaped riches on back-end starting pitchers, the NFL free agency period has matched their absurdity. Deals in excess of $7 million a year are going to unproven offensive lineman, a cornerback who didn't even make this year's Pro Bowl became the richest defensive player in NFL history, and somehow the Redskins continue to be buyers on the market. The free agency period, just a week old, has been curious to say the least. From the Giants standpoint, one has to wonder why Jerry Reese continues to sit on his hands. On the record, there have been only two confirmed visits and one (Dominic Rhodes) has already signed with another team.

The only thing that Giants fans have learned about Reese is that he refuses to overpay. As a result, the Giants have lost K Jay Feely and almost said goodbye to Shaun O'Hara. Unfortunately, the market has been set by inflating players' values. Perhaps Reese should be commended for standing his ground, but I put this question out. Is it a bigger sin to overpay for talent or to not put your football team in a better position to win football games? I'd say the latter, and if he continues to let the roster dwindle, he's committing a far greater sin. With a long string of cuts and retirements, the Giants have been left with gaping holes that have yet to be remotely covered. In fairness, only a week has passed and there is plenty of time until training camp. Unfortunately, most of the talent worth having has been signed.

The most puzzling thing to me has been their focus on offense. The two visitors, Dominic Rhodes and Kevin Curtis, are skill position offensive players. A great way to improve the offense would be to field a defense that can get them on the field. Last year the defense couldn't stop a jay-vee team from converting a third down, which took away from offensive production. With two outside linebackers departed, and a third likely on his way out (Brandon Short), the Giants need to bring in some bodies. Cato June and Donnie Edwards have been prominent names on their radar, but it is also believed Ike Reese would like to make the Meadowlands his home. Reese is a solid special teams contributor and would give depth to the linebacking corps, but he's not the impact player the Giants need. As for getting the defense off the field on third downs? A lock down corner is necessary, but unfortunately unavailable unless the Broncos meet Dre Bly's trade demands. Even so, his likely landing spot is Washington. Many Giants fans have been on the Roderick Hood bandwagon, but it's tough to envision him as anything more than a nickel back. Departed GM Ernie Accorsi attempted to re-tool key areas (think Secondary) with second-tier players last season and it didn't work. It looks like Jerry Reese has been priced out of this market and doomed to repeat the shortcomings of his predecessor.

Lewis, Moulds headline NFL Cuts

Just two days before the beginning of the free agency period and on the eve of many March 1 signing bonuses, general managers are deciding which of their own players are worth retaining. Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome felt that the price tag for the all-time leading rusher in franchise history was too steep. Although they announced intentions to try and re-sign him, Jamal Lewis could be suiting up for another team next season. The Ravens were not the only active team today. Long time WR standout Eric Moulds was sent packing by the Texans, along with two of his veteran teammates. Reports out of Minnesota indicate QB Brad Johnson will be leaving town and Miami QB Joey Harrington will no longer be soaking up the sun in South Beach.

If neither Harrington or Johnson anticipate winning starting jobs next year, they could fall on to the Giants radar. With only Tim Hasselbeck and Jared Lorenzen backing up Eli Manning, Big Blue would love a veteran understudy. I expect them both to pursue opportunities that would enable them to start, but there don't appear to be many open battles. With the Giants interest in Willis McGahee, it's obvious that RB is a pressing need in Jerry Reese's mind. Since the Bills are unlikely to accept the 4th round pick the Giants are dangling for McGahee's services, they could take a long look at Lewis. The Baltimore RB runs with the same bruising style of current back Brandon Jacobs. Reese has said he'd prefer a back who could change the pace when Jacobs sat, but a RB of Lewis' talent would be hard to overlook.

Combine Goes Out In A Flash

After several days of weighing, prodding, and examining the talent pool for the 2007 NFL Draft, the anuual Scouting Combine comes to a close today. Judging by the early results, it's going out in style. Under today's microscope were the defensive backs and many have made an impression with their times in the 40 yard dash. Michigan's Leon Hall, who many felt needed to prove he had enough speed to man the outside, may have answered many of his critics with a time of 4.38 seconds. That time, paired with strong results in the vertical and broad jumps, should have seperated him as the first corner off the board. However, he may face stiff competition from workout warrior Chris Houston of Arkansas. The former Razorback clocked the fastest forty time at 4.32 and set the standard on the bench with an astonishing 27 reps. Giants fans should take note of that name.

With the Giants glaring need for a corner, today's showcase was extremely important. I have been wondering why many draftniks seem to dismiss the idea of the Giants drafting Jim Thorpe award winner Aaron Ross. He has good size, is great in run support, and has a record of making plays on the football field. In a "Moneyball"-esque philosophy, I've always been concerned with people who quickly dismiss what guys have accomplished on the field. With circuses such as the scouting combine, people get obsessed with measurables. Ross, formerly of the University of Texas, has an impressive track record. Even though his performance today seemed to be middle of the pack, it shouldn't be the final indicator of his projected draft status.

A full list of today's results can be seen here.

The Rest Is Covered By Smoot

While the NFL world has its attention on the scouting combine in Indianapolis, it's hard not to look ahead to the fastly approaching Free Agency Period. Beginning this Friday, it's shopping season and several NFL owners are sure to have their checkbooks ready. Giants fans are hoping that new GM Jerry Reese will bring home some new gifts, preferably a playmaking cornerback who can shut down opposing number one receivers. According to Adam Schefter of NFL.com, another prized candidate could hit the open market. Fred Smoot, of "water covers two-thirds of the earth, Smoot covers the rest" fame, is likely to be cut this week before he receives a bonus from the Vikings. If he becomes available, the Giants should certainly join the Smoot sweepstakes.

Aside from his cockiness and propensity to say a foolish thing or two, injuries have to be a red flag. He's played all 16 games only once in his 6 year career. His interception numbers have declined every year since a career high 5 in his rookie year, but that seems to be more indicative of teams throwing in the opposite direction. I'd also be wary of potential character issues. Smoot played a central role in the "love boat" scandal that rocked the Vikings two offseasons ago. Not to sound insensitive to the issues in that situation, but it's not shocking that wealthy young men would act in those ways. I don't think it's an indictment on many of their characters. Before digressing in to that, he can bring a lot of positives to the table. He's shown an ability to make plays and can stick with any receiver in the league. His price tag could be similar to fellow free agent Nate Clements, which at this point is too steep for the Giants pockets. With a recent "decline" in production he could come cheaper, which would be crucial in a potential Giants pursuit. He could be a very enticing solution to the Giants cornerback problems.

Bears Franchise Briggs

For all Giants fans who thought Lance Briggs would test free agency to sign with New York, the Bears gave everyone a definitive answer. The Bears have chosen to designate Briggs as their franchise player. As per the guidelines of using this designation, Briggs will receive a one year deal in line with the average of the five highest players at his position. He's the perfect fit in their Tampa 2 scheme and it is no surprise that Chicago brass exercised this option. They will use the next couple months to work on an extension or else Briggs could become available next offseason. Teams still can acquire Briggs, but it would cost several draft picks and the Bears unwillingness to match the offer.

So where do the Giants go from here? Many Giants fans speculated the recent roster moves to free up cap space would lead to Briggs landing in New York, but it would have shocked me if the Bears didn't lock him up. Honestly, while he's a fantastic player, the skill set of Adalius Thomas could be a better fit with new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. anyway. I'm relatively certain he will not become an option, but the Ravens are extremely cap strapped. It would be foolish for them not to at least franchise him, but there's a chance he could sneak through the cracks. If he becomes available, although the Giants are in desperate need of a playmaking corner, he should be their top priority.

Love Lost; Tiki fires shots at Coughlin

Don't expect Tom Coughlin to send Tiki Barber a Valentine's day card. Coughlin's workhorse of the last three years had some tough words for his former coach upon being announced as a new member of the Today show. Barber believes that Coughlin's demanding practices took an excessive toll on his body and ultimately caused him to retire prematurely. While undoubtedly he will go down as one of the greatest Giants in history, as a die-hard fan, I'm begging Barber to stop with the disparaging remarks. Nothing can ever tarnish his legacy in Blue, but he's doing his best to alienate loyal fans.

As I've discussed in the past, Tiki's focus on life after football while still playing didn't sit well with many fans. We all understand he's articulate, intelligent, and well-suited for his post-football career. But he's decided to take a page out of Jerome Bettis' playbook. A year ago the Steelers great had an emotional farewell tour with a storybook ending. Very shortly after, he began speculating on his coach's future and rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. It's unfortunate that these stars feel such a desire to quickly acclimate themselves to their new professions that they step on the toes of the people who helped make their previous careers such a success. Now I am by no means an ardent Tom Coughlin supporter, and if you read the statements thoroughly they're not quite as malicious as headlines would suggest, but there's no reason for these parting shots. Hopefully Barber does not feel the need to create bad blood with an organization that treated him so well for 10 years and put him in a position to chase dreams of being alongside his hero Matt Lauer.

Whitfield joins Barber in Retirement

Not often does a team undergo radical changes in February, but the Giants managed to do so yesterday. On top of the release of three veterans, two more filed for retirement. The paperwork was a mere formality in the inevitable retirement of Tiki Barber, but he was joined by veteran tackle "Head-Butt" Bob Whitfield. For those keeping score at home, the Giants lost two tackles, two linebackers, and a running back in one day. Aside from cutdown days in the summer, roster shakeups rarely take on this grand a scale. Given a little more time to think about the moves, the only plausible explanation is injury concerns. All three released yesterday have battled injuries, and two are rehabbing from catastrophic setbacks.

Fortunately, the Giants now have pretty considerable cap room and should be shoppers when the Free Agency period begins March 2. Unfortunately, they now have a lot of needs. The importance of a left tackle can not be devalued, and Luke Petitgout handled the role more than capably. Many people already felt outside linebacker was a need and it becomes amplified by the losses of the two guys who opened 2006 as the two starters. Everyone expected to see Emmons out the door, but Arrington is still very puzzling. He would have only cost the Giants significant money if he played well, and if he did, I don't think anyone would care about the extra money. The move cost the Giants against the cap and will only be validated if Arrington retirement rumors hold any weight. It seems that he and Spagnuolo would have made a great pair with the new coach's aggressiveness.

Although in the immediate aftermath I've been put off by these moves, it becomes clear that Jerry Reese must have some plans. He's not going to be passive, which hopefully translates to an aggressive pursuit of free agents. With experienced talent and coming off a second consecutive playoff berth, hopefully these are not signs of rebuilding. Reporters have also been speculating that Chad Morton and Tim Carter are on their way out as well. If Morton were to be cut, it would be long overdue. He no longer can contribute offensively and proved to be woefully ineffective returning kicks. Tim Carter has proven all "measurables" theorists wrong. Let me explain. This time of year scouts are salivating over fast 40 times and excessive reps on the bench. Coming out of Auburn, Carter was a "measurables" stud. His blazing speed and impressive strength made him a coveted second round selection, but he's been a bitter disappointment in Blue. Hopefully a change of scenery wouldn't revitalize his career because it would be painful to watch him succeed after the wealth of chances he received with the Giants.

If you can say one thing definitively, it's that this offseason should get very interesting. Hopefully the Giants are gearing up for some big moves, but we'll have to wait a few more weeks to see for sure.

Giant Shakeup

Reports are sufacing that the Giants have released offensive tackle Luke Petitgout and linebackers Carlos Emmons and LaVar Arrington. As a loyal Giants fan, I have to ask why. It is no surprise that the Giants were expected to cut ties with the veteran Emmons, but letting go of Arrington and Petitgout is puzzling. Both had several years left on their contract and were expected to play big roles in the 2007 season. In terms of saving money, as most veterans become "cap casualties, the moves don't free up too much money. In fact, if my research is correct, it will actually cost the Giants $1.6 million to release Arrington.

Think you have theories about why the Giants collapsed in 2006? If you ask New York Sports shock jock Max Kellerman, he'll be glad to tell you it was the injury to Petitgout. I can't wait to hear what he has to say on this topic during his daily radio show tomorrow. Say what you want about his past issues with false starts, he's been rock solid protecting Giants quarterbacks blind sides since they drafted him. One of last year's fourth round selections, tackle Guy Whimper, does not seem ready to fill the void. As for Arrington, it seems that bringing in blitzing Steve Spagnuolo to run the defense perfectly fit his skill set. All reports were that he was ahead of the curve in his rehab and he signed a 7 year deal in the past offseason. With the departure of Arrington and Emmons, there are huge needs at the linebacking position.

To his credit, Jerry Reese is shaking things up in his early days as GM. Unfortunately, these moves do not seem to be the ones the Giants needed. I could understand if they were trying to rebuild, but they have the talent to compete right away. I'd be curious to hear what veteran Michael Strahan has to say about these moves, a man who's time to win a ring is quickly winding down. I'm not going to sugar coat it any further, these moves seem flat out nonsensical. I'm sure the decision makers are previewed to a lot more information, but on the surface these roster changes look to really hurt Big Blue.

Tiki Gears Up For Final NFL Game

The Pro Bowl doesn't traditionally attract a big television audience, but many New Yorkers will feel inclined to tune in for a bit tonight. Long time Giant great Tiki Barber will be suiting up for the final time before submitting his formal retirement papers when he returns from Hawaii. With Frank Gore set to start and Steven Jackson waiting in the wings, touches may be limited for Barber. That won't matter for Tiki. He's just happy to be playing in a third straight Pro Bowl with twin Ronde. To make things even better, he'll be coached by Sean Payton, a man he credits for elevating his career to new heights. Given the circumstances I expect Payton to involve Barber in some fun ways, but I expect Tiki to baske in all of the interview opportunities he'll have throughout the game.

Out of the four all-star competitions for major spots (yes, I loosely include hockey), the Pro Bowl is the only post-season game. In seasons past they used a clever advertising scheme "One last, final last, game' to try and rope in NFL enthusiasts for one last time before a long offseason, but there's little attention surrounding this year's game. CBS is telecasting on a Saturday as opposed to the traditional Sunday, and the game is having trouble attracting stars. Many of the competitors from last Sunday's Super Bowl have pulled out for a variety of reasons and even Golden Boy Tom Brady opted for a Pebble Beach Pro-AmGolf tournament then to fill in for the injured Philip Rivers. The NFL has benefitted from a wealth of attention to its offeason, so a lack of interest in it's all-star festivities has not hurt the sport. Following the draft has become as intense a passion to the fans as regular season play, so the "offseason" does not last quite as long. Once the final whistles blows tonight, expect Draft 2007 coverage to hit the accelerator.

Pierce Headed to Hawaii

There will be two Giants playing for the NFC in the Pro Bowl after all. Middle Linebacker Antonio Pierce earned a trip to Honolulu after Bears MLB Brian Urlacher canceled his. He joins Tiki Barber as the only Giants representatives. Tight End Jeremy Shockey had been voted in, but will sit out with a nagging ankle injury. While Pierce is there, it is rumored that he will put the full court press on soon to be free agent Lance Briggs. The two were teammates at the University of Arizona and Pierce reportedly has been in touch with the Bears LB about signing with the Giants. Briggs' pricetag will likely be too high for the Giants even if he hits the open market, but I fully expect the Bears to either put the franchise tag on or sign him to an extension.

It's great to see Pierce get a chance to prove he is one of the elite linebackers in the game. He's been the leader of the defense since signing before the 2005 season. Hopefully the Giants can get LaVar Arrington and Michael Strahan healthy next season to relieve some of the burden. If the Briggs rumors carry any weight, it will also be nice to have Pierce on a recruiting mission. His recruitment abilities are well documented by the Arrington signing. With Carlos Emmons most likely to be released and an aging Brandon Short headed for free agency, linebacker could be a pressing need this offseason.

Gilbride Promoted to Offensive Coordinator

The Giants announced today that quarterbacks coach Kevin Gilbride received a promotion to become the new offensive coordinator. His predecessor John Hufnagel left the team after being stripped of his playcalling duties prior to the regular season finale. Gilbride assumed those responsibilities in the Giants final two games and apparently showed enough to the organization to remain on board. He's been the coach most closely associated with Eli Manning throughout the young quarterback's career.

This move elicits mixed emotions. There are many positives to this move. Both owning families have stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the organization so retaining coaches aligns with that notion. He also brings over 30 years of coaching experience, including a head coaching stint in San Diego. The offense did show improvement during his two game tenure as play-caller and he has proven to be effective in that role in the past. However, the organization is concerned about the progress of Eli Mannning. Gilbride has had three years to work with the franchise quarterback and he has not progressed at the rate he should be. Ownership emphasizes continuity, but this is an organization in need of a new direction. Departed GM Ernie Accorsi has acquired playmakers who need to be allowed more freedom. In coaches Coughlin and Gilbride, the offense is adhering to an old school philosophy with new school players. A new face (or faces) would have been a refreshing look to an underachieving offense that is losing it's most valuable player. Now that they've decided to promote "in-house" for the offensive coordinator, they should look to fill other voids from outside. Bringing in someone like Steve Sarkisian (the USC quarterbacks coach) to work with Eli Manning would be a terrific move. Sarkisian is certainly a stretch as he searches for a head coaching position, but the Giants need to make a big move in whoever they bring in.

Reese Named GM

As expected, director of player personnel Jerry Reese received his promotion to General Manager of the New York Football Giants. On the day his predecessor Ernie Accorsi formally stepped down, the Giants announced Reese would be the man to replace him. Reese has earned respect in the organization with his scouting abilities for the NFL draft. In 1994, Reese took a position in the organization in the scouting department. His ability to identify talent has made him a valued employee ever since. He's been instrumental in several key draft decisions since assuming his previous role in 2003, including uncovering Osi Umenyiora out of Troy.

It has been presumed since last year that Reese would inherit the position. Once Scott Pioli decided to stay in New England, the move was pretty much confirmed. Reese led a solid 2006 draft for the Giants, but the bigger questions will be how he upgrades the team through free agency. He's a "draft-first" guy, so may not be willing to break the bank on a prized talent. Studying under the Ernie Accorsi school, pass rushers and cornerbacks should be on his mind. Roping in a playmaking corner should be his first priority when the Giants go on the clock with the 20th pick in the 2007 draft.

Lewis Becomes First Sacrifice

Once Tom Coughlin kept his job, it was clear the organization would place blame in other places. Today they started with defensive coordinator Tim Lewis. Lewis, Coughlin's first hire in 2004, lost his job after his unit ranked 25th in the league. Amazingly, he spent Wednesday with Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga interviewing for their vacant head coaching position. This certainly will not be the only coaching change and should signal a major transformation to the coaching staff. Unfortunately for Lewis he spent much of the season with starters who were originally intended for backup roles. That still does not justify many of their shortcomings. The defense's inability to generate a pass rush led to their 28th ranked pass defense. Stopping third downs, particularly long situations, and keeping teams from scoring in the red zone plagued the defense all season. He received some criticism early in the season for his misuse of free agent acquisition LaVar Arrington. It seemed throughout the season he used players in ways they were not effective and never really showed the innovative blitz packages that made him a prized commodity.

In other news, it is being reported that Jerry Reese will be promoted to General Manager next week. He has been highly regarded within the organization for years and recently been very instrumental in the draft process. The Giants enjoyed a very successful 2006 draft with Reese's heavy influence. He's the most qualified "in-house" candidate and is a very good fit for the job.

Coughlin Keeps Job

Tom Coughlin will be the head coach for the New York Giants in 2007 and possibly beyond. After thorough deliberation, President and CEO John Mara announced the Giants have agreed to a one year contract extension with the embattled field general. Keeping with Giants tradition, the Mara and Tisch family extended the coach's contract going in to the final year. He should be one of the few faces returning to the sideline. Several guys, including defensive coordinator Tim Lewis and special teams coach Mike Sweatman, are certain to be on the hot seat. John Mara defended his decision to retain Coughlin on the Mike and the Mad Dog show on WFAN, but made it clear that 8-8 is no longer acceptable for this franchise. He addressed many issues that should indicate where the organization is headed. It is also clear that Coughlin needs to lead the team past the first round of the playoffs or he will not coach for the duration of his contract.

With Ernie Accorsi's impending retirement next week, the vacant GM position looks to be filled "in house" with Coughlin's announcement. Mara recognized that the incoming GM should be on board with his decision to retain Coughlin. This could be a big reason the Patriots' Scott Pioli rejected the opportunity to interview for the position. Bill Parcells also adamantly denied contact with Mara. The likely candidate is current director of player personnel Jerry Reese. Long time scout, and brother of John Mara, Chris Mara should not be discounted. Big brother John clearly will not listen to nepotism critics and Chris' qualifications warrant a serious look. The position likely will not be filled until Accorsi officially resigns on January 15, but the decision should be made shortly afterwards. With the combine coming up next month, the Giants would like to have their decision makers on the same page.

Admittedly, I was one of the many fans who took consolation from the speculation Coughlin would be fired following a first round exit. I would never go so far as to root against them, but did find solace in the belief that he would be gone. Now that he's coming back, it's time to turn in to an optimist. My biggest problem with Coughlin has been the belief that the players won't play for him. Mara claims that they approached many of the veterans and received nothing but positive feedback. If this is true, I have no problem with him returning. In fairness, Coughlin is the first coach since Parcells to lead the Giants to the playoffs in two straight seasons. Play selection was this team's kryptonite, something that Coughlin did not have total control over. Don't get me wrong, I'm not pleased with the decision. However, I do believe he can get the job done with a face lift to his staff. He must break his loyalty to Kevin Gilbride and bring in a quarterbacks coach who can groom Eli Manning. The lack of quality coaches available also must be taken in to consideration. Presuming Norm Chow takes the Arizona job to reunite with Matt Leinart and Ken Whisenhunt is promoted to head coach in Pittsburgh, there are very limited options. Coughlin's hire was important to Wellington Mara, so it must have been anticipated John Mara will defend it for as long as he can. While many fans will attack this decision, it'll be important to see how the first major football decision without their fathers goes for he and the Tisches. The next decision should be a promotion for one of the current executives to the vacant general manager position. Giants fans should feel confident that the ruling families are headed by football saavy, capable men. Hopefully their first decisions will lead to long term success.