2010 NY Giants: Who’s In & Who’s Out!
So what are the 2010 New York Giants going to look like?
Well, at this point no one knows what the team general, Jerry Reese has in store. However, since we are ringing in the New Year, lets look at who should be back, who should be starting, and who should be given a bus ticket.
It’s sure to be an eventful off season for the New York Giants—and because of the way the 2009 season ended, we are all looking forward to changes.
Antonio Pierce:
Antonio Pierce was an undrafted linebacker out of Arizona in 2001. After four years with the Washington Redskins, AP signed with the New York Giants and was an intricate member of the Superbowl 42 team.
The leadership and direction the Giants Defensive Captain brought to the table was sorely missed the last few weeks of the season.
While his heart and work ethic are superior to most…his best days are behind him. The Giants could use a veteran to mentor and back up Jonathan Goff and Clint Sintim. If a back role is not accepted…sadly…Pierce should be let go.
Coaching should be in his future.
Aaron Ross:
Aaron Ross was a first round draft pick out of University of Texas in 2007. He was also a winner of the Jim Thorpe Award. Ross had a great rookie year starting at cornerback as he helped the Giants win Superbowl 42.
His 2008 campaign was impressive and many thought he was poised for a break out year in 2009. He is good cover corner and excels in open field tackles. However, his 2009 campaign was a complete wash out as Ross struggled with hamstring problems. His injury seemed to linger much too long for most fans and his brief tenure at safety was a disaster before he re-injured his leg.
Ross should start at corner in 2010…but the leash will be very, very short!
Fred Robbins:
Big Daddy Fred Robbins might have seen his last days in Giants blue.
Robbins clearly was not recovered from his off season knee surgery for his once powerful legs and deceivingly quick feet were just not there to shut down the run.
Fred played four years with the Vikings and was a second round draft pick from Wake Forest. He has been a fixture at Defensive Tackle since arriving in 2004. While I hope Fred does a ton of “off season” training to loose some weight and increase his strength and speed, the Giants brass might have different plans.
Robbins will have to fight for a spot in camp as he competes against Canty, Alford, Bernard, Cofield and anyone else the Giants draft or sign in free agency.
C. C. Brown:
This position will be addressed in the off season through the draft and free agency.
C. C. should be released.
Kareem McKenzie:
Kareem was originally a third round draft choice by the Jets in 2001. He signed with the Giants as an unrestricted free agent in 2005 and has been the starting right tackle since.
McKenzie has blocked for four NFL running backs who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season: Curtis Martin with the Jets and Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward with the Giants.
Kareem along with Rich Seubert is considered the elder statesman as they turn 31 this year. Mckenzie’s back up, William Beatty a 6′6″ tackle drafted in the second round from Connecticut in ‘09 is poised to start in 2010.
Osi Umenyioura:
Will the real Osi Umenyiora stand up?
The sixth year pro drafted from Troy has had a very up and down career. Osi burst on the scene in 2003 and instantly became a star playing “book end” with Giants great Michael Strahan.
Strahan taught him almost everything except how to be professional when things are not going his way. Contract dispute, walking out of camp, surprising post game comments etc.
Osi blew out his knee and missed the entire 2008 season. In 2009 he started slow and never really found his true stride. Osi is currently under contract and there should be no reason that he will not be back in 2010. Osi’s complete game took a hit as he became a weak spot on the D line against the run which caused him to be benched. Hope that Osi continues to train and comes back with a vengeance in 2010.
With the emergence of Kiwanku at Defensive End, Osi’s playing time might once again take a hit which could cause additional friction. Umenyiora said on Wednesday that he wants to return next season provided there are changes.
Bruce Johnson:
Bruce Johnson, an undrafted “rookie” free agent from Miami was thrown into the fire as the starting corner back when Aaron Ross went down.
Bruce is an average cover corner with slightly above average ball skills. Bruce is worth keeping for special teams and the dime package.
Sinorice Moss:
With the emergence of Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Steve Smith…Domenik Hixon becomes the most talented No. 4 receiver in football. With the emergence of Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Steve Smith…Domenik Hixon becomes the most talented No. 4 receiver in football.
Sprinkle in Derek Hagan who was signed by the Giants after being released by Miami in 2008 and Ramses Barden the 6′6″ receiver from Cal Poly…Sinorice Moss will not be back.
Lawrence Tynes:
Lawrence Tynes was a hero during the Super Bowl 42 run.
Yes, he kicked us to a Superbowl; however, Tynes does not have the leg or the accuracy to be depended on week in and week out.
He has not had a touch back in years giving the opposing team starting field position at 30 yard line or better.
Look for Coughlin and Reese to draft a kicker.
Michael Johnson:
Michael Johnson is a nice player, drafted in the seventh round in 2007 from the University of Arizona.
Without the strong presence of Kenny Philips, Michael Johnson struggled a bit in coverage. Originally thought to be keeping the safety seat warm for Philips…Johnson started all of 2008 at free & strong safety.
The Giants management dropped the ball in ‘09 coming out of training camp with only three safeties on the roster. When Philips went down the team immediately struggled.
That will not be the case in 2010 as the Giants will draft and bring in free agent help to compete with Johnson.
David Carr:
David Carr has been patient. Waiting for his chance to start again in the NFL. This former first round draft pick stayed with the Giants to save his career, mature and learn from the offensive minded Tom Coughlin.
Carr signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract in February of 2009. After Sunday he is a free agent.
With The Bills, Jags, Raiders, Redskins, Panthers and Rams all needing a QB…look for David Carr not to be back in 2010.
In steps Rhett Bomar!
Danny Clark:
Danny Clark is done.
He is the slowest linebacker in the group and should be cut for youth.
It’s time for Clint Sintim to step into the starting role as the strong side linebacker.
Johnathan Goff:
Goff got his first start for the Big Blue Wrecking Crew at MLB against Dallas and did not disappoint, with a solid performance.
Goff will continue to grow. He flies to the ball and seems to have good instincts. This young linebacker tends to over pursue and will have to keep the adrenaline in check if he is to grow into the position.
Overall, Goff showcased a good nose for the ball and was on top of the ball carrier before or just as he got to the hole on numerous occasions. His game time speed was impressive and the fifth round pick from Vanderbilt should be the starter in 2010.
I think it’s time for McKenzie to go. Beatty has been solid for them. In fact, I wouldn’t mind seeing Beatty compete for the LT job (Diehl could move to guard or even RT). What do you think of that scenario, Craig?
There are many things to address this off season. The offense is going to play second fiddle to the defensive problems; however, I do agree the Beatty is going to make a nice addition to the line and he will either compete with McKenzie or will be given the job going into camp 2010.
Lets remember he’s only put in limited work so far, but I still like him enough to give him the nod to start in 2010.
Moving Diehl is no longer an option. He has put in a ton of work at the position and he has succeeded. Eli is upright on most occasions and how much more can you ask of Diehl?
Again…this all takes a back seat to the defensive problems at linebacker, corner back, safety and coordinator.
G-men need to get tony out. he is last person to every play we need some emotion on the defense. our linebackers suck. time to sign a great one. lottttta great free agents this year come on big blue dont mess this up.
Yes, Pierce’s best days are in the rear view mirror. Goff is nice but not the dynamic player we need.
The Gmen should move up and grab that bama backer.