And the last day of Newsday's able interns contributing. Here is Katie Strang's report from this morning:
With the lack of depth at the fullback position, tight ends Jeremy Shockey and his rookie understudy Kevin Boss have become even more crucial to the development of the identity of the Giants’ offense.
In camp today, Shockey pretty much caught everything thrown his way and provided Eli with at least 50% of his completions for the day.
His extra 15 pounds of bulk and blocking capability will undoubtedly come in handy when looking to provide some physicality wherever the fullback position is lacking.
According to Tom Coughlin, Boss has certainly demonstrated his ability to use his hands and provide a big target, but will be tested once the pads arrive to see how his blocking has developed.
Boss said the biggest difference coming from the D-II college level to the pros, from a blocking perspective, is learning to use his legs as driving power. In college, Boss said, “it was all hands,” but Pope, who came out to Western Oregon to help Boss work out before the season, has used drills such as the lift-the-other-guy-up-by-the-armpit to improve his technique.
Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride commended Pope’s job working with him, and said Boss has “made as much improvement as anyone.”
Boss added that Shockey has also been instrumental in his progress, giving him pointers in practice and when watching film.
“Shockey’s great,” Boss said. “I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.”
Comments (19)
I really think Pope is one of the best TE coaches in the league and we're lucky to have him. Good to see both Shockey and Boss getting so much time with Eli as Tight Ends are sometimes the "safety valve" for young quarterbacks.
I would also like to tell the interns: great job with the reports.
Eli is not Peyton. That is obvious. He has led his team to 2 playoff appearances in 3 seasons. His completion pct. has improved. The Giants defense was porous last season to say the least. The passing defense was ranked in the last 5. Give him the benefit of the doubt. He doesn't ride motorcycles injuring himself and doesn't make excuses for himself. He is not where we want him to be, but has shown moments of brilliance. He can bring his team from behind. He can win games on his shoulders. He cannot stop the opposing offense and he cannot make a game winning kick. He is a franchise qb and I am glad he is on our side. Its not a sprint, its a marthon guys....in the end, he will be just fine.
KC, I agree.
I honestly don't count his first season, but two consecutive playoff appearances holds up well in my book.
I just read a scouts web page on the NFC from Scout.com and noticed all writers picked the Giants as the NFC team that would not make the playoffs again. I cannot remember a season where I was this undecided about how our season would go. Like all, it depends upon injuries. If we stay healthy, our chances increase. I think our strengths are our recieving core (depth that is), pass rushers, and experience on the O-line. However, we have glaring question marks at RB, blocking TE, and potentially LT. I'm more concerned with the blocking TE. Shockey needs to be out running routes. The other concern is FB. I'm hoping our return game improves immensely. With Ross, RW, and Moss, we have great potential. I guess it will come down to Elijah. If he improves, we will be ok. Keep in mind the Defense needs to improve in general. If we improve in those two areas the Giants make the playoffs.
KC -
I share your concern. Giants need three things to be contenders this year:
1) Spagnuolo has got to be a miracle worker because we have question marks all over the Defense. The good news is that he appears to view this year as a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. If he doesn't turn the Defense around it won't be for lack of effort or enthusiasm.
2) Eli has to improve significantly.
3) The injury bug has to leave the team alone this year.
If any one of those things doesn't happen the Giants won't make the playoffs. If two don't happen, expect 5-11. If all three don't happen we could be looking at a top three pick in next year's draft.
Arthur; there has been a lot of talk about how many Giants' defenders did not like Tim Lewis. Apparently, he swore at them and talked down to them quite a bit. Can you provide any insight into this? A lot of the local media was promoting him as a potential Head Coach in the NFL. I was never impressed with his Defense. I've never seen WR's run so freely in the secondary and never seen so much confusion. It was emberassing for a franchise so rich in defense. It seems like the new Def Coordinator has good reviews so far. Its early. Can you elaborate on what is going on with the Defensive side of the ball? Thanks...
Now I'm starting to get pumped!!! After all this time training camps are just 23 days and counting! The '07 season is almost here.. The problem is .............where the hell have you been Arthur?!?
Hey guys; do you think what Eli said was really bad? I thought it was obvious. He is looking forward to working with the RB's they have...
On a seperate note, I've been a Jints fan all my life and never been to a game. Does anyone know someone with tix for sale for this season? Thanks.
I loved what Eli said, long overdue. Along those lines, Arthur it's a Giant's Blog, why is it linked with an NBC broadcaster's image?
KC -
The best place to get tickets is through StubHub.
However, please be aware that only season ticket holders will have access to stadium parking this year. All others will be sent to a temporary parking area and bused in until the new stadium is built (probably not until 2011).
If you are flying in, I'd recommend deferring your trip until 2008 or beyond. I really don't expect much out of the team this year.
With Tank Johnson available for relatively nothing why are the Giants not pursuing him? No depth at tackle, this is a no brainer.
2 things...
Joe; thanks for the advice. I'll check out that site. I am looking forward to the season and football in general. For a Giants fan, I've never heard of someone being so pessimistic. Too bad. This time last year the Giants were mentioned as Super Bowl contenders. They cut the dead wood in this past offseason in Arrington, Pettigout, Emmons, and Morton. They got the Chiefs leading tackler at a position of need and get everyone back healthy. Parcells is out of Dallas, the Redskins are the Redskins with a young QB, the Eagles are going to be tough, but they have a weak WR core. The NFC East is ours for the taking. We finally got a Def Coordinator that is going to bring some pressure and we put Kiwanuka on the field where he has proven to make a difference. Add Ross and Smith into the mix to add depth along with Moss who is basically a Rookie and I like our chances. Not saying its going to be easy or there are no question marks. Eli, the running game, and Left Tackle are our major concerns along with blocking TE. However, that is why they have coaches, to improve players and develop players. Looking forward to a fun season!
BTW, Tank Johnson is a bum. He gets in trouble with the Bears time and time again. If the Giants signed him it should be the same type of contract they offered Arrington, incentive based. Prove your a good citizen and a good player for more than one season.
I'm expecting about the same out of the Gmen as last year. Competitive week in and week out. 7-9 wins sounds about right. If this team FINALLY stays healthy for a change it can surprise a lot of people early on. The NFC EAST is wide open, not just the eaglets to lose!!! K.Gilbride and S.Spagnolou are going to be great compared to Huffnagle and Lewis last year. Bottom line: this team is better than most think, but not a superbowl contender!! Atleast not yet.
KC -
Hope the info works out for you. Wish I could share your optimism. I won't restate the many reasons why this season is likely to be a disaster. The only saving grace is that the Redskins and Cowboys seem to have their own problems and we have a relatively easy schedule.
Gmen -
I generally agree with your assessment of the situation other than I don't expect Gilbride to be an improvement (he certainly didn't seem to do a good job with Manning - why he was given a promotion is beyond me). I miss the old days when the Giants were the best team in a strong division. We arguably are in the worst division in the league.
All of the sudden the NFC East is now the worst division in the National Football League? Can someone tell me how this is possible?
John; I agree. Somehow the NFC East is so bad that we had 2 teams make the playoffs...A league that had four coaches by the names: Gibbs, Parcells, Coughlin, and Reid. Give me a break. Going to Philly is a helluva lot harder than going to Detroit or San Francisco. The Vikings, Packers, and Arizona should be in a jv league.
John; I agree. Somehow the NFC East is so bad that we had 2 teams make the playoffs...A league that had four coaches by the names: Gibbs, Parcells, Coughlin, and Reid. Give me a break. Going to Philly is a helluva lot harder than going to Detroit or San Francisco. The Vikings, Packers, and Arizona should be in a jv league.
Well, three teams from the NFC East made the playoffs last season: Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants.
I don't understand how a Giant fan can come on here and have absoloutely 'zero' hope that the New York Giants have no chance this season.
Just look at their schedule this season.
3 out of 4 teams made the playoffs, sounds like a weak division to me...