Strahan Ends Holdout… "He Went With His Heart"

Giants DE Michael Strahan ended his holdout Friday night and will return to practice on Monday with the team.

Does this surprise too many people out there? I’m really not too shocked about this one, but it is good news if you are a Giants fan.

On a different front, is anyone interested in trading for Byron Leftwich? The Jags said Friday they were interested in trading him. With the way our backups looked this preseason, he might not be a bad pickup…Just a thought…

Here’s the AP story on Strahan:

Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan has decided to end his holdout and return for a 15th NFL season with the New York Giants.

“He went with his heart instead of his head,” Tony Agnone, his agent, said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Friday evening. “He felt at this point he was part of the team, and he was going to go to battle with them.”

The decision came a day before the Giants had to cut their roster to the 53-man limit and a little more than a week before the season opener at Dallas.

“He knows he’ll be ready to go,” Agnone said of playing in the season opener. “He’s been working out like crazy.”

Strahan left the West Coast on Friday and planned to be at Giants Stadium on Monday when the team begins preparing for the Cowboys. He will have four practices before the game.

And Strahan might play more than the 2007 season.

“This does not mean at the end of the year that he is going to retire,” Agnone said. “He is going to sit down again in March like he always does, and he said: ‘I won’t be doing this next year.”

Agnone said Strahan informed Giants general manager Jerry Reese of his decision to play around 5 p.m. EDT. Agnone would not say when Strahan made up his mind, but he added the NFL’s single-season sack leader did not want to keep the team hanging.

The 35-year-old Strahan missed 36 days of training camp and amassed a $514,368 fine.

Agnone said the Giants agreed to reduce the fine total, but Strahan still will pay a “significant amount of money.”

Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said the team had no immediate comment, and Reese did not return an e-mail seeking comment.

The announcement of Strahan’s decision came just hours after a frustrated coach Tom Coughlin said he was taking the approach that Strahan would not play this season.

Coughlin seemed upset that Strahan still was mulling whether he would play more than five weeks after training camp opened. He also was annoyed that Strahan’s absence made it tough to make final roster decisions and to pick a practice squad.

Third-year-man Justin Tuck has started at left end in the preseason, and he has played well.

Strahan, who is to make $4 million this season, had mulled retirement while considering a career in television, insisting the decision had nothing to do with money.

In a letter to Giants fans last month, Strahan said the holdout had nothing to do with his recent divorce, in which a judge awarded his former wife $15.3 million. Strahan has paid half that amount, and an appellate court granted him a temporary stay while it considers whether the award was too much.

Thoughts On Giants – Pats

Granted it was against the Patriots’ second-team defense, but the Giants offense looked very efficient on Thursday night’s first drive of the game.

Manning found the open guys – unfortunately 2 balls were dropped. Shockey finished the drive with four catches for 47 yards. Stay healthy this year Shock!

Mixed reviews on the first drive for Anthony Mix. He’s got to hold on to that ball when he knows he’s going to get hit. The way I see it, you’re going to get hit anyway, might as well have the first down with the pain. Easier said than done, I know, but I don’t get paid to hold on to those balls.

Jacobs looked strong again – glad he got in for the touchdown. I’m a little bothered that it took 5 plays for the Giants to get in on first and goal. That’s been their problem for a while – red zone efficiency.

I like the Giants out of a three tight-end set – a lot of things can come from it – run, pass, play action….

…Alright I’m going to say it – for being billed a disciplinarian, Tom Coughlin seemingly does very little to enforce punishment for personal foul penalties. I’ve been watching on and off for the last 25 minutes as I am covering news for WNBC.com, and that’s the third personal foul penalty called on the Giants. You’ve got to be kidding me. If I’m a head coach, I don’t care who you are – if you commit a stupid personal foul (i.e. – hitting a guy after the play is dead) you’re coming out of the game and you’re getting a fine. Too many times in 2006 the Giants shot themselves in the foot with stupid, stupid penalties like this. It’s got to stop…

…On a lighter note, nice to see Vinny Testaverde in a jersey for another year. Think he’s got a shot at starting for the Jets this year? Ouch. Yes, Jim Scott, I went there…

…I absolutely love what I just saw from Jared Lorenzen…Reuben Droughns just broke free on a handoff and Jared Lorenzen ran out ahead of him and threw a lead block…stupid, but I love the intensity…Glad to know that if Manning goes down, we’ve got a guy who really wants to kick some butt!…

Couglin On The Hot Seat

Despite making the playoffs the past two seasons, expectations for the New York Giants aren’t that high.

Tiki Barber, the Giants’ all-time leading rusher and offensive catalyst, retired for a television career. The wait for Eli Manning to live up to expectations continues. And who knows what to expect from seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan, if anything.

Then there’s the Tom Coughlin factor. The no-nonsense coach is on the hot seat after failing to get past the first round of the playoffs two straight years amid all kinds of turmoil.

If the path gets bumpy again, things could get ugly fast.

That’s the Giants, though. They were the defending NFC East champs and considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender a year ago. They got big heads, suffered a couple of injuries, pointed fingers and went 8-8 to barely squeeze into the playoffs.

“One of the things we are striving for this year is playing together as a team,” center Shaun O’Hara said. “I think last year we had a lot of individual talent, but I don’t know if we played well as a team every Sunday. That’s our overall goal as a team, to complement each other in every phase and make it a collective effort.”

Whether the Giants can get back to being a title contender depends on three key issues:
— Can Manning have a consistent season and avoid the big mistakes?
— Can big, bruising Brandon Jacobs do as well as Barber, and stay healthy?
— Will Strahan end a holdout and play a 15th season, and can the defense survive without him?

The Strahan question was the most unexpected. Hours before training camp opened, the NFL’s active sacks leader announced he was holding out while he mulled retirement. Five weeks later, and just a little more than a week before the opener at Dallas, he was still mulling his options.

On the field, the offense has shown the potential to carry the Giants, especially if Manning can avoid a third straight second-half slump. Having former quarterbacks coach Kevin Gilbride as the offensive coordinator should help Manning, who is also being tutored by Chris Palmer, another longtime quarterbacks guru.

One thing that has changed is Manning has emerged as one of the leaders of the Giants, thanks in part to Barber.

Barber criticized the quarterback’s leadership a few weeks ago during halftime on Sunday night football and Manning fired right back at his former teammate.

Not only did the retort prop him up in the eyes of his teammates, but Manning followed that with good stints against Baltimore and the Jets.

Manning should have plenty of help this season.

David Diehl’s ability to move from left guard to left tackle has strengthened the offensive line. It also should help Jacobs use his 6-foot-4, 260-pound frame to run over defenses.

The receiving corps is deep with Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, rookie Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss on the field along with Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey. The concern is Burress, who missed much of training camp with ankle and back problems.

“This team came a long way,” said Toomer, who has returned from major knee surgery. “There were times early in camp where it was touch and go, but the young guys stepped up and our defense played real well.”

After a dismal performance in the preseason opener, the defense improved under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, allowing one touchdown in the next two games.

Justin Tuck, who like Strahan missed a good part of last season with a serious foot injury, has been outstanding filling in at left end. Osi Umenyiora has been a force on the other side.

Mathias Kiwanuka has been adequate making the transition from defensive end to strongside linebacker, and free agent Kawika Mitchell has looked good as weakside linebacker. With Pro Bowler Antonio Pierce in the middle, the linebackers are solid.

The weakness is the secondary, especially with veteran Sam Madison battling a hamstring injury. Rookie cornerback Aaron Ross should provide help at some point.

“This is going to be a team you can be proud of,” Pierce said. “I know one thing you love in New York is defense. When I came here from that other team (Washington) I saw the (tradition) at linebacker: Carl Banks, Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson. But this group is going to work hard and play some ball.”

One area not settled is the kicking job. Neither veteran Lawrence Tynes nor free agent Josh Huston has won it, although Huston has kicked better lately.

(AP)

Droughns To Fullback?

With no true fullback on the Giants roster, Big Blue may give the nod to recently acquired Reuben Droughns to fill that void, according to an article in the New York Post.

I miss Jim Finn. Moving Droughns to fullback could be significant on several fronts. Most importantly, Brandon Jacobs has yet to prove that he can be an everyday back. Are we ready to put all of our stock in him? Granted he’s a big, solid, downhill runner, but I was content with Jacobs and Droughns splitting carries until one emerged as the clear starter. It’d be tough going into week 6 or 7 with a running-back controversy. Thirty carries a week is a lot to expect from a guy who looks like he’s getting into a car crash every play.

From a fantasy perspective, the inclination would be to pick Jacobs up with a late-round pick, right? Not so fast. I’d stay away from both these guys – not that you were going to draft either one over LT or LJ in the first place, but there are too many questions surrounding carries, position, etc. that might leave you with a guy who is touching the ball only half the time. Wait this one out until one emerges as THE guy.

Strahan Back Soon?

Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan had constructive talks with the New York Giants twice in the past 24 hours, and he expects to make a decision soon on whether to retire or play.

General manager Jerry Reese described the talks on Monday night and Tuesday morning as “constructive and positive,” the team said in an e-mail to the media Tuesday afternoon.

Reese said Tuesday morning’s talk ended with Strahan telling him he expects to arrive at a decision about whether to continue playing within two days.

Tony Agnone, Strahan’s agent, did not immediately return an e-mail from The Associated Press seeking comment.

If the 35-year-old Strahan decides to play, he will have missed the entire preseason and will only have one week to prepare for the Giants’ season opener at Dallas on Sept. 9. The Giants (1-2) play their final preseason game on Thursday night in Foxborough, Mass. against the New England Patriots.

Strahan’s holdout and possible retirement has been the overriding story since the Giants players reported to training camp at the University at Albany on July 27. His holdout hit its 33rd day on Tuesday, and he has been fined $14,288 daily.

His fine total is $471,504.

While there were initial reports that Strahan wanted to renegotiate the contract that will pay him $4 million this season, he denied in an open letter to Giants fans on Aug. 5 that money had anything to do with his decision to stay away.

“When an athlete like myself — who does what I do for a living — starts having doubts, then it’s time to take a step back and seriously consider my future,” Strahan said in the letter that was distributed via e-mail by Agnone.

“Anyone who plays in the NFL with doubts or second guessing is not only putting themselves at risk, but their teammates also,” Strahan added. “I will never do that.”

Strahan’s 132½ sacks are tops among active players, and he set an NFL single-season record with 22½ sacks in 2001.

Many teammates have felt for weeks that Strahan will play this season.

Pro Bowl middle linebacker Antonio Pierce walked out of the locker room minutes before Reese announced that he had talked to Strahan and saw reporters waiting in the tunnel under Giants Stadium. Pierce also saw a luxury automobile from a car service.

“You guys waiting for Strahan?” Pierce quipped before he walked away laughing.

Whatever Strahan decides, the Giants discovered in training camp that they have two other solid defensive ends in one-time Pro Bowler Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, who like Strahan missed part of last season with a Lisfranc foot injury.

Tuck had four tackles, a sack and a pressure in the 20-12 loss to the Jets on Saturday.

(AP)

Should Anyone Play Against New England?!?!?!

Receiver Plaxico Burress did not practice on Tuesday and his status for Thursday’s preseason finale against the New England Patriots is uncertain because of a lower back injury.

Coach Tom Coughlin said that Burress worked with the trainers inside Giants Stadium.

Burress missed the first two preseason games because of a sprained ankle. He sat out last weekend’s contest against the Jets with the flu.

“We will see,” Coughlin said of Burress’ availability on Thursday. “I am going to say he is (out) for now, but who knows?”

Starting weakside linebacker Kawika Mitchell will not play on Thursday because of a groin injury suffered against the Jets.

(AP)

Kuehl Out For 2007 Season

Another hit for the Giants.

Veteran long-snapper Ryan Kuehl was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a calf injury.

It marked the second time in five years with the Giants that Kuehl will miss a season because of an injury. An elbow problem sidelined him in 2003.

Rookie linebacker Zak DeOssie (yes, the son of Steve DeOssie #99) will handle the snaps on punts, and rookie defensive tackle Jay Aford will snap on field goals and extra points.

Kuehl was hurt after making a snap in a non-contact punting drill in the opening days of training camp about a month ago.

“He took one step back and it looked like he got shot,” punter Jeff Feagles said after the injury.

(AP)

Who Is Anthony Mix?

Anthony Mix is a 24-year-old undrafted free agent (2006).

He’s a 6-5 receiver (looks like a tight end) out of Auburn who weighs in at a whopping 252 pounds.

Against the Jets Saturday Mix had 7 catches for 45 yards with a touchdown.

On August 11, Mix had one reception, a touchdown for 10 yards. Against the Ravens on August 19 he pulled in 5 catches for 43 yards.

In 2005 playing for the Auburn Tigers, Mix had 23 catches for 288 yards with two touchdowns. A year prior he had 19 catches for 294 with 3 touchdowns.

Mix is in his second year with the Giants. He spent 2006 on the Giants practice squad. I’d look for Mix to be among the mix of Giants wide receivers this year. He’s impressed coaches in practice and in preseason games and his size and speed and reason enough to keep him around. Tom Coughlin would like to see Mix play a more active role on special teams, but it the Giants receivers go down this year with injuries, Mix might get his chances.

David Tyree Out With Broken Wrist

Giants WR #85 is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after breaking his wrist.

Tom Coughlin discusses Tyree’s injury and other injuries here on Giants.com.

It’s no secret, but the Giants definitely have some issues at WR with a bunch of injuries. Most notably is Plaxico Burress who has missed some practice with an injured back.

In a New York Post article Tom Coughlin says the team has no intentions of trying out kickers outside the organization. Against the Jets on Saturday, both Giants kickers, vet Lawrence Tynes and novice Josh Huston, missed makeable kicks. Tynes missed from 40 and 43 before hitting a 40 yarder and Huston missed a 42 yarder. That’s 9 points! Yikes!

Gary Myers of the NY Daily News reports that Michael Strahan continues to mull retirement. Strahan missed all of Giants training camp this year.

“It’s no distraction, no distraction at all,” defensive end Osi Umenyiora insisted Monday, according to the Daily News. “We’re all pretty much focused on what we need to do. We still have another preseason game. We’ve got Dallas in two weeks.”

An article in the Newark Star Ledger reports that Eli Manning’s 111.3 quarterback rating is ninth-best in league and his completion percentage is 10th, HOWEVER, there are concerns over the Giants’ offensive line’s depth. Because we needed more questions with the Giants offense? According to the Ledger, the Giants offense is “walking the line.” Reporting by Johnny Cash. And that, my friends, is what we call a joke. Try the veal, I’ll be here all week.

On Monday, the Giants announced several roster cuts. The Giants have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to get down to 75 players.

Enjoy the U.S. Open everyone and get pumped for Dallas,

Ryan

Giants – Jets First Half Thoughts

By Ryan Murphy, WNBC.com Editor

The first play aside, I’m pleasantly pleased with the Giants so far.

Offense – moved the ball down field. Could have gotten inside the red zone a bit more, but Manning looked good and I am extremely impressed with WR Anthony Mix (I was going to write that before his touchdown, too.) Jacobs looked decent, I’m just worried about this guy taking a beating if he carries 30 times a game. The upside is clearly his size so maybe he’ll be distributing more beatings than taking them.

Defense – mulligan on the first play and they were putting for birdie every series after that. The Giants D-line made Jets O-line look like Swiss cheese and Pennington had 80 total yards. Remember, 79 came on the first play. A+ for the Giants D in the first half. A safety always helps too, but that’s more a credit to special teams coverage.

Special Teams – a little disconcerted about missing 2 field goals with our supposed starting kicker. I’m over it fast though as preseason is just that – PRE season. 0 for 2 in a close game during the regular season will not evoke the same response, I assure you that. You can’t give up 6 points, ever. I still think Tynes will be our guy on opening day. But why is kicker such a shaky position for the Giants year in and year out? Great coverage on the punt that led to the safety. It’s nice to see David Tyree back in action.

All in all, Giants get an A- for first half action. I’d take a performance like this on opening day against Dallas in a heartbeat. Let’s see how bad second and third stringers want on this team…

By the way, kudos to Darrelle Rivas for tight coverage in the first half. My counterpart, Jim Scott will be pleased with his first half performance. Ouch…he just got drilled on a second-half punt return…sorry Jim

Ryan Response? Email me!