The State of the 2006 Football Giants
According to the Professor
Sponsored by Dr. Jim'sTailgate Experience

Well, hello Professor. Come on in and sit right down. What is on your mind? Another season of football is upon us, and we eagerly await your uncannily accurate predictions for our beloved G-Men.

January 15, 2007, Following a post-season loss to the Eagles, the Professor dons his personnel hat.

Dr Jim, The professor feels his comments must be segmented into installments to avoid the possibility of a rambling babbling fool.  There is so much fertile ground to cover.

My first installment involves what I see with the personnel who put on the Big Blue uniform.  They look sooo purtieee in those uniforms but can play so uuugly at times.  So, let us begin with what The Professor sees as priorities for improvement.  First priority is to make some changes in the secondary.  I would replace two for sure.  Demps and Madison have not been impressive.  Never have I seen a secondary fail to come up big when needed.  Not only did they fail to make key plays in crucial situations, but how about allowing several degrees of separation.  I have never seen receivers so wide open.  You can't blame it all on the pass rush.  McQuarters I can live with because he also returns punts.  Wilson was steady and aggressive all year.  The other two, see ya.  I don't care if you use the draft or you use free agency.  The Giants must tighten that secondary.  Remember how many potential interceptions they let slip through their fingers.  Hands like feet.

Priority number two.  Get a big time wide receiver, anyway you can.  Toomer has been a great player and a class act.  I admire him as a person and a player.  However, he is getting old and coming off the injury.  Tim Carter was a tremendous disappointment.  He was virtually invisible at times.  Moss is too iffy because he really didn't play due to injuries.  Tyree is a special teams guy.  Plaxico is a head case.  I wouldn't say Jennings is the answer either. 

Priority number three.  At the beginning of the year we all felt linebacker would be a strength of this team.  I no longer see that as the case.  Who knows what you'll get from Arrington coming of his Achilles injury.  Forget about Carlos Emmons.  He has slowed down significantly.  He has to go.  Brandon Short is a back-up.  Keep him for depth.  Pierce is the only one that is steady and reliable.  I would give Blackburn a shot.  That kid plays with smarts and hustle.  Wilkerson is a possibility for the future.  He received some valuable playing time this past season.  Get a kick-ass linebacker.

Finally, priority number four, a running back.  Brandon Jacobs may not be the total answer to replace Tiki.  He runs too vertical at times, and is prone to fumbling at key moments.  His decision making at times is boneheaded.  (Remember the Chicago game, using the football to celebrate).  He does get stopped in short yardage situations more than a 260 pound man should.  I would go after a runner on the free agent market or in the draft.  Correct me if I heard incorrectly, but I think the runner from Green Bay is available, a Mr. Green. 

Next installment let talk about the return of Tom C. and the removal of Tim Lewis.  Plus other coaches, and a G.M.  The Professor has left the building.

December 29, 2006, The Professor offers his comments prior to tomorrow's final regular season game against the Redkskins and in the wake of the 30-7 drubbing by the Saints. This, after winning just one game in the last seven weeks.

Having watched that miserable performance last week, I feel that picture is about right. The tailgating is much better than the games. Tom Coughlin has lost that team. Time for a new coach to go along with the new G.M. I have heard the names of Charlie Weiss and Bill Belichick mentioned. The organization needs to bring in someone who will instill discipline on this team. The Professor predicts another loss on Saturday night. The Giants haven't won down in D.C. in a few years. The Redskin running game will wear them down. Another lackluster performance by the offense seals Tom Coughlin's fate. We should hope for a loss. This is one of those occasions where there is more to be gained by a loss than a victory. If the Giants win they make the playoffs. Big deal! They go down to Philly and get blown away. Just making the playoffs may save Coughlin's job for another year. The Giants pick later in the draft, and get a harder schedule for next year. All of the opposite things occur if they lose. We get a better coach, a higher draft pick, and an easier schedule next year. Redskins 27, Giants 17. Then it is wait till next year. The Professor has had enough lousy football for one season. Just end it already! Call Dr. Kavorkian.

November 26, 2006, Giants prepare for today's game against Tennessee after losing to Chicago and Jacksonville, dropping their record to 6-4.
"The wheels are loose on the wagon, and could very well be falling off!"

Dr. Jim, the Professor has been watching the G-Men over the past few weeks and has some things to say.

First of all, no matter who says what, there is no getting around the rash of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. When you are looking to bring back Lance Legree, that tells me the defensive line is in more trouble than we realize. The defense has been on the field too much. They wear down by the end of the third quarter. That puts a great deal of pressure on the offense to make the big plays. The Giants are not that type of an offense. They work best with the shorter passes and then using Tiki when the other team is playing the pass. Toomer was a big part of that passing attack. Now they can focus on Shockey and Plaxico. At this point Tyree and Carter don"t scare defenses.

The other thing that concerns me is the lack of progress that Eli has shown. When Eli first arrived, the excuse was the offensive line. They were mediocre in peformance and lacked depth. That is no longer the case. The offensive line is a quality unit. O'Hara, Snee, etc. are quality linemen. Even without Toomer, there should be enough weapons on the field for Eli to use. However, his passes are in the ground or over the head. It seems the only time he puts it on the numbers is to the other team. He has at times shown the ability to rally the team, but not this year.

Now the coaching staff. The head coach was brought in with the reputation for discipline. I don't see the Giants as a disciplined team. In the Bears game, Jacobs scores a touchdown and then celebrates with the football under his jersey. That leads to a penalty on the kick-off that shortens the field. The Bears then get a a three pointer out of it. Way to kill the inertia after a touchdown, Brandon. The next day, Coach Tom was asked if that wasn't the second time Jacobs had been penalized for that same infraction. Coach Tom responded that it was the second time. The reporter said, "shouldn't Jacobs have learned his lesson?" Coach Tom said, " you would think so." What so you mean, MISTER DISCIPLINARIAN? You make sure that every player gets the message. What about Plaxico? Or as I refer to him "our mini T.O." When he goes into his pout for whatever reason and doesn't seem to give his best. Or when he gets a holding penalty and then disappears from the offense.

Coach, has the offensive coordinator been coming up with game plans that inspire?. Why did you wait to get Shockey into the offensive pass scheme against Jacksonville? Why did you not use Tiki to run the ball a bit more? Why do Coach Tom's players keep shooting their mouths to reporters if you keep insisting your door is always open? Tiki has now done that twice, and Shockey has also come up with his comments about being outcoached. Doesn"t it seem like the coach is about to lose the locker room? In the Bears game I noticed the body language of Lovie Smith and Coughlin. Smith seemed cool, collected and focused on the events taking place. Coach Tom seemed aggitated, and all over the place. He doesn't always seem in total control. Could that rub off on the team? Does that encourgage organization? How many time do the Giants have to call time on offense to avoid a delay of game? I don't see it as often with their opponents. How about if everyone on this team just start giving the reporters those vague answers we all know to their questions. "We have to work harder as a team, and play 60 minutes." You know the answers I am talking about. All of you, JUST SHUT UP AND PLAY FOOTBALL!

Finally, if the Giants lose today it gets real ugly the rest of the way. Then it is the wild card game. We don't want to play that game. If the Giants don't contain the Titans quarterback, and make some big plays on both sides of the ball, the Giants lose another critical game. Right now the Professor is not filled with optimism. I see 6-5 after today, and hope to see our defensive ends back for the wild card push. The wheels are loose on the wagon, and could very well be falling off. Who would have thought it just three weeks ago? The Professor has left for the bomb shelter.

The Professor Issues a Postscript to after the Giants blow a 21-0 lead in the fourth quarter, losing 24-21.

1. I mentioned our "mini T.O." He sure doesn't disappoint. Gives up on a pass route. Lack of discipline.
2. Where was the offense in the 4th quarter. In particular, Eli and Tiki? How about 28 yards in the 4th quarter. Lack of discipline.
3. What the heck is Kiwanuka doing? Never IN MY LIFE have I seen a play like that. He fails to wrap up the quarterback and the game on 4th down! Lack of discipline.
4. What is Eli thinking with his interception with 23 seconds left in the game. Just plain stupid.
5. Who the heck is calling these plays on offense.
6. A roughing the passer by Walker out of bounds. A lack of discipline.
7. Maybe my theory about Coughlin and his team not having discipline is not as far-fetched as it may have seemed earlier today.
8. The wheels are officially off the wagon. Forget about the wild card. This team is DONE!!
9. Dr. Jim, put this game right below the collapse in the playoffs against San Fran. in 2002-03.

September 24, 2006, Giants lose to Seattle, 42-30

Memo to Shockey: Shut up and play football!

The professor says Amen! I don't know what is going on with this team. The coaching staff better get a handle on things real fast or this season could go sour faster than an open bottle of wine during a heat wave.

Shockey should shut his mouth and play football. What has he won during his tenure? A division championship that ended in an el-foldo, and a playoff appearance that was an el-foldo in San Francisco.

There seems to be a theme here. Why are receivers of their opponents so wide open? Why is there such an abundance of penalties? Why is it taking the team three quarters to warm up? Why were there 28 points scored last week off of turnovers? Every member of that team inclding Mr. Shockey better get some amswers real soon. Otherwise, it won't be long till we see a banner flying over Giants Stadium again that will read X years of lousy football.

Could the team just make some big plays on both sides of the ball without shooting themselves in the foot? A season of 8-8 is begiining to look good. The Professor must go and remove all sharp objects in his vacinity. Also, remind me to remove my shoelaces. Thank God for a Bye..

August 19, 2006. The Giants win their first two exhibition games:

Thank you for that kind introduction. The Professor is having a more difficult time than usual coming up with an accurate feel for the upcoming season. There are too many loose ends. The first thing that is worrisome is the schedule. It is a tough row to hoe. Two of the three games that start the season are on the road with tough teams, and the home game to start is against the Colts. Then there is the bye and the Redskins come into the Meadowlands for game four. Not to mention game two is in Seattle. That is a difficult way to begin a season.

It would not be out of the question for the Giants to be 1-3 after the first four games. That would mean they realistically could only afford to lose three more games for the rest of the season to finish 10-6. I think we all agree that is a record that is the minimum of getting into the playoffs. A 9-7 record requires too much help from other teams winning and losing in those crazy tie-breaker scenarios.

Now to the specifics. I have no great concerns with the offense. Eli will be better than last year. He seems to have the body language at the line of scrimmage that radiates confidence. He sees the field better and releases the ball quickly. He also has a tremendous amount of talent at his command. Toomer is steady and reliable. Shockey is Shockey. He will provide the energy and will usually make the play. Tiki will have another great year. Now we add Tim "Warp 7" Carter to the receiving and the end arounds. That man is fast! What is the main reason I have confidence in the offense? The offensive line is the strongest is has been since the Super Bowl years. One exception to that optimism is Luke Pettigout. His back could go at any moment. However, there is depth to that line. The Giants will score points and there will be fewer false starts to kill drives.

My real concern is how the defense comes together. There is no problem with the ends. Osi and Strahan will be there. I am worried about the interior of the front four and stopping the run. That keeps the defense on the field too long and wears them down. Then it doesn't help you if you have a high powered offense that cannot get on the field. Their first rounder from Boston College looks like he has a nose for the QB. Justin Tuck looks good. The defense looks like it has really improved in overall speed. I do feel the secondary will come together nicely and do a steady job.

Now my real concern on defense. The linebackers. On paper they look like the strength of the team. When in reality you have Emmons, Pierce, Short, and most importantly, Arrington coming off of injuries. Not to mention Blackburn(who looks good). This could be the strength of the team or a glaring weakness. I also like the rookie they picked at linebacker, number 59. His name currently escapes me. Add Reggie Tobor and you have some depth, or, you wonder where to get a healthy linebacker to play a game. Arrington really concerns me. If he is healthy, the defense will be awesome. If not, "HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM".

As you can see, too many unknowns to deal with this year. I can see 12-4 if things fall into place, and a nice run in the playoffs. Then I can see 8-8 and it is, see you next year when we draft some healthy linebackers and a game breaking running back to replace Tiki in the near future. These is my predictions for two very different records. The Professor is mentally drained. He has left the building.