So there's Jeremy Shockey, walking slowly, looking like Tyson heading to a post-Holyfield fight press conference. And Plaxico Burress walking gingerly on a sore right ankle that kept him out of this morning's practice.
Never speak ill of Coach Coughlin, or look what can happen to you.
Actually, Burress said he wasn't worried about his ankle and he should return tomorrow. Shockey, on the other hand, said the headaches, light sensitivity and nausea were still with him. If they're not gone by tomorrow, this could linger.
And a quick note to the Giants (and the NFL at large): There's no such thing as a mild concussion. You could bump into me ever so lightly and I might not be right for a year or two; conversely, I could Superfly Snuka you from the top turnbuckle and drive your head into concrete and you could be fine. Everyone's different. Shockey said this is his first concussion, but I doubt that -- not the way the NFL treats concussions, even now when the evidence from all the leading neurosurgeons shows that any blow to the head is damaging and that these things are cumulative.
Ask Al Toon, or Wayne Chrebet, or Eric Lindros how many concussions it takes to make you want to quit. They had several, but sometimes it only takes one.
OK, rant over.
S James Butler worked back into the rotation this morning after he was cleared to return by the team's medical staff. Butler has a genetic kidney ailment that was discovered in the spring, but he can play with extra padding covering his kidneys.
CB Corey Webster made two good plays on long passes -- he really should have picked off one deep Eli Manning throw intended for Tim Carter, but the other was pure athleticism when he leaped to deflect a Manning pass for Amani Toomer. Webster is improving daily.
TE Darcy Johnson, in a legitimate fight for the third tight end roster spot, made two superb catches this morning.
Our MJMD (Michael Jennings Moment of the Day) got a little more widespread pub than usual. One Five made five catches this morning, drawing attention from some of my colleagues, enough to prompt a question to Coughlin. The coach wouldn't bite though.
"He has the quickness and the zip," Coughlin said. "He hasn't made too many plays out here, but hopefully that'll come."
I waited until after the gaggle had parted for Coughlin to ask him about Jennings' "Put Me In Coach!" t-shirt. With a dismissive wave of his hand that is a move straight out of my grandmother's playbook -- she usually does it when she's fed up with me -- Coughlin didn't crack a smile.
"Earn the right," he said. "Earn the right."
I did hear from a couple other players that Coughlin, as MJ said, did like the shirt. But play time's over, I guess.
Comments (5)
I love seeing Shockey knocked around. His act, and that of so many fellow U alums, is sickening. On another note, I was underwhelmed by the secondary moves this offseason. I doubt Madison has much to add. But I'm sold on Demps!
Mark my words - Demps will be the biggest pickup of the offseason.
And the next time Shockey yells at Eli, I hope Eli calls him out publicly. This act is really, REALLY tired.
The Shockey concussion is the exact type that we are focused on. Hits to the facemask are the most common type that transfers force through the chinstrap then the jaw bone and finally the skull base. The Patriots who wear this, %70, do not have this problem or the dizziness, sensation of seeing stars or other destructive affects of concussion. If you or one of your staff would like to report on this in relation to Roethlisberger now would be a good time. Shockey is a high paid, integral part of their team. The money and continuity it costs teams is devastating to the franchise. The Rams had five guys sitting due to concussion last year. The odds of shockey having another has gone up exponentially, we think, because his jaw has now lost its cartilage and is considered to have a boxers "glass jaw" there is no question Roethlisberger does. It makes sense to correct it the NFL's own stats support its use. Pellman say's in our February ESPN the Magazine story " a few success stories does not mean we can circumvent the process" or " it could have a detrimental affect on some other area of the body" (paraphrased). Then why haven't they issued an investigation into why the Pats have been so healthy wearing this orthodic appliance for over twenty five years.Because it would discredit all the research he did on the Revolution helmet. Not one of the players for the patriot had ever needed a revolution helmet, none in the history of use with the Maher mouth guard, all the NFL stats with the Patriots was pre revolution. Where is the outrage, Crebet, Holmes, Holcolme, Alexander, the list goes into the NHL also. This was available four years ago and it was shelved by the NFL. Even Riddell is saying that blows to the jaw are a major factor. Roethliberger and the health of the franchises is the focus today.
PLEASE continue this throughout the season. This is a great blog with GREAT insight. I sincerely hope that you will continue this throughout the regular season and continue to offer your insight.
Great anecdotes from the officials briefing. Your blog is now a "must-read" for jints fans...