The Giants' off-season workouts began today, the involuntary/voluntary stuff that coaches expect all their players to attend but end up disappointed when a few folks go off on their own... Coughlin especially.
The team released a story by in-house writer Mike Eisen that included this paragraph:
"Despite the departure of several high-profile players, those who were in the locker room today stressed the Giants still have a strong nucleus. The group includes quarterback Eli Manning, wide receivers Plaxico Burress and Toomer, tight end Jeremy Shockey, linemen Chris Snee, Shaun O’Hara, David Diehl and McKenzie, defensive ends Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, Madison and safeties Will Demps and Gibril Wilson."
I asked a person with the Giants if that meant that said nucleus was on hand today, or just part of the strong nucleus. Answer: Part of the nucleus.
One player who was there today said he didn't see either 17 or 80... So I guess they're not quite ready to jump on-board. To be fair, today was just lifting weights and getting to know one another. A quote from Michael Strahan, via Eisen:
"This change is bigger than most. This isn’t the usual one guy’s gone and replaced. This is a big change. It will be interesting to see how we adjust. I don’t know a lot of guys here, but I know a lot of them are young and we’re depending on some of those guys to do some stuff.”
Some guys, some stuff... Sounds like a plan.
Comments (4)
Ummm...wasn't this the very same "nucleus" that claimed during camp last year that their defense was one of the best in the league?
I think it's time to split the atom here.
As far as the crux of your post, this is the reason Couglin needs to go. If Coughlin was any type of disciplinarian, he'd sit Plax and Chokey (or cut either one) until they get it. Reeves cut Pepper Johnson because he caused dissention. The QB and field general wants you in practice, early. BE THERE!
Is writing for the NY Giants so demanding that you need to take this huge break from actual coverage? During the season I read your column frequently but you have practically disappeared over the last month. Writing midnight blog entries is lame. You're a writer and I expected more. Hardly a thing on the 2 FA signings or a read into what Reese's future plans may be. What about the draft? Are you planning to wait until it's over and enter a one paragraph blog thought?
Why can't Shockey and Burress be there now? I just don't understand it.
Arthur, any likelihood at all that Lance Briggs and Antonio Pierce will be re-united?
Arthur, The Shockey Burress thing is getting old isn't it? I mean these two think they are bigger than the team. If it meant winning now and getting Eli to where we need him to be with his recievers, wouldn't you stay in NJ and workout? Sick of thier antics.