Word around the OTAs is that while Shockey isn't here now, he'll show up for the minicamp next week. That won't create much of a media circus, will it?
The backup quarterback battle is taking shape. After Eli took his reps, Anthony Wright took the second-teamers and Jared Lorenzen went with the third-stringers. David Carr didn't play all that much in 11-on-11 drills, but when he did participate he seemed hesitant. He threw two straight passes to the wrong spot (which could just as well have been receiver mistakes).
Andre Woodson didn't take part in any of the reps because he's being held out as a precaution. Remember, he injured his quad in rookie minicamp. He said he'll be back in the rotation next week when the team holds its involuntary full-team minicamp.
Here was the starting defense for the Giants today: Across the front were Justin Tuck, Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield and Dave Tollefson (Osi and Strahan were not on the field). The linebackers were Kiwanuka on the strong side, Chase Blackburn in the middle and Wilkinson on the weak side. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster were the starting corners, James Butler was the free safety and Michael Johnson was the strong safety.
For Kiwanuka, this was the most aggressively he's played since his season ended last year with a broken leg. He said he felt fine, that it wasn't a concern to him mentally or physically. He also said he feels like he can pick up right where he left off in terms of his linebacker development, which was just starting to click at the time of the injury. He also said he'd be fine being moved back to DE if the Giants want to do that, saying he has no problems playing any position as long as it gets him on the field.
Kenny Phillips said it's different sitting back and not getting starter's reps in practices, but it's a good learning experience for him as he watches the veterans and how they react to different plays. He also said he and his agent are expecting to hear from the Giants shortly with an initial offer regarding his contract.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled baseball season.
Comments (5)
Tom, it's a little strange for me to read your columns about the Giants...I used to read your fishing reports. It'll take a little time.
Sorry for the confusion, 92. But it sounds like the blues are biting, if that helps.
how is danny ware looking in practice?
Jake: DW is getting some reps. Didn't exactly stand out, but he wasn't falling down either. It's tough to tell when there is no tackling. I did speak with Ware about his new jewels (i.e. Super Bowl ring) and he said he happened to get together with some of his buds from his (our) days with the Jets. He said they were giving him a hard time about it, telling him not to bring it around anymore.
For what it's worth, I really thought he was good enough to make the Jets' roster out of camp last year. I think he'll have a role in the rotation here. The one thing that hurts him (as it did last year in Hempstead) is a lack of real special teams contributions. But maybe that'll change this summer.
T Rock,
How does the WR battle seem to be shaping up? Is Manningham back to running routes yet? Also, how does DJ Hall look? Could he be that deep threat we've been missing?
Thanks! Keep up the good work.