Something deeper with Bradshaw?
Tom Coughlin has said a few things lately that have us believing that leaving Ahmad Bradshaw out of the running back rotation in Week 1 against the Redskins was no accident.
Just as a refresher, here's what he said on the Friday after that game:
"That was my fault. I didn’t get that rotation worked out the way I really would want to ... When we were making yards they were tough yards and I was pleased with some of the things that were happening with Jacobs and then with Derrick Ward. Not that I am not pleased with Bradshaw. No, that is not the case, but I just didn’t get the right rotation."
Then, on Sunday night, after the game, Coughlin used this quote, making it sound as if something was physically wrong with Bradshaw last week:
"You could see, I think, in the beginning of the ballgame as he warmed up that he was really quick, he really looked like his old self."
Finally, today, Coughlin was asked a rather innocent question about Bradshaw and if his performance showed that he was keeping himself ready to go. That's when Coughlin got a little edgy.
"Everyone made a real big deal about last week. There are reasons for everything, not all are shared. The opportunity came this week, he obviously did a great job in that situation, he was a very nice momentum change for us, and he was ready. I knew he was ready. As I told you yesterday after the game he warmed up well, he really worked well with his return game, and I thought that he certainly was ready to go and he was focused and ready to go. It was all positive."
Then we asked about that "looked like his old self" comment. Had Coughlin not seen that earlier?
"Not necessarily, and it was no reflection on him. He has had a couple of nagging things that have bothered him, but hopefully he is now beyond that. Certainly he enjoyed playing yesterday and doing some really good things. It was good to see that."
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Comments (9)
I originally thought it was that calf injury that popped up the day before the 1st game, that kept him sideline, just to be on the safe side
Although, I do admit he did look Great agianst the rams in the 4th quarter. 5 for 50 with 2 tds (one was reception for 18 yds score)
I think they should try to squeeze him into the rotation in the 2nd half before halftime. and then again in the 4th
But I love our Earth, Wind and Fire combination.
And will somebody tell me why they were trying to go deep with Toomer? They tried it like 3-4 times, and it just wasnt there.
Dont get me wrong, Toomer is a great receiver, but when you have a Plax, a Smith, a Hixon. Hell, Moss might be the best bet in going deep (like the redskins did to win the game). And when Manningham gets out there, thats another deep threat (any update on him? like when we might seen him in some action).
Just very curious that they went deep with Toomer
Steve B.
Which wideout would you want to sit in favor of Manningham? They aren't going to dress all 6 of them so because he didn't get on the field this summer odds are he'll have to wait until an injury opens the door for him.
As for why they went deep with Toomer - it was a match up thing. The Rams corners are awful and the Giants were trying to exploit that.
I sorta agree with you Steve B. Age and a host of past injuries have slowed Toomer down alot. He is no longer a deep threat, not even when a below average corner is covering him. I disagree when you say he is a great receiver. I love everything Toomer did for the team in the past. I have his authograph picture proudly displayed in my office, but his best days are long gone. The fact is, he is slow and not elusive. Besides the one play in the Dallas playoff game (I'll admit, it was a helluva catch and run) he didn't make anyone miss last year. It was always catch the ball and fall down. With Hixon and Smith on the bench, I don't think he should be starting. Especially with Jacobs and Hedgecock on the field, we need to get some speed into the lineup.
The thing with Manningham is that its one of those good problems to have. We just have so much depth at WR and so many good players, but at the end of the day one of them has to sit.
I really like Moss and I think he has unique speed that nobody can match. The thing is, the Giants dont really use him that much (I dont know if its Manning not throwing to him, or just he is not on the field all together). So if its between Moss being dress and not playing, vs Manningham being dressed and playing, i'll chose Manningham.
BTW. I am a Toomer fan, I think he has great hands, but I just didnt like the play calling with him going deep. Its like last week when the play called for Manning to roll out to his left, and he couldnt set his feet and had to throw across his body which resulted in a pick.
Granted its still earlier in the season, and I am sure things will get worked out, maybe its just a timing thing who knows. But, our Offense sure does look loaded and I cant wait until we face some high qualtiy opponents like Dallas, Steelers, Eagles.
Have a buddy who works in the front office. Bradshaw was having difficulty with one of his knees.
Zeke
Hey Tom
quick question. at the end of the game Aron Ross came up to fill on a running a play. he and pierce made the tackle and then ross stayed down on the turf. Pierce motioned to the sidelines no too unlike LT calling the redskins trainers for Joe Theisman.
Any news on what happened there?
Frank
Just a stinger, Frank. He'll be OK.
I disagree about the thoughts with Toomer and how he should not be the number 2.... He is still clearly the 2nd best receiver on this team. He does not drop the ball, has a knack for getting open and is the safety valve for Eli. He definitley isn't as fast as he once was but it has to tell you something when Eli is still throwing the ball to him downfield.
Smith and Hixon are a great 3/4 combo. Moss, still has shown me nothing. I actually would prefer getting Manningham in ther to show what he can do.