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Posts Tagged ‘New York Giants’

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New York Giants Offensive Line One of The All-Time Best

In New York Giants, New York Giants Offensive Line on December 4, 2008 at 7:51 am

New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara, No. 60, leads the NFL's best offensive line.

New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara, No. 60, leads the NFL's best offensive line.

Offensive linemen. It’s as if the word offensive in their job title hints at something else besides the fact they are actually part of the unit that handles the ball. No other player is so thoroughly under appreciated and marginalized in football.

And they know all too well how the football adage goes—if their names aren’t called they are doing their jobs.

But the New York Giants offensive line has been so good they are starting to be recognized for the job they do.

Leading the NFL in total rushing yards, average yards per rush, average yards rushing per game, total points scored, and average points scored per game will do that.

Don’t know this group that helped the Giants win the Super Bowl?

They are left tackle David Diehl, left guard Rich Seubert, center Shaun O’Hara, right guard Chris Snee, and right tackle Kareem McKenzie.

Television color analyst John Madden calls them the best offensive line in the NFL.

They are young enough to have a great future—Diehl is 28, Seubert and McKenzie each are 29, O’Hara is 31, and Snee is 26.

A great offensive line takes time to put together as ESPN’s John Clayton wrote before the Giants’ Super Bowl win. And the line went through different experimental phases and players to get to it’s present lineup today as Giants beat writer Michael Eisen wrote in June 2005.

All the hard work has paid off.

“Collectively those five guys are as good as any Pro Bowl offensive line you can put together,” said Bart Oates, who was the center on the Giants’ Super Bowl teams in ‘86 and ‘90.

“They work as well together as any group I have ever seen,” said Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Before a game against the Giants, the Baltimore Ravens gave up an average of 65.4 rushing yards.

Running back Brandon Jacobs ran for more than half that amount on the second play and the Giants finished with their fifth 200-yard game of the season.

“The holes were gaping. Gaping,” said Ravens defensive end Trevor Pryce after the game. “If you give any NFL back holes like that, he’s going to look like Gayle Sayers.”

The line has started intact almost every game for the past two seasons.

Oakland Raiders personnel executive Mike Lombardi believes that since there is no clear favorite for MVP with only four weeks left in the regular schedule, why not consider the Giants’ offensive line?

He believes the line has controlled games, paving the way for the NFL’s most powerful team.

History indicates that the award will go to a skill player. Although the award does not have to go to one player and can go to a position group, it’s never happened.

Since statistics are the focus in today’s sports, the Giants’ offensive line would not receive consideration because statistics for offensive lines are not officially recorded by the NFL.

Big, tough, and physical, the Giants’ offensive line most often own the line of scrimmage.

As well as the line has played in recent seasons, no single player has been voted for the Pro Bowl.

This season that will most likely change. Many football analysts believe that O’Hara, Seubert, and Snee will each go to their first Pro Bowl. The Giants are first in runs up the middle, sixth in runs to left tackle and tenth in runs to right tackle.

According to Pro Football Weekly, the three players have combined for just seven penalties and three sacks allowed.

Other analysts say that years from now, these five Giants linemen will rank up there with the ’60s Packers, ’70s Raiders, and ’90s Cowboys as one of the greatest offensive lines of all time.

If the Giants win another Super Bowl or two, the offensive line will certainly rank among the greats.

Let’s call their names in recognition for the job that they do as potentially one of the best units in NFL history.

Diehl, Seubert, O’Hara, Snee, McKenzie.

As Giants coach Tom Coughlin said, “They are the heart and soul of this team.”

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Giants Suspend Burress For Remainder of Season

In New York Giants, Plaxico Burress on December 2, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Plaxico Burress most likely has played his last game with the New York Giants.

Plaxico Burress most likely has played his last game with the New York Giants.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list by the team effectively ending his season.

Burress was suspended without pay for four games for conduct detrimental to the team for multiple and repeated violations of club rules, according to The New York Times.

The report indicates that the team physician believes that Burress would have been unable to play for at least four to six weeks in any event as a result of the gunshot wound that the wide receiver sustained.

Even without being placed on the non-football injury list, the earliest Burress would have been able to suit up for the Giants would have been in the divisional round of the playoffs and perhaps as late as the Super Bowl.

This is the second time this season the Giants have suspended Burress. He was suspended for 12 days, including a game against Seattle, because he missed team meetings without explanation.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin held him out of the first quarter of the Oct. 26 game against Pittsburgh because he missed treatment for an injury the day before.

Burress pulled his hamstring in the Giants’ win over Baltimore on Nov. 16. He aggravated the injury in the opening series the following week against Arizona and sat out the rest of that game.

The Giants, as required by league rules, listed Burress as inactive because of the hamstring injury the Friday afternoon before the game against Washington on Nov. 30.

Between the late evening hours of that Friday and early morning on Saturday, Burress’ gun incident occurred at a Manhattan night club.

Where Will The Giants Go From Here?

Domenik Hixon, Burress’ replacement throughout the season, has made the most of his opportunity. Hixon has made major contributions on offense in the four games in which Burress was out or missed significant playing time. He also has continued to make a significant impact on special teams.

Hixon was one of the keys in the Giants defeat of Arizona on Nov. 23.

Before this season, Hixon had started all but one game. This season, he has started two games. He will most likely be in the starting lineup for the rest of the season.

Quarterback Eli Manning has had stronger performances without Burress in the lineup this season. Against Washington last week, Manning completed five passes each to three different receivers and six receivers in total had a least one pass reception.

The Giants will rely more heavily on 13-year veteran Amani Toomer. In the game against Washington, Toomer was sometimes lined-up in the split end position which Burress usually occupies as the deep-threat.

Without Burress, Manning has completed more passes into the flat, the area of the field between the hash marks and the sideline near the line of scrimmage, to running back Derrick Ward. Tight end Kevin Boss has also been more involved in the passing game in the intermediate and middle area of the field.

Burress’ unavailability this season has not proved detrimental to the Giants passing game. In fact, the offense has performed more efficiently.

It remains to be seen what the long-term affects will be for the Giants without Burress on the field. As a deep-threat, Burress faced consistent double-teams, which provided single-coverage to other receivers.

So far this season, the Giants have able to maintain their offensive output. The team currently ranks No.4 in the league in offense.

Did The Giants Do The Right Thing in Suspending Burress?

As the Giants look to secure the No. 1 playoff seed in the NFC, the team’s swift and immediate suspension of Burress will allow the rest of the players to return their focus to football.

Injury, retirement, trade, and suspension has failed to slow down the Giants’ momentum this season.

The team has compiled an 11-1 record with injuries to Osi Umenyiora, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and James Butler, the retirement of Michael Strahan, and the trade of Jeremy Shockey.

Will Burress’ suspension prove to be too much to overcome for the Giants? The team’s continued success in the face of adversity would indicate otherwise.

As much as he was a distraction off the field, Burress connected with Manning for more touchdowns than any other quarterback-receiver combination in the NFL from 2005-07.

Will Manning miss the 6-foot-5 Burress, who was his favorite target, who would jump ever so high into the sky to pull down passes in the end zone? Maybe late in the playoffs, Manning will miss his reliable receiver.

The only thing more certain is that Burress most likely has played his final game in a Giants uniform.

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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg Jumping the Gun

In Michael Bloomberg, National Football League, New York Giants, Plaxico Burress on December 2, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Michael Bloomberg should withhold comment until the facts come out.

Michael Bloomberg should withhold comment until the facts come out.

Is there really a genuine reason why New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg had to get in front of the television cameras about the Plaxico Burress accidental gun-shooting incident?

He’s let everyone have a mayoral tongue-lashing—Burress, the New York Giants front office, the National Football League, the hospital, doctors, and nurses that treated Burress’ injury, the guy selling roasted nuts in front of City Hall, and just about anyone within arm’s reach.

Where was Bloomberg on his soap box when his Wall Street pals and cronies were shafting and bankrupting America with their bad mortgage-backed securities?

Bloomberg got in front of the TV cameras to score political brownie points.

Nothing speaks louder to John Q. Citizen walking the mean city streets than the big, bad mayor standing up to one of the many out of control and spoiled athletes that all the denizens happen to adore.

Burress needs to be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.” Burress is “a sports hero.” Burress is “both a public figure and a role model.”

“If we don’t prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law, I don’t know who on Earth we would,” Bloomberg said.

“It makes a sham, a mockery of the law. And it’s pretty hard to argue the guy didn’t have a gun and that it wasn’t loaded. You’ve got bullet holes in and out to show that it was there.”

Mayor, can we wait for all of the facts to come out before you speak your piece less than 24 hours after the incident?

A little more than 72 hours after wards, we still don’t know all the details.

What’s wrong with doing the mayoral thing and calling for reason, calm, to not hastily rush to judgment?

The New York Giants and the NFL are working with the proper authorities and conducting a fact-finding investigation.

Meanwhile, the mayor’s office is playing ringleader to the media’s circus (that of course, includes the mayor’s very own Bloomberg media company).

Today, after a moment to reflect, he’s not contrite whatsoever. In fact, he’s quoted as saying, “I don’t have nothing to apologize for. The law is the law.”

The mayor is obviously right about that, and no one deserves special treatment. But, Burress will have his day in court.

This shouldn’t be played out on television without all the facts. Last I heard, people aren’t formally tried in the court of public opinion.

Investigators need to do their jobs and not feel pressure from the mayor’s office to draw conclusions as they investigate.

This isn’t just harmless tough-talk from Bloomberg, his verbosity can actually jeopardize the case against Burress.

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Top 10 NFL Head Coaching Prospects for 2009

In Dallas Cowboys, National Football League, New England Patriots, New York Giants on December 2, 2008 at 1:21 am
New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the brightest head coaching prospects in football.

New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the brightest head coaching prospects in football.

Also check out the Top 10 NFL Head Coaching Vacancies for 2009.

10. Mike Heimerdinger, Offensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans

Heimerdinger has a solid reputation for his abilities on the offensive side of the ball. He’s worked under Mike Shanahan twice, helping develop Jay Cutler at quarterback. The Titans’ offense ranks sixth in rushing yards and seventh in points scored in the league.

9. Jim Caldwell, Associate Head Coach and Quarterbacks Coach, Indianapolis Colts

Caldwell coached in the college ranks for 20 years and was head coach for eight at Wake Forest. He’s helped develop quarterbacks and passing games in the NFL.

8. Bill Cowher, Former Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

Cowher sets an aggressive tone with his teams. He has a Super Bowl championship under his belt, two AFC championships, and was named AP Coach of the Year in 1992. Cowher is best with a veteran team.

7. Mike Martz, Offensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers

His accomplishments speak for themselves. The former Rams head coach is a great offensive mind. What seems to limit Martz is a reputation for not meshing well with others.

6. Ron Rivera, Defensive Coordinator, San Diego Chargers

The Bears defense fell off in 2007 with Rivera’s departure. He helped lead one of the most dominant defenses while defensive coordinator in Chicago. He has a solid background from his days in Philadelphia.

5. Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans

Schwartz has learned under Jeff Fisher and Bill Belichick. The Titan’s impressive start this year is primarily due to a resurgent defensive unit that has lost many players in recent offseasons due to salary cap restrictions.

4. Rex Ryan, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens

Ryan has helped lead one of the best defensive units in nine seasons with the Ravens. In his three seasons as coordinator, Ryan’s defense has ranked among the top six in the league each year. Baltimore was No. 1 in the NFL in 2006, surrendering the fewest points.

3. Josh McDaniels, Offensive Coordinator, New England Patriots

What McDaniels has been able to achieve this season without Tom Brady is remarkable. He’s learned under one of the best in the business in Belichick. He’s considered a good evaluator of talent.

2. Jason Garrett, Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have one of the league’s most dangerous offensive units. Garrett is the type of coach that’s perfect for a team looking to rebuild and develop young players. He’s unproven, however—this is only his second season as coordinator.

1. Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator, New York Giants

Spagnuolo is the architect of a defense that applied relentless pressure on the Patriots’ record-setting offense in Super Bowl XVII. He’s turned around a defensive unit that ranked 25th in the league before his arrival, now ranked No. 3 overall in the NFL.

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Domenik Hixon: The Anti-Plaxico Burress

In Domenik Hixon, New York Giants on December 1, 2008 at 3:14 am
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon has come up big in the absence of troubled star Plaxico Burress.

New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon has come up big in the absence of troubled star Plaxico Burress.

In the face of the latest controversy surrounding the team’s star wide receiver, the New York Giants dominated the Washington Redskins less than 48 hours after Plaxico Burress shot himself accidentally in a Manhattan night club.

This is why the Giants are the reigning Super Bowl champions. This is why they will be difficult to stop this season.

No team is better at handling adversity—whether it’s controversy or injury.

No team is steadier in the face of difficulty or success—whether they’re down by a score late in a contest or building a three-game lead in the division.

The Giants are made up of players that embody the team’s collective ethos.

During college, Giants wide receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner Domenik Hixon accepted a position switch from safety to wide receiver because it helped the team. It was that type of attitude that attracted the Giants to him during the NFL draft.

He would be selected in the fourth-round by the Denver Broncos, but when he was waived after only four games last season, the Giants immediately picked him up.

While Burress has tried his best to get kicked off the team, Hixon has made the most of the vacancy and has excelled.

When Burress was suspended for a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Hixon had a game high 102 yards receiving on four catches, including a touchdown and a 41-yard pass reception.

When Burress was sidelined due to injury early in the game against the Arizona Cardinals, Hixon racked up 269 all-purpose yards, including 180 yards on three kickoff returns.

This Sunday, Hixon came up big again in place of Burress, catching five passes for 71 yards against the Redskins, in a pivotal game against a division rival on the road.

He returned kickoffs for the first time last week and he’s been a solid punt returner this season. Hixon has been a standout on special teams coverage as well. He made two tackles on punt coverage last Sunday and leads the team with nine solo tackles on special teams.

Hixon has accepted all of his roles on the team.

Until this season, Hixon was remembered for a collision with Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett, which nearly killed Everett. The experience left him deeply shaken. His production suffered and he was released by the Broncos. He was in danger of never playing football again.

And now Hixon is making the most of his opportunity with the Giants.

It’s unclear what the future holds for Hixon or Burress this season. Or next season for that matter.

Right now, Hixon is a starting wide receiver on the best team in football.

For a team known for its resiliency, Hixon is right at home.

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Plaxico Burress’ Last Shot With The New York Giants

In New York Giants, Plaxico Burress on November 30, 2008 at 4:54 pm

New York Giants star receiver Plaxico Burress' days with the team may be numbered.

New York Giants star receiver Plaxico Burress' days with the team may be numbered.

Unfortunately for the New York Giants, Plaxico Burress has made more of a blast in the New York tabloids than on the football field this season. As we all know by now, Burress sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Manhattan nightclub.

It can turn out to be the star wide receiver’s last shot with the Giants.

New York’s gun control laws are the strictest in the country. Charges will almost certainly be filed.

As the Giants noted in a press release: “This incident could become a matter for law enforcement officials, and because of that, we have no comment on any of the details.”

The Giants have maintained an understated focus this season. In light of several distractions, injuries, and changes in player personnel, the team has put together an impressive 10-1 record going into Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins.

The Giants are an organization that is historically conservative, that looks to keep clear from player controversy.

Burress has been the exception.

This last off-season, he was fined $25,000 for not practicing during a mandatory mini-camp.

He was suspended for the game against the Seattle Seahawks and fined $117,500 for missing a team meeting.

He was fined $45,000 by the NFL for his conduct during the game against the San Francisco 49ers for verbally abusing an official.

How will the Giants handle this?

The players are saying they are more concerned about Burress’ health. The team has won without Burress this season. Right now, these diversions don’t seem to matter.

Burress had an outstanding performance in the Giants’ NFC championship game win against the Green Bay Packers. He caught the pass for the winning touchdown in the team’s Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots. All of this despite playing on an injured ankle.

Burress signed a five-year, $35 million contract hours before the season began. His production this season has been disappointing. Now his troubles have reached beyond football and has caught up to him in his personal life.

The Giants have dealt with all of the distractions. The team has rid itself of players that do not fit its philosophy of a team concept in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When a player generates negative attention, it undermines the integrity of the team.

It’s very likely that Burress’ playing career for the Giants may have sustained a fatal self-inflicted wound.

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Who’s The NFL’s Most Valuable Player?

In Brett Favre, Eli Manning, Kurt Warner, National Football League, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Peyton Manning on November 30, 2008 at 6:39 am
New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre is currently leading MVP consideration.

New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre is currently leading MVP consideration.

With the NFL regular season entering its final month of play after this weekend’s games, let’s consider the leading candidates for the most valuable player award. The criteria for MVP is simple—that player’s team would not be nearly as good without him.

This is how the race looks now.

1. Brett Favre, Quarterback, New York Jets

The Jets made several key player additions in the off-season, but none has had an impact like Favre. The team has won five consecutive games, including impressive wins against the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans on the road. The 39-year old Favre is completing more than 70 percent of his passes, has thrown for nearly 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns through Week 12.

2. Matt Cassel, Quarterback, New England Patriots

When Tom Brady went down for the season in Week 1, it looked like the Patriots’ championship aspirations were over. But, Cassel is the main reason why the Patriots are contending for the AFC East. Cassel has passed for 815 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in his last two games, setting a team-record for consecutive 400-plus yards passing.

3. Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts

Earlier this season it was easy to write the Colts off. In the last three weeks, however, Manning has been impressive—seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and several clutch plays. The Colts have a excellent chance at a wild card spot and that’s entirely due to Manning’s resurgence.

4. Kurt Warner, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals

Warner has completed 68.4 percent of his passes and has passed for 3,741 yards and 24 touchdowns. Warner has completed more than 70 percent of his passes seven times and has thrown more touchdowns than interceptions nine times. His recent performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, has brought his stock down.

5. Eli Manning, Quarterback, New York Giants

Much is made about the Giants’ potent rushing attack and dominating pass rush, but Manning continues to emerge as the team’s leader. He has completed 62 percent of his passes and has thrown 18 touchdowns, while limiting turnovers. So far, he has a career-high 91.6 passer rating. Manning has completed more than 20 passes to six different receivers.

Considerations

Running back Adrian Peterson is the Minnesota Vikings best player by far, but the team has underachieved.

If there’s an MVP for the first-half of the season, Clinton Portis, running back for the Washington Redskins, would probably have been a lock to win the award. Recent injuries has limited his production, however.

The last defensive player to be MVP was the Giants’ Lawrence Taylor in ‘86. Defensive players worthy of consideration are the Jets’ defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth of the Tennessee Titans.

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Shotgun Formations Don’t Kill Prevent Defenses, Prevent Defenses Do—Sometimes

In National Football League, New York Giants on November 28, 2008 at 5:41 pm
The margin between wins and losses in the NFL is small.

The margin between wins and losses in the NFL is small.

“All a prevent defense does is prevent you from winning.”—John Madden, broadcaster and former coach

…And so the old adage goes—but in reality, it’s not quite a chip-shot field goal.
Last season, nearly half of all NFL games were decided by eight points or less and 22 percent by three points or less.

It’s late in the game and your team is in shotgun formation looking for the go-ahead score or in prevent defense to keep the other team from scoring. What are the chances your team will get the job done?

Slight Margin of Error

Last season, the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants both won 10 games last year, but the Browns missed the playoffs and the Giants won the Super Bowl.

The Giants were 5-1 in regular-season games decided by seven points or less, the Browns 5-4 in those situations. The Giants responded big in the playoffs, winning three of four games by seven points or less.
The New England Patriots won three Super Bowls, each by three points.

Head Games

With so many good athletes throughout the league, the deciding factor between wins and losses isn’t physical, but mental. Teams that are good in the fourth quarter when the game’s on the line with two minutes to go is the difference between a championship and a high draft pick.

Teams That Are Headstrong

It’s just past the half-way mark of the NFL season, but some trends are emerging as to which teams are getting the job done and which ones aren’t.

At the top of the heap?

No surprise, the Tennessee Titans. They are a perfect 4-0 in games decided by eight points or less. The difference between an unblemished season until Week 11 and a mediocre 6-5 record is small.

The defending champion Giants are 3-0 through Week 11, as they carry-over their superiority in performing in tight games from last season. The Giants have simply learned how to win.

Other notable mentions: Carolina Panthers (3-0), Indianapolis Colts (5-1), Washington Redskins (6-2), Denver Broncos (5-1), and Atlanta Falcons (3-1).

History dictates that the ability to stay cool under pressure in the fourth quarter consistently in the regular season pays dividends under the heat of playoff competition.

Teams That Are Head Cases

It doesn’t bode well for your team’s overall success if it doesn’t exhibit mental toughness. Mental toughness is measured by coming through when the game’s on the line. Plain and simple.

The worse teams this year so far?

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs are both 0-4. The Chiefs are rebuilding, but the Eagles had playoff aspirations. At this pace, the Eagles will most likely miss this year’s playoffs.

Other teams on this list with big plans this season, but that have failed to come through so far include: New Orleans Saints (2-4), San Diego Chargers (1-6), Green Bay Packers (1-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3),  Browns (2-3), and Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5).

Teams Getting Their Head on Straight

Teams that missed the playoffs recently, but who are learning to win during the fourth quarter include: Miami Dolphins (3-2), Minnesota Vikings (4-4), and Arizona Cardinals (3-2).

Although these teams are mediocre so far with winning in the fourth quarter, they have improved on this stat from previous campaigns and are heading in the right direction as they rebuild.

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Jeremy Causing Shockey Waves

In Eli Manning, Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants on November 25, 2008 at 9:56 pm

New Orleans Saints players Jonathan Vilma and Jeremy Shockey, left, share a laugh during the morning practice session at the New Orleans Saints football training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, July 26 2008. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

New Orleans Saints players Jonathan Vilma and Jeremy Shockey, left, share a laugh during the morning practice session at the New Orleans Saints football training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., Saturday, July 26 2008. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Can’t really say I told you so.

The New Orleans Saints will continue to pay the price for trading for tight end Jeremy Shockey.

They’re paying the price because they’re stuck with a malcontent player who’s quit.

What’s worse is that this trade will send shock waves into next season, as well.

What happened on the sidelines this past Sunday is the least of the worries for Saints fans.

The Saints can lose their first-round pick in next year’s draft to the Giants. And not even have Shockey playing for them next year on top of that.

Trade Rumors Intensify

Back in July when the Saints acquired Shockey for a second and a fifth-round draft pick in ‘09, many New York Giants fans, including myself, weren’t sure about the trade.

Shockey was one of the most popular players on the Giants with fans—you’d go to a game and half the fans were wearing No. 80 jerseys.

Some players were adamantly opposed to the trade—wide receiver Plaxico Burress said, according to the Newark Star-Ledger, “The guy walks on the field and he demands a double-team. Before he even straps it up and goes out to play, he’s already made the team better. Him going to New Orleans, he makes them one of the best offenses in the league.”

Who couldn’t like the guy after you’d see him dragging defenders along for an extra 10-15 yards after a catch? In six seasons with the Giants, he went to four Pro Bowls, had 371 catches for 4,228 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was a devastating run blocker.

So what if he was a bit of a head case?

Shockey Goes Down, All Hell Breaks Lose

Bear with me as I digress.

He goes down for the season in Week 15 last year against the Washington Redskins. They lose the game and the Giants are desperately needing a win to qualify for a playoff berth. Their two remaining games are at the Buffalo Bills and against the undefeated New England Patriots.

The improbable happens.

A shaky Eli Manning begins to emerge as a leader and his confidence seemingly grows more and more each week. Offensive players not only pick up the slack for the fallen Shockey, they excel. They go on to win a Super Bowl—as a wild card with all their games on the road and as heavy underdogs.

Shockey’s Self-Imposed Exile

Throughout this time, Shockey basically separates himself from the team. He wasn’t on the sidelines during the Super Bowl, he didn’t attend the victory parade, and he wasn’t at the ceremony for the unveiling of the rings.

Shockey grows more bitter with each passing remark that the Giants don’t need him. He doesn’t feel loved.

Things sour. The Saints check on Shockey’s availability during the NFL draft. Despite all the contentious things said in the media, Giants general manager Jerry Reese declines the trade.

I can understand why. The Giants had five young tight ends. With Shockey, you have a proven commodity on the field.

But, things really sour. Four months later, Reese picks up the phone and pulls the trigger.

The Saints Get Their Man, And So Much More

It’s widely considered at the time that the Giants settled—the picks weren’t enough compensation for an all-pro tight end.

The Saints, on the other hand, were now one of the sexy pre-season picks to vie for a Super Bowl.

Oh well.

It just seems like everything’s going right for the Giants.

Not so much for the Saints.

Saints Pay a Steep Price for Shockey

Sitting at 4-5 after a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, they’re looking up at every team in the NFC South standings. The cracks are beginning to show.

During the game’s broadcast, cameras caught quarterback Drew Brees yelling at Shockey on the sidelines. According to reports, Shockey apparently isn’t finishing running his routes and that’s why Brees had a few choice words for him.

Sound familiar Giants fans?

I’m somewhat shocked. The potential for this trade to backfire for the Saints was always present because Shockey is highly volatile and his ego gets in the way. At the same time, because he’s got such a big ego, I thought he’d work hard to prove the Giants wrong.

Reports say that, because Shockey’s price tag will spike to more than $3 million next year, he might not get the chance to stay in New Orleans after this season, as they look to dump the salary.

Suddenly it now looks like the Saints paid a steep price with those two picks. With each Saints loss, the picks move higher up the draft board. Meanwhile, the Giants are arguably the best team in the NFL, have an 8-1 record, and will only get better next year because of the extra selections.

To make matters worse, there’s an outside chance that the Giants could get the Saints’ first-round pick instead of the second.

How the Saints Can Lose Next Year’s First-Round Pick to the Giants

In getting linebacker Jonathan Vilma from the New York Jets, the Saints are required to give up a second-round pick if he participates in 85 percent of the defensive plays and if he’s signed to a contract extension. Since the Saints can’t trade two second-round picks they don’t have, the Giants get New Orleans’ first-round pick instead of the second and fifth-round pick.

Who knew that Shockey’s injury would prove so beneficial for the Giants last year?

Who knew that it would continue to reverberate into this season, as well as, send shock waves into next year?

Maybe, ultimately, Jerry Reese did.

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Top 10 Reasons Your Losing Team Needs New Uniforms

In National Football League, New England Patriots, New York Giants on November 25, 2008 at 9:42 pm
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the laughing stock of the NFL since the team’s inception. The fashion gods punished them for wearing those unsightly fluorescent orange and white uniforms. Talk about a fashion faux pas.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the laughing stock of the NFL since the team’s inception. The fashion gods punished them for wearing those unsightly fluorescent orange and white uniforms. Talk about a fashion faux pas.

Okay, admittedly, clothes don’t make the man. But, in the case of uniforms, they sure as hell get your perennial doormat team turned around within five years. If your team is muddling in mediocrity, your team doesn’t need a new coach or better players. More often than not, a fashion designer is all your team needs.

1. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons made a uniform change in ‘97. Ka-boom! Two years later, they’re in their first Super Bowl ever. Okay, so they get blown-out 34-19 by the Denver Broncos. No team was going to deny John Elway that year.

But, hey, who cares, right? Atlanta fans are doing the “Dirty Bird” in small towns throughout Georgia and man, they’re just glad they made it to a friggin’ championship game for once.

2. Baltimore Ravens

The former Cleveland Browns never made it to a Super Bowl. In ‘99, they not only change uniforms, they relocate to Baltimore all together and become the Ravens. Two years later, wham-o, all that history of losing seasons and gut-wrenching loses to the Broncos go by the wayside. They win their first Super Bowl, 34-7, over the Giants. Black and purple is the new black.

3. Denver Broncos

All the Broncos and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway were known for were three Super Bowl chokes within four years. With nothing to lose, the team changes uniforms in ‘97. Cha-ching! The next year, they’re in the big game, and they defeat the Green Bay Packers 31-24 for their first championship. It only gets better when they clip the Falcons the next season for a second consecutive championship.

4. New England Patriots

Let’s face it, Patriot Pat wasn’t cutting it. In ‘93, the team decides to update their uniform and logo to what’s mockingly referred to as “the flying Elvis.” Mock all you want haters, but they’ll be seeing you in the Super Bowl four years later. They go down to the Packers 35-21, but alas, the flying Elvis gets his ultimate revenge later by single-handedly getting the Patriots three championships in four years.

5. New York Giants

It’s been 10 years since the Giants’ last title. They look back in time for inspiration. Visions of Sam Huff and Frank Gifford come to mind. They go retro. The old lower-case “ny” logo is the new Giants logo.

Whack! One year later in ‘01, they’re facing the Baltimore Ravens in the big dance. They may have lost 34-7 to one of the best defenses of all time, but more importantly, they look good going down in defeat, and that’s all that really matters.

6. New York Jets

In ‘98, the Jets bring back the uniforms and logo of the Joe Namath era. The Jets last playoff win was back in ‘86 and the team was a running joke. Wham! One year later, the team’s vying for a Super Bowl berth, but lose to the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. They qualify for the playoffs in five of the next nine years.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

They updated their uniform in ‘96, as well as their logo, from an eagle that wouldn’t scare a pigeon to a screeching one with some serious ‘tude. Boom! Within the next four years, they return to the playoffs. The team plays in four straight NFC championship games, with a Super Bowl appearance in ‘05, losing a close one against the New England Patriots, 24-21. Okay, no ring, but it’s the best playoff stretch in franchise history.

8. Seattle Seahawks

What’s the Seahawks’ claim to fame up until ‘01? Brian Bosworth. Enough said. The team changes uniforms in ‘02. Surprise! Four years later, they’re in their first Super Bowl. So what if they lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-10 in the lamest NFL title game ever.

Seattle fans can finally put their lattes down and cheer on their team for once. More importantly, they now have something more to brag about than over-hyped linebackers with bad mullets.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs were the laughing stock of the league since the team’s inception. The fashion gods punished them for wearing those awful and unsightly fluorescent orange and white uniforms. Talk about a fashion faux pas.

Bucco Bruce with his feather hat, earring, winking eye, and dandy dagger just does not induce fear in opponents. In ‘98, they change uniforms and five years later, they’re blowing out the Oakland Raiders, 48-21, for their first title.

10. Tennessee Titans

Here come the Houston Oilers rolling into town. For a short while, they played as the Tennessee Oilers and keep their old uniforms. That ain’t going to work. In ‘99, they change names and uniforms and lo’ and behold, next year their playing for all the marbles (coming up one yard short to the St. Louis Rams).

So what if they stole their name from the old New York Jets and have the least threatening team colors (baby blue and white) in the league? It worked!

Who’ll Be Lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy Soon?

The Arizona Cardinals updated their uniforms in ‘05. The San Diego Chargers also did so in ‘07. But, for the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions, who made recent uniform changes, even new threads may not be enough to get them over the hump.

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In Tribute to No. 21 for Helping the New York Giants Win a Super Bowl

In New York Giants, Reyna Thompson on November 25, 2008 at 8:59 pm
One of the most unheralded New York Giants player helped the team win a Super Bowl. Nope, it's not who you think.

One of the most unheralded New York Giants player helped the team win a Super Bowl. Nope, it's not who you think.

I don’t buy that nonsense about bulletin board material in locker rooms serving as motivation. If you do, you’ll likely presume this article’s title a sarcastic reference to a certain all-pro running back turned television commentator who, during his first telecast, decried his former team’s quarterback. We all know how that story happily ended.

But, I come to you today with much loftier aspirations.

Will the Real No. 21 Please Stand-Up: Reyna Thompson

In the afterglow of the weeks following the New York Giants defeat of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, I couldn’t help feeling that I needed to relive those glory years of Giants championships past.

Super Bowl XXV, in which New York beat the Buffalo Bills, in particular reverberated to me because, as in ‘08, the Giants were heavy underdogs, facing an opponent with a seemingly unstoppable offensive attack.

Both of the aforementioned Giants teams also featured a special teams player who was largely unheralded, despite the fact that both made it to a Pro Bowl.

In ‘08 it was David Tyree; in ‘90 it was no. 21, Reyna Thompson.

Reyna Thompson, Special Teams Player Extraordinaire

After clocking in at 13.4 seconds in the 110-meter high hurdles during his senior year in high school, Thompson enrolled at Baylor University on a track scholarship. He qualified for the ‘84 Olympic trials in the high hurdles, but was unable to compete because of a hamstring injury. He made the football team as a walk-on in his junior year and played corner back and safety and on special teams.

Thompson was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in ‘86. After three years in Miami, he played for the Giants for four seasons. Tim Rooney, the Giants’ director of pro personnel at the time, signed Thompson on the strength of watching one play on film. On that play Thompson ran from the far left side of the field to the far right side on a kickoff and tackled the return man.

During the season, Thompson would run from his apartment in Hackensack, NJ, to Giants Stadium and back—a distance of 18 miles—at least once a week. He also did hurdles in the off-season, because he believed it helped him maintain his speed and balance while being hit by opponents from all directions on kickoff and punt coverage.

Accolades for Reyna Thompson

His tremendous work ethic and drive made him a favorite of then Giants coach Bill Parcells. Which says a lot because Parcells is notorious for pushing his players hard.

The following is an excerpt from a New York Times feature on Thompson when he played for the Giants:

Three weeks ago, Bill Walsh, the former coach turned television analyst, asked Parcells for advice. Walsh wanted to know which Giants, aside from Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms, he should focus on in the telecast of the game between the Giants and the Dolphins.

“I have this special teams player named Reyna Thompson,” Parcells said. The first time the Giants punted, an NBC camera was isolated on Thompson. He cut inside two would-be blockers and racked up the punt returner before he took a step.

The following week, John Madden, the former coach turned television analyst, was geared for a Giants’ punt. When it came, Thompson slipped past one blocker, then another and stopped the punt returner cold. Whereupon Madden called Thompson the best player he had ever seen running down to cover punts.

“He’s my kind of player,” said Madden, who likes his players tough.

Thompson was all-world linebacker Lawrence Taylor’s favorite teammate. The fans loved him as well. In a victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 16, 1990, the Giants faithful gave Thompson a standing ovation.

Thompson was a special-teams star, but he also did double duty, at one time starting at corner back when Mark Collins was on injured reserve.

Coach Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins said he had to put together game plans for Thompson.

“It’s amazing how a guy can line up in one of the most difficult assignments in football, get doubled every time and no one can stop him,” Gibbs said. “It’s a tribute to him that he can do it and still be a starter on defense.”

Gary Myers of the New York Daily News in a recent article selecting the Giants all-time Super Bowl team said of Thompson, “David Tyree is a magician on punt coverage but if you had to pick one, then Thompson was one of the best in NFL history running under kicks.”

“Special teams will probably always be made up of guys with one foot in the real world and the other in the insane asylum,” said Thompson. “But there is room for guys who aren’t like that. I don’t play with emotional peaks and valleys. I never said I wanted to be the best in the NFL. It was just my only opportunity on the field. I play the game for one reason—to make big plays.”

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Eli Manning and the Weight of Football Immortality

In Brett Favre, Eli Manning, John Elway, New York Giants, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady on November 25, 2008 at 8:47 pm
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning ranks well against some of the NFL modern era's best.

Okay, admittedly the title of this article is a borderline hyperbole.

But, the continuing talk of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning’s football prowess, or lack thereof, is just as exaggerated.

He’s arguably one of the most scrutinized quarterbacks in modern football history. He’s been compared dismissively as just another Trent Dilfer and even his body language is routinely deciphered.

It’s only the poor guy’s fifth year in the league.

Last Sunday’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles was Manning’s 64th game—the equivalent of four complete seasons.

Comparing Eli Manning to Quarterback Greats

Football is undoubtedly the most team-oriented sport in the world. Individual head-to-head comparisons are often useless because of all the many variables of an offensive unit—for example, the overall quality of the other skill positions and offensive line.

That also doesn’t take into consideration the overall strength of a team’s defensive and special teams units, which can be the difference between wins and losses.

But direct comparisons are usually the measuring stick that many fans prefer, whether it’s fair or not.

The Short List

Everyone agrees on who are the great quarterbacks in the modern history of the NFL: Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Jim Kelly, etc. Let’s edit the list to the best quarterbacks of the last decade. Now, let’s narrow focus to only include quarterbacks with multiple title wins or appearances.

That leaves John Elway, Brett Favre, and Tom Brady.

For good measure, let’s include big brother Peyton Manning, since comparisons are always being made between the two.

The following stats are after each quarterback’s first 64 games started in the NFL. Let the stats do the talking.

Eli versus Brady, Elway, Favre, and Peyton

Eli Manning

  • 38 wins, 26 losses
  • 1,154 completions, 2,077 attempts, 13,245 yards
  • 91 touchdowns, 70 interceptions
  • 75.5 passer rating
  • Wins title in fourth complete season

Tom Brady

  • 49 wins, 15 losses
  • 1,284 completions, 2,087 attempts, 14,449 yards
  • 100 touchdowns, 53 interceptions
  • 87.6 passer rating
  • Wins title in first complete season

John Elway

  • 42 wins, 21 losses, 1 tie
  • 1,108 completions, 2,041 attempts, 13,448 yards
  • 79 touchdowns, 75 interceptions
  • 72.8 passer rating
  • Wins title in 15th complete season

Brett Favre

  • 40 wins, 24 losses
  • 1,371 completions, 2,183 attempts, 15,202 yards
  • 116 touchdowns, 64 interceptions
  • 88.9 passer rating
  • Wins title in fifth complete season

Peyton Manning

  • 32 wins, 32 losses
  • 1,357 completions, 2,226 attempts, 16,418 yards
  • 111 touchdowns, 81 interceptions
  • 85.1 passer rating
  • Wins title in ninth complete season

Conclusion

Again, individual head-to-head comparisons are an exercise in futility. But, overall, the younger Manning measures up okay in many areas to the greats so far in his career.

What’s important to consider is that Manning is still learning the quarterback position, meaning he’s only getting better.

Whatever the stats may indicate, the intangibles are there.

He has excellent football instincts and a knack for leading fourth-quarter comebacks. He consistently stays cool after mistakes. Leading the Giants on a methodical 80-yard touchdown drive after throwing an interception on the third play of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles is the most recent example.

Only time will tell how great Eli Manning will be. He won’t have to answer to biased detractors. He’ll only have to answer to history’s greats, and so far, he’s doing quite okay for himself and more importantly, the New York Giants.

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Five New York Giants That You Will Come To Know

In Domenik Hixon, Kenny Phillips, New York Giants on November 25, 2008 at 7:50 pm
New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips, now in his rookie season, has made an immediate impact on a very solid secondary unit.

New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips, now in his rookie season, has made an immediate impact on a very solid secondary unit.

The New York Giants rank among the top three youngest teams in the NFL—and that’s including 21-year veteran punter Jeff Feagles.

It’s no secret that the emergence of the Giants as a dominant force is partly attributable to the exceptional players that General Manager Jerry Reese and his talent scouts have selected in the last two drafts.

These young athletes are making an impact now. It would appear that the New York Giants are poised to get even better.

Football observers got to see the exploits of second-year players defensive back Aaron Ross, running back Ahmad Bradshaw, wide receiver Steve Smith, and tight end Kevin Boss during the Giants’ improbable playoff run last year that ended with a Super Bowl title.

This season, there are other young players, who may be less familiar and less heralded, but are making important contributions for the New York Giants.

Chase Blackburn, Linebacker, No. 57

6′3″, 247 pounds, fourth year, Akron

Blackburn has provided solid linebacker play in the Giants’ 4-3 base defense. He’s been promoted to a starter and made a game-saving tackle on Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Brian Westbrook on a fourth down late in the game. He’s an overachiever and a hard worker, who continues to be a major contributor on special teams.

Barry Cofield, Defensive Tackle, No. 96

6′4″, 306 pounds, third year, Northwestern

Cofield is a main stay on one of the NFL’s most ferocious pass rushes. He became the first Giant rookie defensive player to start every game since linebacker Lawrence Taylor. He’s an outstanding run-stopper, who’s helped the Giants to No. 8 in run defense. Cofield was selected at nose tackle on Pro Football Weekly’s all-rookie team.

Madison Hedgecock, Fullback, No. 39

6′3″, 266 pounds, fourth year, North Carolina

Hedgecock is one of the most unsung heroes on the Giants. He’s a rugged, blocking fullback, who’s helping to open up holes for the league’s No. 1 rushing attack. He’s impressed the Giants so much with his lead blocking that they signed him to a five-year contract extension. TV analyst and former coach John Madden called Hedgecock “the best blocking fullback in football today.”

Domenik Hixon, Wide Receiver, No. 87

6′2″, 182 pounds, third year, Akron

Filling in for suspended wide receiver Plaxico Burress, Hixon had four receptions for 102 yards and a 32-yard touchdown catch against the Seattle Seahawks. Hixon is a stand-out on special-teams coverage and return teams—he had a 74-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the New England Patriots last season.

Kenny Phillips, Safety, No. 21

6′2″, 210 pounds, Rookie, Miami, Florida

Phillips played in many of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s nickel and dime packages until Week 10 when safety James Butler went down to injury. He was inserted into the starting lineup against the Eagles. He has great ball-hawking skills, the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline, and possibly the most athletic safety the Giants have ever had in their secondary. So far, he has 42 tackles (32 solo) and an interception.

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Bill Parcells Is The Best Football Mind Of The NFL Modern Era

In Bill Parcells, Dallas Cowboys, National Football League, New England Patriots, New York Giants on November 25, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Bill Parcells, now heading football operations in Miami, is one tough SOB and the most brilliant football mind of the NFL's modern era.

Bill Parcells, now heading football operations in Miami, is one tough SOB and the most brilliant football mind of the NFL's modern era.

Bill Parcells is one of the best football minds in National Football League history. He ranks alongside legendary coaches like Chuck Noll, Tom Landry, Don Shula, and Bill Walsh.

In the modern era, however, his accomplishments are unrivaled.

Parcells is a tough, blue-collar guy from New Jersey. Known for speaking his mind, his former players and coaches either love him or hate him, but all will say that he brought out the best out of each and every one of them.

He knows which buttons to push and when. He wasn’t a locker room speech motivator. Parcells was a psychological master who developed some of the great NFL players of the past 30 years. He antagonized players, believing that adversity forges toughness and character.

Parcells is simply proficient with building winning teams.

He won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, retired, returned to lead the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl before building the New York Jets into a contender, retired for another two years, then led the Dallas Cowboys, where he became the only coach in NFL history to take four different teams to the playoffs.

He is now in charge of football operations for the Miami Dolphins.

Coaching Tree

Walsh has a more extensive coaching tree, but Parcells’ is more impressive.

Sean Payton, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, and Tony Sparano are head coaches in the NFL. Charlie Weiss coaches at Notre Dame. Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin competed against each other in the last Super Bowl.

Pro Bowl Players

Parcells’ notable draft selections with the Giants include defensive back Terry Kinard and defensive tackle Leonard Marshall (‘83); linebacker Carl Banks, guard William Roberts, and quarterback Jeff Hostetler (‘84); linebacker Pepper Johnson (‘86); left tackle Jumbo Elliott (‘88); running back Dave Meggett (‘89); running back Rodney Hampton and kicker Matt Stover (‘90).

For the Patriots, his draft picks included quarterback Drew Bledsoe, linebacker Chris Slade, and wide receiver Troy Brown (‘93); linebacker Willie McGinest (‘94); defensive back Ty Law, running back Curtis Martin, and place kicker Adam Vinateri (‘95); strong safety Lawyer Milloy and linebacker Tedy Bruschi (‘96).

With the Jets, he selected linebacker James Farrior (‘97).

Parcells’ selections with the Cowboys include defensive back Terrence Newman, tight end Jason Whitten, and quarterback Tony Romo (undrafted) (‘03); linebacker DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber (‘05).

New York Giants

Parcells took over a team with only one winning season in the previous decade. He won three games in his first year. He recognized the talent of linebacker Lawrence Taylor, maximizing his pass rushing skills by changing from a typical 4-3 defensive formation to a 3-4.

The Giants’ record improved in the next two years, earning the team consecutive playoff appearances since the early ’60s.

Parcells led the 14-2 Giants to its first Super Bowl title in ‘86 and the first of three division titles. He helped build one of the most dominate defenses in NFL history.

He led the injury-riddled Giants to a second Super Bowl in ‘90. The Giants began the season 10-0, but lost quarterback Phil Simms. With backup Hostetler and 12-year running back Ottis Anderson, Parcells led a dramatic playoff run. The Giants beat a San Francisco 49ers team going for a third consecutive Super Bowl on a last-minute field goal, and edged the high-scoring Buffalo Bills after they missed a last-second field goal attempt.

The pressure of football and poor nutrition and sleep habits forced Parcells to retire.

New England Patriots

Parcells returned to the NFL to coach the Patriots in ‘93. In two years, he led the team to its first playoff game in eight years. He guided the Patriots to a Super Bowl, losing to Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers.

At New England, Parcells solidified his reputation as a mentor. He developed the talented but erratic Bledsoe into a Pro Bowl quarterback and took mid-level picks on defense and honed their skills.

Parcells left the Patriots over a dispute with owner Robert Kraft about player personnel decisions.

New York Jets

In possibly his greatest achievement as head coach, Parcells transformed the Jets into instant winners. In his first year with the Jets, the team just missed the playoffs. In ‘98, the 12-4 Jets lost to John Elway and the Super Bowl-champion Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game.

The following season, quarterback Vinny Testaverde ruptured his Achilles tendon in the home opening game crippling the team’s title hopes.

Parcells would once again take time off over health concerns.

Dallas Cowboys

After three straight five-win seasons, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hired Parcells as head coach. In his first year, he led the team to the playoffs, losing to the NFC champion Carolina Panthers.

The following season, quarterback Quincy Carter was terminated for alleged drug use. Parcells brought in 40-year old Testaverde, but he proved ineffective. The Cowboys finished with six wins. They would also miss the playoffs by a game in ‘05.

The Cowboys would lose to the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs the following year on a botched hold from Romo on a field-goal attempt.

Parcells retired for the third time over disagreements with Jones on decision-making. While detractors say he didn’t deliver a playoff victory, Parcells left the Cowboys better than he found them and achieved as much, if not more, with the team then the current roster that includes 12 Pro Bowl players.

Miami Dolphins

Parcells’ legacy is far from over. He still has work to do in Miami.

The Dolphins are currently tied for second place in their division and are in playoff contention after a 1-15 campaign only one season ago.

Coaching Legacy

Parcells retired from coaching with the ninth most wins in NFL history and a 183-138-1 record. The teams he’s led had losing records before he arrived, but all were in the playoffs by his second season. Parcells coached for 19 seasons with only four losing campaigns, including the ‘87 strike year.

His teams always play the game the right way—they commit few penalties and mental mistakes. Opponents must beat his teams because they don’t beat themselves.

He’s a master of convincing players that winning is the top priority and not individual stats. His teams dominate the line of scrimmage on offense and defense. They run the ball efficiently, especially in the fourth quarter when the game’s on the line.

Parcells’ teams are built on solid role players over star players. This is his blueprint.

Does it still work in today’s NFL?

Ask Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin.