The State of the 2007 Football Giants
According to the Professor of Pigskin

 

 

 

 

 

Uncork the wine, light the beer lamp, smoke 'em if you got 'em and listen up! It's time for the Professor to pontificate with his prescient predictions.

Well, hello Professor. Come on in and sit right down. What is on your mind? Another season of football is upon us, and we eagerly await your uncannily accurate predictions for our beloved G-Men.


March 19, 2008: The Professor Savors Some Signings - Shuck Shockey?

I must say, the signings the Giants have made are right in character. They didn't go after one big name free agent. Instead, they sign solid veteran players at safety and linebacker. Safety Knight, and linebacker Clark will do a solid job replacing Wilson and Mitchell. I really liked the signing of David Carr. He has the potential of being a solid NFL quarterback. I think his game will improve now that he has a good offensive line to protect him. He is great insurance against losing Eli to injury. The back-up QB position has been tremendously upgraded. Carr sure looks better than Wright or the "Pillsbury Throw-boy."

I also like the re-signing of Derrick Ward. Look at the depth at running back. It is like pitching in baseball. You can never have enough. Now the Giants can focus on the draft. I would make an offensive tackle, a linebacker or two, plus a safety, and a cornerback, my priorities. If you trade Shockey, you get some more picks in the higher rounds. Shockey has been in the league since 2002. He really hasn't lived up to the hype of being the best tight-end since Bavaro. He also gets hurt quite a bit. So, let us look forward to draft day and see what Jerry does? The Professor has left the building.

March 2, 2008: The Professor Ponders Free Agency

Hi Dr. Jim, Well, as I had mentioned in my end of the year letter, there were two starters that could leave the team. Kawika Mitchell and Gabril Wilson have signed elsewhere. Gabril's loss is the one that concerns me the most. He was always up there in leading the team in tackles and interceptions. The Giants also lost Reggie Tobor to the Dolphins. Although he wasn't a starter, he filled in quite admirably during the playoffs. He also was one of the best players on special teams. I was hoping the Giants would be able to keep one of the two starters, however, they lose both.
So, Dr. Jim, what do you think the Giants will do? I also mentioned in my last correspondence that the biggest needs of the Giants was at linebacker and in the secondary. Do you think the G-Men will go with free agency or the draft? Or possibly a combination of both? I am not really aware of all the likely choices that are available through the free agent route. I do know that Lance Briggs is a free agent, as well as a linebacker on the Cardinals(his name escapes me at the moment). Sometimes, it seems the Giants tend to shy away from the big name free agents and go for the lesser known player. I think that trading Shockey at this point may be looking better. The Giants could get a couple of draft picks for him, or a straight up deal for a quality linebacker or safety.
The Professor has left the building with a bit of a furrowed brow.

February 9, 2008: Post the Giants Super Bowl victory, the Proffessor Assesses the Team

Good day to you Dr. Jim. We have had a week to absorb all that has transpired. All the emotion, celebration parades, and media hype. The Super Bowl party that was hosted by yours truly, and attended by you, your family, and our mutual friends was quite an event. From the appetizers to dessert was memorable in itself. To watch such an emotionally charged game with all of the swings of emotion was almost an overload to the nervous system.

Now, all the great memories fade into warm and fuzzy nostalgia, and the Giants season slips into sports legend. Let us turn our attention to a bridge of what has occurred this football season to what is on the horizon for next season. What can we expect?

The Giants are in a great position with their personnel. I believe they have only two players of consequence that can be lost to free agency. Linebacker Kawika Mitchell and Gabril Wilson are the two that could be lost. The G-Men are currently the third youngest team in the league, and several of those rookies from the class of 2007 have had some valuable experience. They have all contributed to what has turned out to be on of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history. Kudos to G.M. Jerry Reese for his acumen on draft day of 2007. It has turned out to be one of the most productive drafts in team history. I don't think there has been a time since I've followed the Giants(since 1960), where a draft of rookies has had the impact of this year's group. You have to feel a great degree of confidence in these players getting better. Plus, this team could very well stay fairly intact for the next couple of seasons.
The coaching staff should also stay intact. We can all exhale knowing Steve Spagnuolo is not going anywhere. He is the best defensive coordinator since, dare of say the name, Bill Belichick. Tom Coughlin has shown a side of his to the players that has finally convinced them that he has not been absorbed into The Borg Collective. He now seems to have a more human side to his persona. Maybe we should thank Tiki for pointing that out to Tom.

Let us look at The G-Men and see what is on the horizon for next year considering only current roster members. Running back positions are secure. What a luxury to decide if you wish to keep Derrick Ward, an unrestricted free agent. Bradshaw is going to be an impact player. Unless he succumbs to some major injury, I feel he has the chance to be one of the best running backs in Giant history. Brandon Jacobs is a monster that will continue to gas defenses. Don't forget Reuben Droughns. He is a versatile running back. What were the Rams thinking about when they let Hedgecock go? Could you ask for better fullback blocking?

The quarterback position folks? What do you think? Should we keep Eli? You talk about outhouse to the penthouse.

How did all of that maturity happen so quickly? He can only get better.
Wide Receiver looks solid. Amani got stronger as the season progress. It looks as though that knee injury is in the past. However, he is getting older. Plaxico may be a bit fragile with those race horse legs of his. I don't trust Moss to develop. David Tyre is a hero now, but could easily slip into anonymity as many role player who star in big game tend to do. Steve Smith looks like the real deal. We saw that earlier in the year before his injury. Draft a wide receiver Jerry.

The offensive line is the best since the first Giant Super Bowl team of the 80's. They have played as a unit for a couple of seasons and will be back intact next year. This is a genuine strength of this team. However, Jerry, draft a tackle to bring along. Then you can have an option of keeping Diehl at tackle, or moving him back to guard. What a nice luxury for offensive line depth.

Defensive line is another strength of this team. A major reason for the Super Bowl victory. I do think Strahan will come back. I doubt he'll report on time, but sooner than last season. Osi is a monster talent. Justin Tuck, whom I have liked since he was drafted, is locked up for four years. What does that say about what the Giants brass thinks of him? Remember a guy by the name of Mathias Kiwanuka? You have a choice to keep him at linebacker or move him to defensive line. Cofield, Alford, and Fred Robbins at tackles. They can get it done.
Now for the two positions that worry me the most, linebacker and secondary. The Giants need some depth at linebacker. If they lose Mitchell, they will have to sign someone as a free agent. That should be easier to do now that a free agent is coming to a Super Bowl championship team. Pierce is mensch, a team leader. He will continue to shine. Reggie Tobor filled in admirably, but I like him better for depth than as a starter. The same goes for Wilkerson. Blackburn, whom I like, is great on special teams. Draft at this position for the near and distant future. The secondary could be great or mediocre if left to stand as is. Sam, you're getting older at a position of speed and agility. Corey Webster finished the year playing the way they expected when he was drafted three years ago. Is he real, or just a momentary fluke? Are the Giants willing to take a chance? Ross may turn out to be one of the best corners in the league. He played with impact the moment he was put in the secondary. As I said, Wilson could leave and Butler doesn't impress me. He is a bit slow. Kevin Dockery is a good fifth defensive back. Jerry, sign a free agent for the secondary and draft a defensive back as well.

Keep Tynes as your place kicker and hope Jeff Feagles doesn't get old or retire. Otherwise, you need a punter.
Now, the best for last. Let us take a look at tight-end. Kevin Boss and Matthews are two very nice young players. Did anyone expect Boss to contribute as much when Shockey went down? Maybe Kevin is not as good as Shockey at this time as a blocker, but he has those sticky fingers and gets open in critical situations. Boss is not flamboyant, but he gets it done. He also doesn't get a penalty after making a key first down by any excessive celebrating. Sound familiar Jeremy? I have also read in the papers that Eli seems to be more relaxed without Shockey out there. Here is my suggestion, TRADE SHOCKEY FOR A COUPLE OF DRAFT PICKS. YOU DON'T NEED HIM. Trade him to Atlanta. He will fit right into that mess. Trade him to Miami where he went to school. Maybe Parcells as the GM can turn him into a player with better focus. Use those extra draft picks to plug other holes.
Well, I think this is the longest article I have ever contributed. Dr. Jim, you asked for it and you got my comments,(for what they are worth). What will we do till next training camp? The Professor has left the building.

January 20, 2008, Historic Lambeau Field: The Giants prevail over the Packers 23-20 in overtime for the NFC Championship.

Those Improbable Unexplainable Giants

Who would have thunk it???? The Giants in the Super Bowl. The Giants in the Super Bowl? I don't think too many people felt that was going to come to pass after the 0-2 start giving up 80 points. If anyone says they were predicting Super Bowl at that point are either fibbing or should have their medication adjusted.

Let us examine the possibilities for Big Blue at this juncture. If you go by history, only four times have teams starting 0-2 and made the Super Bowl. Three of the previous teams have gone on to win the Super Bowl. (Please correct me if I am wrong with that statistic.).

The Giants are now 10-0 on the road, in a row. We know that is a record. Those road game included winning in Washington, Philly, Buffalo, Chicago, and three in a row in the playoffs, Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Green Bay. Three away games won in the playoffs has only been done twice before. The Steelers did it in 2005, and the Patriots accomplished that feat in 1985.

If you look at the history of what the G-men have done, it appears they are favored. Let us not forget the role of momentum and emotion in this marvelous game of football.

So, should we be predicting a championship to complete this improbable story? Not so fast. They are going against a team that is 18-0. If you think they wanted the game in the Meadowlands to go 16-0, how badly do you think they'll want the Super bowl? The Giants had the lead in that game and the Pats rallied to score 22 of the last 29 points. They are the toughest team I have ever seen. Last week they looked like they were in serious trouble for most of the game. Then you look at the final score and they win 21-12.

To win this game, the Giants have to do what they did against Buffalo in 1991. That year they were facing an offensive powerhouse. The offense controlled the ball and kept Buffalo's offense off the field. The Giants had the ball in Green Bay for over 40 minutes. If they do that again, they win. If not, they lose. The other key is getting to Brady. The Giants pass rush is the strength of the defense. Sack Brady a few times, rush his throws, and you win the game. Brady is the best player in the league. He threw 50 touchdowns, and completed nearly 70 per cent of his passes.

I have got to favor the Patriots to win this game on paper. We will know early if the Giants have a chance. My heart says another upset surprise is in the making. My head say Patriots 27-17 over the Giants. Maybe I will change my mind at a later date. The Professor has left the building.

January 13, 2008: The Giants beat the Cowboys 21-17 to Advance to the NFC Championship Game.

I was never sooooo glad to be wrong!!! What a game. Just when you thought the G-men would falter they stiffen and hold on. WOW. All they had to do was get one first down in their last possession. That usually leads to doom. Not this time. "There's a kind of hush all over world tonight. All over the world you can hear the sound of Dallas fans exploding their heads." The Professor is about to have a celebrating shot of Jack Daniels.

January 12, 2008:

Dr. Jim, the Professor agrees with your prediction of the Packers over the Seahawks. The Pack has too much offense for Seattle. The Packer defense will stifle the offense of Seattle. Packers by 20. I also agree with the Colts beating San Diego. I'll go with Peyton over Rivers any day. Plus, Manning has Harrison back. Colts by 14.

Where we diverge is with the Patriots and the Giants. I think it is wishful thinking for you to predict a Giant win. As much as I would love to see rooters for "America's Team" heads collectively explode all over the USA, as the Cowboys go down in defeat, I cannot see a justification for them losing. Owens give the Giants fits. He can do it on one leg. I would love to see him get his clocked cleaned. However, the Giants are not the team to do it. The Cowboys have beaten them twice. I see a 13 point loss for the third loss against the pain in the"arse"Cowboys.
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New England is going to the Super Bowl. Brady is amazing. Even when it looks like he is cornered he gets it done. There are too many weapons on offense for Jacksonville to overcome. The Patriot defense can be had, and will give up points. It will be a shoot-out Patriots win by 10. The Professor has left the building.

December 13, 2007: The Professor Takes Another Look

Tis the season to be jolly, with visions of G-men dancing in our heads. Yes, it has been awhile since I spoke to you last. "What a long strange trip it's been." Looking back I said the Giants could be 9-4 at this point. Instead of beating Minnesota (their worst game of the year), they go and beat Chicago, a team I thought would beat them. The Eagles game was tougher than it had to be. Those turnovers in the red zone and field goals instead of touchdowns. Even when they win that make it a struggle.

Well, here we are 9-4 with one of those two home games within the division. We know about the other home game against Dallas. Now the Giants face the Redskins for the 10-4 victory to clinch the playoff spot. Who would think the Giants are better on the road than at the Meadowlands? The crowd I am sure will be rockin' and rollin'. The Giants better win because a rejuvenated Vikings team is nipping at their heels.

Any tie in records goes to Minnesota. Forget about the Giants winning the last game of the year. It better not come down to needing to beat New England. If the Patriots are going for the undefeated season in that game it could be ugly for Big Blue. Buffalo will be tough. Who knows what the weather will be like. That makes it a crap shoot. So this is THE GAME for all the garbonzo beans.

The Professor sees a victory. When was the last time that a Joe Gibbs coached team beat the Giants in a meaningful game? Brandon Jacobs has been seen at Home Depot buying a case of Crazy Glue. He doesn't fumble this week in the red zone. He runs for 125 yards and creates ball control that allows Eli to be more effective with the passing game. Play action passes down the field will keep the Redskin defense off balance. Plaxico will have a good game. Shockey and old reliable Toomer will contribute.

The Giants defensive pass rush will rattle the young Redskin quarterback. The G-men will play one of their best games of the season. The score 27-13. Giants in the playoffs. Considering their record on the road this season, they may get past the first round. They will be playing mostly, if not all their games, on the road if they advance. The Professor has left the building.

October 13, 2007: The Professor Assesses the Landscape - Playoffs?

Dr. Jim has asked for my prediction on the possibility of a playoff bound G-men. I will answer him by saying that the next three games will determine their future.

There are three games coming up (Atlanta, San Francisco, and Miami in London), that if all are won makes them 6-2. If they win the three they have a shot. If not, forget it, plus the fact they don't deserve it, considering you have to beat these types of teams to have a chance.

Now, examine the last eight games. I feel that Detroit, Minnesota, and Buffalo should be victories. That makes 9 wins. I believe you have two sure loses in the second half. They will be Chicago, and no way do they beat New England. That makes 9-4. That leaves three division games. Those games will determine the fate of their playoff appearance. Two of the three are at home. You would think they should win one of the two. So, who do they beat? Dallas and Washington are the two home games within the division. The Giants always seem to play the Cowboys tough at home. Washington always has fits with the Giants, especially a Joe Gibbs coached team.

That leaves the away game against the Eagles. The Eagles are tough at home and usually give the Giants fits in their home park. I wouldn't count on that game as being in the win column. That means their best chance is the two division games at home to give them 10 wins, or 11 which would guarantee the playoffs. These games are also critical because they are within the division for tie-breaker purposes.

So, lets see what they do over the next three games. I fear this game in Atlanta. I could see a loss. The Giants are even more unpredictable than usual. Of course, a key injury to them or any of their major competitors and all bets are off. Go into the break at 6-2, win one of the two game at home against Washington or Dallas, you're in. Otherwise, wait till next year with a new coach. The Professor has left the building.

October 1, 2007: After the G-Men Book 12 Sacks and Whip the Eagles 16-3

The Professor is quite pleased with the outcome of the game. Actually I am stupefied. I don't think that even the most devout Giant's fan (I mean you Dr. Jim) would have ever thought the Giants would pile up that many sacks on the Eagles. But, that notwithstanding, the defense looks quite different over the last two games. They have gone from giving up 80 points in two games to 20 points in two games.

I did predict the possibility of a victory by at most 13 points. The only problem with that prediction was the Giants won by the 13 not the Eagles. Who the hell knows these days. There seems to be so much parity in the league. Plus, with injuries to key players it is getting harder to get a read on a team.

Which Giants team are we looking at? Is it the team of the first two or last two weeks? I don't have a clue. One could say that we will know more after the Jets game on Sunday.

Knowing the Giants they will come out flat on Sunday. However, I will predict a close game, but a Giant win, something to the effect of 16-13. The Professor doesn't know whether to stay or leave the building.

September 28, 2007: The Professor Makes a Brief Statement

My early prediction on the Sunday game against the Eagles has two options.

  1. The first option is, if Plaxico plays, Giants make it a close game but lose by four.
  2. My second option relates to Plaxico playing and is too injured to play well, or doesn't play, resulting in a loss by thirteen.

I just don't see the G-men overcoming the play-making capability of McNabb. Let's hope that the Giant's defensive coach can give them some insider information on the Eagles defense. The Professor is warming up with a martini as we speak.

September 23, 2007: Giants 24, Redskins 17

The Professor's radar was jammed in the second half. It looked like the teams switched uniforms during the second half. The Giants and their turnovers sure made it an uphill climb. But, to their credit, the team never quit and scored 21 unanswered points.

Plaxico got his act together in the second half. Derrick Ward had another solid performance. Ruben D. played well as a kick returner, as well as the short yardage back ala Brandon Jacobs of previous years. Eli showed how he has improved this year as a leader on the field. Although he has to manage those blocked passes at the line.

Fortunately for the Giants, the center for Washington decided to help the G-men with a hold and a false start on their final drive. When the Skins had first and goal I was almost certain that the game would be 24-24 and look out, overtime. Then a field goal by the Redskins and it is 27-24 and another frustrating loss.

Maybe the Giants can build on this for next week's game against the Eagles. I watched some of the Eagles game today. McNabb was on fire. I hope the defensive line can get pressure on McNabb. They did show some late in the game today.

The Professor is happy to see the Giants come back and win today. He's just not yet convinced they can do it against the Eagles. We can all now give a huge exhale. All together now Wheyouuuuuuuuuuuuu.

September 23, 2007: Giants vs. Redskins

The Professor would like to go on the record before today's game and see if my football radar is working.

The Giants will be in last place in the East at the end of the day. They will lose in D.C. today. Points will be put on the board by both offenses. I think the Giants can still score some points even if Plaxico doesn't play. Toomer, Shockey and receivers out of the backfield will put 24 points on the board.

Unfortunately, The Giants defense will surrender 28. I predict a big day for the tight end Cooley. The Giant linebackers will have a tough time in coverage. Santana Moss will give the secondary fits. Of course, an old lady on a walker could give the secondary fits.

By the 3rd quarter next week against the Eagles, when McNabb has lit up the the Giant's defense and it looks like 0-4, the crowd will begin the goodbye Tommy song. Oh, Dr. Jim, I only wish my football radar is jammed. The Professor has left the building.

September 16, 2007: Giants 13, Packers 35

The game today is in the books. There are some positive comments to be made. The Giants played a first half that was good enough to win a game.Unfortunately, bad teams usually play only part of a game not all 60minutes. Eli threw some good passes. He looked good in the first half. The offensive line played well. Derrick Ward had a nice game. He looks very good. Ninety yards on the ground is a valuable contribution. The coaches are getting Shockey down the field and into the passing offense. Now if he can start catching the ball more often instead of showing
trampoline hands, that would be nice.

Now for the litany of negatives:

  1. The defense actually holds the opponenton a crucial third down and forces a punt. What do the Giants do? Gabril Wilson roughs the kicker. A first down extends the drive leading to a touchdown.
  2. Shockey catches a pass for a first down at the Green Bay 17. The Giants even draw the defense offside. Wait a minute. Shockey punches the ball out of his hand and gets a delay of game. The drive ends and they have to settle for a field goal when maybe the momentum they have gets 6 points.
  3. Leading 10-7 at half, the Giants kick-off and give up a run that puts the Packers at mid-field. Packers put in 6 points, momentum swings to the Packers.
  4. Although a questionable call, Sam Madison's second pass interference helps the Packers score on a drive.
  5. Giants come back with a nice drive. They are in the red zone. Toomer, of all people, loses his cool and gets a 15 yarder for unsportsmanlike conduct.The drive stalls. Instead of a possible 6 points they settle for 3, game is now 14-13.
  6. The tackling on defense was awful from that point on in the game. It wasn't so great proceeding that point.
  7. The defense has the Packers 3rd and two with two minutes in the third quarter. It is still a one point game. The defense gives up a 14 yard play. It leads to the 3rd touchdown. The wheels on the bus begin to falloff, instead of go round and round.
  8. On the kick-off, the giants fumble, it is recovered by the Packers. A touchdown makes it 28-13.
  9. Eli, when you are rushed out of the pocket throw the ball out of bounds!!!!!!!!!!!!
  10. Remember 1966? The Giants have given up 80 points in the first two games. That is the second most points since they gave up the record amount in 1966. They were 2-12 that year.
  11. Green Bay had 24 first downs in the game and over three hundred and fifty yards of offense.
  12. The defensive secondary couldn't cover a floor with wall to wall carpeting.

That second half was one of the worst 30 minutes of play that I have seen from a Giant team.

The G-Men are now 2-11 in their last eleven games. Just like winning can be infectious, so is losing.

As this season goes on, a 7-9 or 6-10 may look pretty darn good. Next week it is Washington. This one is going to be another in the loss column. Then we hear the Good-bye Tommy being sung at the next home game.
The Professor has left the building in a disgusted mood.

September 13, 2007

Green Bay beats the Giants this week. The secondary is worse than I ever suspected. Play the draft pick from Texas and live withthe rookie mistakes. Can he be any worse than playing what the defense is starting? The Professor is trying to get on a liver donor list. Drinking will be increasing as this season progresses. The liquor lamp is officially lit.

September 9, 2007: Giants 35, Cowboys 45

Written before the game:

The Professor wishes to make a few brief comments regarding the Giants.

Considering it is the first game of the season, I feel the need to speak. Well, Another opening another show," as the song says. My prediction regarding the Giant's record is still 9-7 , if they are lucky, and the most likely scenario will be 7-9. Although I do understand thatthe G-Men tend to do better when people predict they will do poorly.

Tiki will not be replaced as a safety valve, receiving out of the backfield. The defensive secondary will have their problems. A good quarterback will cut them up. I do feel the defensive line will put pressure on the quarterback, hopefully enough to help the secondary. If the linebackers stay healthy, they will get by.

Special teams coverage looks good. Feaglesis a one-of-a-kind punter. He is the best directional kicker in the game. Does anybody out there feel confident with the placekicking? I sure don't feel the least confident. Feely may have had his limits with distance, but inside 45 yards he was very consistent.

Finally, as the season progresses and the sounds of "Good-bye Tommy C." ring throughout the stadium, thoughts of Bill Cowher will be dancing in the heads of many Giants fans. Hopefully, those same thoughts will be in the heads ofthe GM, as well as the Maras and the Tisches.

The Professor has said what needed to be said. Regards to all. At least the G-Men sure look pretty in their uniforms.

July 30, 2007: Strahan No-Show Makes the Professor Boil Over

The professor cannot stay silent any longer. Recent events have created a desire to pontificate regarding the 2007-08 season.

First of all, my prediction for the season is in the area of 6-10 or 7-9 if they are more fortunate. They were as, you know, 8-8 last season. The loss of Tiki, in my opinion, is going to cost them one or two games. I do believe that Jacobs and Ruben, however you spell his last name, will be able to come close to producing Tiki's ground numbers. It is the yardage he gained as a receiver that these two will not replace.

That means relying on your wide receivers more. Amani hopefully will give what we are used to seeing from him. One cannot be sure he will return to form at his age. Plaxico is, if we wish to be kind, inconsistent. Shockey must be used in the offense more as a receiver down the field. If the Giants don't move the ball on the ground that means throwing more often. That is when they will miss Tiki the most.

The other question is left tackle. When they let Pettigout go, the G.M.said David Diehl would make the transition to left tackle. That remains to be seen. That position is critical to protecting the quarterback. Eli may have enough trouble without having to worry about his blindside.

By the way, are we totally convinced Eli can become a more accurate passer? He does have the arm, he is intelligent, and a hard worker. These factors are all in his favor. But, as we know, some quarterbacks just don't seem to be able to see the field in those critical moments.

That brings us to the other side of the ball, the defense. Thank you Mr. Strahan. This is a ploy to hold the Giants hostage. I doubt they will give in. I would be disappointed if they do. They can be 6-10 or 7-9 with or without him, at this point. I do believe Strahan can still be a force on the field, but he is not the player he was. What he is doing can only make things worse for his teammates. Thank you very much Mike. If he wanted to really retire he would have made more of an effort to contact team
officials. It is a crock. Play under the contract or trade him. Or let him sit and get him for breach of contract. You do have Justin Tuck to put at the defensive end. Plus, the Kiwanuka experiment will probably be put on hold. That means it's back to the defensive line for Kiwanuka.

Now a strongside linebacker is needed. I don't think Kiwanuka is suited to cover the really good tight-ends in the league, anyway. He is too tall for that position. It would be a tough transition.

The defensive secondary is still suspect. They are still slow and a bit old
in the secondary. You can't count on a rookie number one draft at
cornerback to make a huge impact. That would be expecting too much.
Finally on to the special teams.

There are two new place kickers in camp. Remember, they let Jay Feeley go to the Dolphins. Do we know what we can expect from either one on kick-offs and field goals? To many holes andquestion marks for my peace of mind. Let us see how training campprogresses.

The Professor has run out of energy.