Tiki Runs His Mouth Again

Tiki Barber: NY's legendary fumble king

I'm not surprised because Tiki Barber has done it before and ever since he has left the NY Giants. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, Tiki runs his mouth. This is the time of year when the media turns to Barber and asks for his "expert" opinion on the current state of affairs in NY. Old fumble hands, lambasted Coughlin regarding the perception that Tom is losing the team. He says,"In NY, perception is reality". Tom might be losing the team but we don't need Tiki to confirm this. It's weird, because the media treats him like he is somewhat relevant and he isn't. Barber who formerly worked for NBC is 4 years removed from the team and yet somehow people think what he has to say is actually credible. It's laughable.

As you get older, words and their meanings tend to change. One of those words for me is, "Legend". I look back at people who were dubbed legendary and wonder if their reputations exceed them a bit. Example, my Grandmother and mother thought highly of Elvis. As a kid I was told, "Elvis was one of the greatest musicians that ever lived." Now I don't want to take away anything from this great American icon but I came to learn that Elvis didn't play instruments, as I was told and really wasn't a musician by definition. Many of his songs in fact, were written by other people. He could sing of course but he was more or less a performer that put on a great show rather then this all inclusive demigod. Fans of Elvis took what he was and molded a legend that is slightly askew. And so the process begins for Barber, if we let it.

No doubt will we see his name raised into the "Ring of Honor" on Sunday night as he does deserve it being the Giants all-time rushing leader (10,449 yards from scrimmage). Plus Tiki is 22 on the all-time NFL rushing list. But let's put this in it's proper, "perspective in NY." In his 10 year career, he scored 67 rushing/receiving touchdowns. Nice right? But he put the ball on the ground 53 times. In fact, Barber didn't learn how to protect the ball until 3 years before his retirement. He caused a division in the locker room that wasn't fixed until he was gone. When the opportunity arose for him to take the team on his back in Super Bowl 35, he chose to remain nearly invisible (11 carries for 49 yards, longest 27 yards). As much as he helped the Giants, he hurt them and his numbers are well padded.

I can think of two reasons why Tiki has been so critical of the Giants since his departure. First, I guess he's still burning about retiring one year shy of Super Bowl glory. But that isn't Big Blue's fault. If I remember correctly, The Giants were distraught at the fact that they weren't sure who would step up and fill the void left by Tiki. Second, It's obvious that Barber used his affiliation with the team to bolster his position at NBC. Nobody talks about this guy until there's a negative story surrounding East Rutherford. Mr. Slippery Fingers used his NBC podium to spit in the face of the franchise and further his television career. Any love for Tiki in NY has soured and he will be remembered as a traitor. Other players have retired and succeeded through other paths without trashing their team. Phil Simms didn't need to be shocking. Go away Tiki, we won't grow your legend.

NY Giant's "Ring of Honor"- The Full List

You will not get this list anywhere else! The NY Giants will pay tribute to 30 Big Blue legends Sunday night during halftime. The team has released 6 names and the full list will not be known until the game, unless of course you are the Ghost of Lombardi. Without further delay, here's the full list...

Harry Carson- Linebacker
Benny Friedman- Quarterback
Roosevelt Brown- Tackle
Frank Gifford- Halfback
Alphonse (Tuffy) Leemans- Halfback, Fullback
Morris (Red) Badgro- End
Sam Huff- Linebacker
Arnold Weinmeister- Defensive Tackle
George Martin- Defensive end
Wellington Mara- Co-Owner
Lawrence Taylor- Linebacker
Tim Mara- Founder
Mel Hein- Center
Cal Hubbard- Tackle
Steve Owen- Coach
Ken Strong- Halfback
Emlen Tunnell- Defensive Back
Amani Toomer- Wide Receiver
Andy Robustelli- Defensive End
Y.A. Tittle- Quarterback
Phil Simms- Quarterback         
Michael Strahan- Defensive end
Tiki Barber- Running Back
Bill Parcells- Head Coach       
Otis Anderson- Running Back
Robert Tisch- Co-owner
Ray Flaherty- Coach, (first number to be retired by any team in major league sports)
Al Blozis- Tackle
Charlie Conerly- Quarterback
Joe Morrison- Running Back

Sign Of The Times: A Ring of Honor

I was wondering when it was coming and it's here: The Giant's will unveil a "Ring of Honor" in tribute to 30 former NY Giant greats during halftime Sunday night. They will include Bill Parcells, Michael Strahan, Tiki Barber, Phil Simms, Frank Gifford and Pete Gogolak. The rest of the ring won't be announced until the game.

I wonder if Lawrence Taylor will be inducted and/or invited due to legal woes from his tryst with an underage lady of the night. Lord knows that the Gmen don't need any more bad press.

I've been watching football for a long time now and know these two things for sure. 1) Teams usually don't come out of disastrous beginnings like the Giants have created; they pitfall and unintentionally position themselves into the first pick of the draft. 2) When a franchise is in turmoil, proper marketing and distraction are clutch. "Rings of Honor", "Fan Appreciation Day" and ceremonies of that nature are implemented to remind fans of the good times and keep their minds off of the fact that their favorite team is on a crash course to front page infamy.

Eli to Tom,"My heart will go on"

I'm sure I will be guilty of indulging in the halftime parade of nostalgia. Every die hard Giant fan will have their heart strings tugged when Phil Simms comes walking out, we just can't help it and the organization knows this. Even when the living wax statue that is Frank Gifford, slowly makes his way to the 50 yard line, I will feel sentimental for a time before my time and pride for a team that is far removed from glory. But keep reminding yourself, it is what it is: a distraction. Even though the violinists keep playing, the Titanic will certainly sink.

But that's what we do as humans isn't it? Laugh at a funeral. Sing songs about peace during a war. Invite former champions to come over in the midst of a free fall. It's just like when you invite grandpa to dinner. You love him but you don't like him anymore. You love what he was. I mean, who loves a narcissist with the fashion sense of a scarecrow, wafting with the smell of club man? He's terrible now. He just sits there complaining about "kids these days", "when I was your age" and "Oh if I were young again, I'd..". You can't help but saying, "I love you Grandpa but shut up and eat your high fiber cereal." "Did you know that when I was your age, I won a war all by myself?" Yes Grandpa, we know, you stormed the beaches of Normandy and choke slammed Nazis all the way to Berlin.

So on Sunday, when NY is down by 21, enjoy those Giant Grandpas at midfield. Remember to be kind and clap when Old Phil waxes poetic, "When I was your age I went  22 of 25 for 268 yards and three touchdowns in a Super Bowl." (In an old man voice) "I remember when Chuck Bednarick knocked me clean from my knickers". Yes Giff, you were tough, we know, put your teeth back in. Be sure to keep an evil eye pointed firmly at the owners box knowing that they are just trying to trick you by playing on your emotions. They know this team is a wreck and let's face it, "Ring of Honor Night" is just a short, polite euphemism for "PSL owner appreciation night at the New Meadowlands Duplex; man you guys got suckered on this one".

Breaking News: 471 Yards of Offense Equals Loss

"What do you want from me?"

The Giants out gained the Titans by 200 yards in a losing effort at the Meadowlands. Where to begin? Well let's see. Wide receivers are still tipping passes in the air like it was volleyball. "Small Blue" gave up a safety, a fumble, two INTs and 75 yards of personal fouls. Lawrence Tynes missed two, count them, two field goals. False starts and even a delay of game on a field goal attempt. Whenever NY was at a point to turn the game around, someone in blue would shoot them in the leg. This team is coming apart at the seams and Tom Coughlin has lost all control.

NY went into the half tied with Tennessee at 10. The score made it seem like a balanced game but it wasn't. The Giants held the ball for almost 3/4 of the half and couldn't convert TDs in the redzone. The Giant defense did a good job on Chris Johnson but the offense was a circus of mistakes. I'd like to know why there is so many tips by WRs who make a fortune to catch passes. I'd like to know why Bradshaw carries the ball like he's a QB. Walter Payton used to run with the ball unprotected but he didn't put it on the ground like Bradshaw did on the goal line. Pop Warner mistakes that would make Bear Bryant rise from his grave to eat a baby.

Another missed opportunity occurred within the 10. Eli drops back to pass, there's nothing there so he runs. When Eli is 3 yards shy of a TD he decides to toss a left handed pass that was picked off . What? You can't write a worse outcome. Why not run for it? I nearly sh%# my sofa.

Lawrence Tynes has proven that he's useless beyond 40 yards. Utterly useless. He was 1 for 3, leaving 6 on the field. At one point, NY lined up to kick a field goal only to be flagged for a delay of game. Thanks Matt Dodge, add this to the list of things you can't do. But don't blame him, kicking tees can't tell time either. Back it up five and of course Tynes missed that one too. This is where I finally sh%# the sofa. Maybe he should start attempting kicks with his other foot, blind folded and under the influence of meth. By no means would you ever make the mistake of calling him automatic. He's like a rifle that shoots blanks. He is as useful to the Giants as a eunuch is to a sperm bank.

Kareem McKenzie, (me clapping sarcastically). You go big girl! Two personal fouls and both were right in front of a ref. Are you kidding me? No No, I mean how do you throw down an opposing player, with the game on line and everyone is watching? That's like robbing a bank in the presence of the NYPD or trying to hug the president. Yank him for good, I'd rather see what Andrews can do.

Oh and can't forget about everyone's favorite tip-toe, east-west running, standing straight up in the air running back who skips for a loss like he was on the f#%@&*# yellow! brick! road! The Cowardly Jacobs. In his best imitation of Jeremy Shockey, Jacobs the spruce goose grabs a nice gain and then goes into an epileptic seizure, kicking and fighting only to draw flags. Well done dummy. You said you had something to prove this week and you did. Helmets aren't just for football, keep yours on while you ride the short bus all the way to the trade deadline. At this point I'd deal him to Green Bay for a cheese wheel or San Diego for a glass of sea water. If he was on the way to OZ, he'd have to ask the wizard for a heart, courage, a brain and those little red shoes that are to die for! Wait, can he ask the wonderful wizard for balls? He needs them too.

Believe it or not, I feel bad for Tom Coughlin. He has lost total control here. I'm not sure that he can regain it. This team is a mess. When he came out before the game, sporting his trademark red face, I knew then it was over. Tom can scream and shout all he wants but I believe this team lacks all semblance of discipline. Unfortunately you can't teach common sense, that's a fact of life. How do you grab a player and say, "Kareem don't throw a guy on the ground in front of the ref, please". Hey Antrel Rolle, "Don't smack a guy in the face, you'll get called for 15".  "Bradshaw, tuck the ball in when running." Aren't these obvious things? Hey Brandon,"fire is hot, no touch." I guess sometimes with children, you have to pat them on the head and just say to yourself, "Hey, I did the best I could, so what if he eats his own Lego's." Final score Titans 29 Smalls 10.

(Deep breath) I guess if I were asked to describe this version of the NY Giants in two words or less, it would be... Awesomely Awful

No Friends In Football

I love you man

There was a time when NFL players looked to Sunday as a legal way to rip someone's head clear from their neck. An animalistic ferocity that left fans foaming at the mouth onto their couch. Much of violence is of course still there but at times it feels like players are too friendly with each other for my taste and tend to hold back on the buddies they club with. It's not the gentleman's game and you won't get a mulligan for missing a big hit. But there's no reason to slap an opposing player on the helmet for a big play against you or picking him off the turf after a leveling.

I remember a clip of Lawrence Tayor screaming on the sidelines,"Let's go out there like a bunch of crazed dogs!" It wasn't an act and I genuinely believed that he was there to bite someone in the face and leave them with rabies. Deacon Jones, a fierce defensive end, didn't hit the club with his buddies rather he clubbed the thoughts from their brain. A move later banned by the league. He used to come up off the line and swing this tree like arm into the oppositions head, knocking the helmet off. In an interview he claims, "That was my intention". Beautiful.

What am I getting at you ask? Well I've been reading alot of articles lately about players praising opposing teams. When the NY Giant's lost to the Colts last week, many players came out to say, "Well we did get beat by the greatest player in the game". What? Are you mother#%@#*%# kidding me? I mean that goes without saying but do they need to say it? How much fire do you have left in your belly if your quotes are laced in pleasantries?

Acceptable in soccer

In an article on nj.com, Linval Joseph had nothing but nice things to say about former team mate Chris Johnson. Joseph says, "He's the fastest guy I ever seen...a hard worker...There were two things: he was either going to burn me or make me miss...Man I remember trying to stop this, he's doing the same things now". Is this a precursor to a loss? All flattery and no fire. Great! So the Giant's highly praised draft pick has already committed himself to defeat. Basically he saying that Johnson is unstoppable so excuse me if I don't make a play on him. Bull#$@%. I want to hear, "He's good but if he crosses our line, we'll bloody his face." If you didn't know better, you'd think Linval wanted to kiss Johnson's johnson. I don't know but you might be playing the "wrong" football Linval.


Alright fellas, let's play some ball. More fire less fright. Kill or be killed. Friendship and fair play is for wussies and football isn't for the faint of heart. So remember, before you pat the opposition on the ass; clench your hand into a fist and club him on the head. Football is for warriors so let's leave the kissing to the ladies.

Awww. So nice.

Ghost of Lombardi's "Bet The House"

It's Friday and time for the newest and most favorite feature on this site, Ghost of Lombardi's "Bet The House". This is where I will give you predictions and insight only attainable by great NFL minds like myself. Picks so good that you'll be forced to grab those pesky home ownership papers and bet the house.

Disclaimer: Ghost of Lombardi is not responsible for any and all loss of possession and/or homelessness as these picks were made after Friday's second most favorite feature, whiskey breakfast.

The Titans come to town to face the questionable NY Giants. Can they stop the pass? Will the run defense hold up? My feeling is yes. The Giants will redeem themselves this week but don't go chanting "Super Bowl! Super Bowl!" Giants over the Titans, 30-17. Look for Kansas City to start 3-0 for the first time since 2003. San Francisco is desperate but will fall short to the Chiefs by at least 10. Dallas vs. Houston. The Cowboys have not started 0-3 since 2001 and haven't been able to find their identity this year so far. If Dallas doesn't re-establish themselves as a run first offense then this one is lost. Houston's offense has been putting up huge numbers and that's why they'll win, but it'll be close. Houston by 3.

After a smattering by the Jets, New England is out for blood. Look for them to topple the Bills in a blowout. Buffalo is going through the old QB swap. Pats by 20. Cleveland at Baltimore. Cleveland is always a mess. It's safe to say,"Never pick orange teams". Questions are arising in Baltimore about QB Joe Flacco's ability to lead. Look for Flacco to come out big and put the critics to rest. Baltimore by 14 in this one. In the Battle for last place in the NFC North, Vikings vs. Lions will put you to sleep. Look for a sloppy ball game with Grandpa Farve tossing many picks. The Lions are on the rise but won't have enough firepower to overcome the greatest story in sports, The Brett Saga. Minnesota is short on receivers but running back Adrian Peterson will take over on the ground. Vikings win in a yawn fest, 24-10.

Atlanta at New Orleans. Saints QB Drew Brees is back in his element, a dome at home. The Falcons were media darlings during the preseason they won't stop the passing attack of Brees & co. Look for Drew to have a huge game in the ballpark of 400 yards passing and 3-4 TDs. Saints over Falcons 35-17. Steelers at Bucs. The Bucs defense has improved and Pittsburgh is short on QBs but somehow the Steelers seem to pull out a win. Can't go against them this week. Steelers over the Bucs, 16-10. The Bengals con T.Ocho visit the Panthers on Sunday in a game that's only watchable if it's the only channel available. I predict 500 yards of offense out of the Bengals in a turnover fest from Carolina. Panthers lose 35-3. Redskins vs. Rams. Washington is much better this year with the addition of former rival QB Donovan McNabb. But I think this is the week where McNabb will show his greatest imperfections. The pass happy Rams will take this one by 6. Philly at Jacksonville. Jacksonville stinks and Eagles QB Michael Vick is running and passing well. There's new life on this team. Philly by 14.

Indy at Denver. Indy has Peyton Manning, enough said. Indy by 21. Oakland at Arizona. Oakland has finally come out of it's acid trip. They'll sit the ineffective wide-eyed Jason Campbell in favor of, in my opinion, a QB on the rise...Gradkowski. He's tough and he can play. Look for him to show the Raiders why he'll be their number one for a while. Arizona is still going through Kurt Warner hangover. Raiders over Cardinals 17-10. San Diego at Seattle. This one is tough to pick. Seattle is either really good or really bad and the Chargers won't be able to rely on a two tight end passing game for long. I'm taking Seattle in this one by 10.

In a Sunday night match up, the Jets go to Miami to face the much improved Dolphins. NY will be without Revis island and I'm not sure what to make of the new "drink and drive" offense. I predict a Jet loss, Miami 24 NY 10.

Monday night will feature the Packers at the Bears. Green Bay has lost their starting running back for the year and question amount about their ground game. QB Rodgers will be forced into throwing frequently. This one could go into overtime. Packers over the Bears in a close one, 27-24.

Follow The Big Blue Leader, But Who?

We've been hearing much about leadership issues among Giant's players, staff and several media sources. A few weeks ago, former linebacker Antonio Pierce, now an ESPN annalyst; claims the Giants don't have a leader.  Earlier this week during an interview on WFAN's Boomer and Carton Show, Giant's safety Antel Rolle made incendiary comments regarding their Sunday evening loss to the Colts. "Nobody is stepping up to the plate" says Rolle. Antrell later apologized for making this statement to the press due to the fact that he didn't first consult with Tom Coughlin. But he's only echoing what all have been saying for awhile.

Up until this season, Tom Coughlin has always named a "Leadership council". This year he will rely on team captains Eli Manning, Justin Tuck and Chase Blackburn to relay any issues growing among the players. As early as today, I read a few articles that question the head coaches ability to lead his squad. My question is: When do players just play?

Big Blue signed many talented althelets in the off season to plug some of the gaps, had decent draft and even made changes to the coaching staff. I'm hearing too many excuses and nobody seems hungry to win. The atmosphere is moving towards grade school during recess in East Rutherford. Finger pointing and name calling are a new mainstay and everyone seems like they are walking through the motions. We're at the point where theres no one left to blame. Do the Giants clean house this off season and go into rebuilding horror or do we all just grow up and do what we're paid to do? Play football.

My theory on why we're seeing this happen is two fold. First, nearly half of the Giant's roster is comprised of players left from Super Bowl 42. They're millionaires with rings. Take a moment and put yourselves in their head and think about how hungry you would be after having what they do. You've now achieved everything that you set out for. Money+Championship= I'm done. Second, Tom Coughlin is no doubt a great coach but I believe that we've seen him peak.

Coaches and this also can be said for many career types, have their own rise/peak/fall type of progression that can almost be graphed out and bet on. For example, Bill Parcells gets hired. Within two years he turns the team around, goes to a Championship and then Bill quits. It's his M.O. Wade Phillips is different. After he gets hired, the teams defense improves, he goes through ups and downs, usually takes his team to the playoffs and falls. Wade doesn't quit, he's fired. It's his M.O. Tom may be a "One and done" type of coach. He's had success in Jacksonville but that ended badly. I'm not doubting his ability to coach, I'm just going by the way he opperates.

If Antrel wants to be a leader, I suggest that he just take on the roll and others will follow. Leaders aren't made they're born. So to sit around like petty children and discuss who's turn is it to play with the game is counter productive. Just shut up and play. Before long it will be bed time and nobody likes to sleep before January. Go Giants.

Braylon Update-"I'm not selfish"

Earlier today, Braylon Edwards addressed the media regarding his booze cruise. Apparently he showed little remorse and only apologized for causing a distraction to his team. Edwards even went on to say that he believes he didn't act or think in a selfish matter. This guy does not even understand how this could be a black eye on the Jets.

"No, I don't understand the black eye that this would put on the organization"says dummy. "Because this isn't a representation of what this organization is about. This isn't what Rex Ryan, Mike Tannenbaum and Woody (Johnson) teach. This is a situation that I'm in, that I put myself in. So I don't see how it could be a black eye for them, it would moreso be a black eye for myself, if anything."

(My jaw is on the floor)

Hopefully NFL commissioner Roger Goodell makes Edwards understand.

Even more nauseating then Edwards child like reaction is that of the NY Jet fan base. I caught a little bit of Sports radio 660 WFAN today. I am embarrassed to say that I am a football fan after hearing comments from Gang Green supporters. I've heard every excuse possible defending the actions of Whiskey Edwards. It just goes to show that the Rex Ryan "Party all the time" mentality has trickled down to the Jet faithful. Those of you defending this moron really need a head check and a dose of reality. Get help.

Get your T-shirts!

I thought I'd check out Braylon's website to see if he posted an apology or anything that can make him seem more human. What was I thinking? Anyway, he has some T-shirts for sale. www.braylonedwards.com

I thinking of selling some myself....

How Inappropriate: Edwards Not Suspended By Jets

One for the road. Well maybe 10.

One bourbon, one shot and one beer star wide receiver Braylon Edwards will not start this weekend but will be available to play as much as NY Jets head coach Rex Ryan sees fit. Wow! The Jets claim that under the collective bargaining agreement, a player cannot be benched or suspended for a DWI by his team with pay because it's considered punishment. Oh God forbid. However, a player can be benched or suspended by his organization if he violates team rules. Good times.

Look closely while laws, rules and morals are twisted into conundrum pretzel before our eyes for the sake of winning. See how everyone is passing around responsibility like an active grenade. Notice when it comes to repremanding a spoiled professional athlete, action is slow especially if he can help your team the following week. In times like this, one can only await the arrival of a third party organization like "Mothers Against Drunk Driving" to force the Jets and the NFL to take immediate action.

If this isn't a violation of team rules then someone needs to update the rule book. What the Jets are saying is, if Edwards missed practice or broke curfew he would be repremanded but since he didn't break any rules and instead drove around drunk at 5:15 am, then it's cool dawg.

Watch the irony unfold...

March 13, 2009, Braylon Edwards then with the Cleveland Browns, partied late and hard with fellow teamate Donte Stallworth after he signed a 35 million dollar deal with the team. As the story goes, Edwards checked into a hotel and Stallworth drove himself home at 5 am. Shortly after, Stallworth was hungry and drove to get some breakfast. Before bacon and eggs, he mowed down and killed a pedestrian who was on his way home from work. Stallworth's breathalyzer clocked 0.126, less than Edwards .16 the other night.

If Edwards didn't learn anything from that night; he never will. If the Jets don't see the correlation between these two incidents then the whole organization needs to have a kindergartener stop by for a little round of, "Which one of these doesn't belong." But their actions are much worse then ignorance. They are playing everyone for a fool by suggesting that their hands are tied on this one.

And Jet fans wake up already. Come out from your cave of insanity and put this in it's proper perspective. I keep hearing from some of you guys, "But Kareem McKenzie did the same thing a few years ago blah blah." NO NO NO, it's not the same exact thing. Braylon has been nothing but trouble. He beat up a 130 pound guy last year. He was partying with Stallworth and later somebody died. I can't understand how Jet fans can defend him on this one. Are you guys that hard up for a Super Bowl that you'll defend this low class idiot to the point of soiling your own reputation? What if he mowed down your son or daughter? What will it take for some action?

Would this help?...

Maybe this?....

The NY Giants Looking For 2009 Repeat

Well if you watched last nights pitiful performance of this version of NY Giants football, you probably noticed that it is a complete replica of last year. I know some of you were saying to yourself, "But, but we won last week..Are we this bad?" Last week was a gift and defeat of a team in rebuilding transition and nothing more.

The Giants have fooled every die hard fan on paper alone with off season signing and much to do about nothing. The defense is a mess and the offensive line couldn't block a fat lady from ordering at McDonalds. I question the leadership as it is apparent that this team looks like a group of children run amok and perhaps a sports themed sequel to "Lord of the flies". Eli Manning was running for his life and wide receivers were tipping passes in the air like the ball was carrying swine flu. The Tight ends can't block and the running backs are that in name alone.

As for Jacobs. Give him what he wants. Trade trade trade! It's likely that the Giants won't get much for this prima donna but what is the difference when he isn't in any position to help this team. Last night is a clear indication that we have seen Jacob's best days before the parade. His Shockey-esque antics last night were nothing more than low-class actions from a paper Giant. He was penalized for hitting a player who was out of bounds, yardage that amounted to more than he produced on the field. Then he goes so far to throw his helmet into the crowd and blaming his gloves. Brandon is an east to west back that runs straight up and down to tip toe for minus yardage. I wish my TV had a filter that changed the channel when he comes in. It would be less painful for me to gouge my eyes out with a spoon then to ever watch this poor excuse of a player.

The Giant's coaching staff was outwitted time and time again. When Fewell sent in the run defense, Peyton went pass and visa-versa. How many times can you get fooled on a draw out of shotgun? Apparently, all day and all night if it's the Giant defense. The pass defense looked like they were in shock. You had defensive backs playing 5-10 yards off their receiver and positioning themselves to make a tackle instead of a play. Terrell Thomas needs to be told to look back for the ball when a WR's eyes are wide open like it was Christmas morning in the Hamptons. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride is out of his mind and league when it comes to playing chess with playoff caliber teams. He runs a vanilla offense that is far too conservative. I sat here all night predicting plays. I don't watch game film all week, just what I see on Sundays. If I know where the play is going, why wouldn't opposing defenses. All around awful.

Great teams are able to adapt during the game. Worst case scenario, they get beat and make adjustments during the week and come back with something to prove. The Giants aren't that team. When there is a problem in East Rutherford, it lingers all year long like the smell of egg salad in the sun. Look for the Giants to pick on the weak and get outclassed by the strong. Time to tank the year, get a top pick in the draft and above all...Call Bill Cower.

Gang Green's Plaxico and The September Super Bowl Champs

Well Jet fans, You thought it would be all glitz and glory on the gallop to greatness. As Giant fans experienced a few years ago, you now have your own version of Plaxico Burress. Maybe two but the jury is still out on Santonio Holmes. For now we will examine the actions or inaction of wide receiver Braylon Edwards and the untouchable mentality of the September Super Bowl Champs.

A "Plaxico", as defined by Giant fans is- A talented player who never exceeds his potential due to poor conduct, morally incapable, lives as if he was the only one in his world, he is his own greatest enemy and a conterproductive cancer to those around him. A timebomb, a powder keg.

Nothing can be more unproductive to a team on the rise then the off the field behavior of it's players. Early this morning (5:15 am), Edwards was arrested in Manhattan and charged with a DWI for blowing twice the legal limit on a breathalyzer. I always wondered why famous athletes partied and drove themselves around after the fact. I mean, why couldn't he have asked a friend or paid someone a couple hundred and protect his greatest asset; himself. Plain stupid. But wait, it gets worse. I never heard of this prior to this morning but apparently there is something called a "Player Protect" program. It's a 24 hour security and driving service paid for by, you guessed it; the team. To quote Rex Ryan, "Are you f'*#%#%* kidding me?"

If this was one solitary incident you could say to yourself, "Everyone makes mistakes". But last year Edwards was charged for aggravated disorderly conduct for punching a party promoter in Cleveland. He wasn't repremanded by the league and the courts suspended the 180 day sentence he would have received if he was you or me. But you are no longer in Cleveland Braylon. It's New York and mayor Michael Bloomberg is sure to come down hard on you like the sun during a hangover. When Burress was arrested for shooting himself, The mayor came out publicly against famous athletes looking to treat the city as their own private party. Surely he will look to make an example out of the newly bearded Braylon. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell won't be far behind, an example maker in his own right.

Put the legal implications aside for a moment and ask yourself this. What was the star receiver doing out at 5:15 am drinking and driving during the season? The Jets are one week removed from an opening day loss and one away from playing a division rival, The Miami Dolphins. It seems this player knows nothing of focus and Rex Ryan's "I'm your foul-mouthed buddy, not your coach" mentality is rubbing off.  But I guess it's a sign of the times. When your team are self proclaimed Super Bowl Champions, what is left to do? Acheivement with this organization is declared not earned. All pro status was forged through reality show propaganda and the NY media made them front page darlings after an AFC Championship loss. In a backwards world, why earn anything?

Like they say, When in Rome.