Report: Spags back to the Eagles by the end of this week.

[MightyGiants]

Blackburn and Osi's contributions have been minimal.

You know Todge it's important not to judge players and their contributions through the lens of preconceived notion.    Now I can't say for sure that's what you have done, but it seems the only explanation for claiming that Blackburn (who is tied for the post season tackle lead at 9) and Osi (who's one sack ties him for the team lead) have made "minimal contributions"

[Chris]

Instead, I would suggest that the defensive line has been dominating their opponents.  If/when that is neutralized, than I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised to see Aaron Rodgers hang 40 on the Giants.

Spags would be similarly hamstrung if the DL was neutralized. Hell, Belicheck would be hard pressed to pull a rabbit out of his hat if the DL was neutralized.

I love Spags and wish him well. Let's not make him something he's not. The Eagles' D was top ten and led the league in sacks this year. How much more is going to improve them?

[zephirus]

I don't know why everyone is so down on Blackburn, I've thought the run defense has improved dramatically since his return.  He blew up a couple plays in the backfield last week.  Certainly didn't expect this kind of production out of Blackburn but I'll take it.  Maybe it's time the Giants stopped dropping their linebackers who produced, and while they are at it they can stop drafting project linebackers or mid-late round development picks.  Go get me a Patrick Willis in the first round. 

[Frith]

wont see me being down on blackburn.. <3 the guy in a totally hetero way 

[todge]

No one here is "down on Blackburn".   But can we put his play into some perspective?  The notion that he is responsible for the defense playing better is frankly ludicrous.  Hasn't anyone noticed that the DL has been dominating opponents?  To me, that is the reason why the Giants have been playing better lately.  Throw in the fact that facing Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez is a hell of a lot easier than facing Brees and Rogers.

I think we all appreciate Chase's contributions.  But he has been a backup his entire career for a reason.  He was out of football unclaimed by anyone for a reason.  He is an athletically-challenged, limited skill-set LB who is not the long term answer for the Giants at the Mike.  That is not being "down" on him, it is just a rational, objective assessment of him as a player.

[andrew_nyg]

No one here is "down on Blackburn".   But can we put his play into some perspective?  The notion that he is responsible for the defense playing better is frankly ludicrous.  Hasn't anyone noticed that the DL has been dominating opponents?  To me, that is the reason why the Giants have been playing better lately.  Throw in the fact that facing Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez is a hell of a lot easier than facing Brees and Rogers.

I think we all appreciate Chase's contributions.  But he has been a backup his entire career for a reason.  He was out of football unclaimed by anyone for a reason.  He is an athletically-challenged, limited skill-set LB who is not the long term answer for the Giants at the Mike.  That is not being "down" on him, it is just a rational, objective assessment of him as a player.

When you put it that way, todge...there's no argument.

BUT...look at it this way: Without Blackburn you had several inexperienced LB's taking turns in the middle who were consistently blowing assignments...when that happens, a chain reaction occurs. You have players in other positions trying to compensate for the others mistakes, and before you know it, you have 2-3 players "overplaying" and not being in position to make the play.

Having ChaseB's EXPERIENCE and understanding of where to be on the field, IMO has been HUGE to the confidence factor of this defense.

[MightyGiants]

No one here is "down on Blackburn".   But can we put his play into some perspective?  The notion that he is responsible for the defense playing better is frankly ludicrous.  Hasn't anyone noticed that the DL has been dominating opponents?  To me, that is the reason why the Giants have been playing better lately.  Throw in the fact that facing Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez is a hell of a lot easier than facing Brees and Rogers.

I think we all appreciate Chase's contributions.  But he has been a backup his entire career for a reason.  He was out of football unclaimed by anyone for a reason.  He is an athletically-challenged, limited skill-set LB who is not the long term answer for the Giants at the Mike.  That is not being "down" on him, it is just a rational, objective assessment of him as a player.

Todge,

Let's be fair you are down on the guy.  You couldn't even toss the guy a bone for his contributions to the defense and wouldn't acknowledge the much improved run defense and improved MLB pass coverage (I am referring to the Chase Blackburn thread).  Instead all you can do is go on about how limited he is athletically and how he isn't the long term answer.   At this point most people are talking this season this year's playoffs and how right now in the present Blackburn's return provided a substantial boost for the defense.  Prior to Blackburn's return the MLB position was a mess.  Since he returned the MLB is no longer out of position or doesn't know what to do or is regularly being fooled.   Blackburn may not be athletically gifted but he makes up for those limitations by drive, instincts and intelligence.    Most people appreciate a guy who wasn't gifted with great athletica ability but succeeds through smarts and hard work.

[Rambo89]

Instead, I would suggest that the defensive line has been dominating their opponents.  If/when that is neutralized, than I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised to see Aaron Rodgers hang 40 on the Giants.

Spags would be similarly hamstrung if the DL was neutralized. Hell, Belicheck would be hard pressed to pull a rabbit out of his hat if the DL was neutralized.

I love Spags and wish him well. Let's not make him something he's not. The Eagles' D was top ten and led the league in sacks this year. How much more is going to improve them?

Well said Chris.  Spags did a great job with the 2007 team, no other way around it.  But in the second half of 2008 when the d line got neutralized so did the defense.  He was only a coordinator for two years and did as bad of a job as you can do with the Rams.

I fail to see how his resume is that special.

[files58]

Blackburn did not all of a sudden become Tommy Nobis. He is what he is, a smart, heady player with limited athletic ability. Alot of players have made long careers with the same. The biggest difference is the play of Canty, Joseph, and Bernard in front of him. It's a team game. Those three are swallowing up blockers/ getting penetration which allows Chase to find the holes and RB's. He was/is a good tackler. The same goes for Kiwi and his improved play. The guy I am excited about going forward is D. Williams. Flip to the other side of the LOS and the reason for our improved running game is the improved play of the OL. We are starting to take control of the LOS. When the Giants control the LOS they win, it's that simple. Look for Green Bay to try and get Blackburn in space with a TE or crossing routes. That's his weak spot.

[TONKA56]

No one here is "down on Blackburn".   But can we put his play into some perspective?  The notion that he is responsible for the defense playing better is frankly ludicrous. 

Holy stawman Batman!

[TONKA56]

Todge my good man I would have loved to have kept a running journal of your comments regarding every middle linebacker the Giants have fielded for the past three seasons.  Yet wilth every dismissal of Jones for being too small,  Blackburn for being too slow, of Herzlich for not projecting to the position in other threads you defend the FO for not being able to do better when others call them out.  LInebackers don't grow on trees.  You cannot dial 1-800-LINEBACKER. Sometimes you have to stay pat.  Those were your comments. Seems like a bit of a disparity.

[NYSPORTS]

Ho Ho - apparently Spags may interview with Atlanta now.

Leave it to the paparazzi during preseason and post season to muck it up.  Mock drafts up next