Quote from: londonblue on May 09, 2024, 09:34:29 AMI'd assume he is cheap. Competing with Hodgins for a role? A possibility to get some Waller 'big slot' snaps? He is said to be a good locker room guy and that has some value in our young, inexperienced WR room. No harm in seeing what he has left on a cheap deal IMO.
Quote from: kartanoman on May 08, 2024, 09:55:33 PMThis is an excellent thread and, if the Giants have any hope of being competitive in the coming season, having a good, if not excellent, special teams could enable them to stay close in games they would otherwise lose or, glass half-full, be the difference in winning a close game (e.g. Polish Power Olszewski's punt return TD last year).
It was one of Bill Parcells' interests, especially punt returners, but special teams in general, that hitting on two of the three cylinders in a football game (i.e. offense, defense, special teams) will put a team in a good position to win a football game. Special teams have become a little more refined since then, and I believe they have even more opportunity for refinement. But a special teams' coach has to ensure that his players can, first and foremost, execute correctly and consistently. That's been a challenge with the Giants for a while now. That Michael Ghobrial is no stranger to the Sardine Can, and all its little details, such as wind patterns, is a good head start. The team has brought in new players, and I trust even more new players from free agency will find their way onto the team via special teams, so it's going to be different.
It's already been noted, and it cannot be understated, that Daboll is handling this off-season very differently than previous years in that he's now bringing in competition to challenge the incumbents and this is sorely overdue. This is going to help the entire team, not just special teams, bring their best every day to compete and fight for their job.
My biggest question mark remains Graham Gano's recovery to include his flexibility in his planting leg, as well as his strength to bear his weight on the planting leg as he goes through his kicking motion, will be something to keep an eye on. I have no doubt he will be ready for camp, assuming his procedure went well with no complications, and he has had time to rehab it so his flexibility and strength should be getting close to normal. But you know with surgeries, things are never the same as they once were. So, we'll see.
Peace!
Quote from: AZGiantFan on May 08, 2024, 12:12:25 PMCreativity will be at a premium this year as ST coaches will have to figure out how to deal with the radical change in the kickoff rules. A team that really nails how to deal with the new rules could reap a significant competitive advantage. Let's hope that with a new ST coaching staff and influx of potential talent that team is the Giants.