Big Blue Huddle

I know Bettcher is regarded as a terrible DC by most Giants and virtually everyone was happy to see him leave.  What I had forgotten was that Spagnola was fired by Shurmur when he hired Bettcher.  Read that Spags had hired Shurmur as OC when Spags became a HC.  The only explanation for letting a quality DC go for a less than quality DC is the style of defense the HC wanted to run, maybe a 3-4 instead of the 4-3.  But, I have no recollection of what happened.

Truthfully, this has nothing to do with Wink.  But, another example of how the Giants let go of an outstanding coordinator.  And, for Bettcher?

 

When the Giants drafted Toney, knowing nothing about red flags concerning injury history and apparent inability or unwillingness to learn the playbook, I was against the pick primarily because Darrisaw was available and he would filled a need that they still haven't fixed.  But, last night watching Deebo Samuels do his thing, I understand what they were trying to accomplish with Toney.  He has a similar skill set but doesn't look like he'll ever use them the way Deebo does. 

I've read here that Judge was the decision maker on the Toney pick and not Gettleman. I haven't read that anywhere else.  To me, Judge looked like a stickler for discipline in the Belichick mold and that would rule out Toney.  Plus, I find it very easy to blame Gettleman for every bad move.  Still, if Judge had a long term contract, which I think he had, then maybe drafting Toney made a little bit of sense if they thought he could play like Deebo. 

Not saying he's right but, in my opinion, it makes sense.  I'm curious if he starts over (a healthy) Glowinski.  I would do it

Can someone explain how this would work?  If I understand it, veterans with over 4 years of service won't be on waivers but are free to negotiate with any team.  If that's accurate, it'll be of little benefit to the Giants at critical positions given the lack of Cap money.  There will be multiple teams interested in good OL or CB cuts and some will have to have the money to outbid the Giants.   Those to me are the positions of greatest need.

Just heard a podcast by Jordan Ranaan who said that Bredeson started as center.  This morning heard the Big Blue Banter where they said that Schmidt started at center and lauded Daboll for starting a rookie.  I'm guessing that Ranaan is right because I don't think Daboll would start a rookie who has never played a down in the big leagues and I think Ranaan was there and the Banter guys weren't.

The Giants would have to win 3 games in their conference plus win 2 games against the AFC East plus 2 games against the NFC West plus 2 of 3 against a combination of the Saints, Raiders and Packers.  This would yield a record of 9-8.

I didn't take into account home or away status.   I'm trying to evaluate, at a way too early time, if playoffs are feasible given a tougher schedule.  I'm thinking 9-8 could sneak in.  However, I also think we can beat one of "better" teams but i could see a loss to an "inferior " one,

Any thoughts?

I'n going to assume a contract is reached with Jones and not Barkley.  Schoen then moves to franchise Barkley.  Barkley complains to Mara who "suggests" to Schoen that they don't franchise Barkley.

Not likely to happen but not outrageous.  If I were Schoen, I'd hope that Barkley signs elsewhere and get a 3rd round pick as compensation while being pissed at Mara.  My question is, if it happened that way, would it bother Schoen?   With Jones signed and Barkley gone, he'd have some serious money to spend in free agency.  Plus, he wouldn't be spending big bucks on RB.

I don't know how to link this but Eli is a guest on Ranaan's latest podcast.  Quick interview which I found interesting especially his commentary on rooting for the Eagles.

Do we know now where we draft or is that unavailable until tonight?

I know a few weeks ago, I was criticized here for calling Slayton a journeyman.  It was in the context of contract he'll get next year.  Maybe I should have used the term average instead of journeyman.  To me, he is not someone you can rely on.  There are too many drops in too many critical situations.  He had very good speed and runs nice patterns.  He makes some nice catches but I can't stand his drops on very catchable balls. Granted the game ended the way it should have.  But, I think if he holds onto the ball with about 3 minutes left, he probably gets the 1st down and possibly ends the game right there.  Not saying I don't want him back if he accepts a low ball offer.  And, I don't see any team offering significant bucks. Any thoughts?

Giants are ahead of the Cowboys in the playoff run