Big Blue View
Ralph Isaacs asks: Is it possible that the Giants carry no void years because of ownership intransigence?
Ed says: Ralph, my guess here is that you aren’t a John Mara fan and you are just trying to blame him. “Intransigence” is defined by Dictionary.com as “refusing to compromise or agree; inflexibility.”
I don’t believe Mara is behind this. I think it has just been GM Joe Schoen’s preferred method of handling the salary cap. I disagree with it, I think Schoen will begin to move away from it with an opportunity to build around a quarterback on a rookie deal, and I think the Giants will be a better, more competitive roster when he does.
Timo Krüger asks: The Giants special teams have been performing quite well this year, which is a pleasant surprise for once. One thing I noticed during the games against the Eagles and Saints was how regularly Gillan managed to pin the opponent deep on kickoffs. There were always some issues with fielding his kicks for the returners. At the beginning of the season the Giants told us they want to use Gillan for kickoffs on specific occasions. I am wondering, during these past two games, were these situations just mistakes by the returners or is there something about Gillan’s kickoffs that makes them hard to handle?
As of now, he is becoming a real weapon in terms of field position.
Ed says: Timo, Jamie Gillan has been really good on kickoffs. If you recall, the first game in which placekicker Jude McAtamney replaced Graham Gano, McAtamney kicked off. Two of his kickoffs missed the landing zone and flew into the end zone for touchbacks, which are brought out to the 35-yard line. With the new kickoff rule, placement by the kicker is critical. You must get the ball in the landing zone, and you want to force the return rather than concede the 35-yard line.
I don’t know if there is something special about the spin on Gillan’s kickoffs, but both Tank Bigsby and A.J. Dillon of the Eagles had difficulty handling them.
Damien Mayo asks: Do you think it’s possible the Giants are able to return next season with Thibodeaux and Burns and Carter. Also why do I feel the defense is better with Dane Belton on the field not Holland?
Ed says: Damien, it is absolutely possible. The Giants have already picked up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, so why wouldn’t it be possible. The edge trio, along with Dexter Lawrence, is the strength of the defense. Why would they mess with it unless someone overwhelms them with an offer for Thibodeaux?
As for Belton/Holland, you are entitled to feel however you want. Belton has played decently, and comes off a game against the Eagles where he played well in a limited 16-snap role. Holland is an every down starter in the NFL. Belton is a situational third safety. Holland has perhaps not yet had the impact the Giants hoped for, but on...
