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| Giants Notebook 8/10/04; Pretty amusing | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 10 2004, 05:41 PM (34 Views) | |
| BlueHeart | Aug 10 2004, 05:41 PM Post #1 |
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Gifted, But, Twisted Fearless Leader
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Giants Notebook Tuesday, August 10, 2004 BY KIMBERLY JONES Star-Ledger Staff It's easy to identify Todd France at training camp, and not just because he's a tall (6-3), skinny (185) and redheaded kicker. He's the one riding a bike from the dorms to the dining hall to meetings. And when he's not, France is driving a 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme that somehow stands out in the players' parking lot of SUVs and luxury sedans. "The air conditioner's broken," France said. "I guess it was kind of a luxury car when it came out, but half the stuff's broken on it now." France isn't exactly a typical (hopeful) NFL player or kicker. Take practices, for example. "I'd say that I'm pretty bored out there a lot," he said. "Practices are two hours long and we have stuff to do for half an hour. That's an hour and a half of watching a game I don't understand. "I'm pretty ignorant about the whole scheme thing. It's kind of hard for me to keep interest in it that long." France has been in two Vikings training camps but got cut each time. He says this stint with the Giants, should he lose out in the competition with Bill Gramatica, might be his last attempt to make a final roster. He would consider putting his mechanical engineering degree from Toledo to use but is likelier to return to school to pursue a master's or doctorate degree. For now, France is enjoying the competition. He and Gramatica are friendly -- not surprisingly, France prefers to talk "about anything but football" -- and the two have a common background in soccer. France is right-footed while Gramatica is left-footed. That leads to some quick changes in direction by holder Jeff Feagles, who occasionally finds himself facing the wrong way on a field goal attempt. "That happens once in a while," France said. "It's strange for me, too." I can't be the only one who wants this guy tested for drugs. Everyday. WHO'S HOT DE Keith Washington, lunging for a pass break-up on a ball intended for RB Ron Dayne. The play drew raves from his defensive mates. ... SS Shaun Williams, blitzing and batting down a pass by Jesse Palmer. ... WR JaJuan Dawson and Willie Ponder, who appear to be getting a chance on kickoff returns. ... Palmer, who at times yesterday threw the best of any QB. WHO'S NOT Anyone sitting out because of a minor injury. When coach Tom Coughlin said Dawson has made an impression as a "last man standing," it sounded as much like a poke at those not practicing as a compliment. "People have to practice," Coughlin said. ... New RB Curtis Keaton (5-10, 216) was run down from behind by DE Osi Umenyiora along the sideline. Maybe Umenyiora really, really turned on the burners. QUOTE OF THE DAY "I clearly belong in the NFL. I clearly belong (as) a starter. But (Coughlin) wants to try some other things, to mix and match." -- former starting RT Ian Allen, who has been demoted in favor of David Diehl. Uh huh... INJURY REPORT LB Barrett Green (headache) left the morning practice and didn't practice in the afternoon. CB Will Allen (foot) skipped the morning but practiced in the afternoon. DE Lorenzo Bromell (knee), S Jason Doering (sprained knee), LB Carlos Emmons (leg), TE Mark Inkrott (knee), DT William Joseph (pectoral muscle), WR James McKnight (toe), LG Rich Seubert (leg), TE Jeremy Shockey (foot) and WR Jamaar Taylor (knee) did not practice. DEPTH CHART There was some change at the linebacker spots as the Giants experiment, continue to build depth and also deal with the temporary absences of Emmons and Green. At one point, the first defense included middle Quincy Monk, strongside SLB Reggie Torbor and weakside LB Wesley Mallard. In team drills, Nick Greisen was in the middle with Monk and Mallard outside. TODAY'S BUZZ TE Jeremy Shockey has obviously tired of watching practice. "It's getting old," he said. "It's getting really old." Shockey tested his right foot by running routes yesterday but experienced some soreness where he had a screw inserted in June. Shockey said he had planned to return to practice tomorrow -- and still might, depending how he feels. Shockey, who has a particularly high threshold for pain, desperately wants to get back on the field. He said he has no concerns about adjusting to playing with the new quarterbacks. "No, no, not at all," he said. "That's the least of what I'm concerned about. I'm just concerned about getting healthy." Shockey was practically on the practice field -- if only as the offense's biggest cheerleader and the defense's primary heckler. When DE Michael Strahan was irked at being knocked down during a drill, Shockey baited Strahan who responded with a "bring it on" gesture. "A couple more days, my little friend," Shockey yelled. "Couple of days, old man." The Giants hope he's right. |
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3:37 AM Jul 11