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| Something To Prove | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 13 2004, 10:31 AM (21 Views) | |
| InsightToRiot | Aug 13 2004, 10:31 AM Post #1 |
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Keeper of Real
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Something To Prove By ERNIE PALLADINO THE JOURNAL NEWS (Original publication: August 13, 2004) ALBANY — Nick Greisen said what a lot of the younger Giants were thinking a couple of days ago as he looked into the preseason opener against Kansas City tonight at 8. "I've got a lot to prove," the new starting middle linebacker said. "I have to prove I'm a starter. And I don't think the coaches think I've proved it yet." Tonight's game indeed will start the major part of Tom Coughlin's fact-finding mission into who, exactly, can help right a Giants ship that foundered horribly last year. Greisen's point was personal, but it could apply to almost any of the young players who are fighting for starting or backup spots. Coughlin, a coach big on criticism and short on "attaboys,'' will be looking for all sorts of signs of preparedness and worthiness. From making plays, to being alert to substitution patterns, to mental awareness, all will factor into Coughlin's initial evaluations. It's a first step for all, including the veterans. But for players like Greisen, fighting to keep a starting job, or like receiver JaJuan Dawson, fighting for a reserve spot, it's an important one. "The first preseason game, you really want to play a lot of people," Coughlin said. "So a lot of people have to be on the ball. You've got to be sharp. It's all part of the test, whether a player can handle that and be aware on the sidelines despite what's going on. "All of a sudden, something happens. You're not on the field, but now all of a sudden you're on the field. Sudden changes take place. All of those things are a really good test for a young player, just to see where he is in terms of his focus." Greisen knows where Coughlin's coming from, because he's been working on those exact things himself. Not that he's mastered them. The linebacker has more than once come out of first-team drills with his head down, knowing he's going to get a talking-to from one of the coaches. And yet, the third-year veteran feels he still has a leg up on most of the players. "This is an opportunity to make plays in a game situation," Greisen said. "A lot of guys clam up under pressure and they don't have that calmness to them when things are going fast. They can't handle the speed when there's no coach standing next to them, talking to them after every play." The Chiefs' high-powered offense should offer a real test for Greisen and the entire defense. But a defense that looked more like a sponge than a stone wall last year could present some challenges to a couple of offensive rookies in quarterback Eli Manning and guard Chris Snee. New defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham has instituted a more aggressive set, and the Chiefs could stage their own unveiling against the rookie quarterback and his protection. "You just have to go out there and try to get that first play run, whether it's a handoff or pass," Manning said. "If it's a pass, you try to get a completion, make a smart play, and move from there." Snee, a projected starter from the day the Giants drafted him in the second round, still feels he has something to prove after a shaky showing in the combined practice with the Jets last week. "This will be a step up," Snee said. "I have to step in there and show I belong. Obviously, you don't want to make any mental errors. Those are inexcusable. I need to be physical and show everyone I'm a starter." It's a first glance at players, and whether they have learned from the countless strip drills, the constant barking about staying onside, the harsh criticism during meetings, and the never-ending stream of strategy and data the coaches have thrown at them. It's a first chance to show a home crowd that maybe this year will be different. "It's a first look for all of us," running back Tiki Barber said. "You never know how a team is going to come together. We want to make a good showing, play mistake-free and avoid those things that can cost you a game. "We're looking forward to this." |
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3:37 AM Jul 11