Giants announce final roster, cut Super Bowl XLII hero Tyree

We all new this was coming. The Giants have cut Super Bowl XLII hero David Tyree, whose leaping catch over Rodney Harrison helped the Giants defeat the undefeated Patriots. Tyree spent six seasons with the Giants, and made the 2006 Pro Bowl as a special teams player. The 2003 sixth round pick out of Syracuse missed all of last season with a knee injury. The Giants will go with seven wideouts on there final roster. Here is the 53 man roster, which the Giants finalized yesterday.

QB (2): Eli Manning, David Carr
RB (3): Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Danny Ware
FB (1): Madison Hedgecock
WR (7): Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Sinorice Moss, Hakeem Nicks, Ramses Barden, Derek Hagan
TE (3): Kevin Boss, Darcy Johnson, Travis Beckum
OL (10): Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, Rich Seubert, Kareem McKenzie, David Diehl, Kevin Boothe, Tutan Reyes, Guy Whimper, Adam Koets, Will Beatty
DL (9): Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield, Mathias Kiwanuka, Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, Dave Tollefson, Leger Douzable
LB (8): Antonio Pierce, Danny Clark, Chase Blackburn, Gerris Wilkinson, Clint Sintim, Zak DeOssie, Jonathan Goff, Bryan Kehl
DB (8): Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, Michael Johnson, Kenny Phillips, Kevin Dockery, Terrell Thomas, C.C. Brown, Bruce Johnson
K (1): Lawrence Tynes
P (1): Jeff Feagles
LB Michael Boley is suspended for the regular-season opener. He's eligible to return to the active roster on Sept. 14 - the day after the game against the Redskins.

And finally, here are some jersey number changes.

Nicks: 18 to Matthews' 88, which he wore in college.
Feagles: 17 back to 18
Douzable: 78 to DE Robert Henderson's 90

(Chris Faytok photo/The Star-Ledger)

Giants take first preseason game against Carolina

It's always a positive when your top rookies perform well in training camp and in the preaseason. But it's extra special when someone like Tommie Hill, an undrafted free-agent from Colorado State exceeds expectations. The 23 year old San Diego native did just that last night, returning a fumble 18 yards for the game-winning touchdown as time expired in regulation in the Giants' 24-17 preseason victory over the Panthers.

Defensive tackle Leger Douzable knocked the ball out of Panthers quarterback Hunter Cantwell's arm as he pulled back to make a throw. Carolina was attempting to run a trick play instead of kneeling on the ball. Had they, the game would have went into overtime. But the end result puts the Giants at 1-0 in the preseason.

While the win is nice, what I look for in preseason games is rythm - from both the offense and the defense. The Giants did exactly that, moving the ball efficiently on offense, and . "We did a good job," quarterback Eli Manning said after the game. "We ran the ball really well, hit a couple passes and we got a touchdown. That is always the goal."

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who had 52 total yards and a touchdown on seven touches was the star of the night. His 19 yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter put the Giants up 7-0.

Eli Manning threw only three passes, two of which he completed. The first was a 13-yard dump-off to Brandon Jacobs on the offense's second drive. Jacobs followed that play with a 22-yard run off the left side behind a big lead block from Madison Hedgecock.How Bradshaw performs this season will be critical to the Giants, who last year rode dual 1,000-yard seasons from Jacobs and Ward to the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Giants also have Danny Ware -- who sprinted for a 36-yard touchdown on a short pass from Carr late in the second quarter. Jacobs predicted the Giants will again have the league's top ground game, but Bradshaw, who was limited to 67 carries for 355 yards in 2008, will have to carry a much larger workload this fall.

The Giants return to Albany for practice Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for their next game against the Bears on Saturday

Giants notes:

• WR Steve Smith, CBs Corey Webster (hip) and Aaron Ross (leg), OL Rich Seubert (shoulder) and Chris Snee (leg), DTs Chris Canty (hamstring), Fred Robbins (knee) and Rocky Bernard (hamstring/NFL), LB Michael Boley (hip/PUP) sat out Monday's game -- along with RB Andre Brown, who will miss the season with a ruptured Achilles. Seubert and Snee, who were replaced by Tutan Reyes and Kevin Boothe, were the only two surprises. Sinorice Moss started in place of Smith.
• I thought Mario Manningham looked good in his brief time returning punts. With Bradhsaw the number two running back, Tom Coughlin will be looking for someone to return kicks, and maybe Manningham can fill that role.
• David Carr looked good, going 6/10 for 74 yards and one touchdown. I feel very comfortable with him as the Giants number two quarterback.
• While Tommie Hill was the defensive star of the night, it was great to see pro-bowler Osi Umenyiora back on the field and playing well. Osi pro bowl tackle Jordan Gross to record a sack and force a fumble when he got a piece of Jake Delhomme as he got ready to make a throw.
• Click here for the boxscore from last night's game.

(Photos Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/MCT)

WFAN in Albany, update on wide recievers.

WFAN's Mike Francesa was at Giant training camp at Albany today. Among his guests were head coach Tom Coughlin, general manager Jerry Reese, and quarterback Eli Manning. The link to the audio can be found here.

Also, Star-Ledger and SNY Giant insider Mike Garafolo provides an update on the Giant's recieving corps from training camp.

Breaking down the Giants receivers at training camp

Ramses Barden impressing at training camp

From all accounts, Ramses Barden the 6-6 wide reciever that the Giants selected in the third round from Division 1-AA/FCS Cal Poly is performing well halfway through camp. This is good news for the Giants, who need someone to step up at the reciever position. It remains to be seen just how well Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon can perform as starters for a full season. With first round pick Hakeem Nicks sidelined with a hamstring injury, Barden's play is a great sign for the Giants. Here's most of Mike Garafolo's article on Barden, from yesterday's Star-Ledger:

The Giants coaches teach their wide receivers to go get the ball at the highest point a player can first reach it.Ramses Barden's highest point, as he proved late last week, is significantly above anyone else's.

During Saturday's one-on-one end-zone drills, Barden ran a fade to the left side of the end zone while being covered by rookie cornerback Stoney Woodson. A few plays earlier, backup quarterback David Carr didn't throw it high enough and Woodson knocked it away. This time, Rhett Bomar lobbed it high and at Barden's back shoulder, trusting (or perhaps daring) the 6-6 rookie to make the play.

Barden pivoted, separated from Woodson, jumped and reached his right hand about 10 feet into the air -- while Woodson could only remain on the ground and watch. With only his right hand, Barden snatched the ball and came down in bounds for a touchdown.And then came the most impressive part for some of his teammates: Barden jogged back and flipped the ball to a member of the equipment staff.

"That play surprised me, but he seemed like he had done it before," third-year wide receiver Domenik Hixon said Monday during a break at training camp. "He didn't have to hoot and holler. He didn't have to say, 'Hey, look at me.' He's just doing his thing. "But that's him. He just took care of business."

In a little more than a week here at camp, Barden has adjusted to the NFL about as well as anyone could have expected of a rookie making the leap from Division 1-AA/FCS Cal Poly.The third-round pick has made plenty of catches over the top of smaller defenders, has used his big body well to create separation while grabbing a ball in traffic and has run some pretty smooth routes for a big guy. He even took a big chunk out of the "he can't get off the line quickly" criticism with a few impressive post-snap moves, including one quick shimmy that helped him blow right past cornerback Aaron Ross.

Barden's play has surprised a lot of people. Barden isn't one of them.
"I know what I'm capable of," he said. "All I'm doing is trying to be the player I can be. As far as surprises, they have to do with expectations. I didn't really come into this with expectations at all."

With his play to this point in camp, Barden is raising expectations. "That one-handed catch was terrific. That's the kind of stuff we need," wide receiver Sinorice Moss said. "Using his size and those big hands, that's the kind of stuff you should expect from him. I know I do."

Asked Monday how the receivers are doing, quarterback Eli Manning mentioned Barden first. "Ramses is doing really well," Manning said. "He's a big target, he's made some plays and he seems like he's got a pretty good feel for what's going on."

Barden has helped limit his mental errors by burying his nose in the playbook since receiving it at the start of rookie camp in May. Moss said he's also been asking a lot of questions. And Tuesday, while a lot of players are enjoying their first day off from practice in a week, Barden will be studying.

(Star-Ledger Photos)

Jerry Reese on Eli Manning's contract extension

Jerry Reese talked to reporters briefly today about Eli Manning's new contract. The link can be found here.

Giants General Manager Jerry Reese talks about Eli Manning contract extension

Giants enter camp with chip on their shoulder, ready to move on

The Giants enter training camp 2009 ready to erase the sting of last years dissapointing postseason loss to the Eagles. Pasted below is a great preview from the Star-Ledger's Mike Garafolo, one of the best Giant beat reporters out there.

Training Camp Preview

The pressure's on Eli: There's been plenty of talk about whether the Giants' stable of young, unproven wide receivers can compensate for the loss of Plaxico Burress and make this passing game go. Well, don't forget about the guy that has to get them the ball. Eli Manning has made some excellent throws over his five-year career, but he's often been erratic. Burress sometimes came to the rescue by jostling for position and reaching up or back to grab balls smaller receivers wouldn't have been able to reach. And don't forget Amani Toomer was pretty good at making some catches on the sideline and in the end zone while dragging his field in bounds. Bottom line: a few of the Giants' receivers must emerge as go-to guys, but Manning has to make sure he finds them on a consistent basis.

The pressure will be on opposing quarterbacks, too: While many were pointing to the wide receivers last year, the Giants saw a problem on the other side of the ball with a defensive line that didn't have a lot of depth and wore down as the season progressed. So they went out and signed tackles Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard and linebacker Michael Boley while drafting linebacker Clint Sintim in the second round. Add those players to ends Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka and tackles Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield and Jay Alford and that's a lot of talented pass rushers to have to block. The only problem? Which players to use when and where. That's a good problem to have.

How will Antonio Pierce play? He had a lot of fingers pointed at him last year when he got caught in a few 1-on-1 matchups with the Eagles' Brian Westbrook. (Even though the Giants' coaches admitted they screwed up by putting him in such a position.) Oh, and then there was the little matter of possible gun-possession charges stemming from his role in the Plaxico Burress shooting hanging over his head. But Pierce was apparently focused and working hard this off-season after taking it a bit easy after the Super Bowl XLII victory. He'll be an interesting case this year.

Who gets the ball? The Giants kept some stability in their running game by giving Brandon Jacobs a four-year contract extension in the off-season. That came right before they let Derrick Ward leave via free agency. Jacobs has yet to play a full season - even last year when he was trying to prove to the Giants he was more durable than they believed - so at some point this year, you'd have to figure the offense will take to the field with Ahmad Bradshaw as the starting running back and Danny Ware as the No. 2. Bradshaw has been an excellent late-game, change-of-pace back after Jacobs wore down a defense for three quarters. Will he be as effective in the first quarter? And is Ware, who has only two career carries in the regular season, ready for a much bigger role? Those questions will likely be answered soon.

WHAT'S NEW?

The defensive coordinator: It would seem there can't be any way Bill Sheridan could fail with as many pass rushers he has at his disposal. But it's not as easy as it looks and Steve Spagnuolo was an excellent game-planning and game-day coach. The key for Sheridan might be that his defensive staff stayed mostly intact.

The rookie receivers: Hakeem Nicks looked like he was NFL-ready in the spring. And with the Giants' receiver position in flux, he has a shot at playing time. Also, Ramses Barden has proven to be an extremely hard worker. If he can work on his technique, he might be a situational contributor early.

Kenny Phillips at starting safety: Last year's first-round pick had an excellent off-season after flashing some potential in spot duty as a rookie. Last year, he displayed excellent range; this year, he's added improved awareness, so he can use that speed to make plays, not just recover.

WHAT'S NOT?

UAlbany: The Giants have been training here for 14 years. But their contract with the school expires after this camp. And with their new $90-million practice facility, perhaps they won't be coming back. Or maybe their future visits will be briefer.

Jeff Feagles: The guy is 43 and still kicking. (Okay, punting.) Just don't expect him to exert himself much in Albany. The Giants don't have another punter on the roster, so they'll use the JUGS machine to practice punt returns and coverage, while giving Feagles' right leg a rest.

Turnover at linebacker: It seems like every year the Giants are shuffling the players on either side of Pierce. It's no different this year, as Boley has been signed to play on the weak side. But he's recovering from a hip injury and has been suspended for the opener, so his spot is up for grabs between Chase Blackburn, Bryan Kehl and Gerris Wilkinson. Speaking of Wilkinson, it's time for the 2006 third-round pick to step up and win a job or risk being cut at the end of the preseason.

ONE MORE THING
Don't be surprised if Manning has a new contract before he leaves Albany.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tuesday: 8:35 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
Thursday: 8:35 a.m. and 6:05 p.m.
Friday: 2:35 p.m.
Saturday: 8:35 a.m. and 6:05 p.m.
Aug. 9: 2:35p.m.
Aug. 10: 8:35 a.m. and 6:05 p.m.
Aug. 12: 8:35 a.m. and 6:05 p.m.
Aug. 13: 2:35 p.m.
Aug. 14: 8:35 a.m. and 6:05 p.m.
Aug. 15: 2:35 p.m.
Aug. 16: 10:00 a.m.
Aug. 19: 2:35 p.m.
Aug. 20: 9:10 a.m. and 6:05 p.m.
Aug. 21:10:25 a.m.
Aug. 24: 2:35 p.m.
Aug. 25: 8:35 a.m.

PRESEASON GAMES
Aug. 17: Panthers, 8:15 p.m.
Aug. 22: Bears, 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 29: Jets, 8:00 p.m.
Sept. 3: Patriots, 7:30 p.m.

(Star-Ledger photos/William Perlman & Chris Faytok)

Kiwanuka and Manning on day one of camp

Thanks to the Star-Ledger for posting these videos on nj.com. Day one of training camp was yesterday up in Albany, and I'll have a full preview coming later.

Giants defender Mathias Kiwanuka talks about the first full day of training camp

Giants quarterback Eli Manning talks about the first full day of training camp

Giants announce training camp schedule

University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced today the New York Giants' summer training camp schedule. Big Blue, who has trained on the UAlbany campus since 1996, begin workouts on Monday, August 3. The camp will conclude on Tuesday, August 25.

Training camp will last 17 days, including eight days of double sessions. As usual, the Giants will not practice on days following preseason games. For the fourth consecutive year, head coach Tom Coughlin will host evening practices. The first night practice is on Thursday, August 6, at 6:05 p.m. All six sessions will be preceded by a morning workout. The other day-night workouts are slated for August 8, 10, 12, 14 and 20.

For fans who want to attend training camp, all-session parking passes will be available at UAlbany's Athletic Merchandise Store, located in the SEFCU Arena Lobby, beginning Monday, July 13. An all-session parking pass is $15.00. Fans can find out more information at giants.com.