23
Aug
2009
DeAngelo Williams does his best Barry Sanders impression
In case you missed it, this 22-yd TD scamper by Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams last night against the Dolphins was clearly the best play of the weekend, and might be one of the better runs you’ll see this year:
This run came in the first quarter, so it was theoretically against the Dolphins first string defense. But Miami went on to win the game, so I’m sure new team co-owner Gloria Estefan had some choice words for her club at halftime.
17
Aug
2009
Pre-Season MNF – Giants/Panthers game blog
Osi Umenyiora returns to the Giants after missing 2008 with an injury (Photo: NY Daily News)
Since this is the first pre-season game that I’m actually going to watch in earnest, I figured I’d keep track of my thoughts during the game … or at least the first half of it.
Warning: I’m an unabashed Giants fan, but I’ll try to play this relatively straight. It’s only pre-season, so let’s not get too carried away by anything we see tonight … mainly, you’re praying for no injuries, and to see that your vets look sharp, and which newcomers have a chance to make an impact.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the Giants’ receiving corps – especially rookies Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden – who are going to need to step up big this year. The Giants defense is banged up, with all 3 of their FA acquisitions (DE Chris Canty, DT Rocky Bernard and LB Michael Boley) sitting this one out. Also of note on the injured list, WR Steve Smith – both of them, actually.
Alright, it’s football time. Let’s do this.
8:06pmET: Suzy Kolber interviews Eli Manning on the sidelines. Eli is still a bit of a mushmouth, but he says all the right things. He kinda reminds me of Nuke Laloush in Bull Durham. “We’re just gonna take it one game at a time, and the good lord willin’ …”
1st Quarter
8:08pm: Panthers start with the ball. DeAngelo Williams gets the first carry for Carolina. Jon Gruden is already better than Kornheiser ever was.
8:09pm: Giants D get a 3-and-out on the first series. Strong start for what should be one of the best units in the league. Mario Manningham gets a big punt return.
8:11pm: Brandon Jacobs gets the first 2 carries. I bought a #27 Jacobs jersey in the off-season. First offensive jersey I’ve ever owned. Jacobs is just a beast.
8:12pm: Eli Manning fires a bullet to Manningham on 3rd down, called back for Illegal Formation, but still nice to see. Incompletion on the next play leads to a Feagles punt.
8:16pm: Nice to see Justin Tuck and Osi Uymeniora back together. Giants will be using 5-man DL fronts this season. Osi gets a sack/strip as I type this. Nasty.
8:24pm: Brandon Jacobs gets out in the open field and runs over his first DB of the season. Poor #31 Richard Marshall is the victim for Carolina.
The Giants running game appears to be fully operational (Photo: NY Daily News)
8:25pm: Domenick Hixon gets a big gain on the bubble screen. And then Ahmad Bradshaw finishes off the drive with a 20-yd TD run. The Panthers just cant tackle. 7-0 Giants
