Osi Done For Year

I finished watching a reply of Saturday’s Giants/Jets game today, and the contest became secondary after losing Osi Umenyoria for the entire season with a knee injury. Few teams have the luxury of plugging in a replacment like Kiwi (nothing official, but they have to move him from OLB), but this has ramifications down the entire roster. First, we lose the ability to use Kiwi as that extra rusher on third down. Secondly, and more importantly, our depth has been compromised. Danny Clark and Gerris Wilkinson will both have to step up big time. Clark has, looking very good in camp. He’s a veteran that can be counted on. The wildcard here is Wilkinson. The Giants let Kawika Mitchell go because the want Wilkinson to be the starter. Clark was actually signed as insurance in case Wilkinson failed. Both enter the spotlight now. Wilkison was credited with six tackles and three assists on Saturday, so he was active. He’s got talent, and it’s time to show it.

As for the game, it was an uninspiring performance by both teams. Some thoughts:

  • Domenik Hixon and Derrick Ward continue to look really good. Hixon with two very nice catches and Ward running very hard between the tackles.
  • I don’t know what to make of David Carr. I called him an upgrade over Jared Lorenzen back when he was signed. I am beginning to doubt it. Why is he continually sacked? The Giants would be wise to play him in the first half next week, with the first stringers, and see what he has. Could our backup be playing for another team right now?
  • It was good to see Mario Manningham on the field. Any doubts about him being IR’d were put to rest. He’ll be the sixth WR.
  • The Giants will be scanning the wavier wire for a kicker. Tynes probalby won’t be ready for the opener, and Giants cannot trust Josh Huston in a close game.
  • Rookie Kenny Phillips got a lesson from the ol’ vet Brett Favre. Favre looked and pumped left, then hit a streaking WR down the right sideline for a TD (which was called back due to penalty anyway). Phillips is going to be a player, but he’s not there yet.

Finally, injuries are part of the game. And there will be more, for all teams actually. I hate when I hear/read exhibition games should be completely eliminated. At this stage of my football life, I really have a hard time watching myself and do think the NFL should go to three, or maybe two, games. But injuries will occur in this violent sport whether it’s a practice game or meaningful game. They are needed to evaluate young players and also get veterans into “game” shape. Practice only takes you so far. Osi could have been injured in the first quarter of the opening game (like he was in fact last year). It’s really the luck of the draw, and a battle of attrition.

Author: admin

This website is intended to provide analysis and opinions on the New York Giants and other happenings involving the National Football League, with the option for commentary by readers. The site is designed by Bill Kohut, a Giants' fan for over 25 years and the owner of billkohut.com.

One thought on “Osi Done For Year”

  1. I should also point out that the sack taken by Manning at the end of the half was a bad play. He’s very good at throwing the ball away to avoid sacks, but he missed on that one. It also made the FG attempt considerably longer, and predictably, the kick hit the upright.

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