New York Post: Greisen new middle man

Hammock Parties · 12-14-2005, 07:11 AM

December 14, 2005 -- There will be a new voice directing the Giants defense this week, and as Nick Greisen steps into the very large shoes occupied by Antonio Pierce, the linebacker knows one thing: He must be himself.

"You can't change the way you're going to play," Greisen said yesterday. "Everyone kind of says you got to step it up, but at the same time you got to play your game. If you try to do above and beyond what you're capable of, you're only going to make it worse for yourself."

The diagnosis of a high right ankle sprain for Pierce has made the situation worse for the Giants (9-4), who head into Saturday's game against the Chiefs (8-5) at Giants Stadium knowing they will not have their leading tackler taking aim at hot-as-fire running back Larry Johnson. Pierce is what Tom Coughlin termed "doubtful, at best," which translates into he won't play this week and will try to shake off an injury that often lingers so he can return before the end of the regular season.

"I'd be very surprised if he didn't make it back before the season was over," Greisen said of Pierce.

The other Giants injury news is only slightly more promising. Offensive tackles Kareem McKenzie (hamstring) and Luke Petitgout (back) are receiving treatment and are considered day-to-day, but neither is close to ready.

This is the first hamstring injury of McKenzie's five-year NFL career.

"I had no idea what was going on; all I know was my leg was killing me and it didn't feel great, I knew something was wrong," McKenzie said yesterday while seated in front of his locker.

Petitgout chose not to comment on his status but was able to slowly pick up a sock off the floor. One player said Petitgout's back is "messed up," and if he is in uniform he's not likely to start. Complicating matters is that right guard Chris Snee has a banged-up ankle and isn't close to 100 percent. It looks as if David Diehl will again move outside to right tackle, and Bob Whitfield will start at left tackle, leaving no reserve depth.

What the Giants lose without Pierce is both tangible and intangible. He's performed at middle linebacker at a Pro Bowl level, and more than his production, he's a leader with his brains, brawn and attitude.

"Antonio's kind of a [tough guy]," Greisen said, smiling.

When Pierce went down in the first quarter of Sunday's 26-23 overtime victory in Philadelphia, Greisen moved from weak-side linebacker into the middle, with Carlos Emmons shifting from strong-side to weak-side and Reggie Torbor coming off the bench to fill the spot Emmons vacated. That's the way the Giants will line up this weekend.

This is not completely new for Greisen, who came to the Giants from Wisconsin as a middle linebacker and started one game there as a rookie in 2002. He said last week's sudden in-game switch left him rusty.

"It was a little shaky at first but it did come back," he said.

It's a whole new world in the middle. Greisen must check with the sideline to get the defensive call, then relay it to his teammates in the huddle. The gaps he must plug are different. There will be more offensive linemen in his face, less room to run free. Pass-coverage responsibilities are different.

"As far as the knowledge and preparation goes, we'll be in good shape, but when you're talking about replacing Antonio Pierce, I mean, it's hard to do," safety Brent Alexander said.

Greisen said, "I have to be the leader out there, the one guys are looking to for the information so we can stop this team. I have to be cool and calm, I can't get all flustered, because if I get flustered when the offense is coming out of the huddle and I'm still getting the signal then guys are going to feel that. Guys need to feel calm and relaxed out there."

CoMoChief · 12-14-2005, 07:26 AM

Same situation as last week for our Dline. Once again we will have NO pass rush and I will be forced to throw my remote around the room due to the frusturation and anger.

Alphaman · 12-14-2005, 07:27 AM

This is the time for Saunders to really use his shifts and motions. Creating doubt in the MLB and his calls can really wreak havoc on the defense. Pounding them with Larry Johnson and playaction passing out of those shifts and motions is the way to go.

It's also a time for Gun to come with stunts and blitzes. Put pressure on an inexperienced and banged up line to quickly make the correct reads.

Mecca · 12-14-2005, 07:30 AM

The Giants have one of the best defensive end tandems in the league. If we do alot of 7 step drop passing, we're asking for bad things to happen.

Hammock Parties · 12-14-2005, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

The Giants have one of the best defensive end tandems in the league. If we do alot of 7 step drop passing, we're asking for bad things to happen.

The Chiefs have two very fine offensive tackles. Is there some reason why they can't win those matchups?

Mecca · 12-14-2005, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

The Chiefs have two very fine offensive tackles. Is there some reason why they can't win those matchups?

I don't know if you watched them play Seattle or not. But Osi Umeyiora got 2-3 sacks on Walter Jones. Walter Jones is probably the best offensive lineman in the NFL. After watching the Giants play, I'm pretty convinced their ends can get sacks against any lineman.

Hammock Parties · 12-14-2005, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I don't know if you watched them play Seattle or not. But Osi Umeyiora got 2-3 sacks on Walter Jones. Walter Jones is probably the best offensive lineman in the NFL. After watching the Giants play, I'm pretty convinced their ends can get sacks against any lineman.

Willie Roaf > Walter Jones

ZootedGranny · 12-14-2005, 07:44 AM

"BEFORE I BUCK, TRICK, YOU BETTER DUCK, TRICK, OR GET RAN OVER BY THEM RED ****IN TRUCKS BITCH!"

Mecca · 12-14-2005, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

Willie Roaf > Walter Jones

As much as I'd like to homer it up, I don't believe so anymore. Jones had a 2 year span without giving up a sack. Jones is currently the premier lineman in the NFL.

Hammock Parties · 12-14-2005, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

As much as I'd like to homer it up, I don't believe so anymore. Jones had a 2 year span without giving up a sack. Jones is currently the premier lineman in the NFL.

Osi Umeyiora won't sack Trent Green this week. That's a guarantee.

12-14-2005, 07:11 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4360478	New York Post: Greisen new middle man December 14, 2005 -- There will be a new voice directing the Giants defense this week, and as Nick Greisen steps into the very large shoes occupied by Antonio Pierce, the linebacker knows one thing: He must be himself. "You can't change the way you're going to play," Greisen said yesterday. "Everyone kind of says you got to step it up, but at the same time you got to play your game. If you try to do above and beyond what you're capable of, you're only going to make it worse for yourself." The diagnosis of a high right ankle sprain for Pierce has made the situation worse for the Giants (9-4), who head into Saturday's game against the Chiefs (8-5) at Giants Stadium knowing they will not have their leading tackler taking aim at hot-as-fire running back Larry Johnson. Pierce is what Tom Coughlin termed "doubtful, at best," which translates into he won't play this week and will try to shake off an injury that often lingers so he can return before the end of the regular season. "I'd be very surprised if he didn't make it back before the season was over," Greisen said of Pierce. The other Giants injury news is only slightly more promising. Offensive tackles Kareem McKenzie (hamstring) and Luke Petitgout (back) are receiving treatment and are considered day-to-day, but neither is close to ready. This is the first hamstring injury of McKenzie's five-year NFL career. "I had no idea what was going on; all I know was my leg was killing me and it didn't feel great, I knew something was wrong," McKenzie said yesterday while seated in front of his locker. Petitgout chose not to comment on his status but was able to slowly pick up a sock off the floor. One player said Petitgout's back is "messed up," and if he is in uniform he's not likely to start. Complicating matters is that right guard Chris Snee has a banged-up ankle and isn't close to 100 percent. It looks as if David Diehl will again move outside to right tackle, and Bob Whitfield will start at left tackle, leaving no reserve depth. What the Giants lose without Pierce is both tangible and intangible. He's performed at middle linebacker at a Pro Bowl level, and more than his production, he's a leader with his brains, brawn and attitude. "Antonio's kind of a [tough guy]," Greisen said, smiling. When Pierce went down in the first quarter of Sunday's 26-23 overtime victory in Philadelphia, Greisen moved from weak-side linebacker into the middle, with Carlos Emmons shifting from strong-side to weak-side and Reggie Torbor coming off the bench to fill the spot Emmons vacated. That's the way the Giants will line up this weekend. This is not completely new for Greisen, who came to the Giants from Wisconsin as a middle linebacker and started one game there as a rookie in 2002. He said last week's sudden in-game switch left him rusty. "It was a little shaky at first but it did come back," he said. It's a whole new world in the middle. Greisen must check with the sideline to get the defensive call, then relay it to his teammates in the huddle. The gaps he must plug are different. There will be more offensive linemen in his face, less room to run free. Pass-coverage responsibilities are different. "As far as the knowledge and preparation goes, we'll be in good shape, but when you're talking about replacing Antonio Pierce, I mean, it's hard to do," safety Brent Alexander said. Greisen said, "I have to be the leader out there, the one guys are looking to for the information so we can stop this team. I have to be cool and calm, I can't get all flustered, because if I get flustered when the offense is coming out of the huddle and I'm still getting the signal then guys are going to feel that. Guys need to feel calm and relaxed out there."
Posts: 278,912

12-14-2005, 07:26 AM	#2
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $8022254	Same situation as last week for our Dline. Once again we will have NO pass rush and I will be forced to throw my remote around the room due to the frusturation and anger. __________________
Posts: 39,165

12-14-2005, 07:27 AM	#3
Alphaman Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Austin, TX, USA Casino cash: $10004900	This is the time for Saunders to really use his shifts and motions. Creating doubt in the MLB and his calls can really wreak havoc on the defense. Pounding them with Larry Johnson and playaction passing out of those shifts and motions is the way to go. It's also a time for Gun to come with stunts and blitzes. Put pressure on an inexperienced and banged up line to quickly make the correct reads.
Posts: 1,380

12-14-2005, 07:30 AM	#4
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $2267050	The Giants have one of the best defensive end tandems in the league. If we do alot of 7 step drop passing, we're asking for bad things to happen.
Posts: 111,144

12-14-2005, 07:44 AM	#8
ZootedGranny Chump Steamroller Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: . Casino cash: $10015042	"BEFORE I BUCK, TRICK, YOU BETTER DUCK, TRICK, OR GET RAN OVER BY THEM RED ****IN TRUCKS BITCH!"
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