Sea. 2, Wk. 12 - 9-2 Giants injure Brees, backup QB in 4th quarter rally, D-led win vs. Saints

This Week 12 Thanksgiving game pitted two of the top teams in the NFL against each other, at MetLife Stadium - the 10-1 (88 OVR) New Orleans Saints vs. the 9-2 (87 OVR) New York Giants. The Giants, coming off "simulated" loss to Washington then a "simulated" win in OT vs. the Eagles, were considerably more disadvantaged injury-wise, having their #2 (Nicks out for 5 weeks), #3(Barden out for 2 weeks), and #5(Jernigan out for 3 weeks) WRs all out with injuries. The Saints had only their starting RG and SS (Roman Harper) out due to injuries. NYG couldn't come to terms with #1 free agent WR Brandon Lloyd, but instead inked 1-yr deals with Malcolm Floyd (rumors suggest Floyd will be dumped for FA (and former Redskin) Santana Moss) and Eli's brother's former teammate, Austin Collie. The G-Men managed to keep the "on fire" Drew Brees in check for the most part, being down by 10 points at most, albeit that was immediately after halftime at the beginning of the 3rd quarter. The Giants never clicked enough on offense with the new receivers, the Giants defense put the team on their shoulders and caused enough INTs and FFs with excellent recoveries to manage to pull out the victory in a very close game, 20-13. Of course, it helped NY a ton that they injured Brees in the 4th Q (broken ribs, out for 1 week).

Sea. 2, Wk. 7 - 5-1 Giants blow out 1-5 Steelers at Pittsburgh, 41-24

Week 7 - After a heartbreaking loss at Atlanta, and then a "simulated" but convincing home win against division rival Washington, NYG hoped to continue their winning ways when they traveled to Steeltown at Heinz Field to take on the also-87 OVR but 1-5 Pittsburgh Steelers. After an initial 0-0 and then 7-7 tie in the second quarter, New York stepped it up on the ground, through the air, and on defense to win the ballgame in a blowout/shootout victory, 41-24, one of NY's highest point totals in recent memory. The G-Men move to 6 & 1 on the season thus far.

Sea. 2, Wk. 5 Preview & Recap - 2-1 Falcons at 4-0 Giants

This could be the game of the season for the 4-0 G-Men, playing host at Week 5 while fully healthy against the team that (remaining largely intact and healthy as well) eliminated New York from the playoffs last year, in the NFC Divisional Round. Will the Giants' new-look defense help them win this time around against Matty Ice & Co.?

UPDATE: Another Atlanta-NY game goes down to the wire, creating a burgeoning NFC rivalry between these two teams, and yet again, an FG is the difference as Falcons' K Matt Bryant has NYG's number yet again, and kicks the game-winning FG to break the tie and give Hot-lanta the win. Truly deja vu for NYG, who move to 4 & 1 while the Falcs rise to 3 & 1.

Sea. 2, Wk. 4 - Despite thowing 2 INTs, Manning leads NYG past Eagles, move to 4-0

Despite throwing 2 INTs (one of which was to DRC (pictured), and the other was a pick-6 to Nnadmi Asomugha), Manning still threw 2 TDs and coupled with a strong defense that held Vick & Co. in check, NY prevailed past Philadelphia 20 to 7, moving to 4-0 on the season.

Sea. 2, Wk. 3 - Sporting their alternate red jerseys, 2-0 NYG defeats similarly-talented 1-2 Chicago, 24 to 14

NY took on Chi-town during Week 3 and thanks to Chicago's offense never really clicking enough, and a surprising lack of rushing attempts by RB Matt Forte, NYG was able to win this one by a considerable margin, 24-14. Sitting atop of their division with no injuries, the Giants move to 3 and 0, 1 game ahead of the Cowboys.

Sea. 2, Wk. 2 - 1-0 Giants win by 8 vs. 1-0 Cowboys at Arlington, move to 2-0

In the latest installment of this classic rivalry, New York held an extremely narrow 1 point lead, 7-6, over Dallas until the 4th quarter, when the G-Men scored 14 unanswered points and held down a brief Dallas comeback to end with the score of 21-13. G-Men move to 2-0 on the season, while NFC East rival Cowboys fall to 0-2.

Sea. 2, Wk. 1 - Giants narrowily defeat Bengals in season-opener with tough defense, 17-13

In their season opener, the G-Men squared off against the AFC North's Cincinnati Begnals. The Giants offense struggled throughout the game to put up points, but NY still prevailed thanks to a ferocious defense whose play throughout this game is excellently represented by this highlight:

Sea. 2, PreseaWk. 1 - Team Captains & Beckum retirement/Jeremy Shockey Re-signing

In a somewhat surprising move, NY Giants GM "EP" held a press conference right after the first preseason game, in order to announce the team's Team Captains:

- WR Victor Cruz

- LE Justin Tuck; and

- RG Chris Snee

This marks Cruz's & Tuck's first turns as a Team Captain; Chris Snee returns for his second year as a TC. The Giants front office were quick to note, however, that TCs are subject to change upon the discretion of the head coach and general manager.

UPDATE as of Week 2: TCs are now WR Victor Cruz, RG Chris Snee, and DT Chris Canty.

In other news, after the unexpected and sudden/shocking/startling/abrupt retirement of #47 TE Travis Beckum from the Giants and professional football, NYG re-signed former controversial #80 TE Jeremy Shockey to fill the #2 TE spot behind starting TE Martellus Bennett. The move brings back the controversial, opinionated, and injury-prone TE to the Big Apple.

Sea. 2, PreseaWk. 1 - New-look Giants crush Packers, 27-3

The home crowd at MetLife Stadium got their first look at the Season 2 Big Blue, and had to be impressed with the Giants' performance.

Key takeaways:

- RB David Wilson showed he could be a more than capable successor to former RB Ahmad Bradshaw's stellar performance last year.
- The Giants offensive line was amazing throughout the game. Will this trend continue?
- Giants 1st-string D held Aaron Rodgers' high-octane offense squad to just a FG (still, could do better though...)
- Backup QB Matt Ramsey was very impressive, especially with an on-the-money 40-yard bomb to 5th string WR Jerrell Jernigan

- Rookie CB Jermaine Trevor may be better than 1st round rookie pick CB Barry Boggs

- Rookie MLB Tremont Buchanon is good with lots of upside, but won't be a huge impact player immediately

- WR Victor Cruz can be an outright beast on Special Teams!!! (2 FFs in the game!!!)

Sea. 2 (2013-2014) - New York Giants' lineup

(Note: pre-season roster subject to change depending on pre-season developments.)

QUARTERBACKS - Eli Manning, Matt Ramsey

RUNNING BACKS - David Wilson, Andre Brown, Da'Rel Scott

FULLBACK - Henry Hynoski

TIGHT ENDS - Martellus Bennett, Travis Beckum [replaced by FA Jeremy Shockey], Bear Pascoe

WIDE RECEIVERS - Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Ramses Barden, Ruben Randle, Jerrell Jernigan

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN - Will Beatty, Steve Huchinson, Andre Gurode, Chris Snee, Jake Brewer

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN - Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, Chris Canty, Lindval Joseph

LINEBACKERS - Mithias Kiwinuka, Tremont Buchanon (R), Parys Haralson, Jacquian Williams

DEFENSIVE BACKS - Prince Amukamara, Jermaine Trevor (R), Terrell Thomas (moved to FS spot, ahead of Antrel Rolle), Kenny Phillips
KICK RETURNER: David Wilson
PUNT RETURNER: Jerrell Jernigan
3RD DOWN RUNNING BACK: Andre Brown
KICKER: Lawrence Tynes
PUNTER: Steve Weatherford

Sea. 2 (2013-2014) - Offseason - Retirements, Re-Signings, and NFL Draft

Notable losses to FA: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, CB Corey Webster, RT David Diehl, C David Baas

Notable gains in FA: LB Parys Haralson, LG Steve Huchinson, C Andre Gurode

Not expected to make any big splashes in free agency outside of LB Parys Haralson, the New York Giants managed to re-sign #1 WR Victor Cruz to a long term deal, but somewhat surprisingly, decline to re-sign #1 RB Ahmad Bradshaw who had an outstanding season. In addition, they decided to continue to save room under the salary cap by choosing not to come to a long-term deal with starting SS and team captain Kenny Phillips, and so they applied the franchise tag to retain Kenny's services for at least one more year.

Many analysts suspect the move to release Bradshaw and to tag Phillips is because of the crop of rookies expected to enter this year's NFL Draft corresponds well to running back and strong safety based on NYG's scout team's target college prospects, but are also satisfied with and ready to rely upon a 1-2 punch of RBs David Wilson and Andre Brown, possibly with a veteran FA thrown into the mix.

Areas of need for NY:
- Middle Linebacker
- Outside Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Strong Safety
- Left Guard
- Center
- Free Safety
- Tight End
- Backup Quarterback

Given NYG's scout team's developments thus far, many project NYG to definitely select a running back and a strong safety, but NYG's GM "EP" has declined to rule anything in or out of bounds at this point, and also pointed to the potential opportunities that may arise in free agency.

Round number and reasoning behind the New York Giants Season 2 (2013) NFL draft picks (drafting 27th overall and multiples thereof):

1. CB Barry Boggs - given that the league has prohibited trading up or down in the draft, NYG had to choose at this spot despite having no picks on their draft board, after intense yearlong and combine scouting, worth a 1st round draft choice. And so they took a gamble on a CB with outstanding measurables - speed, agility, and acceleration - as most view Boggs as a project player needing considerable development (73, C).
2. MLB Tremont Buchanon - needing strength at the linebacker spot and not finding worthwhile talent at either outside linebacker position, New York went with this MLB out of Mississippi State. NFL draft analysts say that although NYG arguably reached to get him in the second round given how raw of a player he is, his upside potential is excellent (71, A).
3. CB Jermaine Trevor - unhappy with the safeties available, NYG decided to take the best player on their board available while still bolstering their secondary, which happened to be yet another cornerback (which turned out to be extremely fortunate, given (1) CB Corey Webster's departure in FA and (2) insurance for 1st round CB pick Boggs. The pick was widely praised by NFL draft analysts, who say that Trevor should shine in the NFL and is expected to actually outplay the 5'10 Boggs. Most analysts consider this the best pick the Giants made in the draft (6'1, 77, A).
4. LT Tyler Roberts (TBD) - another best player on the board (but conscience of need) pick, given Roberts imposing size (6'8) and build, the pick was drafted as both insurance for pro-bowler starting LT Beatty and potentially to be moved to another o-line spot.
5. LB Adam Russell (TBD) - considered to be a shot in the dark for NYG, they decided to take a flyer on him due to his man coverage and block shedding abilities suggested he was the best player on NYG's board.
6. QB Matt Ramsey (TBD) - part of the so-called "lottery" random selection process for the sixth and seventh rounds, many consider Delaware St.'s Ramsey to be a sleeper hit for the G-Men and either potential trade bait after learning from Eli, a solid backup in case of injury, and/or a future starter after several years a la Aaron Rodgers. His talent is also expected to give the G-Men the flexibility to carry only 2 QBs on their roster.

Analysis: Obviously NYG was unable to hit on their primary needs of outside linebacker and safety, but addressed those in non-direct ways (FA acquisition OLB Paryls Haralson, and after getting multiple CBs in the draft, moving CB Terrel Thomas to FS, which frees up Rolle to share the SS spot with Phillips). MLB Tremont Buchanon might fit in well with the Giants 4-3 scheme, and LT Roberts and QB Ramsey give the G-Men additional depth at their respective positions.

Sea. 1 - NFC Divisional Round - Falcons eliminate Giants with FG margin of victory, 17-14

The Atlanta Falcons have sent the G-Men packing as they prevail in Atlanta by a narrow margin of victory, 17-14, on the back (or is it foot?) of a K Matt Bryant field goal. The game was close throughout as both teams were extremely well-coached, and neither team had any glaring weaknesses, but the Giants hope to retool and rebuild for next season to seek their third Super Bowl championship in recent memory.

UPDATE: The Super Bowl victor was nothing short of an absolute Cinderella-style shocker. After they barely eeked into the playoffs with an 8-8 record, the Buffalo Bills beat the Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, and then the Atlanta Falcons en route to the first 8-8 team to win the Super Bowl, and Buffalo's first Super Bowl championship, as the team from far Western New York stuns the NFL universe by bringing home the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in franchise history.

Sea. 1 - Playoffs - NFC Divisional Round - Giants at Falcons (Preview)

The NFC Divisional Round match-up pits Matty Ice & Co.'s 12-4 Atlanta Falcons against the 10-6 New York Giants. The Falcons have solid performers on both sides of the ball, and the Giants will have to bring their A-game if they hope to stand a chance in the Georgia Dome.

The NFC Divisional QB match-up is between Eli Manning & Matt Ryan. Is it Atlanta's time to shine, or will Eli come through once again?

Sea. 1 - Playoffs - Wildcard Round - Giants win on FG in epic OT thriller vs. Panthers

The highlights speak for themselves in this wildcard weekend clash. No words could do justice with how heated and epic this game was, going down to the wire, with New York winning it near the end of overtime, after a second change of possession, on getting in field goal distance and then K Lawrence Tynes kicking one through for the G-Men.

Sea. 1 - End of Year and Pro Bowl awards

It's worth noting that for the 2012-2013 New York Giants, none of the coaches or players was even nominated for an award (e.g., MVP, Best QB/RB/WR/DL/OL/DB, Coach of the Year, etc.). When asked about this fact, GM "EP" replied that it speaks volumes about the team's "team-first" mentality. "We're a team that's not only won its division, but also advanced past the Wildcard round of the playoffs. That no particular individual has been recognized is irrelevant to this team and actually speaks volumes about the teamwork approach to winning that this franchise has."

Similarly, no New York Giants players were voted to the NFL's Pro Bowl other than Left Tackle Will Beatty. When asked about this, GM "EP" replied similarly to his NFL awards answer, emphasizing the "team approach" the Giants take as a formula to their success.

New York handed out their internal "Giant success" awards to players, recognizing 3 key players this season:

LT Will Beatty - for his outstanding performance in protecting Manning's "blindside."

QB Eli Manning - for his continuously clutch quarterback play.

#4 (now #3, and subbing in as #2) WR Ramses Barden - Barden seized the #3 spot for an injured WR Domenick Hixon early in the season, and then his stellar play allowed him to step up to the #2 spot when WR Hakeem Nicks went down late in the season with an injury. The Giants front office couldn't be happier with Barden's superb "next man up" play, and expect great things from him in future games.

Sea.1, Wk. 17 - Season Finale Doesn't Disappoint - 9-6 Giants clinch Wildcard playoff spot with narrow win vs. 10-5 Cowboys

In the most recent iteration of this ongoing NFC "Beast" rivalry, Dallas led by decidedly non-clutch QB Tony Romo looked to make their first playoff appearance at some time, with a 10-5 record and just needing a win against the G-Men to clinch the NFC East crown and a coveted Wildcard spot. However, New York wasn't going to go down without a fight, and a Safety-Sack of Romo sealed the win for NYG in an otherwise very close game that went down to the wire. New York rejoices as the Giants advance to the Wildcard round of the playoffs to face the Carolina Panthers led by Cam & Co.

Sea.1, Wk. 16 - Giants destroy Jets, 24-3

Week 16 presented us with, depending on your preference, the "New York Bowl" or the "MetLife Bowl," as the NY Giants squared off against the NY Jets. This wasn't much of a contest, however, as the Giants prevailed with a blow out victory and nearly shut out Gang Green, 24 to 3.

Sea. 1, Wks. 9-12 vs. Bills, Patriots, and 49ers

The 5-3 Giants blew out the Bills when they played host in Week 9, 27-3, and they carried that momentum over to the Patriots game in Week 10. Facing the AFC East them they've faced twice in Super Bowls, the game did not disappoint and went down to the wire in the fourth quarter, 27-20. And then, the Giants faced yet another familiar playoff nemesis in Week 12 with the 7-4 49ers. This game was even tighter than the Patriots one, and the Giants continued their winning streak with a very narrow win, 20-17. The Giants improve to 7 and 4 heading into Week 13 against NFC East rival Philadelphia.

Sea. 1, Wks. 4-5 - Continuing NFC West tour, Giants defeat Cards in AZ, rise to 2-2, and take on 3-1 Seattle at home

After taking out AZ with a convincing 28-10 win in Flagstaff, the G-Men traveled back home to host arguably the NFL team furthest away this side of San Diego, the Seattle Seahawks. 

The Giants are winning this NFC West match-up as well so far at 24-17 nearing the end of the 3rd quarter, BUT the teams were tied 14-14 heading into halftime, and Seattle has so far proven to be able to keep pace with NYG. The 3 issues to watch:

(1) Can New York's defense shut down Seattle's explosive Lynch/Wilson-led offense?

(2) Can Manning & Co. keep up enough offensive firepower to put the Seahawks away?

(3) Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw is having a banner day with over 100 rushing yards already. Can the Giants ride the running game to victory?
(UPDATE: Highlight from 3rd Quarter)

Sea.1, Wks. 2 & 3 - NYG bounce back vs. Rams, go into OT vs. Eagles

After a stunning loss to Washington in Week 1, Big Blue bounced back against the Rams in Week 2, and then the Giants traveled from the Meadowlands to Lincoln Financial Field to face their NFC East rival Philadelphia. 

 After the Giants had a 14-7 lead, the game saw multiple lead changes as the Giants and Eagles both scored 28 at the end of the fourth, and the teams headed into overtime to decide the winner. UPDATE: Eagles win in OT due to 54-yd hail mary bomb connection from Eagles QB Mike Vick to WR Jeremy Maclin (followed by short FG to win), putting the Giants at 1-2.

Sea.1, Wk. 1 - Giants blowout loss in season opener to 'Skins

In the season opener at FedEx Field, the Titans of New York found themselves up 14-7 early on, with Giants QB Eli Manning connecting all over the field and 2 TD throws (one to TE Martellus Bennett, the other to WR Hakeem Nicks), and then by the end of the 3rd quarter, due to an ugly Manning INT and a sack-fumble of Manning, both of which the Skins turned into touchdowns, NYG is down 14-31 heading into the fourth quarter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v67wN1Jm5Mk

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Bear Down: A Chicago Bears Franchise for Madden 12 (based on updated 2013 rosters)

(Update: 9/20/2012) he following is my offline Chicago Bears franchise, now for Madden NFL 12 on XBOX360.

Franchise management-wise, I try to look out for all 32 teams in terms of re-signings (so I don't end up with the Falcons cutting Matt Ryan BS), don't use scouting at all, and never sign (to Chicago) the best free agents available at any position. Also, I will intentionally "lose" great but contract-expiring players to free agency after successful seasons (e.g., how the Patriots lost Asante Samuel in real life).

Note: it would be illogical to consider my sliders without also understanding my gameplay house rules, listed below. 

House gameplay rules:

• No user catching/controlling WR before the catch
• No switching defenders post-snap
• Mix up play-calling often on offense and defense
• Use a different team's offensive playbook each game
• Use "Ask Madden" as much as possible on offense and defense 
• Call as many different plays from "Ask Madden" as reasonably practicable.
• Only play that can be audibled into more than twice on defense is a basic scheme (e.g., cover 2 man or cover 2 zone).
• No excessive audibles, hot-routing, or no-huddles (more than two consecutive no-huddles permitted during a two-minute drill). If using a no-huddle, no hot-routing except to keep the RB back to assist in pass-blocking (if a pass play).

 Player Skill/CPU Skill: BlueNinja's All-Madden slider set (see intro of Giants game for recap); UPDATE 11/08/12 (Sea.2 NFC Title Game vs. Redskins): with +4 edge to CPU; UPDATE 11/29/12 (before Season 3 preseason): lowered to with +2 edge to CPU. UPDATE 11-28-12: now with +3 edge to CPU except for CPU's break tackle setting, which has been left at BlueNinja's default.

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Corresponding v-logging channel: http:/www.youtube.com/user/MaximumCarnage20

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Season 1: 12-4 - SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS! W, 38-13 (vs. San Diego)

Season 2: 10-6 - NFC Conf. Championship. L, 16-13 (vs. Washington) (Ravens win SB)

Season 3: 9-7, NFC Div. Rd. L, 26-23 (vs. Green Bay) (New England wins SB)

Season 4: 6-10, miss playoffs (Panthers win SB)

Season 5: 12-4, NFC Conf. Championship. L, 13-10 (vs. Philadelphia) (San Diego wins SB)

Season 6: 7-9, miss playoffs (Panthers win SB again - dynasty?!?!)

Season 7:

Sea.6 - Fast Forward to End of Season, 7-9

After finishing the season at 7-9 and missing the playoffs, Chicago seeks to retool its offense after having drafted (and targeted in FA) for defense in the past several years. The big question looming in Chi-town is whether Cutler will be taken out for a high round draft pick, possibly as trade bait if not cut. In addition to targeting QB, Chicago is expected to target offensive linemen, and possibly also wide receivers and running backs, although 5th round draft pick RB Kevin Hall has impressed Chicago this past rookie season, as has the defensive line and linebackers.