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Wed., June 19
Will the feud between Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan carry over into the season? It could. Strahan confirmed that possibility at the end of the
team's offseason training program. He spoke about how teammates moved their locker away from Barber. Because you are dealing with an offensive player and a defensive player, that makes for another problem. Teammates can easily
take sides. Those on the Barber side might think that Strahan held the team hostage under the salary cap to satisfy his desire to get an increase from an already high $8 million annual salary. Those on the Strahan side
could look at Barber endorsing the team's stance to clear up cap room for the 2003 season and not putting more into this year's team.
There will not be a problem if the team and these players get off to great starts.
Winning solves a lot of things. If the team wins, both players can embrace each other and put their problems behind them. It's one of the problems when contract issues filter into the locker room conversation and conscience.
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The Giants have had a tumultuous offseason. One look at their offseason movement chart shows that a lot more players have been leaving New York than arriving.
But player movement hasn't even been the biggest story for the Giants. Michael Strahan's contract situation has taken center stage. After breaking the single-season sack record last year, Strahan made waves when he refused to accept a proposed seven-year, $58 million contract. He was reportedly upset that the bonus (said to be $17 million) was to be split, with part coming before this season and the rest before next season.
The situation turned even more acrimonious when teammate Tiki Barber openly criticized Strahan for not accepting the deal. The furor died down some until recently, when Strahan went public saying that he still hadn't forgiven Barber and that he probably never would. On a team that has had some offense vs. defense issues over the years, this is a situation that could get ugly.
Because of salary-cap restrictions, the Giants were almost completely inactive in the free-agent market, losing a number of players while doing very little to replace them.
The offensive line, admittedly aging, lost three starters. Tackle Lomas Brown retired, while Pro Bowl guard Ron Stone signed with the 49ers as a free agent and guard Glenn Parker was released following June 1. Stone and Parker will be replaced at guard by Jason Whittle and Rich Seubert, while Brown's replacement at left tackle is less certain. Luke Petitgout may switch from right to left tackle, allowing inexperienced Chris Bober to move into the lineup at right tackle.
Defensively, the Giants were forced to release linebacker Jessie Armstead. The nine-year veteran was immediately grabbed by the Redskins on the first day of free agency, setting up an interesting situation where the Giants will have to play against one of their former leaders twice this season. Strong safety Sam Garnes also was released because of salary-cap reasons. Shaun Williams, the only player re-signed by the Giants this offseason, will move from free safety to strong safety, with Omar Stoutmire currently penciled in at free safety.
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GIANTS AT A GLANCE
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Tiki Barber rushed for
865 yards last season. |
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2001 record: 7-9
Team rank: Defense (14th); offense (10th)
Giants team news |
The Giants also have a new defensive coordinator in Johnnie Lynn, who served as secondary coach the past five seasons. Lynn takes over for John Fox, who was hired as head coach by the Panthers. One thing Lynn will try to do is figure out a way to limit the number of big plays the secondary gives up. The key to that could be the health of Jason Sehorn, who was hobbled by a bad right knee last season. A healthy Sehorn would team with second-year players Will Allen and Will Peterson to provide the Giants with depth at cornerback.
For a complete list of all the players the New York Giants have signed and lost so far this offseason, click here.
How they drafted
Jeremy Shockey was one of the players the Giants had targeted, and they got the Miami (Fla.) tight end by trading up one spot to No. 14 overall. Shockey will step right into the starting lineup and should be a big part of the offense. Shockey and wide receiver Tim Carter (second round) will provide quarterback Kerry Collins with more weapons. Carter improved his draft position with good postseason workouts and blazing 40-yard times.
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Fantasy Focus
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Tiki Barber dropped to the mid-seventh round in an early ESPN mock draft, but undeservedly so. In an attempt to become more run-oriented, the Giants have rebuilt their line with younger and more athletic players, albeit inexperienced. Barber struggled with a hamstring injury last season, which put a dent in his stats. Barber will be the Giants' most effective back. He's a threat to run and receive, and despite his injury he still averaged 5.2 yards per carry last year, compared to Ron Dayne's 3.6.
-- Roger Rotter, Fantasy editor
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For a complete list the Giants' draft picks, click here.
Unfinished business
Obviously the situation between Barber and Strahan should be watched. Not every player on an NFL roster is going to be friends with every other player. But when two of the highest profile players in the organization have an open disdain for each other, you could have problems. The longer the feud lasts, the more players will be asked to choose sides, which could ultimately lead to a split in the locker room. Ike Hilliard's health and his relationship with coach Jim Fassel could be issues. Hilliard appeared ahead of schedule in his return from surgery on his right big toe when he participated in early-summer workouts. However, Hilliard angered Fassel by not informing the team that he would miss a recent passing camp. Without Joe Jurevicius (lost to Bucs), Hilliard needs to have a big season. The offensive tackle spots are both a little unsettled. Petitgout and Bober are penciled in as the starters, however, it's unclear which end of the line they will start on. The Giants are hoping Petitgout can make the switch to left tackle which would allow Bober, who lacks Petitgout's experience, to move into the lineup at right tackle.
Outlook for 2002
The Giants are a difficult team to figure out. After managing just seven wins last season, it doesn't appear on paper as if they've made themselves a better team. In fact, it looks like they have actually taken a step back. There is hope that the defense could return to form, and the addition of Shockey could spark some life into the offense and quarterback Kerry Collins. That said, a winning season might be a little too much to ask. Another 7-9 finish seems a likely outcome.
Peter Lawrence-Riddell is the NFL editor for ESPN.com.
