| |
|
|
Collins in camp QB controversy could develop early among Giants
The New York Giants, who finished third in the division in '98 after starting out 3-7, open their 1999 training camp at State University at Albany, N.Y., on July 30. Here are a few questions from Sports Illustrated's Dr. Z, followed by CNNSI.com's perspective on some of the issues facing the Giants this season. SI's season preview will be posted August. 24. Dr. Z wants to know: 1) Did the Giants really do enough homework on Kerry Collins' final few games with the Saints last year before they shelled out $16.9 mil for his services? O.K., I'll answer that one for you. They said they did indeed, and the reason why he looked so bad was that he was mired in hopeless game plans. 2) Do you buy all that? Me, neither. Can't you just see one of the NFL's more juicy quarterback controversies looming -- Collins, the rich kid who walked out on his team, the Panthers, vs. Kent Graham, blue-collar all the way, who beat the Broncos last December 13. 3) Why do we keep reading in July that the Giants finally have a receiving corps? 4) What's with Jason Sehorn, superstar cornerback on the mend, who skipped workouts without notifying the club? Prima donna stuff or phone lines tied up? 5) Will rookie running back Joe Montgomery really become the breakout sleeper predicted by your faithful narrator, or is it just another case of poor old Dr. Z rooting once again for a ferocious overachiever? The Giants can make the playoffs if: Collins the reclamation project shows why he was a first-round pick in 1995 and rediscovers the form that helped him lead Carolina to a division title three years ago; the return of Sehorn ignites the defense; and the addition of two rookies out of Notre Dame, left guard Luke Petitgout and tackle Mike Rosenthal, solidifies the offensive line. The Giants, who have spent their top draft pick on an offensive player in 10 of the past 12 years, ranked 29th in total offense last season. They need the newest prospects to develop into weapons -- quickly.
Pivotal games: Sept. 12 at Tampa Bay; Nov. 28 vs. Arizona. The Giants have an easier road this year, but they've got tough tests at both the beginning and end of the season. An upset of Tampa Bay in the opener would give them momentum heading into divisional play. And the contest against division rival Arizona in late November might be a must-win, as it comes right before the Giants head into a tough final stretch that includes three of four on the road. Player on the hot seat: Either Graham or Collins, depending on how you look at it. Things could get controversial in Giants camp pretty quickly. Graham won five of his six starts last year, including a 20-16 upset of the Broncos, and Jim Fassel maintains he'll be the starter until he is ineffective. But Collins is healthy, looked strong in minicamp, and is still young enough to put the personal and professional miscues behind him. Up-and-comers: Wideouts Amani Toomer and Joe Jurevicius. The Giants were pleased enough with their young pass-catchers to release Chris Calloway, the team's leading receiver the past four seasons. Toomer has shown flashes of brilliance in the past three seasons, but needs to become more consistent. Jurevicius caught only nine passes as rookie but has great size (6'5", 300) and decent speed.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copyright © 1999 CNN/SI. A Time Warner Company. Terms under which this service is provided to you.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
