Cecil and I interviewed Mortensen on the air yesterday (1 Viewer)

[Sigmund Bloom]

Cecil and I had the privilege and honor of interviewing Chris Mortensen while we were on the Scott and Al show with Alfred Williams on AM 950 in Denver. We also talked to Mort out at Dove Valley and I'm not ashamed to say my heart did a little flutter when he told us he remembered us from the Senior Bowl, and then said it again on the air. Mort is one of the genuine "good guys" in the business and he is very generous with his time and a very good natured guy.

The Updates:

- Cecil asked if this was Eli's make or break or year, and Mort said no, if Eli and the team struggle, Coughlin will take the fall, not Eli. He also felt Eli played well last year (not sure I agree)

- Cecil asked about Lorenzo Booker - Mort said he was going to be an excellent change of pace back and in an interesting twist, he mentioned that Ronnie Brown basically got the RB coach fired because he was so out of shape, and that he needs to step it up.

- I asked Mort about the Larry Johnson contract situation. He said that KC probably thinks that they dont need LJ in camp and wont get serious about picking up the negotiations and giving them their best offer for a few weeks. He also said they might shop him to Green Bay and other suitors, but also opined that that would be "stupid". He seemed as confused by the Chiefs unwillingness to pay LJ as the rest of us.

- I asked Mort about KJ's status - he said he definitely won't be out there for week 1, and that it's not a sure thing that he'll play this year. He also mentioned that the Lions like what they're seeing from Bell.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Nice work guys,

Mort always seemed like he was one of those genuine people. Bell is one of those guys that could be a huge boost to your team and he really shouldnt cost you much as far as a draft pick goes.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

Cecil and I had the privilege and honor of interviewing Chris Mortensen while we were on the Scott and Al show with Alfred Williams on AM 950 in Denver. We also talked to Mort out at Dove Valley and I'm not ashamed to say my heart did a little flutter when he told us he remembered us from the Senior Bowl, and then said it again on the air. Mort is one of the genuine "good guys" in the business and he is very generous with his time and a very good natured guy.

The Updates:

- Cecil asked if this was Eli's make or break or year, and Mort said no, if Eli and the team struggle, Coughlin will take the fall, not Eli. He also felt Eli played well last year (not sure I agree)

- Cecil asked about Lorenzo Booker - Mort said he was going to be an excellent change of pace back and in an interesting twist, he mentioned that Ronnie Brown basically got the RB coach fired because he was so out of shape, and that he needs to step it up.

- I asked Mort about the Larry Johnson contract situation. He said that KC probably thinks that they dont need LJ in camp and wont get serious about picking up the negotiations and giving them their best offer for a few weeks. He also said they might shop him to Green Bay and other suitors, but also opined that that would be "stupid". He seemed as confused by the Chiefs unwillingness to pay LJ as the rest of us.

- I asked Mort about KJ's status - he said he definitely won't be out there for week 1, and that it's not a sure thing that he'll play this year. He also mentioned that the Lions like what they're seeing from Bell.

I'm really starting to drink the Tatum Bell Kool Aide! Good job guys! Keep up the good work.

 

[Construction Man Jim]

- Cecil asked if this was Eli's make or break or year, and Mort said no, if Eli and the team struggle, Coughlin will take the fall, not Eli. He also felt Eli played well last year (not sure I agree)

I think you guys are getting caught up on the prevailing group think re: Eli. The reality is he hasn't been anywhere close to a bust to this point. He's been more productive than a number of all-time greats i.e. Aikman, Elway, Favre, Jim Kelly, Phil Simms, were up to the same stage.And while he did struggle at times last year, he wasn't what held the Giants back. He put the team in a position to win at least three more games only to have Tim Lewis's patented "Bend & Break" defense offer zero resistance and give them away. Still his 19 wins over the past two years is I believe tied for fourth most among all QBs in the NFL. (He's literally three defensive stops away from being behind only Peyton and Brady in that respect).Sigmund likened Eli to a "wet rag" and said he's "not the type of player the team can look to when the going gets tough". I'm sorry but that's complete bunk. Over the past two seasons he's had numerous clutch performances and comebacks i.e. Philly last year, and I'm sure you guys remember the Denver game the year before...? The fact is he's actually thrived in two minute situations (which speaks as much as anything to the coaching/ play calling issues in NY).In general I think people are sleeping on the Giants. They're not as bad off as many think. The NFC is wide open. Come September the only person talking about Tiki, will be Tiki... Everybody else will be in awe of Brandon Jacobs. The offensive line is not the issue it's being made out to be. The unit returns 5 of 5 starters from the end of last season. The big question mark, David Diehl, is one of only four players from the 2003 draft class to start in every game the past four years (66 starts = 31 at LG, 17 at RT, 16 at RG, and 2 at LT). Steve Spagnulo has the defense back on track and even a marginal improvement there will make Eli's job easier.And btw I know you guys are working hard to develop contacts around the league, which is great, but... Garofalo is not the "terrific Giants beat writer" you are making him out to be. He suffers from the same tabloid mentality all the NY beat writers do. His coverage is vapid and shallow. His recent track record is less than stellar. I don't know anybody that takes him seriously, considers him well informed or puts much (any) stock in his opinions. You should be very careful about attaching your credibility to his because I think you guys are better than that.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

- Cecil asked if this was Eli's make or break or year, and Mort said no, if Eli and the team struggle, Coughlin will take the fall, not Eli. He also felt Eli played well last year (not sure I agree)

I think you guys are getting caught up on the prevailing group think re: Eli. The reality is he hasn't been anywhere close to a bust to this point. He's been more productive than a number of all-time greats i.e. Aikman, Elway, Favre, Jim Kelly, Phil Simms, were up to the same stage.And while he did struggle at times last year, he wasn't what held the Giants back. He put the team in a position to win at least three more games only to have Tim Lewis's patented "Bend & Break" defense offer zero resistance and give them away. Still his 19 wins over the past two years is I believe tied for fourth most among all QBs in the NFL. (He's literally three defensive stops away from being behind only Peyton and Brady in that respect).Sigmund likened Eli to a "wet rag" and said he's "not the type of player the team can look to when the going gets tough". I'm sorry but that's complete bunk. Over the past two seasons he's had numerous clutch performances and comebacks i.e. Philly last year, and I'm sure you guys remember the Denver game the year before...? The fact is he's actually thrived in two minute situations (which speaks as much as anything to the coaching/ play calling issues in NY).In general I think people are sleeping on the Giants. They're not as bad off as many think. The NFC is wide open. Come September the only person talking about Tiki, will be Tiki... Everybody else will be in awe of Brandon Jacobs. The offensive line is not the issue it's being made out to be. The unit returns 5 of 5 starters from the end of last season. The big question mark, David Diehl, is one of only four players from the 2003 draft class to start in every game the past four years (66 starts = 31 at LG, 17 at RT, 16 at RG, and 2 at LT). Steve Spagnulo has the defense back on track and even a marginal improvement there will make Eli's job easier.And btw I know you guys are working hard to develop contacts around the league, which is great, but... Garofalo is not the "terrific Giants beat writer" you are making him out to be. He suffers from the same tabloid mentality all the NY beat writers do. His coverage is vapid and shallow. His recent track record is less than stellar. I don't know anybody that takes him seriously, considers him well informed or puts much (any) stock in his opinions. You should be very careful about attaching your credibility to his because I think you guys are better than that.

So I'm guessing you are a Giants fan? I don't think Eli is that bad, and YES he has had some nice come back games. BUT, he's also made some bad decisions, which is evident of the 35 INTS hes thrown in two years. Not only that, I think the GMEN are in trouble without Tiki this year. The reason I feel Manning had as many TDs is b/c Tiki was helping with moving the ball. It will be interesting to see how Manning adapts without Tiki there.

 

[Blackjacks]

- Cecil asked if this was Eli's make or break or year, and Mort said no, if Eli and the team struggle, Coughlin will take the fall, not Eli. He also felt Eli played well last year (not sure I agree)

I think you guys are getting caught up on the prevailing group think re: Eli. The reality is he hasn't been anywhere close to a bust to this point. He's been more productive than a number of all-time greats i.e. Aikman, Elway, Favre, Jim Kelly, Phil Simms, were up to the same stage.And while he did struggle at times last year, he wasn't what held the Giants back. He put the team in a position to win at least three more games only to have Tim Lewis's patented "Bend & Break" defense offer zero resistance and give them away. Still his 19 wins over the past two years is I believe tied for fourth most among all QBs in the NFL. (He's literally three defensive stops away from being behind only Peyton and Brady in that respect).Sigmund likened Eli to a "wet rag" and said he's "not the type of player the team can look to when the going gets tough". I'm sorry but that's complete bunk. Over the past two seasons he's had numerous clutch performances and comebacks i.e. Philly last year, and I'm sure you guys remember the Denver game the year before...? The fact is he's actually thrived in two minute situations (which speaks as much as anything to the coaching/ play calling issues in NY).In general I think people are sleeping on the Giants. They're not as bad off as many think. The NFC is wide open. Come September the only person talking about Tiki, will be Tiki... Everybody else will be in awe of Brandon Jacobs. The offensive line is not the issue it's being made out to be. The unit returns 5 of 5 starters from the end of last season. The big question mark, David Diehl, is one of only four players from the 2003 draft class to start in every game the past four years (66 starts = 31 at LG, 17 at RT, 16 at RG, and 2 at LT). Steve Spagnulo has the defense back on track and even a marginal improvement there will make Eli's job easier.And btw I know you guys are working hard to develop contacts around the league, which is great, but... Garofalo is not the "terrific Giants beat writer" you are making him out to be. He suffers from the same tabloid mentality all the NY beat writers do. His coverage is vapid and shallow. His recent track record is less than stellar. I don't know anybody that takes him seriously, considers him well informed or puts much (any) stock in his opinions. You should be very careful about attaching your credibility to his because I think you guys are better than that.

Obvioulsy I'm not as much in the know as you as I' not a Giants fan but I agree with you on not understanding the hatred for Eli by some people. As from a fantasy perspective the guy has thrown for a minumim of 3200 yards and a consistent 24 td's....not bad #'s for a 2nd or 3rd year qb. He has been the #4 and the #11 qb in the past 2 years and to be expected to pass more this year with the loss of Barber. As from a football standpoint he has led his team to the playoffs 2 out of 2 years. Most teams would be gitty about their future with this kind of qb. Eli does however have to get more assertive to his offensive teammates and he does soometimes look skitish in the pocket. It also looks like he losses alittel something towards the end of the year. However, the proof is in the pudding and MOST teams would love to have him behind center.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Eli may have put up good fantasy numbers, but football wise, I think he has been a bust up to now considering he was the #1 overall pick. He really lacks leadership and mental toughness in my opinion.

 

[Blackjacks]

Eli is also 1 of 5 qb's to have back-to-back 24 passing td's in a season in the last 2 seasons.

P. Manning (11 less)

C. Palmer (12 less)

T. Brady (6 less than the great Tom Brady)

D. Brees (only 2 lesser td's in the last 2 years)

E. Manning

not a bad class to be in!!!!!!!!!

Eli has thrown the fifth most td passes in the last 2 years in the NFL, made a pro bowl and made the playoffs twice...Yeh I wouldn't want him either.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Eli is also 1 of 5 qb's to have back-to-back 24 passing td's in a season in the last 2 seasons.P. Manning (11 less)C. Palmer (12 less)T. Brady (6 less than the great Tom Brady)D. Brees (only 2 lesser td's in the last 2 years)E. Manning not a bad class to be in!!!!!!!!!Eli has thrown the fifth most td passes in the last 2 years in the NFL, made a pro bowl and made the playoffs twice...Yeh I wouldn't want him either.

There is more to a QB than just the stats. He plays nervous, he makes poor decisions, he is not very accurate and he lacks mental toughness. He has not gotten better as he has gained experience and that is a big red flag to me. Considering his lofty draft status, you would think he would be quite a bit better right now than he is.

 

[Blackjacks]

Eli may have put up good fantasy numbers, but football wise, I think he has been a bust up to now considering he was the #1 overall pick. He really lacks leadership and mental toughness in my opinion.

I'd like you to find me another #1 overall qb pick except his brother in the last 15 years that got his team to the playoffs his first 2 years starting. Not even Carson Palmer did and I'd consider him the 2nd best qb in the league. Vick hasn't, David Carr of course not and not Alex Smith either. I don't know how you can call a guy a bust when he is ahead of most others in td's makes a pro bowl and leads his team to the playoffs which is the reason everyone plays the regular season I believe. I know some will say Eli went to a playoff ready team and that's fine you can have that arguement but I don't think they made a playoff appearence since their trip to the Super Bowl in 2000.....5 absent years (They might have made it once but you see my point.) Eli does lack confidence in the pocket sometimes but he is still a young qb, I don't see how people don't put him in their top 10 dynasty qb's personally and I can't see him ever not being in the top 15 for the season.

 

[Blackjacks]

Eli is also 1 of 5 qb's to have back-to-back 24 passing td's in a season in the last 2 seasons.

P. Manning (11 less)

C. Palmer (12 less)

T. Brady (6 less than the great Tom Brady)

D. Brees (only 2 lesser td's in the last 2 years)

E. Manning

not a bad class to be in!!!!!!!!!

Eli has thrown the fifth most td passes in the last 2 years in the NFL, made a pro bowl and made the playoffs twice...Yeh I wouldn't want him either.

There is more to a QB than just the stats. He plays nervous, he makes poor decisions, he is not very accurate and he lacks mental toughness. He has not gotten better as he has gained experience and that is a big red flag to me. Considering his lofty draft status, you would think he would be quite a bit better right now than he is.

I can agree with this sometimes. When he looks good , he looks really good but when he gets nervous and rattles he can look very poor. Give the kid a chance he is still very young and contrair to many's beliefs is very talented.

 

[Woody Paige]

Mort is one of the genuine "good guys" in the business and he is very generous with his time and a very good natured guy.

Mort and I don't always see eye to eye on things.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

this is great info

 

[Construction Man Jim]

No doubt, there is plenty of room for improvement with Eli. The main thrust of my point was that Eli hasn't been the problem in NY. While he hasn't lived up to the impossible expectations - of being Archie's son, Peyton's little brother, the "most NFL ready" QB in his class, the first overall pick and everything the Giants gave up to get him - he's been good enough. And he will get better.

People need to keep things in perspective. Ryan Leaf was a bust. Joey Harrington and David Carr never sniffed the stuff he's accomplished in his first few years. Eli and bust shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence.

Re: the leadership question - he showed great leadership and command at Ole Miss, so it's not like he's not capable in that regard. I think his comfort level is now such that he is ready to assume more of that role in NY. He will never be an in your face, rah rah guy, but he will lead in his own way. Certainly his personality tends more toward the cerebral and introverted, but that doesn't preclude him from leading. There many, many examples from all sports of guys with the same kind of disposition who have become great leaders.

BTW Blackjacks, Eli has not made a Pro Bowl yet.

 

[One]

Great info. Thanks SB and Cecil!

 

[Jason Wood]

Congrats guys

 

[Blackjacks]

No doubt, there is plenty of room for improvement with Eli. The main thrust of my point was that Eli hasn't been the problem in NY. While he hasn't lived up to the impossible expectations - of being Archie's son, Peyton's little brother, the "most NFL ready" QB in his class, the first overall pick and everything the Giants gave up to get him - he's been good enough. And he will get better. People need to keep things in perspective. Ryan Leaf was a bust. Joey Harrington and David Carr never sniffed the stuff he's accomplished in his first few years. Eli and bust shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence.Re: the leadership question - he showed great leadership and command at Ole Miss, so it's not like he's not capable in that regard. I think his comfort level is now such that he is ready to assume more of that role in NY. He will never be an in your face, rah rah guy, but he will lead in his own way. Certainly his personality tends more toward the cerebral and introverted, but that doesn't preclude him from leading. There many, many examples from all sports of guys with the same kind of disposition who have become great leaders.BTW Blackjacks, Eli has not made a Pro Bowl yet.

I thought he made it 2 years ago? I apoligize, your rightQB - Jake Delhomme, PanthersQB - Matt Hasselbeck, SeahawksQB - Michael Vick, Falcons I can see Hass and Vick, they both had very good years but Eli should have gone instead of Delhomme.

 

[Construction Man Jim]

There is more to a QB than just the stats. He plays nervous, he makes poor decisions, he is not very accurate and he lacks mental toughness. He has not gotten better as he has gained experience and that is a big red flag to me. Considering his lofty draft status, you would think he would be quite a bit better right now than he is.

I don't agree he plays nervous. He's pretty cool under pressure. That's just his nature.Sometimes he has looked unsure and confused. Part of that is being young and inexperienced, which is natural. But part of that I think also has had to do with coaching and play calling issues. In the Giants offense he has had a lot of responsibility put on his plate (maybe too much). Certainly more than Big Ben in Pittsburgh or Rivers in SD. They haven't been asked to make the same kinds of reads, calls and adjustments at the line that Eli has. They are just now talking about letting Ben do some of that now, and he's going into his 4th year! Eli has been doing it since day one.The accuracy stuff is overblown. He improved greatly last year. He will occasionally make a bad throw but rarely makes the wrong decision. He has unfairly taken a lot of heat when often times he put the ball in the right place but Plax, Shockey or Tim Carter were in the wrong place... He has gotten better with experience. It's just hasn't always been clearly evident because of some of the other things happening around him with the team. Don't forget, he brought the Giants back late in the 4th quarter in round one of the playoffs against the Eagles and tied the game. Only to have his defense fold and not get the ball back. And Eli is the problem?

 

[laughinboy_2000]

There is more to a QB than just the stats. He plays nervous, he makes poor decisions, he is not very accurate and he lacks mental toughness. He has not gotten better as he has gained experience and that is a big red flag to me. Considering his lofty draft status, you would think he would be quite a bit better right now than he is.

I don't agree he plays nervous. He's pretty cool under pressure. That's just his nature.Sometimes he has looked unsure and confused. Part of that is being young and inexperienced, which is natural. But part of that I think also has had to do with coaching and play calling issues. In the Giants offense he has had a lot of responsibility put on his plate (maybe too much). Certainly more than Big Ben in Pittsburgh or Rivers in SD. They haven't been asked to make the same kinds of reads, calls and adjustments at the line that Eli has. They are just now talking about letting Ben do some of that now, and he's going into his 4th year! Eli has been doing it since day one.

The accuracy stuff is overblown. He improved greatly last year. He will occasionally make a bad throw but rarely makes the wrong decision.

He has gotten better with experience. It's just hasn't always been clearly evident because of some of the other things happening around him with the team.

Don't forget, he brought the Giants back late in the 4th quarter in round one of the playoffs against the Eagles and tied the game. Only to have his defense fold and not get the ball back. And Eli is the problem?

He actually did NOT improve last year. His INTS were higher and threw for fewer yards than in 2005.

 

[Blackjacks]

Don't forget Plax doesn't play hard every down and Toomer was hurt last year as well.

 

[Construction Man Jim]

He actually did NOT improve last year. His INTS were higher and threw for fewer yards than in 2005.

His completion percentage went from 52.8 to 57.7. That's not debatable.INTs and Yds aren't just a reflection of accuracy, or necessarily always all on the QB. There are a lot of other factors that go into those results (WRs running proper and complete routes, injuries, play calling etc.)

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

He actually did NOT improve last year. His INTS were higher and threw for fewer yards than in 2005.

His completion percentage went from 52.8 to 57.7. That's not debatable.INTs and Yds aren't just a reflection of accuracy, or necessarily always all on the QB. There are a lot of other factors that go into those results (WRs running proper and complete routes, injuries, play calling etc.)

The two stats I see that stick out to me are:His yards went down because he three 35 fewer passes BUTHis yards per attempt average went down from 6.8 to 6.2. I like Eli as a buy low in dynasty leagues, but I think he is a year away. Coughlin will not let Eli throw enough to make fantasy owners too happy.

 

[Construction Man Jim]

The two stats I see that stick out to me are:His yards went down because he three 35 fewer passes BUTHis yards per attempt average went down from 6.8 to 6.2. I like Eli as a buy low in dynasty leagues, but I think he is a year away. Coughlin will not let Eli throw enough to make fantasy owners too happy.

Valid points.The loss of Toomer really hurt him in that area. He was Eli's safety net and without him in the line up teams rolled coverage to Plax. There were no other viable WR2 options. Having Amani back along with Moss being healthy and Steve Smith now in the mix is really going to help.I also think Jacobs' "presence" will be key. Teams will be forced to put and extra guy in the box (more so than they ever did with Tiki) which should open things up and present more single coverage opportunities. Eli is excellent at play action so he should be able to take advantage of few more down field shots and that will help his YPA average.

 

[Block]

Eli may have put up good fantasy numbers, but football wise, I think he has been a bust up to now considering he was the #1 overall pick. He really lacks leadership and mental toughness in my opinion.

I'd like you to find me another #1 overall qb pick except his brother in the last 15 years that got his team to the playoffs his first 2 years starting. Not even Carson Palmer did and I'd consider him the 2nd best qb in the league. Vick hasn't, David Carr of course not and not Alex Smith either. I don't know how you can call a guy a bust when he is ahead of most others in td's makes a pro bowl and leads his team to the playoffs which is the reason everyone plays the regular season I believe. I know some will say Eli went to a playoff ready team and that's fine you can have that arguement but I don't think they made a playoff appearence since their trip to the Super Bowl in 2000.....5 absent years (They might have made it once but you see my point.) Eli does lack confidence in the pocket sometimes but he is still a young qb, I don't see how people don't put him in their top 10 dynasty qb's personally and I can't see him ever not being in the top 15 for the season.

The Giants made the playoffs in 2002 as well with Kerry Collins (that was the year with the bad snap on the field goal attempt vs 49ers). They had a good team around Eli and this year they don't without Tiki and Strahan possibly...I see a bad year for ELi.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

The two stats I see that stick out to me are:His yards went down because he three 35 fewer passes BUTHis yards per attempt average went down from 6.8 to 6.2. I like Eli as a buy low in dynasty leagues, but I think he is a year away. Coughlin will not let Eli throw enough to make fantasy owners too happy.

Valid points.The loss of Toomer really hurt him in that area. He was Eli's safety net and without him in the line up teams rolled coverage to Plax. There were no other viable WR2 options. Having Amani back along with Moss being healthy and Steve Smith now in the mix is really going to help.I also think Jacobs' "presence" will be key. Teams will be forced to put and extra guy in the box (more so than they ever did with Tiki) which should open things up and present more single coverage opportunities. Eli is excellent at play action so he should be able to take advantage of few more down field shots and that will help his YPA average.

I disagree regarding the Barber/Jacobs comment. Barber commanded a lot more attention from defenses than Jacobs ever will.

 

[Construction Man Jim]

I disagree regarding the Barber/Jacobs comment. Barber commanded a lot more attention from defenses than Jacobs ever will.

I hope you're right and teams don't respect Jacobs. It will be fun to watch them learn the hard way!

 

[Blackjacks]

Eli may have put up good fantasy numbers, but football wise, I think he has been a bust up to now considering he was the #1 overall pick. He really lacks leadership and mental toughness in my opinion.

I'd like you to find me another #1 overall qb pick except his brother in the last 15 years that got his team to the playoffs his first 2 years starting. Not even Carson Palmer did and I'd consider him the 2nd best qb in the league. Vick hasn't, David Carr of course not and not Alex Smith either. I don't know how you can call a guy a bust when he is ahead of most others in td's makes a pro bowl and leads his team to the playoffs which is the reason everyone plays the regular season I believe. I know some will say Eli went to a playoff ready team and that's fine you can have that arguement but I don't think they made a playoff appearence since their trip to the Super Bowl in 2000.....5 absent years (They might have made it once but you see my point.) Eli does lack confidence in the pocket sometimes but he is still a young qb, I don't see how people don't put him in their top 10 dynasty qb's personally and I can't see him ever not being in the top 15 for the season.

The Giants made the playoffs in 2002 as well with Kerry Collins (that was the year with the bad snap on the field goal attempt vs 49ers). They had a good team around Eli and this year they don't without Tiki and Strahan possibly...I see a bad year for ELi.

I knew they got in once but still you have to agree that Eli has gotten there twice in two years after they got in once in four years with pretty much a similiar team. He must be doing something right.

 

[jabarony]

Eli is also 1 of 5 qb's to have back-to-back 24 passing td's in a season in the last 2 seasons.

P. Manning (11 less)

C. Palmer (12 less)

T. Brady (6 less than the great Tom Brady)

D. Brees (only 2 lesser td's in the last 2 years)

E. Manning

not a bad class to be in!!!!!!!!!

Eli has thrown the fifth most td passes in the last 2 years in the NFL, made a pro bowl and made the playoffs twice...Yeh I wouldn't want him either.

There is more to a QB than just the stats. He plays nervous, he makes poor decisions, he is not very accurate and he lacks mental toughness. He has not gotten better as he has gained experience and that is a big red flag to me. Considering his lofty draft status, you would think he would be quite a bit better right now than he is.

That statement is false. I don't care about his leadership, comeback ability et al. I just care how many yards & TDs.Anyhow, what's with the polar arguement here (He Sucks! vs. He Rules!)? Can't he just be an average qb?

 

[laughinboy_2000]

I have moved the Eli Manning debate to another thread labeled, "Is Eli Manning a Top 10 QB?" Chime in if you would like!

 

[redman]

LOOK AT ME! I INTERVIEWED MORT!!!!111

Sorry, had to be done.

 

[sizzer55]

wow. after reading this thread i'm starting to think that eli is the second coming of peyton. bad coaching, bad defense, receiver injuries, wrong routes, dropped passes, and he's still been able to put up decent stats and lead him team to the playoffs twice. i admit i don't see that many giant games so i have a somewhat limited perspective. in a way a feel bad for eli because he's probably an alright guy. it's not his fault that he was drafted #1. i really don't think that he is that good though. i do somewhat feel that the giants made the playoffs despite eli.

 

[nygiants56]

- Cecil asked if this was Eli's make or break or year, and Mort said no, if Eli and the team struggle, Coughlin will take the fall, not Eli. He also felt Eli played well last year (not sure I agree)

I think you guys are getting caught up on the prevailing group think re: Eli. The reality is he hasn't been anywhere close to a bust to this point. He's been more productive than a number of all-time greats i.e. Aikman, Elway, Favre, Jim Kelly, Phil Simms, were up to the same stage.

And while he did struggle at times last year, he wasn't what held the Giants back. He put the team in a position to win at least three more games only to have Tim Lewis's patented "Bend & Break" defense offer zero resistance and give them away. Still his 19 wins over the past two years is I believe tied for fourth most among all QBs in the NFL. (He's literally three defensive stops away from being behind only Peyton and Brady in that respect).

Sigmund likened Eli to a "wet rag" and said he's "not the type of player the team can look to when the going gets tough". I'm sorry but that's complete bunk. Over the past two seasons he's had numerous clutch performances and comebacks i.e. Philly last year, and I'm sure you guys remember the Denver game the year before...? The fact is he's actually thrived in two minute situations (which speaks as much as anything to the coaching/ play calling issues in NY).

In general I think people are sleeping on the Giants. They're not as bad off as many think. The NFC is wide open. Come September the only person talking about Tiki, will be Tiki... Everybody else will be in awe of Brandon Jacobs. The offensive line is not the issue it's being made out to be. The unit returns 5 of 5 starters from the end of last season. The big question mark, David Diehl, is one of only four players from the 2003 draft class to start in every game the past four years (66 starts = 31 at LG, 17 at RT, 16 at RG, and 2 at LT). Steve Spagnulo has the defense back on track and even a marginal improvement there will make Eli's job easier.

And btw I know you guys are working hard to develop contacts around the league, which is great, but... Garofalo is not the "terrific Giants beat writer" you are making him out to be. He suffers from the same tabloid mentality all the NY beat writers do. His coverage is vapid and shallow. His recent track record is less than stellar. I don't know anybody that takes him seriously, considers him well informed or puts much (any) stock in his opinions. You should be very careful about attaching your credibility to his because I think you guys are better than that.

oh jaysus, he's one of those guys, huh? a serial Brandon Jacobs fan..you must own him in at least 3 fantasy leagues, am I right?not sure if you actually watch Giants games or not, but unless the Giants are down 40-0 at halftime, Eli does nothing, nada, zippo..he's flat out horrible in the first half, and usually doesn't start making plays until the offense has to open things up and pass on every down, midway thru the 4th quarter..he sucks.

you just keep underrating what the loss of Tiki Barber will mean to this offense..trust me, he was the heart of that offense and will be SORELY missed..

now you're looking at filling his shoes with a 6'4" , 260 lb RB and a journeyman named Droughns..name the last 260-lb RB to rush for over 1,000 yards.. only 2 guys in NFL history ever played the position at or over the weight of 260 lbs., rushed for 1000 yards.. Between them ,they produced just three 1000 yard seasons. The double whammy in this situation , is the fact that there weren't too many RB's at 6'4" who lasted long..Jacobs is both heavy and tall..Rod Bernstine was 6'3", and never had a 1000 yard season. Dickerson was 6'3" , but he wasn't 260lbs, and he was, well, Dickerson..

the historical data shows that big/tall RB's who weigh that much, don't last long..there's too much of the guy to hit when you're trying to tackle him. He isn't low to the ground like Bettis was..he's a big straight line runner who's going to get his head knocked off at some point..he looks like a fast TE running with the football..he's never been a f/t back who's carried the load before..he's not going to start now,either..

 

[Blackjacks]

- Cecil asked if this was Eli's make or break or year, and Mort said no, if Eli and the team struggle, Coughlin will take the fall, not Eli. He also felt Eli played well last year (not sure I agree)

I think you guys are getting caught up on the prevailing group think re: Eli. The reality is he hasn't been anywhere close to a bust to this point. He's been more productive than a number of all-time greats i.e. Aikman, Elway, Favre, Jim Kelly, Phil Simms, were up to the same stage.

And while he did struggle at times last year, he wasn't what held the Giants back. He put the team in a position to win at least three more games only to have Tim Lewis's patented "Bend & Break" defense offer zero resistance and give them away. Still his 19 wins over the past two years is I believe tied for fourth most among all QBs in the NFL. (He's literally three defensive stops away from being behind only Peyton and Brady in that respect).

Sigmund likened Eli to a "wet rag" and said he's "not the type of player the team can look to when the going gets tough". I'm sorry but that's complete bunk. Over the past two seasons he's had numerous clutch performances and comebacks i.e. Philly last year, and I'm sure you guys remember the Denver game the year before...? The fact is he's actually thrived in two minute situations (which speaks as much as anything to the coaching/ play calling issues in NY).

In general I think people are sleeping on the Giants. They're not as bad off as many think. The NFC is wide open. Come September the only person talking about Tiki, will be Tiki... Everybody else will be in awe of Brandon Jacobs. The offensive line is not the issue it's being made out to be. The unit returns 5 of 5 starters from the end of last season. The big question mark, David Diehl, is one of only four players from the 2003 draft class to start in every game the past four years (66 starts = 31 at LG, 17 at RT, 16 at RG, and 2 at LT). Steve Spagnulo has the defense back on track and even a marginal improvement there will make Eli's job easier.

And btw I know you guys are working hard to develop contacts around the league, which is great, but... Garofalo is not the "terrific Giants beat writer" you are making him out to be. He suffers from the same tabloid mentality all the NY beat writers do. His coverage is vapid and shallow. His recent track record is less than stellar. I don't know anybody that takes him seriously, considers him well informed or puts much (any) stock in his opinions. You should be very careful about attaching your credibility to his because I think you guys are better than that.

oh jaysus, he's one of those guys, huh? a serial Brandon Jacobs fan..you must own him in at least 3 fantasy leagues, am I right?not sure if you actually watch Giants games or not, but unless the Giants are down 40-0 at halftime, Eli does nothing, nada, zippo..he's flat out horrible in the first half, and usually doesn't start making plays until the offense has to open things up and pass on every down, midway thru the 4th quarter..he sucks.

you just keep underrating what the loss of Tiki Barber will mean to this offense..trust me, he was the heart of that offense and will be SORELY missed..

now you're looking at filling his shoes with a 6'4" , 260 lb RB and a journeyman named Droughns..name the last 260-lb RB to rush for over 1,000 yards.. only 2 guys in NFL history ever played the position at or over the weight of 260 lbs., rushed for 1000 yards.. Between them ,they produced just three 1000 yard seasons. The double whammy in this situation , is the fact that there weren't too many RB's at 6'4" who lasted long..Jacobs is both heavy and tall..Rod Bernstine was 6'3", and never had a 1000 yard season. Dickerson was 6'3" , but he wasn't 260lbs, and he was, well, Dickerson..

the historical data shows that big/tall RB's who weigh that much, don't last long..there's too much of the guy to hit when you're trying to tackle him. He isn't low to the ground like Bettis was..he's a big straight line runner who's going to get his head knocked off at some point..he looks like a fast TE running with the football..he's never been a f/t back who's carried the load before..he's not going to start now,either..

I think you had to high of expectations for Eli at too young of an age. If you look at the positives instead of just staring at his negatives you will see a young talented player that will succeed under a new coaching staff next year.

 

[Construction Man Jim]

oh jaysus, he's one of those guys, huh? a serial Brandon Jacobs fan..you must own him in at least 3 fantasy leagues, am I right?not sure if you actually watch Giants games or not, but unless the Giants are down 40-0 at halftime, Eli does nothing, nada, zippo..he's flat out horrible in the first half, and usually doesn't start making plays until the offense has to open things up and pass on every down, midway thru the 4th quarter..he sucks.you just keep underrating what the loss of Tiki Barber will mean to this offense..trust me, he was the heart of that offense and will be SORELY missed..now you're looking at filling his shoes with a 6'4" , 260 lb RB and a journeyman named Droughns..name the last 260-lb RB to rush for over 1,000 yards.. only 2 guys in NFL history ever played the position at or over the weight of 260 lbs., rushed for 1000 yards.. Between them ,they produced just three 1000 yard seasons. The double whammy in this situation , is the fact that there weren't too many RB's at 6'4" who lasted long..Jacobs is both heavy and tall..Rod Bernstine was 6'3", and never had a 1000 yard season. Dickerson was 6'3" , but he wasn't 260lbs, and he was, well, Dickerson..the historical data shows that big/tall RB's who weigh that much, don't last long..there's too much of the guy to hit when you're trying to tackle him. He isn't low to the ground like Bettis was..he's a big straight line runner who's going to get his head knocked off at some point..he looks like a fast TE running with the football..he's never been a f/t back who's carried the load before..he's not going to start now,either..

You make some great generalizations.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Here's a pic of me and Mort from this mornings practice. I'll post this in the Broncos TC report as well, but we talked about everything from Adrian Peterson/Marcus Dupree to Travis Henry/Willis McGahee. What a great guy!

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Nice work guys, Mort always seemed like he was one of those genuine people. Bell is one of those guys that could be a huge boost to your team and he really shouldnt cost you much as far as a draft pick goes.

I agree.......I picked up Bell recently in a draft the day before all this Bell is doing well for the Lions hype mid 6th round. I see him moving up in drafts on a daily basis.Keep in mind......even if KJ wasn't even on the team, Bell is still Bell. He will eventually get dinged up himself, whether it's stub his toe or whatever the excuse will be where I have to watch for updates minutes before the game on his status.I'm trying to look into the season........Bell starts and does well but something happens to him. KJ never really comes around and the Lions aren't doing well as a team and don't see the reason to rush him back this season. They play Green Bay 2 out of the next 3 weeks and GB is giving up nearly 200 yards rushing a game, who is going to carry the ball for the Lions that week or for that span?Of course, that's hypothetical.......but living in Detroit for 36 years, I'm telling you this type of situation is not very far fetched, believe me.

 

[bostonfred]

Here's a pic of me and Mort from this mornings practice. I'll post this in the Broncos TC report as well, but we talked about everything from Adrian Peterson/Marcus Dupree to Travis Henry/Willis McGahee. What a great guy!

You got Mortensen to pose for a picture with you, and you picked your nose for it?

 

[bostonfred]

I'd like you to find me another #1 overall qb pick except his brother in the last 15 years that got his team to the playoffs his first 2 years starting. Not even Carson Palmer did and I'd consider him the 2nd best qb in the league.

You have Manning third?

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Here's a pic of me and Mort from this mornings practice. I'll post this in the Broncos TC report as well, but we talked about everything from Adrian Peterson/Marcus Dupree to Travis Henry/Willis McGahee. What a great guy!

You got Mortensen to pose for a picture with you, and you picked your nose for it?

I was just talking with Mort on the sideline. It was no "pose" it was just 2 guys talking football (with me picking my nose )