Double (II)

Page 38 was all mine for this week's edition of the paper, starting with words on the Giants' wide receivers (who will be given a bit more leeway by this writer for a little factoid at the end),

"So, you’ve heard it for almost a year; the New York Giants wide receivers don’t scare anybody. Plaxico Burress is weeks away from starting a 20-month prison term for his accidental shooting. Amani Toomer, the franchise leader in receptions, yardage and touchdowns is in Kansas City. Beyond that, there are either unproven talents, players who have battled more injuries than defensive backs or guys who don’t provide mismatches on the field.

"It’s a long-standing cliché for a reason, but someone has to step up and seize the opportunity."

... and ending with giving dap to Robinson Cano while others are focused on the 'bigger names' that don the pinstripes.

"He was never known as the most patient hitter on a team that is known for wearing out opposing pitchers. However, more than likely, Cano will surpass his career highs in doubles (41 in 2006 and 2007) and home runs (19 in 2007 and already as much this year). He’ll come close to other career best in all other offensive tallies and see career low in strikeouts (currently 45 with as many as 85 in that banner 2007 season). Defensively, he’s solid and if anything, he is very durable at a position where base runners try to distract second basemen from making throws to first base; at times resulting in some scary collisions or awkward landings."

It will certainly be double duty until the end of the Yankees' postseason, which is a pleasure for some of you and sickening certainty for others reading this.

You should also check out the rest of the section (and paper, duh!). My editor and the sports section's lead photographer Marc Rasbury is crying for the Mets, but finds some solace in knowing that the US Open is around the bend. Also, the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy takes prominence as well since his legislation and troubled past had a dramatic impact across socioeconomic backgrounds.

With an unsurpising, yet still disappointing change of plans this morning, posts planned for later might get some early afternoon shine. It would be VERY EASY to criticize and "go in on 'em", as the kids say. However, as another cliche goes, when life gives you lemons...

Hits

While they served as notes for this week's article in the Beacon, they were intended to be Tweets from last night's preseason game at the Meadowlands between the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants. Since there was no urgency to test the Giants' social media policy (if there is one), it was best to throw these quick observations into a post and let you all have at them.

Also, if you did not get a chance to, check out the video around the new palace coming up next door.

Despite these quick hits being NYG-focused, it doesn't mean that non-Giants or even Panthers fans can't make room for these in their mental storage.

• Running backs improved with pass catching from backfield/LOS, mostly (Ahmad) Bradshaw. Could this be to make up for the loss of (Derrick) Ward, who has some of the better hands for RBs in the league?
  
  
• Running game’s got a burst though as all four RBs (including Allen Patrick) broke off impressive double-digit yard runs or catches. Patrick wants to show and prove with loss of rookie Andre Brown last week.
  
  
• Danny Ware had feast or famine night. Rushing: 12 carries, 21 yards. Receiving: two catches, 43 yards, TD.
  
  
• Mark Goodson got some wheels. By third preseason game, may be something fantasy football analysts salivate over since Panthers’ passing game is iffy.
  
  
• Hard not to see why NYG is so high on Ramses Barden, though Andre’ Woodson wasn’t exactly sharp on the field. Hakeem Nicks only had one ball thrown his way.
  
  
• Defensively, one to watch has been LB Clint Sintim. Certainly delivered with a sack and forced fumble (recovered by NYG) with 13:28 left in the fourth.
  
  
• Either Carolina is thin at QB – even (Jake) Delhomme was shaky despite completing five of nine – or the reserves for NYG are that good. Maybe both.
  
  
• Does Lawrence Tynes see the famous reddened face of Tom Coughlin (from the ’07 NFC title game) when he kicks? Maybe Jeff Feagles does, too. Missed FG, blocked punt and safety can’t be good.
  
  
• I have been covering games at Giants Stadium/The Meadowlands for four years. Not that I’ll miss this place as thousands of fans will, but certainly the Jets will be thrilled to see less Giants blue and more of their green.
  
  
• Quite a few drops by Giants DBs, but they had even more deflected passes. The “treat all batted balls like live balls” practice at training camp might be paying off.
  
  
• Outside linebackers for Giants still concern as Carolina RBs hit the edges/sidelines too much for defensive coaches’ collective taste.
  
  
• Looks like Eli Manning wants Mario Manningham to get as many reps as possible. They may not have a #1 WR now, but he wants other wideouts to gain confidence, esp. without (Plaxico) Burress and (Amani) Toomer there.
  
  
• Antonio Pierce looked pretty happy to hit someone other than his teammate tonight. Actually, that’s pretty close to verbatim from comments handed to the media during the second half.