5 Giant Keys To Victory In Green Bay

Posted: January 15, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
Tags: , , , ,
1

The Giants definitely have the ability to beat the Packers but in case they need a little help, here are five ways to make it out of the tundra with their Title dreams in tact.

1. Run, baby, run – It’s going to be cold and hard to throw the ball, so Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs need to run the ball effectively. The Giants offense always works better when it’s balanced. Bradshaw and especially Jacobs need to run straight ahead and get as many yards as possible so the Giants don’t get stuck in third-and-long situations. If the Giants get involved in a shootout, their chances of winning go down significantly. There’s simply no way to match Green Bay’s scoring possession-by-possession. Even if Bradshaw and Jacobs aren’t able to pick up large chunks of yardage, by being physical and pounding the Packers up front, it will soften them up for later in the game. The big hits hurt twice as much in the cold.

2. Get off to a good start – The Giants have had a tendency to start slow and play conservatively, as evidenced in last week’s game against the Falcons. They’re not going to be able to do that this time. With the emotion of their offensive coordinator’s son’s death, the Packers are probably going to come out SUPER SUPER fired up. The Giants can’t let them get into a groove. If the Packers take an early double-digit lead, it’s going to be really hard to come back on the road.

3. Control the big plays – The Packers are going to score points. We all know that. The trick is going to be stopping them from getting easy points. The Packers can’t score any touchdowns on busted coverages, sloppy tackling, or off turnovers. On the other hand, big plays from Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks have propelled the Giants in the past three games. If they can get one against Green Bay, it will go a long way to help their chances.

4. Don’t let Aaron Rodgers escape – With the reconstituted Hydra healthier than ever and coming after the Packers’ QB, Aaron Rodgers is going to be on the run at some point during the game. He killed the Giants in their regular season matchup with his legs. He can’t do it again. It is imperative that the Giants don’t allow the Packers second chances if the coverage is good and Rodgers scrambles for first downs. It’s going to be important to pressure Rodgers but the Giants can’t whiff on any sacks. The best way to stop the Packers’ explosive receivers is by going after the master of the Discount Double Check. Simply containing Rodgers in the pocket may be more effective than going for the sack. A 20-yard run is just as bad as a 20-yard pass.

5. Play like champions – Like Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania VI, this is a Champion vs. Champion affair. A lesser team would be intimidated by Lambeau, but the Giants won here only four years ago. Many of the important players in that game are still around while new guys like Hakeem Nicks and Jason Pierre-Paul don’t appear to be fazed by the rising stakes. When you have unflappable veterans like Eli Manning and Justin Tuck at the helm, it’s hard to believe this team isn’t supremely confident. Remember, the Giants’ 2008 Title defense was derailed by the Plaxico Burress incident. After spending two years building back up, this is the best they’ve looked since then. This team has something left to prove. If they go out and play that way, they’ll win.

ROUND 2 Picks: Under the Radar

Posted: January 14, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
Tags: , ,
0

After Tebowmania ran wild on ROUND 1, it seems like the only thing people want to talk about is whether he can lead the Broncos over the Patriots and to the Super Bowl, now that he’s tantalizingly close and there are no juggernauts in the AFC. It’s an interesting thought and I’m looking forward to watching the Pats-Broncos game but the amount of attention it’s gotten this week is insane, especially considering the fact that the two NFC matchups are actually more fascinating. You have two gunslinging Super Bowl MVP’s battling it out at Lambeau, and the hottest offense in the league going against the hottest defense. I can hardly wait. Last week’s matchups were boring random. It’s time to put your big boy pants on, kids, and let’s make some picks.

SAINTS (-3.5) AT 49ERS
Stone’s Pick: Honestly, I think the Saints are the best team in the NFL. I’d take them over the Packers on a neutral field. Unfortunately, they lost at Lambeau to start the season so now they have to travel to San Francisco. Like Houston last week, I think the crowd is going to play a tremendous factor considering this is the first home playoff game for the Niners in nine years. The fans are going to be ready. The weather looks like it’s holding up but playing on grass is still a huge disadvantage for the Saints. I’ll take the 49ers as long as Alex Smith doesn’t get any playoff jitters, which is certainly possible. Prediction: 49ers 23, Saints 19

Rory’s Pick: This totally has a “Nobody believes in us!” feel for the 49ers, but the Saints are just too good.  I expect it to be close and low scoring early, but the Saints pull out the victory.  Prediction: Saints 28, 49ers 17

BRONCOS AT PATRIOTS (-13.5)
Stone’s Pick: The Patriots confuse me. In their last two games in the regular season, they got off to horrible starts against mediocre teams, then came back to take control. They did the same thing when they played Denver in the regular season. The key is going to be playing a consistent game. If the Broncos get an early lead, they can play one of their solid, take-no-chances game like they did last week. If Tim Tebow is forced to lead them back from more than two touchdowns, it could get messy. Then again… Prediction: Patriots 27, Broncos 17

Rory’s Pick: If you’ve followed my picks, you know I hitched my wagon to the Tebows early.  However, I think God only helps out Tebow on Sundays, not Saturdays.  The gravy train ends here.  Prediction: Patriots 31, Broncos 6 (Tebow 316!)

TEXANS AT RAVENS (-7.5)
Stone’s Pick: I think the Texans got their one win and will be content to ride out into the sunset. I can’t imagine T.J. Yates going to Baltimore against the Ravens’ defense and pulling out a win. Baltimore may be inconsistent, but they have played well at home and in big games. It’s a shame the Texans got hit by so many injuries or they would have a legit shot to make the Super Bowl. Prediction: Ravens 27, Texans 10

Rory’s Pick: The game nobody cares about!  And neither do I.  I’m doing solid on my picks, but my actually picking the score is nuts.  Will I come close this week?  Imagine if I hit one on the head?  Prediction: Ravens 24, Houston 13

GIANTS AT PACKERS (-7.5)
Stone’s Pick: When these teams played in the regular season, it was about as even as it gets. The Pack may have marched down the field to win at the end, but people forget that Greg Jennings scored a touchdown that should have been called off on the review. The Giants were also missing several key players, including Osi Umanyiora. The Packers were banged up too but Osi will play a major role in limiting the amount of time Aaron Rodgers has to throw. Yes, Green Bay is explosive but with the lack of a running game, there’s a decent chance they will fall victim to the reconstituted Hydra. Eli and the Giants have been nearly as good but if they get anything out of Bradshaw and Jacobs, they’ll have the edge. Remember, this team won the Super Bowl four years ago. They won’t be intimidated. Prediction: Giants 27, Packers 17

Rory’s Pick: But I’m not picking my G-Men to win.  The Giants have exceeded my expectations this season, and I can’t be greedy as a fan.  A well fought game against the Pack would be all I need to leave this season satisfied.  Prediction: Packers 33, Giants 32

PLAYOFF RECORDS
Stone: 3-1
Rory: 3-1

Last Week’s Picks

What In the Name of Al Capone Is Big Ben Wearing?

Posted: January 12, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
Tags: , , , , ,
0

After Sunday’s shocking playoff loss to the Broncos, Ben Roethlisberger showed up to his press conference dressed like a Dick Tracy character. As if he wasn’t douchey enough. Nothing says “I love raping drunk college girls” than a fly fedora. It’s a nice touch with the bloated face and unshaven beard. All that’s missing is a Human Breathalyzer T-shirt with an arrow pointing to his dick. You just lost a playoff game that you were a touchdown-favorite in, bro. Ditch the outfit. Or at least go with something a little more classy like the Eli Manning middle school photo day look.

Slobberknocker: Call Me Mr. Jericho

Posted: January 11, 2012 by Keith Stone in videos
Tags: , , , , ,
0


Chris Jericho made his dramatic return (sort of) to the WWF the other night but has yet to utter a word, as he is seemingly too caught up with excitement and emotion to speak. I love Jericho as a good guy although it looks like he’s heading back to the dark side, perhaps to show the fans that they shouldn’t blindly cheer for somebody because they’re smiling. It’s way too early to figure out where this is going but I’m sure a big blowout at Wrestlemania is in the cards. If he doesn’t take on the Undertaker, how about a feud with CM Punk, WWF’s reigning “real” superstar? Either way, let’s take a look back at one the of the best moments of his previous incantation: a run-in with Bob Barker that Happy Gilmore would have been proud of.

The Top Mug Shots of 2011

Posted: January 10, 2012 by Keith Stone in crime and punishment
Tags: ,
0

The Smoking Gun does a great job exposing the antics of dumbass criminals. Here’s an amazing slideshow of its best mug shots of 2011 complete with a blushing bride, a great father, and J.Lo’s biggest fan. It’s as good a reason as any to stay out of trouble.

Madeline Mitchell: Dayyyyyyyyyyyyuuuuuuuuuuuuum

Posted: January 10, 2012 by Keith Stone in dayyyyyyyyyyyyuuuuuuuuuuuuum
Tags: , , , ,
1

In honor of Alabama’s National Title victory last night, here’s Miss Alabama Madeline Mitchell. It still bothers me that Alabama got into the Championship Game despite losing a home game. If anything, hopefully this will help turn public sentiment even further against the BCS. Plus, we got to meet Madeline. She recently graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in elementary education, which is ironic because that’s the type of education I figured all students received at Bama. Either way, I’d roll her tide. Dayyyyyyyyyyyyuuuuuuuuuuuuum!

A Note To Knicks Fans

Posted: January 9, 2012 by Keith Stone in NBA
Tags: , , ,
0

I never boo my guys. I know that they’re not always giving it their all and that sucks. I’ll yell. I’ll yell at them to run faster or pass the ball. I honestly like most of the players on the teams I root for, but I don’t like all of them. It still doesn’t stop me from cheering for them because they’re on my team. It’s just a personal choice. If you booed the Marbury/Curry-era Knicks, I don’t have a problem with it. They sucked and their effort and skill was less than stellar.

However, as a fan, you have to realize that booing doesn’t help your team. If you’re doing a Powerpoint at work and it sucks so you’re trying to fix it, do you think it would help if somebody was booing you WHILE you were working. Look, I know this is New York and this is a demanding town, but chill out with the early booing. Yeah, the Knicks played horribly against Toronto and Charlotte but if you really want the team to win, don’t fucking boo. I hate it.

And leave Toney Douglas alone. He’s a third-year guy and was picked 29th in the draft. What do you expect from him? He’s making about 1/20 of the salary as Carmelo Anthony. Its not like he’s a high-priced free agent that isn’t living up to his contract. He’s a kid that was thrust into the starting lineup but only because there was literally nobody else. Shumpert and Bibby might take his spot for now but don’t boo Toney Douglas because he misses a wide open three or dribbles the ball off his foot. And if you cheer louder than usual when he comes out, it’s still a slap in the face. Mistakes happen and the lockout didn’t help anybody, much less a young guy given a vast new responsibility. If you think he’s dogging it, then sure, give him shit. Otherwise, leave him alone.

Jabroni of the Week: Douchebag Philadelphia Fans

Posted: January 8, 2012 by Keith Stone in jabronis, NHL
Tags: , , , , , ,
0


The Winter Classic was a success, referee controversy aside, as the spectacle was a sight to see for all hockey fans. However after the game, while going for celebratory cheesesteaks, a pair of Rangers fan buddies got into a conflict with a pack of Flyers fans. As a victorious visitor in enemy territory, you have to expect that you’re going to take a little shit. Apparently, the locals got a homeless guy who was washing windows to spray a little something on the Blueshirters. They obviously didn’t take well to it and that’s when things escalated. It was a Flyers fan who threw the first punch.

I’m all for shit-talking. When somebody wears rival colors in New York, I’m going to say something. But if it’s right after a loss, you take your medicine and keep your mouth shut. There’s no shit-talking after a loss. And yes, there are laws in America, even in Philadelphia. You can’t put your hands on somebody. OK, maybe you had a couple drinks and the Rangers fan said something about your mama. Fine. Once you and your posse get the guy, you can’t keep hitting him. That’s a coward’s move but I’m not surprised it happened in Philly. Then, it turns out that one of the Rangers fans is an off-duty cop and Iraq vet. He’s in the hospital.

Philly fans, babies, you can call yourself passionate all you want but you can’t fool me. You’re classless scumbags. Every time it seems like you bottom out, you sink even further. Booing Santa Claus. Vomiting on a kid. Booing Michael Irvin with a serious neck injury. Whoring yourself for World Series tickets. Booing Snooki. NOBODY BOOS SNOOKI. You can take your fourth-grade education and Rocky Balboa and shove it up your ass. The problem is you guys seem to enjoy causing trouble. You relish being the bad boy. In New York, we know what’s up. You can have your reputation, we’ll take the W’s. Until then, you’re a jabroni, brother.

Trivia Time: Rainman Suite

Posted: January 8, 2012 by Keith Stone in trivia
Tags: ,
0

It’s been almost a year since we kicked things off here in The Suite and it’s been a huge success, at least bigger than LeBron in Miami. It’s been a thrill hating on jabronis and entertaining the millions (aaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnddddddd millions). That brings us to our Question of the Week. Get it right and Phanatic will let you drink champagne off her rack. The answer, as always, is after the jump.

What was the most-viewed Rainman Suite post in 2011?

Read the rest of this entry »

WEEK 84 – Cold As Ice

Posted: January 8, 2012 by Keith Stone in NFL
Tags: , , , , ,
0


Giants 24, Falcons 2

For a while there it looked like it was going to be like a pissing contest between Chaz Bono and John Wayne Bobbitt. The Giants’ running game was non-existent and the Falcons were getting pressure nearly every time Eli stepped back. And then came the fourth-and-1. I understand why the Falcons went for it, but in a game like that, you don’t want to give the other team any momentum at all. Plus you figure it’s probably going to be low scoring. Why not take the points, especially after failing in a similar situation in a big spot against the Saints earlier in the season? Well, the Giants made the big play, and it was like the key in the ignition to the Divisional Round. Let’s face it: if the Falcons converted it, the Giants might be sitting at home right now. These playoff games can sometimes hinge on one or two big plays. The Giants just wanted it more.

The Giants looked great in the second half. It was by far their best sustained football of the year. I don’t know if the Falcons were overwhelmed or just wanted to go home, but I loved it. When the Giants are firing on all cylinders, they are so hard to beat. Jacobs was finally ripping off big plays. All the receivers were making plays. Cruz is covered? Oh yeah, we have another 1,000-yard guy who can take it to the house and dance. Roddy White and Julio Jones couldn’t get anything done. They can make all the 6-yard catches they want. And of course, the Hydra. That is the main reason for the defense’s success. When you have Tuck, Osi, and JPP coming at you, there’s not much time to figure out where to throw it. Once the Giants established a lead and the Falcons became more reliant on their passing game, it was all over. It’s going to be different next week, but with the team as healthy as they’ve been, you’d be an idiot to say they don’t have a shot.

Older Entries
Newer Entries