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KEVIN (BROOKLYN NY)
HOW DO THE GIANTS PLAN TO USE LB CLINT SINTIM? IN THE PRE SEASON GAME LAST NIGHT THEY SEEMED TO BE USING HIM AS A DOWN LINEMAN. EXPLAIN.
Mosley (12:10 PM)
Where have you guys been?! I think the Giants are experimenting with Sintim right now. Big, long arms. Fast. He's another Mathias Kiwanuka in some ways. But he looks more fluid as a linebacker than Kiwanuka did. I think they'll move him around quite a bit to see where the best fit is. But he'll actually learn the weakside and strongside spots.
Justin (MA)
Hey Matt, Can we expect to see Gibbons getting a few more reps at center for the cowboys on friday. It seems Corey proctor cant get a proper snap off and i'd like to see him get beat out.
Mosley (12:11 PM)
I really would hate to see Procter get beaten out because I know how much the games means to him. But I know the snaps are frustrating. Let me just say that Jon Kitna's having just as much trouble as the centers in camp. I'm not always sure who to blame it on.
Jason (Calgary, AB)
Is Vick the happiest man to hear that Favre is coming back and the cavalcade of medai can now cover him?
Mosley (12:12 PM)
Vick's still a huge story, but yes, the glare would be taken a way a little bit. But when you play in Philly, it's not like you're insulated from the fans. One of the two or three most passionate fan bases in the league. Right there with the Steelers and Packers.
Rob (Lake Worth, FL)
Hey Matt,It seems that Malcolm Kelly is doing pretty well in practice and in the first preseason game. Any chance he becomes the starter over Devin Thomas?
Mosley (12:13 PM)
Rob, I had a long visit with Kelly the other night. And I loved his attitude. In his mind, he's in a dead heat with Thomas for that backup spot.
Ian (NY)
Hey Matt, love the blog. What were your impressions of the Giants pasisng game last night? They didn't "air it out". Passing game was very conservative. Sign of things to come or is Gilbride not showing his hand?
Mosley (12:14 PM)
I think it's the latter. They did dial it up a couple times. Hakeem Nicks made an awkward attempt on a deep ball from Woodson in the third quarter. I thought David Carr did a nice job of managing the offense. Why would you throw it deep when the defense is giving you a 36-yard screen pass? I wouldn't be too concerned.
Geoff (DC)
How will the carries in Dallas be spilt up between the 3 RBS? Time Share or spelling Barber? Thanks
Mosley (12:16 PM)
I think running backs coach Skip Peete is the right man for the job. He had some really good backs in Oakland with Wheatley, Garner and Kaufman. Throw Crocket in there a little later. He did a great job of mixing it up with those guys and I think the Cowboys want all three backs to get their touches. I could see Barber with 16 carries, Jones with 10 and Choice with five. You'll also see Jones quite a bit in the passing game.
Tomwit NJ [via mobile]
Matt, its a pleasure. Please tell me why the Giants are sticking with the errattic placekicker Larry Tynes? His KOs are weak,hes inconsistent and injury prone. They had ten draft picks. Does he have a photo of Tom Coughlin smoking pot?
Mosley (12:18 PM)
I don't think Lawrence is holding any photos of Coughlin. Listen, the guy hit a clutch kick in the NFC title game game a couple seasons ago and I think the Giants want to trust him. He's still rusty from not kicking field goals last season. I think he'll be fine. Plenty of distance on the 43-yard attempt and it barely missed right.
Matt (Charlotte)
Hey Matt. Who's going to see the most time as the nickel corner for the Giants? Dockery has the job now but Thomas looks like he's coming on strong and Woodson has had a great camp and a good game yesterday.
Mosley (12:19 PM)
I think Thomas will eventually overtake Dockery, but it might not happen before the season. I think the Giants are trying to figure out how to use Dockery in different ways. He can certainly be a huge help on special teams.
Peter (DC)
Hey Matt is it too early to call Justin Tyron a bust? It was painful watching him play on Thursday night. How long do you think he has to prove the coaching staff differently?
Mosley (12:21 PM)
He got picked on a lot in that game. Good kid, but he's small and just shows up late on any quick-hitting pass. I think they'll give him this season, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's not on the team in 2010.
Mosley (12:22 PM)
Well, he took advantage of what little opportunities he had in '09. He's battled injuries in the past. I think he's potentially a home-run guy like his big brother -- and that's why the Giants have been so patient. Santana struggled at the start of his career, but then he came back and turned it on.
Jon (Utica, NY)
Matt, I completely forgot that it was past noon already. Do you think Mo Evans will make the Giants? He caused a fumble last night when he hit the QB. I think he'll be a great end for whoever he plays with.
Mosley (12:23 PM)
I think the Giants have more talent on the defensive line than they known what to do with. They may try to make a trade with one or two of those guys at some point. They really like Evans' upside. They'll find a spot for him. When you show up like that in a preseason game, it's a really good thing.
Bill (New Jersey)
Matt, is LeSean Mccoy the heir apparent to Brian Westbrook in Philly? Or is he always just going to be the third down/spell back that Lorenzo Booker never was?
Mosley (12:24 PM)
Oh yeah. He was drafted to be the heir apparent.
Jon (Utica, NY)
Why didn't they allow Woodson and Bomar to attempt more passes than they did? Especially Bomar. Isn't the point of a pre-season game to evaluate the players more than win the game?
Mosley (12:25 PM)
That was Bomar's first time to get a feel for the speed at this level. You can't completely simulate that in practice. I think they wanted to put Bomar in the best position possible. And they also took into account that he was playing behind third-stringers on the offensive line. I have no problem with them being a bit conservative in his first preseason game. And they took a couple shots with Woodson.
Patrick (NJ)
Matt, how do you feel about Hakeem Nicks progress so far? (or lack thereof.) Do you feel he might fall behind and become another Sinorice Moss? Or is it normal for a rookie to take a backseat?
Mosley (12:27 PM)
I think a lot of rookie wide receivers get off to a slow start. Just look at the guys in Washington. And there's the kid out of Tennessee, Robert Meachem, who's just now making a little noise for the Saints. It's WAY too early to start worrying about Nicks. He just needs to stay healthy and keep getting tons of reps. Right now, though, it's safe to say he's behind Smith, Hixon, Manningham, Moss and Barden on the depth chart.
Tomwit NJ [via mobile]
For the record Matt, it was Tynes missed FGs and lousy KOs that caused that clutch FG to be required on that fridgid Green Bay night.
Mosley (12:27 PM)
Fair point.
David (New Jersey)
Clint Sintim looked like an absolute beast last night coming off the edge. Do you see him playing with his hand in the ground this year or mostly at his natural lb positon?
Mosley (12:28 PM)
I think you'll see him in some nickel and dime packages. When Tuck moves inside, Sintim might slide out there and rush the quarterback. You'll even see Umenyiora line up at linebacker every now and then.
Mike (Atlanta, GA)
Was it just me or did Orakpo seem to be everywhere during that lousy pre-season loss?
Mosley (12:30 PM)
He was a tremendous college player. I had no doubt he would be a difference-maker at this level. He looks comfortable already. And I think the Skins should take every opportunity to let him line up with his hand on the ground. Even Al Haynesworth seemed surprised that the Skins were asking Orakpo to play the SAM in the base defense.
Mark (Cooperstown NY)
Matt, your thoughts on Ramses Barden and Hakeem Nicks so far in camp, can either help the team this year?
Mosley (12:31 PM)
Both guys could help. But Ramses Barden has been one of the stars of camp. And I'm not talking rookie all-stars. At times, he's been the best player on the field. Pretty heady stuff for a guy from Cal Poly.
Bob (Phoenix, NY)
Matt, on the top 200 players rated by scouts inc. Tony Romo is listed below Joe Flacco, Matt Cassel and other such quarterbacks who havent had seasons nearly as productive as Tony Romo. Can you explain why scouts Inc. are haters against Tony Romo
Mosley (12:33 PM)
I can't speak for my friends at Scouts Inc. I certainly disagree with them on Romo because he's a better quarterback than the guys you mentioned. But both of those players did a better job than Romo of managing games last season. Romo's propensity for making the careless mistake (fumble) is why he's not ranked higher. I probably cut him more slack than most folks. By the way, I'm told he's observing this chat as we speak.
Josh (Altoona)
so Matt I know you dont seem very happy about the Vick pickup for the eagles, but honestly do you think defenses are gonna be able to stop them now?
Mosley (12:35 PM)
It's not that it makes me unhappy or anything. I've really enjoyed the additional readers. It's just that I think there's a relatively low return on what seems like a pretty big risk. Vick's going to attract a ton of attention, and I don't know how this locker room will react to that. And I'm not convinced about all the cuddly McNabb-Vick stories I'm reading. If you believe that stuff, it sounds like Donovan's basically running the team via text.
Greg (DC)
I think its mind blowing that the Giants made Eli the highest paid player in the NFL. Hes not an elite quarterback to say the least. What were the Giants thinking giving him $97.5 million
Mosley (12:37 PM)
I guess that's the going rate for a Super Bowl MVP who's under the age of 30. I think Eli's an elite quarterback. I've thought so since that final drive in the Super Bowl. You're worth what the market's willing to pay you. The Giants looked at the league's current finance structure and decided Manning was worth $35 million guaranteed. And honestly, I thought he could've gotten a little more than that.
Mike T (Huntsville, Alabama)
Matt do you ever listen to the lunch break at dallascowboys.com? If so, how does Jerry Jones let that garbage get aired under his name. They sound like a bunch of frat boys with a lady that makes my skin crawl every time she opens her mouth. How do I let Jerry know that they are making him look worse than normal?
Mosley (12:38 PM)
Not familiar with the show. I'll look into it, though.
Ben (Albany)
To all those who think the giants cant stop a vick wildcat..... a 5 man line of Osi, Tuck, Robbins, Sintim, and Math with Boley and Pierce at LB will destroy it
Mosley (12:39 PM)
Ben, you don't sound biased at all. I don't think the Giants have taken a lot of reps against the Wildcat. I'm trying to remember if the Eagles used it on them last year with Jackson taking the snaps. Anyone remember?
Mike (Annapolis, MD)
Matt - isn't it sort of overblown that Orakpo is a linebacker when the Skins line up in a 4-3. They were in 3-safety nickel most of the time last year and he spent most of the time with his hand on the ground against the Ravens.
Mosley (12:39 PM)
You're probably right.
Iggy J. Reilly (New Orleans)
So, McNabb throws a fit when the Eagles draft Kolb in the second round, yet he petitions for Vick (a much more likely replacement) to be an Eagle. What gives?
Mosley (12:40 PM)
Exactly. This guy's suddenly so secure that he's recommending the Eagles bringing in one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever play the game? Something's fishy here. I know Peter King's telling me to just trust in Donovan, but I'm not ready to do it.
Craig G. (Fairfield, California)
Hey Matt, how do you see Chris Cooley's role in the offense? A main pass catcher?
Mosley (12:41 PM)
He's one of the best tight ends in the league. He's not quite to Witten's level, but he's knocking on the door. I think he'll have a huge season -- especially if Devin Thomas or Malcolm Across the Middle steps up.
Chad (Las Vegas)
I see the NFC East kind of like the Big 12. Exciting to watch during the regular season but come postseason I don't think they will have it.
Mosley (12:44 PM)
Just because Stoops struggles in bowl games, don't apply it to all of us. Art Briles will show how it's done this season. And we're only two years removed from an NFC East team winning it all. I'm not sure there's anything to your theory. The Eagles came out of nowhere to make the NFC title game. And the Giants had something happen that you can't really prepare for -- with the shot heard 'round the Latin Quarter.
Jim (Tampa, FL)
Matt, LOVE your blog! The Beast is a must read every day. That said, how big of a loss is Chris Canty to the Dallas defensive line and how big of a gain is he to the Giants?
Mosley (12:46 PM)
Thanks, Jim! We couldn't do it without folks like you. Lord knows I've tried! Canty needs to get healthy. He's got a little hamstring issue he's working through right now. I don't like the fact the Cowboys are minimizing his value to the franchise. He's a solid player who wasn't really asked to rush the quarterback. I think he'll be a great asset to the Giants.
Ben (Albany)
who finishes with more sacks? Osi or Tuck?
Mosley (12:46 PM)
Tuck -- of course.
Anthony (nyc)
I see success (ie. playoffs) for the Commanders really hinge on 2 out of 4 players stepping up and having good to great yrs and that is Stephon Heyer or Mike Williams and Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas. U agree?
Mosley (12:48 PM)
I think it's about more than those players. I'd certainly keep an eye on Campbell to see how much he improves in his second year in Jim Zorn's offense. They spent the offseason trying to replace him. How will he react? And let's stop talking about Mike Williams. The guy needs a full season to simply practice and learn how to keep himself healthy. You can't depend on a guy who weighed close to 500 pounds a year or two ago.
Matt (Ca)
DeSean Jackson scored a TD on the Giants running the wildcat last year. It was a sweep to the right side, he hit the corner of the pylon.
Mosley (12:48 PM)
There you go!
David (Miami)
ANSWER THIS PLEASE!!!!!!!What do you think will end up being Felix Jones stats this year?
Mosley (12:49 PM)
I think Felix Jones will end up with 850 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving. A total of eight touchdowns. And I'm being conservative.
Luigi (Brooklyn, NY)
Hey Matt, your a must read every day. Are you as amazed as I am that Jerry Reese was able to stockpile so much talent on this defensive line. I mean the 3rd stringers look like probowlers. Why not trade some of these guys for a solid veteran Wr?
Mosley (12:50 PM)
I addressed that earlier in the chat, Luigi. I think they'll try to trade one or two of these guys. You're right. They have an embarrassment of riches.
Head Ball Coach (Click Clack)
This is Head Ball Coach here, and I was just wondering your thoughts on a few matters Beastmaster. Sensabaugh for the Cowboys: a stop-gap or a permanent fixture? Vick for the Eagles: likely the heir to the QB throne in Philly? Commanders: Jason Campbell and Jim Zorn out of town if the season goes south? Giants: is Ramses Barden going to be a superstar in 3 years tops?
Mosley (12:52 PM)
Hate to put too much pressure on the kid, but yes, Barden's going to be a star in this league -- based on the three practices I watched!! Yes, Campbell and Zorn would likely be gone following another .500 season. Sensabaugh will be around for a little while. He may play his way into a nice contract -- sort of like Hamlin did. I don't think the Eagles know enough about Vick yet to make that statement.
William (Idaho)
Do you think Demarcus Ware is the best player in the NFL?
Mosley (12:52 PM)
I think he's the best defensive player in the league, yes.
Colby (Dallas)
I do not care what your father Randy says, you are great blogger and reporter. Do you think that Eli is a great QB or just a good one that does not loses games?
Mosley (12:55 PM)
Randy's most certainly NOT my father!! And I think Manning's a top-five quarterback in this league who's destined to be considered a great one. I don't have him up there with big brother and Tom Brady yet. But he's on the right path.
Craig G. (Fairfield, California)
Hey Matt, where do you rank the Giants D among all in the NFL if they can stay healthy?
Mosley (12:55 PM)
1. Steelers2. Giants
Tom (Michigan)
Who will end up with more yards: Marion the Barbarian or Felix "the cat" Jones?
Mosley (12:55 PM)
Barber
Ricky (Arizona)
Martellus Bennett seems poised for a good season with Dallas running a lot of 2TE sets and his abilities as a blocker and receiver. What kind of numbers do you expect from him this season? Maybe a good fantasy pick late or as a backup TE?
Mosley (12:57 PM)
I think Bennett could be the third-leading receiver on the team behind Witten and Williams. Let's call it 650 yards and seven touchdowns.
Kris (Alexandria)
Based on Jeremy Jarmons performance last week, do you think there is a chance of him getting on the field week one? If not what is your read on him?
Mosley (12:57 PM)
I think he's a little farther down the road than any of us anticipated. Some guys show up when the lights come on. Jarmon could be one of those guys.
G-man (Albany)
It'll never happen but Reggie Brown for one of those backup lineman would be a fair trade...
Mosley (12:58 PM)
Giants don't need Reggie Brown.
Pete (NYC)
In the camp action you've seen so far who what specific player or players have impressed you the most?
Mosley (12:59 PM)
In no particular order:Barden, Choice, Phillips, Celek, Stoney Woodson, Terrell Thomas, Mathias Kiwanuka, Brian Orakpo (just saw him in a preseason game), Mario Manningham.
Nick (DC)
MM, why so much anti-Skins bias?
Mosley (1:00 PM)
Me? In Dallas, people think I'm in love with the Skins.
Corey (D.C.)
Any idea why some of your fellow bloggers think Barden is way too slow to be a starting WR in the NFL, let alone a superstar, but you see otherwise? What are they seeing as evidence to suggest something different?
Mosley (1:01 PM)
Not really sure. I've seen the guy in camp, and no one can cover him. Even when someone's hanging all over him (like Terrell Thomas), Barden makes the play. I'm telling you the guy's going to make people forget about Plax. Maybe not this season, but it will happen sooner than later.
Mike Sando (West Coast)
I'm the best NFL blogger at ESPN.
Mosley (1:01 PM)
Mike, I've told you to stay away from my chats! Don't you have pie chart to work on?
Kerry (Atlanta Ga)
Sheesh...some guys are getting 3 and 4 questions in...I can't even get 1.Who do you think will NOT be in a Giants uniform at WR? I'm thinking either Moss or Tyree.
Mosley (1:03 PM)
Kerry, please accept my sincere apology. Don't know how I missed you. Anyway, I think Tyree might be the odd man out. Good special teams guy, but he may end up holding up progress. I think Coughlin truly wants to keep Moss -- and that's the way Eli would lean as well.
Zachariah (Fargo, ND)
Desean Jackson, set to have the best statistical year for a receiver in the BEAST since Irvin's heydays? Biggest competition would be T.O.'s 14 game season in 2004: 1200 yards TD. Surely he could break 1200!
Mosley (1:04 PM)
That offense is too diverse for Jackson to go over 1,200 this season. You'll see a lot more of McCoy than people think. I have Jackson down for 1,150 yards and nine TDs.
Dominic (New Jersey)
What about Brandon Marshal for a few of the Giants back up defenders and a pick?
Mosley (1:05 PM)
Not a good fit at all.
Matt (Philly)
My weekly Eli Manning question: You say he'll throw more TDs this year (26) than ever before. So Eli will do better without Burress or Toomer? And without Derrick Ward, who caught more passes last year than Jacobs has in his entire career?
Mosley (1:05 PM)
Not a good fit at all.
Tom (NJ)
Brent Celek - Fantasy sleeper or bust?
Mosley (1:06 PM)
The combination of Ware and Bradshaw will be just as dynamic as Ward. I really believe that. And Barden has a chance to be a monster in the red zone -- immediately. I'm sticking with my 26 TDs.
Mosley (1:07 PM)
Solid. I've really enjoyed getting to know the kid. Just a great character guy who's sort of a Cooley starter kit. And he's a student of the game. And he reads the NFC East blog religiously.
Jonny B (Jersey)
Please explain how the Eagles have finally solved their offensive lack of explosiveness issues this offseason.
Mosley (1:08 PM)
Umm. LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, an elite left tackle in Jason Peters, perhaps the best Wildcat QB this league has seen...should I go on?
Zachariah (Havenless) (Fargo, ND)
Matt, it's time to put this topic to rest: It is my claim that Sheldon Brown is the best CB in the BEAST. Others claim Newman, but my detractor to that is Newman has missed 9 games the last 2 years... Sheldon has made 113 consecutive starts. Sheldon was thrown at 60 times last year, 0 TDS allowed! Newman allowed 2, and Asante llowed 4 on 71 attempts to his side. The guy is an animal!
Mosley (1:09 PM)
Give me Asante Samuel. The man's at his best when the stakes are high. He's the best CB in the division. And Corey Webster's the guy that a lot of people forget about. I'd put him ahead of Brown.
Chris (NJ)
where did kevin boss go? i haven't heard any mentions of him at all
Mosley (1:10 PM)
He's doing fine. I saw him make some nice catches in practice. I think he's a quality player who will be helped by the arrival of Travis Beckum. Now there's a young guy who could make an immediate impact. The Giants are excited about moving him around and doing some unique things. Ahh...we almost made it to 500 questions. You guys have been awesome. Let's do it again next Tuesday. Continue to click on the NFC East blog at least six or seven times per hour. All my best.MM
HOW DO THE GIANTS PLAN TO USE LB CLINT SINTIM? IN THE PRE SEASON GAME LAST NIGHT THEY SEEMED TO BE USING HIM AS A DOWN LINEMAN. EXPLAIN.
Mosley (12:10 PM)
Where have you guys been?! I think the Giants are experimenting with Sintim right now. Big, long arms. Fast. He's another Mathias Kiwanuka in some ways. But he looks more fluid as a linebacker than Kiwanuka did. I think they'll move him around quite a bit to see where the best fit is. But he'll actually learn the weakside and strongside spots.
Justin (MA)
Hey Matt, Can we expect to see Gibbons getting a few more reps at center for the cowboys on friday. It seems Corey proctor cant get a proper snap off and i'd like to see him get beat out.
Mosley (12:11 PM)
I really would hate to see Procter get beaten out because I know how much the games means to him. But I know the snaps are frustrating. Let me just say that Jon Kitna's having just as much trouble as the centers in camp. I'm not always sure who to blame it on.
Jason (Calgary, AB)
Is Vick the happiest man to hear that Favre is coming back and the cavalcade of medai can now cover him?
Mosley (12:12 PM)
Vick's still a huge story, but yes, the glare would be taken a way a little bit. But when you play in Philly, it's not like you're insulated from the fans. One of the two or three most passionate fan bases in the league. Right there with the Steelers and Packers.
Rob (Lake Worth, FL)
Hey Matt,It seems that Malcolm Kelly is doing pretty well in practice and in the first preseason game. Any chance he becomes the starter over Devin Thomas?
Mosley (12:13 PM)
Rob, I had a long visit with Kelly the other night. And I loved his attitude. In his mind, he's in a dead heat with Thomas for that backup spot.
Ian (NY)
Hey Matt, love the blog. What were your impressions of the Giants pasisng game last night? They didn't "air it out". Passing game was very conservative. Sign of things to come or is Gilbride not showing his hand?
Mosley (12:14 PM)
I think it's the latter. They did dial it up a couple times. Hakeem Nicks made an awkward attempt on a deep ball from Woodson in the third quarter. I thought David Carr did a nice job of managing the offense. Why would you throw it deep when the defense is giving you a 36-yard screen pass? I wouldn't be too concerned.
Geoff (DC)
How will the carries in Dallas be spilt up between the 3 RBS? Time Share or spelling Barber? Thanks
Mosley (12:16 PM)
I think running backs coach Skip Peete is the right man for the job. He had some really good backs in Oakland with Wheatley, Garner and Kaufman. Throw Crocket in there a little later. He did a great job of mixing it up with those guys and I think the Cowboys want all three backs to get their touches. I could see Barber with 16 carries, Jones with 10 and Choice with five. You'll also see Jones quite a bit in the passing game.
Tomwit NJ [via mobile]
Matt, its a pleasure. Please tell me why the Giants are sticking with the errattic placekicker Larry Tynes? His KOs are weak,hes inconsistent and injury prone. They had ten draft picks. Does he have a photo of Tom Coughlin smoking pot?
Mosley (12:18 PM)
I don't think Lawrence is holding any photos of Coughlin. Listen, the guy hit a clutch kick in the NFC title game game a couple seasons ago and I think the Giants want to trust him. He's still rusty from not kicking field goals last season. I think he'll be fine. Plenty of distance on the 43-yard attempt and it barely missed right.
Matt (Charlotte)
Hey Matt. Who's going to see the most time as the nickel corner for the Giants? Dockery has the job now but Thomas looks like he's coming on strong and Woodson has had a great camp and a good game yesterday.
Mosley (12:19 PM)
I think Thomas will eventually overtake Dockery, but it might not happen before the season. I think the Giants are trying to figure out how to use Dockery in different ways. He can certainly be a huge help on special teams.
Peter (DC)
Hey Matt is it too early to call Justin Tyron a bust? It was painful watching him play on Thursday night. How long do you think he has to prove the coaching staff differently?
Mosley (12:21 PM)
He got picked on a lot in that game. Good kid, but he's small and just shows up late on any quick-hitting pass. I think they'll give him this season, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's not on the team in 2010.
Mosley (12:22 PM)
Well, he took advantage of what little opportunities he had in '09. He's battled injuries in the past. I think he's potentially a home-run guy like his big brother -- and that's why the Giants have been so patient. Santana struggled at the start of his career, but then he came back and turned it on.
Jon (Utica, NY)
Matt, I completely forgot that it was past noon already. Do you think Mo Evans will make the Giants? He caused a fumble last night when he hit the QB. I think he'll be a great end for whoever he plays with.
Mosley (12:23 PM)
I think the Giants have more talent on the defensive line than they known what to do with. They may try to make a trade with one or two of those guys at some point. They really like Evans' upside. They'll find a spot for him. When you show up like that in a preseason game, it's a really good thing.
Bill (New Jersey)
Matt, is LeSean Mccoy the heir apparent to Brian Westbrook in Philly? Or is he always just going to be the third down/spell back that Lorenzo Booker never was?
Mosley (12:24 PM)
Oh yeah. He was drafted to be the heir apparent.
Jon (Utica, NY)
Why didn't they allow Woodson and Bomar to attempt more passes than they did? Especially Bomar. Isn't the point of a pre-season game to evaluate the players more than win the game?
Mosley (12:25 PM)
That was Bomar's first time to get a feel for the speed at this level. You can't completely simulate that in practice. I think they wanted to put Bomar in the best position possible. And they also took into account that he was playing behind third-stringers on the offensive line. I have no problem with them being a bit conservative in his first preseason game. And they took a couple shots with Woodson.
Patrick (NJ)
Matt, how do you feel about Hakeem Nicks progress so far? (or lack thereof.) Do you feel he might fall behind and become another Sinorice Moss? Or is it normal for a rookie to take a backseat?
Mosley (12:27 PM)
I think a lot of rookie wide receivers get off to a slow start. Just look at the guys in Washington. And there's the kid out of Tennessee, Robert Meachem, who's just now making a little noise for the Saints. It's WAY too early to start worrying about Nicks. He just needs to stay healthy and keep getting tons of reps. Right now, though, it's safe to say he's behind Smith, Hixon, Manningham, Moss and Barden on the depth chart.
Tomwit NJ [via mobile]
For the record Matt, it was Tynes missed FGs and lousy KOs that caused that clutch FG to be required on that fridgid Green Bay night.
Mosley (12:27 PM)
Fair point.
David (New Jersey)
Clint Sintim looked like an absolute beast last night coming off the edge. Do you see him playing with his hand in the ground this year or mostly at his natural lb positon?
Mosley (12:28 PM)
I think you'll see him in some nickel and dime packages. When Tuck moves inside, Sintim might slide out there and rush the quarterback. You'll even see Umenyiora line up at linebacker every now and then.
Mike (Atlanta, GA)
Was it just me or did Orakpo seem to be everywhere during that lousy pre-season loss?
Mosley (12:30 PM)
He was a tremendous college player. I had no doubt he would be a difference-maker at this level. He looks comfortable already. And I think the Skins should take every opportunity to let him line up with his hand on the ground. Even Al Haynesworth seemed surprised that the Skins were asking Orakpo to play the SAM in the base defense.
Mark (Cooperstown NY)
Matt, your thoughts on Ramses Barden and Hakeem Nicks so far in camp, can either help the team this year?
Mosley (12:31 PM)
Both guys could help. But Ramses Barden has been one of the stars of camp. And I'm not talking rookie all-stars. At times, he's been the best player on the field. Pretty heady stuff for a guy from Cal Poly.
Bob (Phoenix, NY)
Matt, on the top 200 players rated by scouts inc. Tony Romo is listed below Joe Flacco, Matt Cassel and other such quarterbacks who havent had seasons nearly as productive as Tony Romo. Can you explain why scouts Inc. are haters against Tony Romo
Mosley (12:33 PM)
I can't speak for my friends at Scouts Inc. I certainly disagree with them on Romo because he's a better quarterback than the guys you mentioned. But both of those players did a better job than Romo of managing games last season. Romo's propensity for making the careless mistake (fumble) is why he's not ranked higher. I probably cut him more slack than most folks. By the way, I'm told he's observing this chat as we speak.
Josh (Altoona)
so Matt I know you dont seem very happy about the Vick pickup for the eagles, but honestly do you think defenses are gonna be able to stop them now?
Mosley (12:35 PM)
It's not that it makes me unhappy or anything. I've really enjoyed the additional readers. It's just that I think there's a relatively low return on what seems like a pretty big risk. Vick's going to attract a ton of attention, and I don't know how this locker room will react to that. And I'm not convinced about all the cuddly McNabb-Vick stories I'm reading. If you believe that stuff, it sounds like Donovan's basically running the team via text.
Greg (DC)
I think its mind blowing that the Giants made Eli the highest paid player in the NFL. Hes not an elite quarterback to say the least. What were the Giants thinking giving him $97.5 million
Mosley (12:37 PM)
I guess that's the going rate for a Super Bowl MVP who's under the age of 30. I think Eli's an elite quarterback. I've thought so since that final drive in the Super Bowl. You're worth what the market's willing to pay you. The Giants looked at the league's current finance structure and decided Manning was worth $35 million guaranteed. And honestly, I thought he could've gotten a little more than that.
Mike T (Huntsville, Alabama)
Matt do you ever listen to the lunch break at dallascowboys.com? If so, how does Jerry Jones let that garbage get aired under his name. They sound like a bunch of frat boys with a lady that makes my skin crawl every time she opens her mouth. How do I let Jerry know that they are making him look worse than normal?
Mosley (12:38 PM)
Not familiar with the show. I'll look into it, though.
Ben (Albany)
To all those who think the giants cant stop a vick wildcat..... a 5 man line of Osi, Tuck, Robbins, Sintim, and Math with Boley and Pierce at LB will destroy it
Mosley (12:39 PM)
Ben, you don't sound biased at all. I don't think the Giants have taken a lot of reps against the Wildcat. I'm trying to remember if the Eagles used it on them last year with Jackson taking the snaps. Anyone remember?
Mike (Annapolis, MD)
Matt - isn't it sort of overblown that Orakpo is a linebacker when the Skins line up in a 4-3. They were in 3-safety nickel most of the time last year and he spent most of the time with his hand on the ground against the Ravens.
Mosley (12:39 PM)
You're probably right.
Iggy J. Reilly (New Orleans)
So, McNabb throws a fit when the Eagles draft Kolb in the second round, yet he petitions for Vick (a much more likely replacement) to be an Eagle. What gives?
Mosley (12:40 PM)
Exactly. This guy's suddenly so secure that he's recommending the Eagles bringing in one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever play the game? Something's fishy here. I know Peter King's telling me to just trust in Donovan, but I'm not ready to do it.
Craig G. (Fairfield, California)
Hey Matt, how do you see Chris Cooley's role in the offense? A main pass catcher?
Mosley (12:41 PM)
He's one of the best tight ends in the league. He's not quite to Witten's level, but he's knocking on the door. I think he'll have a huge season -- especially if Devin Thomas or Malcolm Across the Middle steps up.
Chad (Las Vegas)
I see the NFC East kind of like the Big 12. Exciting to watch during the regular season but come postseason I don't think they will have it.
Mosley (12:44 PM)
Just because Stoops struggles in bowl games, don't apply it to all of us. Art Briles will show how it's done this season. And we're only two years removed from an NFC East team winning it all. I'm not sure there's anything to your theory. The Eagles came out of nowhere to make the NFC title game. And the Giants had something happen that you can't really prepare for -- with the shot heard 'round the Latin Quarter.
Jim (Tampa, FL)
Matt, LOVE your blog! The Beast is a must read every day. That said, how big of a loss is Chris Canty to the Dallas defensive line and how big of a gain is he to the Giants?
Mosley (12:46 PM)
Thanks, Jim! We couldn't do it without folks like you. Lord knows I've tried! Canty needs to get healthy. He's got a little hamstring issue he's working through right now. I don't like the fact the Cowboys are minimizing his value to the franchise. He's a solid player who wasn't really asked to rush the quarterback. I think he'll be a great asset to the Giants.
Ben (Albany)
who finishes with more sacks? Osi or Tuck?
Mosley (12:46 PM)
Tuck -- of course.
Anthony (nyc)
I see success (ie. playoffs) for the Commanders really hinge on 2 out of 4 players stepping up and having good to great yrs and that is Stephon Heyer or Mike Williams and Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas. U agree?
Mosley (12:48 PM)
I think it's about more than those players. I'd certainly keep an eye on Campbell to see how much he improves in his second year in Jim Zorn's offense. They spent the offseason trying to replace him. How will he react? And let's stop talking about Mike Williams. The guy needs a full season to simply practice and learn how to keep himself healthy. You can't depend on a guy who weighed close to 500 pounds a year or two ago.
Matt (Ca)
DeSean Jackson scored a TD on the Giants running the wildcat last year. It was a sweep to the right side, he hit the corner of the pylon.
Mosley (12:48 PM)
There you go!
David (Miami)
ANSWER THIS PLEASE!!!!!!!What do you think will end up being Felix Jones stats this year?
Mosley (12:49 PM)
I think Felix Jones will end up with 850 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving. A total of eight touchdowns. And I'm being conservative.
Luigi (Brooklyn, NY)
Hey Matt, your a must read every day. Are you as amazed as I am that Jerry Reese was able to stockpile so much talent on this defensive line. I mean the 3rd stringers look like probowlers. Why not trade some of these guys for a solid veteran Wr?
Mosley (12:50 PM)
I addressed that earlier in the chat, Luigi. I think they'll try to trade one or two of these guys. You're right. They have an embarrassment of riches.
Head Ball Coach (Click Clack)
This is Head Ball Coach here, and I was just wondering your thoughts on a few matters Beastmaster. Sensabaugh for the Cowboys: a stop-gap or a permanent fixture? Vick for the Eagles: likely the heir to the QB throne in Philly? Commanders: Jason Campbell and Jim Zorn out of town if the season goes south? Giants: is Ramses Barden going to be a superstar in 3 years tops?
Mosley (12:52 PM)
Hate to put too much pressure on the kid, but yes, Barden's going to be a star in this league -- based on the three practices I watched!! Yes, Campbell and Zorn would likely be gone following another .500 season. Sensabaugh will be around for a little while. He may play his way into a nice contract -- sort of like Hamlin did. I don't think the Eagles know enough about Vick yet to make that statement.
William (Idaho)
Do you think Demarcus Ware is the best player in the NFL?
Mosley (12:52 PM)
I think he's the best defensive player in the league, yes.
Colby (Dallas)
I do not care what your father Randy says, you are great blogger and reporter. Do you think that Eli is a great QB or just a good one that does not loses games?
Mosley (12:55 PM)
Randy's most certainly NOT my father!! And I think Manning's a top-five quarterback in this league who's destined to be considered a great one. I don't have him up there with big brother and Tom Brady yet. But he's on the right path.
Craig G. (Fairfield, California)
Hey Matt, where do you rank the Giants D among all in the NFL if they can stay healthy?
Mosley (12:55 PM)
1. Steelers2. Giants
Tom (Michigan)
Who will end up with more yards: Marion the Barbarian or Felix "the cat" Jones?
Mosley (12:55 PM)
Barber
Ricky (Arizona)
Martellus Bennett seems poised for a good season with Dallas running a lot of 2TE sets and his abilities as a blocker and receiver. What kind of numbers do you expect from him this season? Maybe a good fantasy pick late or as a backup TE?
Mosley (12:57 PM)
I think Bennett could be the third-leading receiver on the team behind Witten and Williams. Let's call it 650 yards and seven touchdowns.
Kris (Alexandria)
Based on Jeremy Jarmons performance last week, do you think there is a chance of him getting on the field week one? If not what is your read on him?
Mosley (12:57 PM)
I think he's a little farther down the road than any of us anticipated. Some guys show up when the lights come on. Jarmon could be one of those guys.
G-man (Albany)
It'll never happen but Reggie Brown for one of those backup lineman would be a fair trade...
Mosley (12:58 PM)
Giants don't need Reggie Brown.
Pete (NYC)
In the camp action you've seen so far who what specific player or players have impressed you the most?
Mosley (12:59 PM)
In no particular order:Barden, Choice, Phillips, Celek, Stoney Woodson, Terrell Thomas, Mathias Kiwanuka, Brian Orakpo (just saw him in a preseason game), Mario Manningham.
Nick (DC)
MM, why so much anti-Skins bias?
Mosley (1:00 PM)
Me? In Dallas, people think I'm in love with the Skins.
Corey (D.C.)
Any idea why some of your fellow bloggers think Barden is way too slow to be a starting WR in the NFL, let alone a superstar, but you see otherwise? What are they seeing as evidence to suggest something different?
Mosley (1:01 PM)
Not really sure. I've seen the guy in camp, and no one can cover him. Even when someone's hanging all over him (like Terrell Thomas), Barden makes the play. I'm telling you the guy's going to make people forget about Plax. Maybe not this season, but it will happen sooner than later.
Mike Sando (West Coast)
I'm the best NFL blogger at ESPN.
Mosley (1:01 PM)
Mike, I've told you to stay away from my chats! Don't you have pie chart to work on?
Kerry (Atlanta Ga)
Sheesh...some guys are getting 3 and 4 questions in...I can't even get 1.Who do you think will NOT be in a Giants uniform at WR? I'm thinking either Moss or Tyree.
Mosley (1:03 PM)
Kerry, please accept my sincere apology. Don't know how I missed you. Anyway, I think Tyree might be the odd man out. Good special teams guy, but he may end up holding up progress. I think Coughlin truly wants to keep Moss -- and that's the way Eli would lean as well.
Zachariah (Fargo, ND)
Desean Jackson, set to have the best statistical year for a receiver in the BEAST since Irvin's heydays? Biggest competition would be T.O.'s 14 game season in 2004: 1200 yards TD. Surely he could break 1200!
Mosley (1:04 PM)
That offense is too diverse for Jackson to go over 1,200 this season. You'll see a lot more of McCoy than people think. I have Jackson down for 1,150 yards and nine TDs.
Dominic (New Jersey)
What about Brandon Marshal for a few of the Giants back up defenders and a pick?
Mosley (1:05 PM)
Not a good fit at all.
Matt (Philly)
My weekly Eli Manning question: You say he'll throw more TDs this year (26) than ever before. So Eli will do better without Burress or Toomer? And without Derrick Ward, who caught more passes last year than Jacobs has in his entire career?
Mosley (1:05 PM)
Not a good fit at all.
Tom (NJ)
Brent Celek - Fantasy sleeper or bust?
Mosley (1:06 PM)
The combination of Ware and Bradshaw will be just as dynamic as Ward. I really believe that. And Barden has a chance to be a monster in the red zone -- immediately. I'm sticking with my 26 TDs.
Mosley (1:07 PM)
Solid. I've really enjoyed getting to know the kid. Just a great character guy who's sort of a Cooley starter kit. And he's a student of the game. And he reads the NFC East blog religiously.
Jonny B (Jersey)
Please explain how the Eagles have finally solved their offensive lack of explosiveness issues this offseason.
Mosley (1:08 PM)
Umm. LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, an elite left tackle in Jason Peters, perhaps the best Wildcat QB this league has seen...should I go on?
Zachariah (Havenless) (Fargo, ND)
Matt, it's time to put this topic to rest: It is my claim that Sheldon Brown is the best CB in the BEAST. Others claim Newman, but my detractor to that is Newman has missed 9 games the last 2 years... Sheldon has made 113 consecutive starts. Sheldon was thrown at 60 times last year, 0 TDS allowed! Newman allowed 2, and Asante llowed 4 on 71 attempts to his side. The guy is an animal!
Mosley (1:09 PM)
Give me Asante Samuel. The man's at his best when the stakes are high. He's the best CB in the division. And Corey Webster's the guy that a lot of people forget about. I'd put him ahead of Brown.
Chris (NJ)
where did kevin boss go? i haven't heard any mentions of him at all
Mosley (1:10 PM)
He's doing fine. I saw him make some nice catches in practice. I think he's a quality player who will be helped by the arrival of Travis Beckum. Now there's a young guy who could make an immediate impact. The Giants are excited about moving him around and doing some unique things. Ahh...we almost made it to 500 questions. You guys have been awesome. Let's do it again next Tuesday. Continue to click on the NFC East blog at least six or seven times per hour. All my best.MM
