Preseason 2: New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens

[Marcus]

@

Giants defense: Throw out the preseason opener, please

By TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports Writer

August 13, 2007

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- With Michael Strahan still nowhere in sight, the New York Giants defense is looking for a second chance after botching its first preseason game without the holdout Pro Bowler.

Under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the defense gave up three long scoring drives in the first half, and it opened the second by surrendering an 85-yard scoring pass play in a 24-21 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night.

More than a few fans had to think the defense was "horrible."

"That's just crazy for anyone to say we're horrible right now," defensive end Osi Umenyiora said Monday before the Giants practiced at the University at Albany.

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The one person who took advantage of Strahan's absence was fellow defensive end Justin Tuck. He had two tackles in 13 plays in his first game action since being sidelined last season with a major foot injury.

"I'm not surprised, but I definitely feel like I have a long way to go," Tuck said Monday. "I don't feel like my endurance is where it needs to be, so I'm working at that. My foot felt pretty good."

That's good for the Giants, especially if Strahan decides to retire.

"Michael is handling his own situation," Tuck said. "Like I said before, if he comes, that definitely helps our team. If not, we are preparing like he is not going to be here."

Spagnuolo was not available for comment on Monday, but Tuck said the coordinator was disappointed at the defensive meeting as the Giants began to prepare for Sunday's game against Baltimore.

"We're not in panic mode or anything like that," Tuck said. "We not pleased how we played, regardless of the first preseason game. We'll just come out here today and do all the corrections and try to get better and get ready for Baltimore."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AhRI...p&type=lgns

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Baltimore 29, Philadelphia 3

By DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer

August 13, 2007

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair passes against the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason football game Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 29-3.

AP - Aug 13, 10:26 pm EDT

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Baltimore Ravens had just opened the preseason with a rout of the Philadelphia Eagles, and coach Brian Billick delightedly counted down all the positives.

"Really, really solid start. The things I'm most pleased about: One, no injuries. No. 2, no turnovers and only three penalties," Billick said. "That's pretty unique for a first preseason game. I was pretty pleased with the way the guys handled themselves in their first outing."

Steve McNair took Baltimore 93 yards to a touchdown on his only drive of the game, and the Ravens dominated the Eagles' depleted offense in a 29-3 victory Monday night.

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http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap;_ylt=AlH...033&prov=ap

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[Raven07]

hmmm should be interesting how the Giants Defense Plays against us LOL!

[Reed_4_President]

hmmm should be interesting how the Giants Defense Plays against us LOL!

Damn beat me to it I usually start the thread for the games.. to be discussed. Anyways time to be 2-0 pre-season be way above the division . WOW the SAINTS who literally were destroyed to the Steelers in the HOF game rape the Bengals they just look horrible pre-season or not they need to shape up or they will find themselves at the bottom of the division this year. Especially since the Browns did a hell of a job this year picking up players I see them doing very well, maybe even giving us a run for our money. I still see Ravens being 2nd straight divisional champions!!. And if that doesn't happen we get in Wild Card but we all know we are taking the DIVISION once AGAIN 2 YEARS A ROW AND COUNTING, then in 08 taking it again. BTW off subject anyone have TODD HEAP AUTOGRAPHED JERSEY if so can you PM ME I have a question to ASK YOU!, or Ray Lewis hopefully in a replica either or is cool though.

[ustream.tv]

For any Ravens fans outside the U.S. you can watch the game for free here:

http://ustream.tv/channel/mohos-show

There's no audio but it's better than nothing.

Here's a couple of other sites you might want to bookmark:

http://www.streamednfl.blogspot.com/

http://85.92.128.155/~myp2p/forum/viewforum.php?id=1346

[PuppyPuncher]

Not the best way to start the opening series. But at least Grubbs is starting.

[Marcus]

Defense looks great. Offense still looks like crap.

[BrownsFan]

Since the game is on TV of course I'm watching it cause it's football man!

I find it amazing that the Giants continue year in and year out to make stupid mental mistakes... like FALSE STARTS. Simply unbelieveable if you ask me.

To piggyback on the above comment, can't argue with your defense they look as good as ever so far, crappy break for Rolle and Bradley with the ankles. Offense I wouldn't say looks *horrible* just not in sync but seriously, how can you not pick up that 4th down?

[BrownsFan]

And in all seriousness not knocking the Ravens at all but that was one hell of a TD throw there by Manning. No way you could stop that.

I also didn't realize it was McGahee/Anderson as your RBs.. not a bad combo.

[PuppyPuncher]

Tough break for the giants losing there receiver for the season.

[BrownsFan]

Yeah that definitely sucks. On such a routine play too..

[Nasty Mcgahee]

Boy Willis really lit em up tonight, eh? 6 rushes for 3 yards thats excellent, sure glad we traded for him... Oh well at least Anderson will take his job before preseason is over.

It wasn't just Buffalo's O Line people it was the over rated back known as Willis Mcgahee

[Slick]

not very efficient first half, although with 2 minutes to go, Boller aint lookin too bad on this drive.

[PuppyPuncher]

Is it Samari and Clayton? Or just Samari? Yeah, McGahee wasn't having a good night. I noticed on one of those outside run plays, Heap was getting beat by Kiwanuka, so I would hope that in regular season we'd be able to plan for that. Right now I'm excited to see some rookie linebackers and how Olsen and Smith play.

[Slick]

not very efficient first half, although with 2 minutes to go, Boller aint lookin too bad on this drive.

although it figures Stovers gotta clean up his mess haha

and yes, im looking forward to these last two quarters of play, this is a great opportunity for a comeback situation for either QB to step up and take control.

[BrownsFan]

Is it Samari and Clayton? Or just Samari? Yeah, McGahee wasn't having a good night. I noticed on one of those outside run plays, Heap was getting beat by Kiwanuka, so I would hope that in regular season we'd be able to plan for that. Right now I'm excited to see some rookie linebackers and how Olsen and Smith play.

From what they said earlier they said Samari Rolle *and* Mark Clayton has sprained ankles if you'er referring to that.

[Slick]

From what they said earlier they said Samari Rolle *and* Mark Clayton has sprained ankles if you'er referring to that.

yeah....thats no good.

is mason out for his shoulder problem? though i guess he'll sit out anyway since itll be backups from now on.

[BrownsFan]

I didn't hear about Mason unfortunately sorry.

[PuppyPuncher]

They mentioned at the start it would be Williams and Clayton starting, as Mason had an injury.

[Slick]

i dont wanna hear any more about michael strahan. i wanna see drew olson, but bollers been in so far. and all the reporters really talk about is michael strahan. let the man do whats hes gonna do, i wanna see the game lol.

[PuppyPuncher]

Olsen was just in and he didn't do so well.

Edit: I'd say the best story that came out of this was that Troy Smith looked really sharp. The penalties were what killed us.

[Reed_4_President]

Olsen was just in and he didn't do so well.

WOW the Ravens played like pure CRAP!!. When there was 2 mins left I was thinking just got for it on 4th down we arnt going to travel down field for a field goal or TD but noo Billick is a pure ****. We cant hold them all game for field goals till the last play they had on offense and we stop em?! what the heck. I am so pissed about the 1 point loss its BS Phili destroys the team who destroys the Giants. And we destroy PHILI hmmmm. HORRIBLE FOOTBALL the Ravens played embaressing as WELL!! Going to be hard to sleep tonight even if it is pre-season to know we should have won that game! BLAH I hope they get chewed out hard tonight!! only thing that looked good was Smith.. except for a few BONE HEAD mistakes. Also I know this is pre-season but I sure do hope McGahee picks it up better he is looking horrible 6 rushes for 2 yds!!

[rockonravens]

Ok, how in the hell can we rack up so many flags within the first quarter, the first half, the STARTING OFFENSE???

This game was a total joke. ENOUGH with giving time off & cutting practice shorter Mr. Billick, Guess what????

There still needs to be a bit of serious practice with our STARTING PLAYERS.

Damnn, I really started gettting into the game when our 2nd and 3rd string players played the game.

They look HUNGRY!!!!

I know it's preseason, but I really hope we don't show up at Cinci like the way our starting line up did!!! (SAD)

[Living_the_Life]

WOW the Ravens played like pure CRAP!!. When there was 2 mins left I was thinking just got for it on 4th down we arnt going to travel down field for a field goal or TD but noo Billick is a pure ****. We cant hold them all game for field goals till the last play they had on offense and we stop em?! what the heck. I am so pissed about the 1 point loss its BS Phili destroys the team who destroys the Giants. And we destroy PHILI hmmmm. HORRIBLE FOOTBALL the Ravens played embaressing as WELL!! Going to be hard to sleep tonight even if it is pre-season to know we should have won that game! BLAH I hope they get chewed out hard tonight!! only thing that looked good was Smith.. except for a few BONE HEAD mistakes. Also I know this is pre-season but I sure do hope McGahee picks it up better he is looking horrible 6 rushes for 2 yds!!

Wow. You do realize it's pre-season, right?

The Ravens went 2-2 in last year's pre-season games and ended up ok.

P.S. - spellcheck is your friend.

[Drkraven]

I was wondering if someone on the O line was doing something to make the D jump--totally unlike the Ravens D we all know and love.

[Slick]

i wonder if the conditions played a role because rain games are always chock full of penalties and injuries and this one seemed no different. however if that really is the case we need to focus on how to manage and control ourselves during such games.

[Living_the_Life]

i wonder if the conditions played a role because rain games are always chock full of penalties and injuries and this one seemed no different. however if that really is the case we need to focus on how to manage and control ourselves during such games.

Good point.

The conditions were definitely not ideal and the penalties were out of control.

My personal feeling is that a majority of last night's madness had to do with bad blood between the two teams.

That Super Bowl loss still stings

[Slick]

yeah that could be it as well, i know i dont like the giants so i wouldve loved to see em get stomped. i guess it goes both ways lol