Sephiroth

CBSsports.com "On this field, Barden has been as difficult to cover as Hakeem Nicks or Victor Cruz. Nearly every practice, Barden seemingly makes a catch that only someone with his size (6-6) and reach could handle." Giants101.com "Meanwhile, for Barden, it was more of the same. And by that, we mean he flashed on the practice field and displayed a unique blend of talents everyone has hoped he'd eventually show during a game that counts. The fourth-year wide receiver out of Cal Poly reached behind him and hauled in a pass while being completely blanketed by rookie cornerback Jayron Hosley, and later caught what would have resulted in a touchdown as he streaked down the sideline passed a linebacker. He appeared smooth, focused and determined. It's something he'll have to continue throughout camp and the preseason if he's to earn playing time once the regular season kicks off."

Jack... you... you POSTED A LINK! Nice job!

He needs to actually, you know... DO something in his career before he opens his mouth.

I'd take him too. Couldn't blame the guy when the Vikes overpayed for him, and while he's no great player he's also not a problem either. He'd be a decent veteran presence.

This is true. However, I'd also like to note that Ramses Barden was pivotal on that play too. If Barden doesn't drop the two passes put directly in his hands on the previous two plays, then the 99 yard TD never happens. Not many players would be that unselfish.

Instead of listing twenty, I'll just say "all the starters on both sides of the ball" and subtract the two I think are least important. Whoever ends up as the starting TE. Whoever the starting MLB is.

This is true... but none of those guys came to us as good pass-blockers out of college. They were all coached up to become the blockers they did. Wilson seems like a good kid with a nice worth ethic. The Giants will get him up to speed on his blocking. It won't happen overnight, but by game 10 I think he'll be solid in that area.

First he gives us Socialist Fascist Communist Canadian healthcare... then he has our team throw the game. Why does Obama hate America so much?

It's possible from a playbook standpoint. Not from a physical one though... the guy is always in tremendous shape. Receivers are tough to guage though... Amani Toomer sucked his first two years and had the "lazy and stupid" tag and look what happened to him. On the other hand, Tim Carter looked like the real deal and where is that guy now?

Exactly. Tree might as well pay up now. All joking aside though, I have mixed feelings about Barden. Cruz broke out last year because Manningham and Hixon were both injured... not necessarily because the coaching staff recognized his talent and thought he could be an impact player. Those other two guys stay healthy and Cruz could have been waived for an impact LB at some point. Compacting the problem is that Barden is a 6'5" WR with marginal speed being asked to run 10 yard hooks and 6 yard slants. The fact that the guy hasn't been asked to go up for one jump ball or run a fade makes you scratch your head. On the other hand, look at the game film. There's times that the ball hits the guy in the hands and he just doesn't catch it... times he runs a shitty route, etc. He's not impressive on film, but it's a chicken and egg scenario... does he suck because he's being used incorrectly or because the talent just isn't there? Regardless though, it's always a fun one dollar bet... plus it gives me and Tree something to fight about in the offseason.

Its great to have you back, man.

Bet he had a public dispute with Tiki over who got to break this news.

Dude, you're alive! We were all getting worried about you.

Mrs. Sintim clearly thought she may get a "Shaquille O' Neal" outcome by naming her son "Clinton Sintim."

+1 It's not like the guy was Bavaro... he played well for a half season. If Belichick wants to waste the Patriots money on a guy that has zero chance of playing this season then let him.

Wouldn't surprise me if he was waived but with the intention of bringing him into camp in 2013.

But... but I was about to once again "Rally for Bally. "

As far as "breakout" players go, I could see it going like this: 1. Wilson - not sure if he counts as breakout since he hasn't played a game yet but I think he'll be a huge contributor. 2. Amukamara - provided he's fully recovered from his injury, he could be a shut-down corner. 3. Petrus - give this kid enough time and I think he could be another Rich Seubert; unheralded, but smart and tough. 4. Rivers - when he's healthy, he's a good one... but he's not healthy often. 5. Randle - this kid sort of reminds me of a cross between Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith. Normally I'd say Ramses Barden too, but it's pretty obvious that he's already a top-5 receiver all-time from a talent standpoint, so he's not really a "breakout" candidate.

Weird how much the players bitch about camp when it's only 14 fucking days.

Hey, Peyton Manning made the list of "Top 100 Players of 2011" when he wasn't a player in 2011.

Mario doesn't know how to count past $4.50 I don't think... it's a nice idea though.