Teams Lining Up to Talk to Steve Spagnuolo: According to various media reports, Giants’ Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is drawing interest from a number of teams looking for a new head coach. 1050 ESPN Radio is reporting that the Lions, Browns, and Jets have asked the Giants for permission to speak with Spagnuolo. Some media reports say the St. Louis Rams may also be interested. The NFL Network is reporting that the Giants have already granted permission to the Lions to interview Spagnuolo. The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Jets will interview Spagnuolo on Thursday or Saturday.
Raiders Interested in Gilbride: ESPN is reporting that the Oakland Raiders are interested in Giants’ Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride as a head coaching candidate. The Daily News is reporting that the Raiders have indeed received permission from the Giants to talk to Gilbride.
Date and Time Set for Giants’ Playoff Game: The Giants will play their first playoff game of the 2008 NFL post-season on January 11, 2009 at 1:00PM.
Who their first opponent will be will depend on what transpires in the first-round of the NFC playoffs. If the Eagles beat the Vikings, then the Giants will play the Eagles. If the Vikings beat the Eagles, then the Giants will play the winner of the Falcons-Cardinals first-round playoff game.
December 29, 2008 New York Giants Injury Report: CB Sam Madison (broken ankle), TE Michael Matthews (ankle), and S Mike Johnson (thigh) were all injured against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
“(Sunday) night after the game it was felt that (Madison) would unfortunately have to be finished,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “His season would come to an end.”
“Michael Johnson (came) out with his quad contusion,” said Coughlin. “He seems to be doing better today (on Monday). Mike Matthews with the sprained ankle that we will wait and see on that. I know they are going to do an MRI on Mike and try and get the swelling down and that type of thing.”
HB Brandon Jacobs (knee), TE Kevin Boss (concussion/ankle), DT Barry Cofield (knee), and CB Aaron Ross (concussion) did not play against the Vikings.
Coughlin was asked if he expected Jacobs to play in the first playoff game. “I hope so,” responded Coughlin. “That is what we are leaning towards. We are counting on that taking place, certainly. And I think he is making progress. And this rest is certainly going to do him good. But I certainly would like to see, if possible, I would like to see him with some solid practice time as well. I’m not sure if we are going to be able to do that. But that would be the goal.”
“(Ross) seemed to be very good today (on Monday),” said Coughlin.
“(Boss) is doing well,” said Coughlin. “I think he is doing well today (on Monday). I think that by Wednesday he should be able to go.”
Coughlin was asked if Cofield could have played against the Vikings. “I think the doctors were right in recommending that he not play,” responded Coughlin. “I know that he felt really good. On Friday he thought he felt better. I think part of that was the emotion and looking forward to playing the game. And I still thought he moved around with a little bit of hesitation. So I think it was the right move. And I think that the doctors were right in recommending that he not play.”
Burress’ Suspension Ends: The four-week suspension imposed by the Giants on WR Plaxico Burress ended yesterday. While Burress can no longer play for the Giants this season due to the fact that he was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) List, theoretically he could rejoin his teammates. However, the Giants issued a statement indicating that would not be likely.
“Plaxico is taking his time to get healthy and tend to the important matters he has in his personal life,” said General Manager Jerry Reese. “Our medical staff has prescribed a treatment and rehab program for Plaxico with regard to his physical injuries. We will sit down with Plaxico at the appropriate time, most likely after the conclusion of this season.”
Notes: The Giants will only practice on Wednesday and Friday this week.
The Giants finished the regular season with NFL-leading and franchise record 2,518 yards rushing and 5.0 yards per carry.
The Giants finished the season with 427 points and 338 first downs, both the second-highest totals in franchise history. They scored 448 points in 1963 and had 356 first downs in 1985.
QB finished the regular season with 289 completions in 479 attempts (60.3 percent) for 3,238 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 86.4. The completion percentage and rating are career highs for Manning.