Dan Graziano

  (12:00 PM)

Greetings and welcome to the first postseason NFC East chat of 2012. I assume all of my Giants fans are watching the parade, which should leave room for everyone else to ask questions. (Yeah, right.)

Dan Graziano

  (12:00 PM)

Per the results of our weekly Twitter contest, today's first question is an Eagles question.

Matt (Philly)

How do you see the DeSean situation shaking out for the Eagles?

Dan Graziano

  (12:01 PM)

I think there's going to be enough outside interest in Jackson that the Eagles will franchise and trade him.

Mad Russian (Maryland)

Why do all reporters not from Washington always link the redskins with every free agent or guys like Manning? Have any you actually paid attention to what Shannahan is doing? Last year you ALL said the Redskins would go after Nnamdi and Jenkins and every other big name. But were dead wrong when they went for Bowen and Cofeild ect...Why are people like Shefter so lazy and irresponsible to just always throw out the redskins. Do some research and stop being lazy. Promise you dont have the guts to answer this one.

Dan Graziano

  (12:03 PM)

Well, I kind of dispute your premise. I don't recall anyone writing that they'd pursue Nnamdi last year. They DID pursue Jenkins but didn't get him. And I have no doubt whatsoever that they will consider a pursuit of Peyton Manning if he can prove he's healthy. He exists as a legitimate option for them, as do other guys like Orton, Flynn, Griffin, etc. Nobody's being lazy or irresponsible, I promise. Especially not Adam Schefter.

Matt (DC)

Hi Dan, any chance Giants bring back Jacobs or Manningham? I think Mario's price just went up and someone will really overpay him

Dan Graziano

  (12:05 PM)

It wouldn't be surprising to see them both gone, Matt. Manningham could price himself out of what they want to spend at that position, and I think they want to look at some of their younger RBs and will likely say good bye to Jacobs.

Joe (NYC)

Shouldn't the Cowboys improve their pass rush over their secondary?? I mean look at what the Giants have done with a dominant rush and mediocre secondary

Dan Graziano

  (12:06 PM)

I think both areas need improvement, but you raise an interesting point. The Giants' defensive philosophy that everything works off the pass rush certainly seems to have been legitimized. And in this pass-happy NFL era, it makes a lot of sense.

MJ (Hartford)

Redskins new QB is their main issue. If they can get a Matt Flynn wouldn't that be better than the draft, where they can fill other needs like a blackmon or a top DB

Dan Graziano

  (12:07 PM)

Yes, if they can find their QB in free agency and fill other needs in the draft, that's not a bad way to go. The question is who they like, and how much. Maybe they decide Griffin is their QB of the future and it's worth dealing multiple first-round picks for him. If not, your scenario makes more sense.

GMENarebEAST (Albany, NY)

Did you have fun in Indianapolis? Have a good seat for the game?

Dan Graziano

  (12:08 PM)

Yes. And yes.

Anthony (Uconn)

Should the Giants pursue a tight end after the injuries to Beckum and Ballard. Maybe Dwayne Allen from Clemson to give Eli another weapon.

Dan Graziano

  (12:08 PM)

I saw Allen to the Giants in a recent mock draft. McShay's, I think. Picking at 32, you take the best value guy available, which meshes with the Giants' draft strategy anyway. But TE isn't a bad way to go for them.

Jerry Reese (Canyon of Heroes)

Doing nothing seemed to pay off huh? I probably can't do that two years in a row. That being said, do I go MLB 1st round or OT? Goff is not guarentee with that knee, and Mckenzie was getting abused pretty regularly. I know you say I draft on talent and not need, so what should I do Mr. Pineapple?

Dan Graziano

  (12:10 PM)

Offensive line also not a bad way to go for the Giants, though they haven't picked a first-round offensive lineman since 1999, right?

Jason (Westfield)

The list of homegrown Giants on the field Sunday I think is the following: Eli, Bradshaw, Jacobs, Diehl, Snee, Nicks, Manningha., Osi, Tuck, JPP, Ross, Webster, Phillips and Kiwanuka. Do you really have a problem with the way they draft?

Dan Graziano

  (12:11 PM)

I don't know what to tell you. I've admitted many times that I was wrong about the Giants. Guess I'll keep doing it.

Scott (Arkansas)

Hey Dan, do you see the redskins also taking a chance on getting a free agent WR like Bowe?

Dan Graziano

  (12:12 PM)

Yeah, Bowe is a name you'll hear connected with them in the kind of speculation about which the earlier questioner was so angry. He fits the profile, talent-wise and age-wise. But he comes with some baggage, and Shanahan might shy away.

Benjamin (Concord)

please remind people that the Giants haven't taken a traditional 4-3 linebacker in 20 something years, that way it ends the whole, "the giants will take a mlb this year" talk?

Dan Graziano

  (12:12 PM)

You did it for me.

Tommy (the big easy)

Dan, every year a team from the east makes a splash in FA so which team will do that this year and who will those players be?

Dan Graziano

  (12:13 PM)

Well, the Cowboys SHOULD get pass-rushers and DBs, and those kinds of guys can be splashy.

Matt (DC)

Will the Redskins franchise Fred Davis? He was having a breakout season before the positive test . . .

Dan Graziano

  (12:14 PM)

I think franchising Davis makes a lot of sense, yes. The number is low, and he's a big-time talent.

oldskooler (NYC)

Dan, we'd like to see a pineapple salsa dance from you this Friday. you game? then we can put the Pineapple thing to rest.

Dan Graziano

  (12:15 PM)

I think no. And I don't see any need to put the pineapple thing to rest. I can take it.

Michael (NYC)

If Manningham leaves for FA, any chance the Giants bring back someone like Burress?

Dan Graziano

  (12:16 PM)

LOL. No, I believe that particular ship has sailed.

Anthony (Uconn)

Do you see Giants going after any free agents or do you think they focus more on signing their own guys

Dan Graziano

  (12:17 PM)

I imagine they will go after SOME free agents. But their focus will be on signing their own guys, as it always seems to be. As you may have heard, it worked out for them this year.

brian (ct)

is Osi gone?

Dan Graziano

  (12:17 PM)

I do not know what they will do, but I think this feels like a really good time to trade Osi.

HDD (ROC City, NY)

What's your take on Coughlin NOT calling on Manning to take a knee and kill the clock with 57 seconds left and NE with only 1 TO. Worked out OK, but was it a mistake?

Dan Graziano

  (12:18 PM)

If the game had been tied, that would have been the right call. But they were losing. What if you get a bad snap, a blocked field goal, whatever and never get the points? Then you lose. If you're losing, in that situation, the most important thing is to score.

Ryan (NJ)

What do you think about McNabb resigning with the eagles as Vick's backup to possibly end his career? Vick gets injured quite often, and the backups aren't that special. McNabb also knows the O better than anyone.

Dan Graziano

  (12:19 PM)

I don't think McNabb will sign anywhere.

Tommy (the big easy)

Dan what percentage chance do u give a skins vs giants/manning vs manning in the opening game next season?

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

I believe the NFL's Thursday night opener in September will be Packers at Giants. That's my guess.

TimVB (Arlington, VA)

Do you like Hightower being resigned by the 'Skins? Who starts at RBs at that point?

Dan Graziano

  (12:20 PM)

If Hightower's fully healthy, he'll be their starter. It's just a big "if."

rhp211 (nj)

why trade osi? giants are built on the pass rush on defense. Isn't it harder to replace someone of his caliber?

Dan Graziano

  (12:22 PM)

He gets hurt. He hates his contract. He's more likely to hold out with one year left than he was last year when he had two. I just think his value's super-high right now, is all. You're right that it's hard to find anyone like him, but the Giants have seen the negatives up close, and if someone blows them away with an offer, I wouldn't be surprised if they took it.

Dan (New York)

Is it an insult to the Giants that the Eagles for next season have received better odds for winning the superbowl?

Dan Graziano

  (12:23 PM)

I don't think so. Those lines are set based on how they think people will bet. And it's pretty hard to repeat at Super Bowl champs. If I were a Giants fan right now, I don't know why I'd be seeking out insults. The freaking parade is on!

Benjamin (Concord)

c'mon man, do you really think my idea of the Giants pursuing Mario Williams is so far fetched?

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

No. Not if they deal Osi. But it'd be uncharacteristic of them to engage in what will be a big-time bidding war in free agency, would it not?

Martin (New York, NY)

Manningham says he wants to come back. Any chance he gives the Giants a hometown discount?

Dan Graziano

  (12:24 PM)

I do not think so. Would you? These careers are short.

ASN (NY)

Giants look like they'll lose Manningham in the off-season. Who will be the new #3 receiver?

Dan Graziano

  (12:25 PM)

You know, we were wondering in August who'd step up for them at WR. Answer was Victor Cruz. I think they'll find someone.

Matt (DC)

Is it more fun covering 4 teams rather than being on the beat for 1 team?

Dan Graziano

  (12:25 PM)

Yes.

Greg (NY)

Was it me or did it seem every break and bounce went Giants way in playoffs. Fumbles by GB, Fumbles by SF, Rodgers missing open WRs, ail Mary, Brady missing welker, Two fumbles right into Giants arms in SB, 12 men on field. Not much went wrong

Dan Graziano

  (12:27 PM)

That has to happen, to a certain extent. But somebody brought up the fumbles to me today, saying the Giants recovered five of the seven fumbles they forced and all four of the fumbles they committed in the playoffs. I'm sure some of that is "luck," but to me it says they recovered 9 of 11 total fumbles in their games. I imagine teams that do that win a lot. Paying attention to and recovering fumbles is a part of it.

Steve (Bristol)

Dan, just want to say good job covering this year. You tend to get a lot of flack but hung in there. I personally seeing the Redskins trading back for a couple of more picks and going for a QB early second round. Anyone out there for them? Thoughts on trading back?

Dan Graziano

  (12:28 PM)

I think there's going to be an impact guy there for them at 6, either at WR or DB, and that they should grab him if they haven't moved up for QB.

Mookman31 (DC)

Dan, did you get an MVP vote? If so, did you vote for Eli?

Dan Graziano

  (12:29 PM)

I did not get a Super Bowl MVP vote. But I would have voted for Eli. Tuck made a strong case, but Eli was 30-for-40, made every throw he had to make, didn't turn it over...

Dan (New York)

Is there a better place to watch the parade than on ESPN3?

Dan Graziano

  (12:30 PM)

It's on local TV in NY. I think Channel 4.

jt (nyc)

in the next two years the giants will need to resign nicks and cruz, i think that will be all we have to spend on receivers. you cant field a competitive team paying real money to 3 receivers. they should develop jernigan and hope it works out.

Dan Graziano

  (12:30 PM)

Sure, or Barden. WR isn't an area they need to run out and fix.

Steve Weatherford (NY)

Most underrated player from sunday?

Dan Graziano

  (12:31 PM)

Hey, I did a post on you! Three punts that pinned the Pats inside their own 10. Don't underestimate how important that was.

ASN (NY)

Would you say the comparison of this year's Giants to last year's Packers is more accurate then to the Super Bowl 42 team?

Dan Graziano

  (12:32 PM)

Because of injuries, late hot streak, breakout star QB? I can see your point.

D-Jax (Philly)

If the Eagles don't pay me the $$$, where do I most likely go man??

Dan Graziano

  (12:33 PM)

Well, the Patriots on Sunday looked to me like a team that could use you.

Benjamin (Concord)

If the Giants end up super aggressive in free agency would your head explode? by super aggressive I mean signing Mario Williams, JerMichael Finley and Levi Brown?

Dan Graziano

  (12:33 PM)

I think my head would remain intact, but I'd be surprised.

James Payette (New Bloomfield PA)

?Appearing as an analyst on NBC?s pregame show, Aaron Rodgers said the Giants used phantom injuries and got up slowly after a few plays in an effort to slow down Green Bay?s high tempo offense.? During the Super Bowl 46, the Giants were doing this and were caught laughing on the sideline after they got replacement players in during the fake timeout. The Patriots did not use this procedure once.Here the fix: If a defensive player goes down on an offense that is using a no-huddle offense, only that player can be replaced with another player, unless the team takes an official timeout.

Dan Graziano

  (12:36 PM)

Giants did it all year, James. It was a big Week 2 controversy after the Rams game, as you may recall. But two things: (1) There's no way they're the only team that does it, and (2) The Patriots aren't exactly slaves to the rulebook. Your solution is not a bad one, I don't think.

John C (Highland Mills NY)

As a Giants's fan I appreciate your candor even if it isn't flattering for the Giants. Honest opinion is what makes good reading. Thanks

Dan Graziano

  (12:37 PM)

Thank you, John C.

Gary (NY)

Did you have any friendly bets with James Walker?

Dan Graziano

  (12:37 PM)

No.

Mike (NJ)

His Hixon all but done with the latest injury, or are the Giants expecting him back?

Dan Graziano

  (12:38 PM)

Yeah, that poor guy. We keep forgetting him. He's at the point where a comeback would be a remarkable story, but I guess you can't write him off. As for the team's expectations, they'd be thrilled if he could recover but they have to plan as though he won't.

Bill (DC)

Nice to see you post comments about yourself...WOW do you have a big ego.

Dan Graziano

  (12:39 PM)

Come on! I post all of the ones that rip me. I can't give myself a little treat?

Benjamin (Concord)

Hakeem Nicks had the second highest playoff reception totals in NFL history behind Fitzgerald, feeling good about your boy?

Dan Graziano

  (12:40 PM)

Nicks is a great, great player. I'd be happy to be invited into any fantasy league full of people who don't think so.

Ryan (Brooklyn)

Would you rather have a difficult schedule or an easy schedule. Seems like the teams with the hard schedules like the NFC East had this year and will have again next year are the teams that win it all because they are battle tested. Case in point Giants Super Bowl champs, the Pats went 1-3 against teams with winning records this year barely beating Baltimore in the title game. Seems like being battle tested pays off in January if you can get there. Thoughts?

Dan Graziano

  (12:41 PM)

Your theory is sound. The problem is surviving the tough schedule, which the Giants nearly didn't. Also, the Patriots' schedule was Cool Whip and they almost won the Super Bowl.

Randy (Providence)

Have you ever had a player give you the death stare or threaten to kick your journalistic behind?

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

Yes.

Patrick (NYC)

They had an article in the WSJ today citing a direct correlation between strength of schedule and the superbowl winner. In each of the last 10 superbowls, the winner of the Big Game had a harder strength of schedule than the loser.

Dan Graziano

  (12:43 PM)

There you go. It was one reason I felt so good about picking the Giants to win the game. Again, though, the tough schedule reduces your chances of actually making it TO the game!

Chris (Texas)

6 Giants questions in a row, can you answer another one about another team

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

If I see one, sure.

Joe (NJ)

Following up with Randy, has anyone ACTUALLY kicked your "journalistic behind"?

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

No, no. Never been in a real fight with a player, and obviously hope I never am.

cbarrett (North Cackalacky)

Dan Graziano (12:39 PM) "Come on! I post all of the ones that rip me."---You sure about that?

Dan Graziano

  (12:44 PM)

No. Not all. You're right. Some aren't printable.

cmn (NY)

Will the Eagles try to obtain a veteran LB in free agency for leadership on that end?

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

I think that makes more sense than drafting one, but it's hard to scout that. And just because a guy was a leader-type on one team doesn't mean he automatically fits into your locker room. I think they missed the leadership of Quintin Mikell this year and could stand to look for a guy or two like that, be it at LB or safety or wherever.

Joe (NJ)

If you were the Cowboys, what would your #1 priority be this offseason? (Besides cutting Newman)

Dan Graziano

  (12:46 PM)

Offensive line. Do you think those young guys from last year's draft are really ready, or do you need to sign a veteran guard? And I'd move T Smith to LT and Free back to RT.

Dan (Boston)

If the Redskins get a QB what are their postseason chances

Dan Graziano

  (12:47 PM)

Well, they're better. But who's he throwing to?

Tommy (the big easy)

C'mon Dan once and for all tell us your favorite team?

Dan Graziano

  (12:48 PM)

Everyone knows who my favorite team is, and its biggest game of the year is tomorrow night in Syracuse. I'm nervous as hell.

Chris (Texas)

Any chance the Cowboys can sign Carl Nicks

Dan Graziano

  (12:48 PM)

Sure.

oldskooler (NYC)

Dan, I just saw a pineapple in the crowd of the Giants parade. is that you or an imposter?

Dan Graziano

  (12:48 PM)

I am not at the parade.

Woody Johnson (Florham Park, NY)

You know where I can pick up a large-sized black curtain? We've been forced to upgrade recently ...

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

I see what you did there...

ASN (NY)

Do the Redskins look to pick up either DJax or Manningham? Both would be better options as guys to throw to for any quarterback, and they've seen both guys play.

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

I think Jackson makes a little sense there. But they need a clear No. 1, and has he really been that?

cbarrett (North Cackalacky)

The Hoyas don't stand a chance against 'Cuse Danny Boy!

Dan Graziano

  (12:49 PM)

I fear you may be right. But I can hope.

Michael Vick (resting my arm)

Do you think I should send a basket of fruit to Juan Castillo and Vince Young for keeping the scrutiny off me this year?Despite the production, my turnovers hurt my team badly. Do you think I can fix it for 2012?

Dan Graziano

  (12:50 PM)

Right??? NO ONE is talking about Vick's role in this thing. He's at least as responsible for what happened as anyone else, if not more so. The turnovers, the injuries, concealing the injury in the AZ game... Big step-back year for Vick, and he was a major part of the problem.

Dan (Boston)

David Garrard to the skins??

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

Haven't heard that one. I know he had back surgery, but he's supposed to be ready. Would that be a good enough solution? Is he better than Orton?

josh (rochester)

nightmares about the 2x3 zone tonight for you

Dan Graziano

  (12:51 PM)

Nothing's keeping me awake this week, trust me.

crash218679 (returning from Italy)

Dan, I really think the Eagles will win the division next year. Your thoughts?

Dan Graziano

  (12:52 PM)

I think they're one of four teams that currently have a chance to do so.

Nate (Naples)

why do you think the eagles wont keep jackson?

Dan Graziano

  (12:53 PM)

Because they don't want to pay him as much money as he wants, and he himself admits he handled that rather poorly this year.

MrScary (7 Months Away From 2012 Season)

What one player needs to step up and play better in 2012 for his team to mkae the playoffs (obviously excluding NYG)?

Dan Graziano

  (12:55 PM)

I'll say Vick for the Eagles, Free for the Cowboys and whichever Redskins veteran safety is still on the team next year.

P Manning (Indy)

Why do people keep trying to link me to the Cowboys? I dont think a QB is their probelm.

Dan Graziano

  (12:55 PM)

I don't understand why anyone would think Manning to the Cowboys is sensible or realistic.

Southy (the South)

What are the chances the Birds DON'T re-sign Mathis?

Dan Graziano

  (12:56 PM)

I think they should be working on it already, before Carl Nicks sends the guard market through the roof.

Tommy (the big easy)

will laron landry be a skin next yr

Dan Graziano

  (12:57 PM)

I do not think so.

Chris (Oregon)

Manning to the Cowboys makes perfect sense. Cowboys are primed to win now. Manning can take them to the next level...presumably. Colts get Romo in return along with picks and whatever. If I'm the Cowboys I make that deal in a minute...assuming Manning passes a physical.

Dan Graziano

  (12:59 PM)

I think you're nuts if you think quarterback was the Cowboys' problem this year. I think Romo's "primed to win now" and the issue is the group around him.

Bill (PA)

Do you think Manningham got chewed out by someone for not getting 2 feet down on a previous sideline pass earlier in the 4th quarter which is why he did get 2 feet in on that last drive?

Dan Graziano

  (1:00 PM)

I mean, I think he got two feet down because he was trying to win the Super Bowl.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Landry would look good in the Eagles secondary, right?

Dan Graziano

  (1:00 PM)

Yeah, but the issue is health. Guy can't get/stay on the field. And they've spent high draft picks on safeties the last few years.

Lupo (Chicago)

Is there a chance that the Eagles WON'T pick up Jenkins' roster bonus and cut him? Please say no.

Dan Graziano

  (1:01 PM)

I don't think there's any chance Jenkins is anywhere but Philadelphia next year. They loved him. And they should have.

Bill (PA)

Well he wasn't earlier in the 4th then cause that was an easier catch than what he caught.

Dan Graziano

  (1:01 PM)

My guess is it's harder than it looks.

Chip (NYC)

Osi to the Raiders would make a ton of sense if Oakland had any draft picks left.

Dan Graziano

  (1:01 PM)

Right, yeah, they're not just going to give him away.

Peyton Manning (My Little Brother's Bandwagon)

Why do people keep trying to link me to the Redskins? How is me to the Redskins is sensible or realistic?

Dan Graziano

  (1:02 PM)

They need a quarterback and you need a job, is how.

bEAST CURSE 2012 (apartment shopping)

Seriously Dan. Landry will be a Cowboy next year!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan Graziano

  (1:03 PM)

I don't know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, though, there's no Landry question that can be answered until we know if he's healthy enough to play. Which we don't.

Jo (Plano)

I love it Dan G says Dallas doesn't have talent ? LMAO-You picked Dallas to make the Play-off's pre-season b/c of their talent

Dan Graziano

  (1:03 PM)

Yeah, but a season's worth of evidence indicates that I overestimated that talent.

Joe (DC)

What are the odds that Griffin falls to the Skins at no. 6?

Dan Graziano

  (1:04 PM)

I don't think it happens. I think the Rams will trade that No. 2 pick to someone who wants Griffin. Could be the Redskins, Browns, Dolphins...

cwbinsd (SD)

Does Demarcus play lights out next year?

Dan Graziano

  (1:04 PM)

Does he not every year?

Patrick (Houston)

Courtney Upshaw to the Cowboys?

Dan Graziano

  (1:04 PM)

I think that'd be a great pick.

Basil (Alabama)

We demand an extended chat, give us 20 more minutes

Dan Graziano

  (1:05 PM)

No. See you all next week.