The starting Free Safety of the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants stops by Skinny Post to talk some football. It’s been a quite a whirlwind few months and Antrel gives us the Skinny on all of it!!

The Skinny Post Crews recaps the Super Bowl and touches up on all the recent NFL news!

The NFL is a world of uncertainty and it’s one of the more difficult sports to project but with that said let’s give it a shot. Sometimes things line up so well that it’s hard not to take notice. One of these instances is found in the Washington Redskins and a draft prospect named Robert Griffin III (RG3). Sometimes you need more than the parts to match but you also need timing to be in your favor. The way I see it the two are headed for a collision course because when the shoe fits, you have to wear it!

First let’s begin with the Draft prospect. Robert Griffin III is perhaps the most complete QB in terms of physical tools. Granted he hasn’t faced NFL level Defenses and you never know until they suit up on Sundays how a prospect will play out but RG3 is extremely mobile, throws on the run very well, has great speed running the ball, shows accuracy and and a strong arm when throwing. He may be raw in the sense that he needs to learn the nuances of the NFL game but he is very talented. His athleticism can’t go unnoticed. Being molded by a great offenses mind like Shanahan would do his career wonders.

Second is that ever important timing. It appears to me that the new Head Coach of the St. Louis Rams is content on trading down in the 2012 NFL Draft. He’s even come out and said that the team is open to the idea. My sense is the Rams are going to look for a Blue Chip Wide Receiver for Bradford to utilize as his go-to weapon. Fisher isn’t stupid and realizes that the 2nd pick in the draft is way to high for a Wide Receiver unless he is the second coming of Calvin Johnson. Right now Justin Blackmon has to be their first choice at Wide Out. It’s very likely he will be available at #6, the pick that the Redskins currently hold. If they feel he will go earlier they still have ammunition to move up and grab him a few slots if need be. The Cleveland Browns might be a wildcard in this but we’ll address that shortly.

Free Agency always dictates the way teams draft and maybe St. Louis wants proven talent but the Rams have to see the early success of A.J. Green and Andy Dalton in Cincinnati and might feel compelled to nab themselves a playmaking receiver. If they do, they certainly can trade down and get their man all while adding value to the roster with the additional picks.

Griffin is a rare combination of athleticism along with the ability to play QB!

Next up is their trading partner. Some circles feel that the aforementioned Cleveland Browns might be interested in RG3 and are willing to move up from their 4th pick in order to do so. This makes sense, in this scenario the Rams would be even more assured of getting their man if they’d like and still offer a great pick if they decide to keep trading down.

Don’t count out Dan Snyder. While the Redskins might not have as high a pick as the Browns to offer (or 2 first round picks like Cleveland) they do have an owner who is willing to do what it takes to win, including winning the battle for RG3! Mike Shanahan would easily be able to sell the idea of this gifted QB and here is how!

Shanahan runs a Zone Blocking scheme in the Running Game and likes to have his Offense play off of the Run. A Zone scheme is one that moves on angles laterally, providing lanes by using speed and agility while the backside of the O-Line “cuts back” putting the D-Lineman on the ground. This system of running leaves Defenses very vulnerable to the mobile Quarterback who can throw on the run.

A QB like RG3 who can roll-out, bootleg and run Play action all day long is a viable weapon in this system. Think of the 13-3, 2005 Denver Broncos with a much more athletic Jake Plummer. This QB in this system would literally require Defenses to cover the entire field for the entire game. His ability to run and throw on the run would require Defenses to play different and he truly would be the perfect weapon for what Shanahan likes to do.

After the Combine many guys will show off their athleticism and will rise up draft boards, there is one guy right now that likely already has a bullseye on his back and if the Skins land RG3, everyone will be in Hog Heaven.

The biggest question looming in the NFL right now is what is going to happen with Peyton Manning. The Super Bowl was held in Indianapolis this past week and as we all know, Colts owner Jim Irsay has been quite vocal over the fact that he and Peyton will sit down to discuss the situation.

The way I see it there are only a few scenario’s that make sense. First, the reason we believe Peyton will no longer be in Indianapolis.

Peyton signed his contract early in the season, in July of 2011 he signed a deal for reported $90 Million. He is due $28 million on February 8th and Tom Condon said recently that the contract is the contract, which is a pretty firm stance that they aren’t willing to re-negotate. Now the wrinkle is that NFL rules state that a Player can not redo a contract in the same NFL calendar year it was signed. Therefor, Peyton would have to rip up his current deal and agree to a new contract with a new date “pushing back” the bonus date. However that can’t happen until March 13th, so Peyton would have to be cut on the 8th and have a “good faith” agreement that he and Colts will work something out in Free Agency if Indianapolis doesn’t give him the $28 Million that is due tomorrow. Most believe, including us, that Peyton will not be back with the team.

Factor in that the Colts have the number 1 overall pick in this years Draft and Andrew Luck is theirs. The firings of the Polian family and the Head Coach along with the odd behavior of Colts ownership and it seems pretty clear that Peyton will be released.

Now, due to the fact that he will be released when the season is not being played, he does not have to go through waivers. He will be free to go to the team of his choice. Which is?

Well no one really has a clue but some people have some great speculations and here are my two. It comes down to Arizona and Miami with the latter as the favorite.

First off, the Jets and Redskins are out. Too hard hitting a division, too cold and too many issues in New York and the Redskins need a bit more mobility from the QB position. Shanahan will kick the tires as most teams will but will eventually trade up to #2 with the Rams and draft Robert Griffin III.

The Cardinals make sense due to the fact that the NFC West will be the easiest to win. Even with the great Niners Defense, Manning with Larry Fitzgerald will be the cream of the Division. The weather is warm and the team isn’t far removed from a Super Bowl. The Kevin Kolb contract won’t be that hard to get out of if they choose too.

Arizona has a legitimate chance to land Peyton if the price is right. Speaking of price.. Stephen Ross is ready to spend!

Dolphins Owner is said “to wait as long as necessary” for Manning after he’s released by the Colts and is also willing to spend whatever it takes to get Peyton to Miami Gardens Florida.

Here is why the Phins make the most sense. They have Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess along with a very good Running Game, Reggie Bush averaged 5.0 yards per carry this season. They also offer an elite Left Tackle, Jake Long, to protect his blindside. They have 2 good young Cornerbacks and the Defense isn’t that bad. With a great Quarterback the Miami Dolphins could become the beast of the East and give Tom Brady a run for his money!

The weather is perfect, the weapons are there and the owner is ready to roll out the Red Carpet and the checkbook to get it done! Usually all those things lead to one thing, a good deal for both sides.

What’s the Skinny on whether Peyton will be in a different uniform next season? We will find out much more tomorrow when he’s either cut or isn’t, but if he is like we expect he could go anywhere he wants but if you ask us…it’s down to two!

Here is the 2012 NFL Draft Order for the upcoming April Draft. The NFL has announced it now that the season is officially over.

1.Colts
2. Rams
3. Vikings
4. Browns
5. Buccaneers
6. Redskins
7. Jaguars
8. Panthers
9. Dolphins
10. Bills
11. Chiefs
12. Seahawks
13. Cardinals
14. Cowboys
15. Eagles
16. Jets
17. Bengals (from Raiders)
18. Chargers
19. Bears
20. Titans
21. Bengals
22. Browns (from Falcons)
23. Lions
24. Steelers
25. Broncos
26. Texans
27. Patriots (from Saints)
28. Packers
29. Ravens
30. 49ers
31. Patriots
32. Giants

Congratulations to the New York football Giants for their Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday night. The Giants haven’t exactly had the easiest road to the top but in the end found a way to make it happen. After 14 games this team was 7-7 and fighting for their playoff life. Following the Battle of New York, the GMen took the victory over the Jets and never looked back. It seems that each and every year the New York media wants to fire Tom Coughlin and wonders when Eli when become “elite”. Well all that talk is put to bed as the New Giants have now won their 4th NFL Championship and 2nd in 5 years.

It was a season of peaks and valleys, a season of leadership, a season of Salsa, a season of confidence and in the end a season to remember. From the vaunted Defensive Line, to the some of the breaks along the way it indeed is a season to remember. After starting off the season on a good foot, 6-2 record after the first 8 games, the Giants then lost 5 out of their next 6 and were in deep trouble of missing the playoffs.

Antrel Rolle was critical of them after the Redskins loss and when it seemed like they needed to get their act together they did. The Jets game comes along and after Victor Cruz goes 99 yards and Ahmad Bradshaw runs over guys on their way to a win it seemed as if this team had found their swag.

All they had to do was beat the Cowboys again and the Giants would be in the playoffs. In a game that was as close as you could hope for, a wide open Miles Austin is missed by Tony Romo in crunch time, and the Giants beat goes on.

Next up is the Falcons in the Wildcard and boom goes the dynamite as the Giants Defense shuts the Dirty Birds down, holding their Offense to 0 points. Then comes the vaunted Divisional Round vs the 15-1 former Champion Packers. That, along with traveling out West to face the Niners is no problem. They get two tough road Wins in the Playoffs and are off to face the Patriots.

From Eli Manning to the talented Wide Receivers to the D-Line and Defensive Backs this was a team effort. The Punter had a good a Super Bowl as we can remember too, the Giants came together when they needed to and that is how they’re back in the Winners circle hoisting up the Trophy for the World to see!

By Steve O’Reilly

The Super Bowl is American tradition, one that his engrained in our history and has become quite the media mayhem. Sometimes lost in the “party” of the big game is that there is actually a game to be played. In this segment I’m going to break down the most important factors to this game as I see it. The key points for each team to win the Tiffany Trophy and bring a Championship back to their respective city.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:

First of all throw all the stats out. Forget the “31st Ranked Defense” talk! Why? Because the Patriots, like most teams with great Quarterbacks are a Defense that is built to get the ball back in his hands. When it comes to turnovers, the Patriots are 3rd in the NFL and while they do give up a ton of yards they also get the ball back and limit points in key times.

1st Key – Get turnovers

Next up is protection! The Patriots have faced elite pass rushers thus far in the Playoffs but as many NFL players are quick to remind you, you’re only as good as the Offensive Line, and so far so good. 1 sack vs great rushers like Elvis Dumervil, Von Miller, Terrell Suggs and the rest of the Ravens Defensive front. Against New York, the Giants honestly believe they are in Brady’s head. Jason Paul Pierre said this in regards to phantom pressure … “Yeah, he was. Yeah, he was reacting to pressure that didn’t exist and he was just throwing the ball places that there wasn’t a receiver there. So imagine us just getting there even faster and we’re actually doing our jobs and getting there and getting hits on him.”

2nd Key – Keep Tom Brady off the ground

Finally is execution. New England is going to be put into situations to succeed, that is a given due to their Head Coach and the time he has to prepare this team. They will get guys open in the passing game and will use the run game to keep the Giants off balance. When the opportunities to present themselves the Patriots must capitalize. That means no dropped balls, no bad passes and no penalties when you do get a big play.

3rd Key – take advantage when opportunities present themselves

NEW YORK GIANTS:

The Giants Offense begins with their running game. As much as everyone wants to talk about Eli and his great season, with due cause, but this team’s rushing attack has heated up as the team made the Playoff push. 115 vs the Jets including the Bradshaw bulldozing TD that capped the Battle of NY. Against the Cowboys they ran it 31 times for over 100 yards again and in the Postseason the Giants aren’t slowing down. The key to deep balls and big plays for the GMen is off play action so look for them to establish their ground game early. If they do New England’s Defense will that much more pressure to defend the entire field.

1st Key – run the ball!

Next up for New York is found in their Secondary. The Safeties for the Giants give New York advantages in this game and they need to make sure they capitalize on them. With Rob Gronkowski a little banged up it’s imperative that the Giants take the Tight Ends out of the game for New England. If Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle can cover the Tight Ends with little or limited help the Giants will be in a great spot to frustrate Tom Brady. However if the Giants can’t come up with a combination to slow down the Tight Ends then all the other Pats weapons become that much harder to stop.

2nd Key – Safeties need to limit the Tight End attack

Finally for the Giants is a key that is the first key for the Patriots, turnovers. The Giants have allowed 9 sacks this postseason but some of that is Eli realizing that sack won’t kill you but a Interception will. New York can not afford to give the ball back to New England, possessions are sacrosanct right now and it’s vital to make the most of every one. The GMen will look to run the clock down (so look for 03, 02, 01 on almost every snap) and will look to dictate the pace of the game. If they turn the ball over, that could be enough for Brady and Co’ to escape Indy with a win.

3rd Key – don’t give Tom Brady any more chances then he’s entitled too

In the end this should be a fantastic game. Styles make fights in the NFL and these two teams styles should mean a fantastic game. We’ve seen these Coaches face off before and the game within the game has begun to see who can hoist that Tiffany Trophy and bring to the parade next week!

The Weekly Skinny is all about the Big Game in this week’s podcast!! We break down the match-up between the Patriots and Giants and talk a little Peyton Manning as well. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Super Bowl Skinny Podcast!

Super Bowl Skinny

Mark Herzlich has come a long way in the last few years. The rookie Linebacker from Boston College is set to embark on the Super Bowl just two years removed from Cancer where doctors told him he would never walk again.

After a rod was surgically implanted into his femur and it appeared his football career was over. Diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer at the age of 21, Herzlich decided to embark on a risky procedure to not only beat cancer but one that would also allow him to continue to play football.

2 years later not only has Mark beaten cancer he is playing for the New York Giants in this weeks Super Bowl. When he walked into the stadium he tweeted “”Just WALKED off plane in Indy to play in (the Super Bowl). Take that (expletive) cancer.”

Hat’s off to Mark for being such a fighter and beating the odds!!

All the recent talk about the future of Peyton Manning has cleared up a little bit as the future Hall of Fame Quarterback has shared that he has no intentions of retiring.

“I have no plans on doing that,” Peyton said yesterday “All the other talk, it is what it is. But my plan hasn’t changed. I’m on track with what the doctors have told me to do. I’m doing that, I’m rehabbing hard and I’m enjoying this week.”

Everyone is well aware that the Colts hold the #1 overall pick and have a large bonus due to Peyton in March. Many have speculated about Peyton’s future and where he will play and at least now we know he has full intentions of playing. Where it will be we will just have to wait and see.