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Know Thy Enemy: New York Jets vs. New York Giants

Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Ryan NassibĀ (9) drops back to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter of a preseason game at MetLifeĀ Stadium. The colts defeated the Giants 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

OK Gang Green fans and Jet Pressers, the MetLife Bowl is just a couple of days away. Therefore, it’s time once again for our weekly installment of ā€œKnow Thy Enemyā€.

This week we talk to our buddy, Joe Tufaro, the editor of the Fansided site for that ā€œotherā€ team in NY, GMENHQ.Ā  Take a look at our discussion of his Giants, and the upcoming game between our two teams:

THE JET PRESS: Going back to draft time, were you surprised about the choice of Ryan Nassib?Ā  It’s not like Eli is done, right?Ā  What was the thinking there?

GMENHQ: I was a bit surprised by the selection, even though the explanation of just being too good an athlete to pass up fits the Giants philosophy to a tee. Ā Then when it was announced thatĀ athleticism would only be used at QB, and not a Tebow clone, it was even more head scratching. Ā Jerry Reese is either being extremely wise to get someone in here who is capable of being the next Eli, or hedging his bet against Eli finally missing a game in his career due to injury. He could also be a nice trading chip for the future.

TJP: How is the pass rush shaping up with out Osi being around anymore?

GMH: OsiĀ was a one trick pony by the time he decided to smell the grass in Atlanta and really is not going to be missed that much. Ā What the Giants are missing is the push up the middle that Justin Tuck provided when StrahanĀ and Osi forced double teams on the outside. Ā Hopefully a platoon of Cullen Jenkins, Marvin Austin, Mike Patterson, etc. will bring that pressure from the middle into the QB’s face and allow the outside guys to have a few seconds more to get home.

TJP: What about this running back battle between David Wilson and Andre Brown?Ā  How is that shaping up?

GMH: NO battle at all actually. Ā I think some have a short memory of the recent Giants teams. Ā Since the departure of Tiki Barber, the Giants have had two or three running backs contribute on a weekly basis. Ā They will both start games, they will both play situationally, and the Giants organization is uninterested in the question of ā€œWho will be the starterā€. Ā They will both play and contribute.

TJP: What are some other battles going on at Giants’ camp that are worth noting?

GMH: Ā Biggest battles were along the offensive line, and at linebacker. Ā I believe that the position of linebacker has changed so much in the NFL, that trying to identify three guys as the linebacker corps is useless. Ā They will use a lot of bodies in the front 7 and try to keep them fresh. Ā The O-Line is another story. Ā With David Diehl being sent for hand surgery today and missing 6 weeks, and Center David Baas nursing an injury, the unit is suddenly not as deep as once imagined. Ā The rookie first round draft pick Justin Pugh will have to step in and play right tackle and Jim Cordle seems to be the guy at center for now.

TJP: Finally, who are some new players that will be exciting to watch?

GMH: Actually the only new player will be Pugh, and with the Jets defense you know the O-Line will see plenty of combinations of blitzes and stunting. Ā Most Giants fans have been waiting two years to see Terrell Thomas back on the field, and it will happen this weekend. Ā Unfortunately with the Jets receiving corps, chances are he won’t be tested as well as the O-line will.

So, not too bad for a guy that writes about that other team in New York, no?Ā  I’m just kidding, Joe Tufaro does a great job as does his entire team.Ā  For anything you want to know about the New York Football Giants, check his website out at GMENHQ.

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