N.Y. Giants WR Plaxico Burress is struggling. According to my pool report from fellow PFWA member John Clayton, Plax missed today’s workout because of swelling and soreness in his left knee. This, of course, was on the heels of missing yesterday’s practice with his chronic right ankle injury. Each day, he suited up and played some catch and tried to get some work in, but wasn’t able to. Initially, I sort of dismissed the whole thing because Plax has been like this all season, but now I’m wondering if it is something to be concerned about. Head coach Tom Coughlin said:

“He has an ankle that always has been a problem, but he also has some issues with a knee that off and on in the past has bothered him. That’s the thing right now. Between the two of them, that’s why he’s not working. He comes out and tries to go and can’t go.”

For a second straight day, the Giants were fired up to be practicing and had lots of energy in their nearly two-hour workout. A noise machine was used to simulate some of the distractions the Giants will face during the Super Bowl. The volume wasn’t cranked up as much as it would be for a normal road game, but Coach Coughlin indicated the players like to practice at times with the noise:

“The energy level has been really high. They were obviously flying around pretty good. I thought the execution was okay. We’re moving toward the game. We’re getting there. We’re sure getting there.”

Here’s an interesting comparison three days away from Super Bowl XLII. The Patriots say they’re as ready as they’re going to be. The Giants say they’re getting there. I guess it doesn’t really matter who’s ready yesterday, today or tomorrow. The team that’s the most prepared on Sunday will walk away happy.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

N.Y. Giants Continue Spirited Workouts, Plaxico Burress Hampered by Leg Injuries

The N.Y. Giants held their first Super Bowl practice today at the AZ Cardinals practice facility in Tempe and all players were present and accounted for, although not every player participated in a full practice (CB Kevin Dockery, G Rich Seubert). WR Plaxico Burress didn’t work out at all, which is nothing new. He hasn’t practiced much all season. The team donned shorts and shells according to my pool report from fellow PFWA scribe and ESPN football professor John Clayton. This is the way they’ve worked for the past six weeks. Why change now? Head coach Tom Coughlin liked what he saw from his squad:

“We had good energy. Obviously you’d like to squeeze all the detail work down and make sure everything is perfect. I thought the energy was good, which I expected. They are excited. No doubt about it.”

The Giants are, indeed, a confident and excited bunch. And from what I saw of their practice, they were having fun with this opportunity. They seem loose and relaxed. And they absolutely believe they belong here and can beat the seemingly unbeatable Patriots. This makes them a very dangerous team that could pull the upset if the ball bounces their way Sunday.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Giants Hold Upbeat First SBXLII Practice

HALAS AWARD – For the individual in the NFL who overcame the most adversity to succeed last season. Winner was Drew Brees (I picked Carson Palmer).

GOOD GUY AWARD – For the player who best helped the media do its job. Winner was LaDainian Tomlinson (I also chose LT).

HORRIGAN AWARD – For the person (not a player or team PR staffer) who helped the media best do its job last season. Winner was Steve Alic (I also picked Steve Alic).

ROZELLE AWARD – For the PR staff that best helped the media do its job. Winner was the Houston Texans (I picked the Baltimore Ravens).

McCANN AWARD – Named in honor of the first executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Dick McCann Award is given annually by the PFWA to honor one of its members for distinguished service. Winner was ESPN’s John Clayton (I selected Indianapolis Star’s Mike Chappell).

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

PFWA Award Winners Announced