." Every few days, Giants.com's exclusive Writer/Editor Michael Eisen will pick some of the best questions and comments we receive via email* and answer them right here! If you'd like to submit a question or comment to Michael, click here.
Dear Michael,
The only thing I see derailing the Giants defensive machine are injuries. Now that Kiwi was placed on IR, how are Dillard and Tracey coming along with their development? I know they were slowed by injuries but they looked promising in preseason and would like to see them get some reps for the second half of the year.
John
Dear John:
Well, you're not going to see Adrian Tracy, because he was placed on injured reserve prior to the regular season after undergoing surgery on a dislocated elbow. Phillip Dillard was in uniform for the first time last week and had a special teams tackle. But he was active only because Gerris Wilkinson missed the game with a broken hand. How much Dillard plays in the second half of the season will depend on the health of those in front of him and how much he contributes when given a chance.
Dear Mr. Eisen,
My question is with all the alternate and throwback uniforms that have been seen around the league, why haven't the Giants done something similar? Why not just a one game thing where they wear the uniforms of the days of Simms, Taylor and Banks?
Thanks a lot and GO BIG BLUE!!
Billy F.
Dear Billy:
The Giants wore an alternative red jersey for three home games early in Tom Coughlin's tenure and lost two of those games. Not that the organization is superstitious or anything like that, but we figured we'd just stick to our regular uniforms for a while.
Who's more ready to contribute on the offensive line – Kevin Boothe or Mitch Petrus?
Howard
Dear Howard:
I have to say Kevin Boothe, even though he hasn't played all season. Boothe is a five-year veteran who has started 16 games in the NFL, including two last year. He's a smart, versatile veteran. Petrus has a gung-ho attitude and willingness to learn, but he's not yet at Boothe's level.
Why did the Giants give contract extensions to Zack DeOssie and Adam Koets?
John
Dear John:
They're two young players who have been unsung but important members of the program for four years. DeOssie is one of the best snappers in the NFL – he could be doing that here for another dozen years. No one ever thinks about the snapper until there's a bad snap, which almost never happens with DeOssie. By re-signing him, it's one less position they have to worry about. Koets didn't get to play until this season and it's shame he tore a knee ligament last week. But he's a versatile player who can be a quality backup at several positions on the line. And down the road, he could become the starting center if and when Shaun O'Hara ever retires. O'Hara is still one of the NFL's best at his position in his 11th season, but in the NFL you always have to plan for the future. Koets gives the Giants depth and flexibility on the offensive line.
