It’s Gotta Be About the Team

We were reminded a couple times over the weekend of why the Giants have had their best success when the team concept is promoted.  Remember when the team began to come together as a unit in 2007 (not coincidentally after Tiki Barber retired), and then made that sick run to the Super Bowl title?  It was there last year too, though the results were different…and it seems the Giants’ coaches are constantly reminding their players of it.

This weekend, there was some rumbling from LB Mathias Kiwanuka, who complained that he wasn’t going to be a starter this season.  DL coach Mike Waufle admitted that while he has some new toys in Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty, and while Kiwanuka was going to be moved back to linebacker again with Osi Umenyiora back, that Kiwanuka will still be a starter in nickel packages and also that this team is going to be successful because of who they are as a unit, not as individuals. 

“I’m just trying to sell it as we are all working together, all one family,” Waufle said on Saturday.  “It’s a team thing, it’s always got to be about the team. The New York Giants have been effective because they play together as a team. You’ve really got to adopt an unselfish attitude if you want to be successful.”

Meanwhile, things got chippy during practice Saturday evening, when FB Madison Hedgecock and LB Bryan Kehl scuffled.  This kind of thing happens in every camp every year, and while coach Coughlin likes seeing intesity from his players, he doesn’t want to see anyone get hurt.  OL Cliff Louis apparently rolled his ankle during one of the scuffles, but Coughlin said it’s not as serious an injury as it first appeared to be.  Meanwhile, Kehl and Hedgecock shook hands and made nice…..and Kehl even referenced how important a player Hedgecock is and how he wants his fullback to be intense. 

“If he was any other way, then we wouldn’t be the best running offense in the NFL,” said Kehl.  “He’s got to do what he’s got to do, I understand that.”

More random notes…..WR Derek Hagan, let go by the Dolphins toward the end of last season, has been impressing Coughlin and his coaches in camp, and could surprise many if he makes the team, what with the position being pretty much wide open behind Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon……Fred Robbins and Rich Seubert practiced yesterday and C Shaun O’Hara is expected back today…however, the following players did sit out yesterday: WRs Smith and Hakeem Nicks, CB Corey Webster, Canty, OL Kevin Boothe and QB David Carr.  Coughlin didn’t think any of the injuries were much to worry about, so we won’t get worried either.

Tags: 2007 Giants, Bryan Kehl, Chris Canty, Cliff Louis, Corey Webster, David Carr, Derek Hagan, Domenik Hixon, Fred Robbins, Giants, Giants training camp, Hakeem Nicks, Kevin Boothe, Madison Hedgecock, Mathias Kiwanuka, Mike Waufle, Rich Seubert, Rocky Bernard, Shaun O'Hara, Steve Smith, Super Bowl 42, Tiki Barber, Tom Coughlin