New York Giants Osi Umenyiora Breaks Promise of a Quiet Off Season
When New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora told reporters he planned on having a quiet off season, I was skeptical, and rightfully so. Osi has been anything but someone who keeps his feelings inside, and it didn’t take long for him to make headlines.
According to the NY Daily News, Osi is not OK with being the backup anymore.
“I don’t like being a backup, I can tell you that,” he said. “It worked for us last year, but I was coming off an injury or whatever. But I see myself as a starter in the NFL. I see myself as a Pro Bowl type player. That’s the way I see myself.”
Can anyone blame him for feeling that way? The guy had 12.5 sacks in 13 games last season, and nine sacks in the nine regular season games he played. Most, including myself, attribute his freshness at the end of the season as a main reason for the Giants’ terrific Super Bowl run, one that saw their defensive line look it’s best during that six game win streak.
Osi claims that he “didn’t complain” in 2011 and he’s “not complaining now,”, but he thinks he deserves to be the starter.
“I don’t like being on the bench. I’m not OK with that.”
Jerry Reese has talked about giving Osi a contract extension, but according to the Daily News report, the former Pro Bowler says no talks have begun.
“Until it happens, it’s just talk, I guess. Nothing has happened yet. Hopefully, something will get done, but you never know. Nothing’s been done, you understand? I’m happy (Reese) said that, it means a lot to me, honestly. But we’ll see where it goes.”
Unfortunately it may not go the way Osi plans. I mean I can understand the mentality of wanting to be the so-called “starter,” but Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck are both more complete players. Osi is the best pass rusher the Giants have, but he lacks the motivation on run plays.
If he is going to cause problems, Reese might decide to pull the trigger on draft day and trade him. He can find a pass rusher early in the draft to replace him while also picking up a couple extra picks, or maybe even a late first rounder.
Related Articles:
New York Giants 2012 NFL Draft Profile: Chandler Jones
New York Giants 2012 NFL Draft Profile: Jonathan Massaquoi
New York Giants 2012 NFL Draft Profile: Whitney Mercilus
New York Giants 2012 NFL Draft Profile: Nick Perry
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