NFL - Sports Rumors

Tue Jun 10, 2008 9:15 am EDT

Tuck: 'I'm not trying to replace Michael Strahan'

By Joe Zedalis

Justin Tuck

Getty Images

What does the retirement of Michael Strahan do for the immediate future of the New York Giants ' defensive line?

"We're going to be all fighting for that locker," Justin Tuck joked Monday.

The coveted corner locker will soon be vacated and it would be fitting if Tuck moved in his belongings. Unless the Giants have some wild personnel scenario up their sleeve, Tuck is the logical choice to move into Strahan's starting left defensive end spot according to the New York Post.

"Pressure? No," Tuck said. "I'm smart enough to realize there's only one Strahan and there will always only be one Strahan. I'm not trying to replace Michael Strahan. I'm just trying to fill in and do my best to help this football team win. I'm not pinning that pressure on my back, as far as going out there and getting 22 sacks in a season."

Tuck in fewer defensive snaps last season actually had more sacks (10) than Strahan (nine) and is considered a rising star. The Giants adore his ability but loved him in the swing role on the line, moving inside to tackle in passing situations and filling in for Strahan and Osi Umenyiora at end. That luxury is gone.

Source: New York PostNew Window

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22 Comments

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  1. Brandon D
    1. Posted by Brandon D Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:28 pm EDT

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    The Giants can always shift M.Kiwanuka back to End and keep Tuck in his swing role at DE/DT, moving Kiwanuka back to LB when Tuck is running in Strahan's old spot. The team was smart enough to stockpile talent over the years and there shouldnt be much of a dropoff, if any at all, along the line.
  2. Maximus
    2. Posted by Maximus Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:20 pm EDT

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    U the best to do it STRAHAN u will be missed for this yr repeat.
    LETS GO BIG BLUE!!!!!
  3. pookie
    3. Posted by pookie Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:54 pm EDT

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    Yeah, Understand how tuck's feeling but part of a job! Every player will spot that postive. Don't worry about MIcheal Stranhan's things. Let's he go and fun with get on a new life.
  4. CJ
    4. Posted by CJ Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:20 pm EDT

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    Renaldo Wynn should help with the rotation as well, Giants are loaded w/ talent as Brandon said. Strahan will always be appreciated by NY fans, but I think we are seeing two stars in the making in Tuck and Osi!
  5. jho
    5. Posted by jho Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:44 pm EDT

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    Can we say Ewing effect part II? Giants look like they're putting themselves in good position for SB XLIII
  6. techman255
    6. Posted by techman255 Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:59 pm EDT

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    Justin Tuck eats Tom Brady's children
  7. thomasg.
    7. Posted by thomasg. Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:08 pm EDT

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    #7 you are as sick as tyson.
  8. DALLAS MORNING NEWS
    8. Posted by DALLAS MORNING NEWS Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:26 pm EDT

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    I must say, that wonderful Superbowl rocked! Great back and forth play, suspense galore, and the G-Men punishing Pearl Drops Brady like the girly-man he really is!
    What an awesome finish! Best Superbowl in a long long time!
  9. Joe Giant
    9. Posted by Joe Giant Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:15 pm EDT

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    Tuck is a freak! I think he is going to dominate for a long time. Let's go after Jason Taylor, that would be a great addition.
  10. Marty
    10. Posted by Marty Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:52 pm EDT

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    jason taylor is too expensive for a 1 year player. why not use the money to lock up the guys we have or get a few pieces to fill in when/where needed
  11. Joe Giant
    11. Posted by Joe Giant Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:15 pm EDT

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    Marty,
    They were planning on paying Strahan 8 mil, why not Taylor?. I think he would be a great fit and he's hungry for a SB.
  12. Steve M
    12. Posted by Steve M Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:25 pm EDT

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    Michael will be back. He just doesn't look forward to training camp but come August the fire's will start burning. Anyway, he's gotta come back to try to help the G-men repeat!
  13. jay dee
    13. Posted by jay dee Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:37 pm EDT

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    i cant beleive that strahan is gone :'( im really gunna miss him, but i think that osi will b able to take over, e is more than qualified.............i hope he comes bac
  14. FairlyHonestBob
    14. Posted by FairlyHonestBob Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:28 pm EDT

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    Tuck is a quality player. I think the Giants will still have a worthy D without Strahan.
  15. Fartface McNutsack
    15. Posted by Fartface McNutsack Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:53 pm EDT

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    good to see strahan retire on top, i hate seeing good players stick around too long and then watch them fade into mediocrity...
  16. so_you_think_you_can_troll
    16. Posted by so_you_think_you_can_troll Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:34 pm EDT

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    I'm glad MY last name doesn't rhyme with a profane word.
  17. Todd W
    17. Posted by Todd W Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:14 pm EDT

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    then why bring it up?
  18. Ryan K
    18. Posted by Ryan K Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:57 pm EDT

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    Life without Strahan won't be the same. I do hope that Tuck can fill the shoes, but remember how bad the D was when Strahan was playing himself into shape last year. I hope the run to the title was the training the Giants needed for life without Mike. But we lost Tiki last year and went all the way. This is Eli's team now...he's going to have to carry them as a player and as a leader.
  19. Bleeding_Blue
    19. Posted by Bleeding_Blue Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:40 pm EDT

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    We will miss you Michael, you were a huge asset to our team, and your contributions will not be forgotten.
    We Love Ya Mike!!!
    GO GIANTS!!! BIG BLUE BABY...19-0 DENIED!!!!!!!!!!
  20. nygfan
    20. Posted by nygfan Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:49 pm EDT

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    we need to call big Bill and make a play for taylor
  21. Blu since 52
    21. Posted by Blu since 52 Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:31 pm EDT

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    Strahans leadershiped will be missed more than his not being on the field. He was a natural leader that held this team together not just thru his play but by his constant positive attitude and desire. He will be missed but his spirit will stick with lots of these players. GO BIG BLUE !!!
  22. Lou R
    22. Posted by Lou R Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:46 pm EDT

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    They can still move Tuck inside on obvious passing downs, and have Mathias Kiwanuka put his hand on the ground. And then play Tuck at LE and Kiwi at SLB the rest of the time.

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