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A conversation with Giants DE Osi Umenyiora

A conversation with Giants DE Osi Umenyiora

By Ian Allen

1,2,3,4,5,6….I know it’s a little weird and against tradition to begin a writing with those numbers, but I can’t help it because they have a significant meaning for this week’s player.

He bull rushed, spun, chopped the hands, and executed line stunts up the middle to amass 6 sacks in one game. If you don’t know who that is, its Osi Umenyiora, pro bowl defensive end for the New York Giants. I caught up with Osi, and we talked about the 6-sack game, and about their upcoming offshore game in London England at Wembley Stadium.

In today's NFL a three sack performance is considered spectacular, but when you get 6, you have got to find out what was going through the person’s mind to get them.

I can see a lot that goes on during a game without being on the field, and watching the Giants play a couple of weeks ago against the Redskins, I could see a defensive front adjusting to Spagnuolo’s Philadelphia style defensive in which the defensive line has to be patient and allow some of the dogs and blitzes to take some of the load off.

But there comes a time when you have to allow your front four to run loose, and I asked Osi if he thought that the defensive strategy changed to allow him to go free, or was it just it was his time, and he responded by saying “anytime you have a new coordinator, its going to take a little time to adjust to their system, a lot of guys were still adapting, and now its coming together.”

He went on to explain that he was able to open up his repertoire against Winston Justice. I personally feel for Winston Justice because I cannot begin to imagine the mental anguish he was going through having accounted for a majority of those sacks. Also, I know Juan Castillo is a perfectionist when it comes to his offensive linemen at the Eagles, so the pressure to perform is always at an all time high in Eagles land, but that is still no excuse.

In regards to the international game that will be held in London, England at Wembley Stadium, between the NY Giants against the Miami Dolphins, Osi’s thoughts were more of an open minded, jet setter mentality. He explained, “it’s a good opportunity for guys to see another part of the world, and broaden their perspectives.” I really interesting feature that I did not know about Osi until this interview is that he is from London. He was born there and moved when he was around 11.

It is always good to get out of the country, but as a pro athlete, it is always good to amass 6 sacks as well with traveling. Until next time.

Ian Allen played offensive line in the NFL for six seasons, primarily with the New York Giants. He now hosts an NFL radio program on www.colourfulradio.com, Mondays, 3:00 p.m. EST