GIANT NOTES The Giants found out yesterday that they will be without the services of Robert Harris for the remainder of the season.
A starting defensive tackle, Harris was supposed to be out for at least a month because of a fractured fibula in his right leg, but an examination of Harris revealed an unstable right ankle.
A starter the past five years, Harris was hurt Oct. 24 against the Saints and yesterday had surgery to stabilize his right ankle. His season ends with 13 tackles and one sack. Harris will be replaced on a permanent basis by Christian Peter, who the past few weeks has made a name for himself with his aggressive, effective play.
In his second start last week at Philadelphia, Peter had his hand in on two huge plays. First, he blocked a field-goal attempt by the Eagles’ Norm Johnson – a play that got Peter the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award – and then played a part in the game-deciding play. Peter deflected a Doug Pederson pass in overtime that landed in the hands of teammate Michael Strahan for what became a game-winning 44-yard interception return for a touchdown.
“I’ve got an opportunity to continue starting and keep performing,” Peter said. “We’ll see what happens. Playing with Michael, Keith Hamilton and Jessie [Armstead], these guys are the best guys in the game. That makes me want to try harder. Nobody wants to let those guys down.”
The Giants use a defensive line rotation, and without Harris in the mix there will be more work for George Williams and possibly even rookie Ryan Hale. As much as the loss of Harris cuts into the depth, there is little fear among the Giants that Peter can handle an increased load.
“He’s not the most talented guy, but what he doesn’t have as far as talent he brings other things to the table,” Hamilton said. “Hustle, mentality. When all is said and done I feel very safe going to war with him.” *
LB Jessie Armstead’s goal of being the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year was helped yesterday when he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October. Armstead led the NFC with five sacks and had 41 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble as the Giants went 4-1 in October.
After practice and a film session, the Giants made quick get-aways for a rare three-day weekend off. Many players scattered in different directions. Jim Fassel said he and his wife Kitty will spend time at the Jersey shore.
Before going their separate ways, Fassel addressed the Giants, who are 5-3 at mid-season and face the high-scoring Colts and Redskins the first two games after the bye. “We fought hard and we positioned ourselves to take care of our own,” Fassel said.
The Giant coach said he’s studied the offensive problems and says he will do some things differently in the second half. Two possibilities are more use of the no-huddle offense and four wide-receiver sets.
