After a disappointing 7-9 straight up (SU) record last season, the frustration felt by the New York Giants has boiled over into this year's training camp.
The Giants saw four fights during practice in their first week of camp, which is fairly standard for many NFL training camps. However, there was nothing standard about the dining hall brawl between rookie tight end Jeremy Shockey and third-year linebacker Brandon Short Tuesday night.
Short reportedly pounded Shockey, sending chairs and tables flying, because the LB didn't like the rookie's singing show he was required perform in front of the team.
Fortunately no-one was injured because New York is dealing with a wounded lineup as they get set to face the expansion Houston Texans Monday night in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
The Giants will enter the contest with a gaping hole in their offensive line, as starting right guard Jason Whittle (hamstring) and starting center Dusty Zeigler (knee) will both be out of the lineup.
Cornerback Jason Sehorn (knee) and linebacker Dhani Jones (hamstring) will also be sidelined for the contest. And second-round draft pick WR Tim Carter (back) and third round selection, tackle Jeff Hatch (back), are also out.
Houston has been much more fortunate during its camp, and the team has no injuries to report.
New York has played its way to a horrible 1-7 SU pre-season record over the past two seasons. The Giants only covered the number twice in those eight matchups and they don't appear to be too worried about it.
Coaches Jim Fassel and Dom Capers have been freely exchanging information all week about rosters, formations and game plans in an effort to make the game "run smoother", according to Fassel.
The Giants haven't had the advantage of watching game tape on the first-year Texans. The only experience Houston has playing together in a game-type situation came on Friday in a scrimmage with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys manhandled the Texans, as the rookie team continues to feel its way around.
Houston might be a new team, but the club has a host of experience, as all of the defensive starters have played on playoff teams in recent years. Most of the offensive players are also veterans, with the exception of QB David Carr.
Carr was the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft. The former Fresno State pivot racked up 4,299 yards and 42 touchdowns with seven interceptions in his final year of college. He also picked up the Johnny Unitas Award for his efforts.
Carr's reported weakness has been his release, which he's been working on intensely during the off-season and training camp. He'll get the start in Monday's game in what will be his first taste of NFL action after signing his blockbuster $46 million deal.
Houston should have a respectable offense with the help of speedy receiver Jermaine Lewis, who formerly played for the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis is also a force on special teams, as he led the league with 519 punt return yards last year.
At the helm for the Texans is Capers, who coached the Carolina Panthers to the best season by a first-year expansion team in 1995 (7-9). He says he's keeping the game plan simple Monday night, knowing his offense will need time to gel.
The Giants are hoping for a more successful season this year after finishing last year by losing four of their last six games SU. They also took their supporters to the cleaners, dropping the cash in eight of their last 11 tilts of the year.
Kerry Collins will once again take the snaps for New York. He finished last season with a dismal 57.7 completion percentage and threw a sloppy 15 interceptions to his 19 touchdowns.
New York had the ninth ranked offense last season with 332.6 yards per game and the 13th ranked defense, which allowed 310.1 yards per game.
Like many pre-season games, the starters won't be too busy Monday night, as they are expected to play just one quarter.
Oddsmakers have the Giants as three-point favorites and the 'total' is set at 30.
My Pick: Texans +3