Enquirer wire services

MIAMI - The New York Giants could become the first team in NFL history to use a first-round draft pick on a long snapper after what they went through this year.

OK, that's not really true, but bet the Giants will pay a premium - a higher pick than normal or a little more money than usual - to fill a job that when done right, goes unnoticed.

After going through three snappers, the Giants finished this season with 41-year-old Trey Junkin coming out of retirement for a playoff game. Junkin blew two snaps on field goals in the fourth quarter of New York's 39-38 loss at San Francisco.

A SAD GOODBYE: The NFL said goodbye to one of the legendary figures in the game when Boston Globe reporter Will McDonough died.

McDonough was not only one of the greatest ever in his field, he was classy beyond belief.

Last season, for instance, McDonough set up an interview between a young reporter and Bill Parcells, just as a favor.

STUPIDITY: After seeing one incident after another in which players have lost their cool this season, you have to wonder how coaches keep their sanity.

The latest example is what Giants safety Shaun Williams did in the final minute of the loss to the 49ers. Williams reacted to the taunts and pushes of San Francisco wide receiver Terrell Owens, twice offsetting 15-yard penalties against Owens.

Those penalties could have had the 49ers kicking off from the 7-yard line. Instead, the 49ers kicked off at the 30, and the Giants still got the ball out to midfield.

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