Jonathan Goff inherits Antonio Pierce's role on radio

Former Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce was fiery on the field and didn't hold much back verbally off the field, either. In terms of personality type, his replacement in the middle, Jonathan Goff, admittedly is at the opposite end of the spectrum. But he will have the radio receiver in his helmet and be making all the defensive calls this season just as Pierce did in the past.

Pierce's teammates often praised his knowledge of opposing offenses and ability to make sure everyone on defense was in the right spot, and Goff believes he can duplicate that skill. "Absolutely," Goff said after practice Friday. "It comes with the territory. It's a 'Mike' linebacker's responsibility to relay the calls and make sure we get in the right checks and make sure we have everybody lined up in the right spots.

"I've been playing the 'Mike' linebacker since college. This is by no means college, but it's still the same concept. I'm pumped up about it. It's Week 1. I'm ready to go."

Going against run-oriented Carolina, which stampeded over the Giants, 41-9, last season in the final game at old Giants Stadium, Goff will have plenty of opportunity to display his fiery side against 1,000-yard rushers DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. "I welcome the challenge," Goff said. "I'm looking forward to it."