Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes is on pace to score more points than anyone in NFL history ever has in one season. That’s any player — not just kickers.
Tynes, named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, has 94 points in eight games, the season’s halfway point. He’s on pace for 188 points, which would top the record for any player (LaDainian Tomlinson’s 186 points in 2006) and shatter the record for a kicker (David Akers’ 166 points last season).
“It’d take a very similar first half,” Tynes said. “I don’t know if that’s going to be duplicated.”
Tynes said he thinks the Giants’ red zone success will improve, thus limiting field goal opportunities. Either way, Tynes — widely considered the team’s most underrated player — has nailed 24 of 26 field goals and is 22-of-22 on extra points (he hasn’t missed an extra point since 2007).
The kicking record before Akers broke it was Gary Anderson’s 164 points in 1998. Paul Hornung, a halfback and kicker, scored 176 points in 1960 while kicking 15 field goals and 41 extra points — but the Packers star also had 15 touchdowns.
Tynes is certainly the NFC favorite for the Pro Bowl, which will take place the week before the Super Bowl. He knows which one he prefers.
“Hopefully I’m not playing in [the Pro Bowl],” said Tynes, who would prefer a return to the Super Bowl. “But I wouldn’t mind the honor.”
* The Giants may be down three linebackers this weekend: Chase Blackburn (hamstring) and Jacquian Williams (knee) are out, and Keith Rivers (calf) is doubtful.
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), TE Bear Pascoe (ankle) and S Kenny Phillips (knee) are questionable, though coach Tom Coughlin is “very optimistic” Phillips will play.
* Steelers star safety Troy Polamalu (calf) is out. At running back, Jonathan Dwyer (quad) and Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles’) are both doubtful, although Dwyer told the AP “it’s looking good right now” that he will play. RB Isaac Redman (ankle) is probable.
* Coughlin confirmed David Diehl will return to starting at right tackle instead of Sean Locklear.
“We brought David along trying to make sure that he was OK and that his strength was there, his confidence was there,” Coughlin said. “He started out in the same role that Sean will be in this weekend.”
* TE Travis Beckum said he believes he has a shot to be activated off PUP for tomorrow. If the Giants don’t activate Beckum before next week’s game, he will be ineligible to play this season. … DT Chris Canty earned a $15,750 fine for hitting Cowboys QB Tony Romo “with the crown of his helmet” last Sunday.