New York Giants' notebook, 10.03.08

by Ed Valentine on Oct 3, 2008 11:00 AM EDT in News Comment 7 comments

So, still wondering who would step up as a leader on the New York Giants defense -- on the field and off -- with Michael Strahan gone? Try Justin Tuck, who is playing at a Pro Bowl level -- and seemingly taking charge in the locker room.

Listen to what Tuck had to say about the Plaxico Burress suspension.

"I can't speak for Plaxico, but as a team it's indicative of our coaches trying to make a statement as far as every guy on this football team is equal and I think [Tom Coughlin] got his point across. I hope he got his point across."

No excuses for Burress. No questioning the decision to suspend. Just a finger pointed directly at Burress for messing up.

Leadership like that is a primary reason why I don't believe the Burress situation will fracture the 'team above self' commitment the Giants have made.

Without Burress, both Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham are likely to get some playing time. Both say they are ready.

"This is my opportunity," Moss said Wednesday.

"I'm ready to go out there and make plays and help my team win," Manningham said Thursday.

Domenik Hixon says he is still affected by last season's collision with Kevin Everett.
Giants' defensive linemen are sticking together.
Julius Jones says Seattle's plan to beat Giants includes "hitting them in the mouth."

NOTE: Special treat this afternoon. I have a '5 Questions' for you with Star-Ledger Giants writer Mike Garafolo -- for my money the best of the beat writers. So, be sure to stop back.

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The Tuck statement

to me speaks volumes. It tells me that Justin Tuck is stepping into the leadership void left by 92’s retirement nicely. I also think it says that maybe under the surface, Giant players are a little ticked at Plax for putting them in the position of having to constantly answer these questions, and to have to play a big game without their best weapon.

I am hoping Plax comes out of this better, and I think the Giants as a whole will be just fine. Just putting a little oil on a squeaky cog in the machine.

Giants fan from the womb to the tomb

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 3, 2008 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Julius Jones

Should know by now that the Giants aren’t the Rams or Niners, the Giants will hit back.

Giants fan from the womb to the tomb

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Oct 3, 2008 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

wait, wait...

sinorice moss is still on the team?

by kendynamo on Oct 3, 2008 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

And all jokes aside you had better hope he makes a play or two on Sunday.

by Ed Valentine on Oct 3, 2008 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good article on Hixon.

I like this kid. Now both on and off the field.

April in CA

by peytonsthebest on Oct 3, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

And I expect that he’ll be the one to step & make plays this week. I have little faith in Moss & just don’t know what to expect from Manningham yet. Hixon has shown that he can step & he’s a legitimate big play threat.

by potroast on Oct 4, 2008 7:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs