Bye, bye Plaxico -- now let's move on
by Ed Valentine on Apr 4, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
in New York Giants News
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PrintI know that there is a small, but vociferous, segment of members here at BBV who hoped desperately that the New York Giants and Plaxico Burress would find a way to patch up their relationship and get Plax back in a Giants' uniform.
I have tried to be open-minded about that, though realistically I have long held the belief that the Giants and Plax would eventually go their separate ways. That, of course, became reality Friday when the Giants released the troubled wide receiver.
It is my feeling that this was inevitable. Argue about the timing all you want, but even without the legal difficulties this was never going to work unless Burress was completely willing to acquiesce to the team-first ways of the organization, specifically coach Tom Coughlin.
Both Mike Garafolo and Ralph Vacchiano, the best Giants' beat writers in the business, are reporting that Burress had simply made it obvious to the Giants that he was not going to do that.
Here is how Vacchiano put it.
According to two people familiar with the team’s thinking, it became increasingly clear to the Giants in the past few weeks that things just weren’t going right at all.
A combination of Burress’ attitude, his agents’ actions, and what had become an increasingly nasty fight over his money led to today’s shocking decision, according to those sources.
“Jerry has said all along that if everything works out and Plax demonstrates he wants to be here with a desire to be part of this thing, (then) yes, we want him back,” said one of the sources. “Well, the fact is that we’ve been given no reason to think things will be any different in the future than they have been in the past.”
The last straw, apparently, was the arbitration hearing on Wednesday at the University of Pennsylvania where representatives from the NFL Players Association began the fight to recoup some of Burress’ lost money. The hearing was over a $1 million payment the Giants withheld from Burress after he shot himself on Nov. 29, and included arguments about future bonuses and escalators which the Giants argued Burress had forfeited due to his actions.
The Giants, according to several team and league sources, made several attempts to settle that grievance and possibly even settle the second grievance - - over his four-week suspension without pay and fine of one week’s salary - - which is scheduled to be heard by an arbitrator in June. But Burress and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have rejected all settlement attempts.
“Ultimately, Plax’s attitude is: I don’t owe them, they owe me,” one source said.
The Giants had begun to sense that attitude - - and lack of remorse - - almost from the moment they learned that Burress had shot himself in the thigh on Nov. 29. He wasn’t immediately forthcoming with them on his condition and details of the incident. And he didn’t exactly express what team officials believed was a sincere sorrow for what happened when he finally met with him a week later to announce his suspension from the team.
Burress, 31, then essentially disappeared and only maintained sporadic contact with the team at the beginning of the offseason - - which has been normal for him since he signed with the team on March 17, 2005. But the tranquility was disrupted in February when the Giants learned of an e-mail Rosenhaus sent to each of the other 31 NFL teams informing them that Burress could be available in a trade.
The Giants interpreted that as a sign that “Plax does not want to be here,” one source said. The source added “That sentiment … has been expressed consistently in the ensuing months.”
Here is the way Garafolo phrased a similar thought.
For months, the Giants had insisted they would welcome Plaxico Burress back if his legal situation worked out in his favor. So why today, with his legal issues still up in the air, did they pull the rug out from under him by releasing him?
The answer, according to someone familiar with the Giants' thinking, is Burress pushed back in his requests for a trade and in his lack of flexibility in a recent contract squabble.
The person familiar with the team's thinking, who requested anonymity because the Giants didn't give a reason for their cutting Burress in their press release, said the wide receiver's trade request through his agent Drew Rosenhaus was the most public sign of his desire not to play for the team anymore. The Giants were livid when Rosenhaus sent the e-mail to the entire league because the team had not granted permission for Burress or Rosenhaus to seek a trade.
The whole issue has reminded of what Yahoo! Sports columnist Jason Cole, co-author of Burress' book, 'Giant: The Road to the Super Bowl,' told me about Burress when I spoke with him last December.
"His one great fault is that he does not appreciate and does not give in to authority. ... He doesn't like the rules and he is willing to rebel against them."
The Giants are apparently convinced that has not, and will not, change for Burress.
So, now the Giants move on. I'm OK with it. In fact, maybe more than OK. Actually, I think I feel like today is a good day for the Giants, and for their fans.
Today is the day we put this sad chapter of Giants' history behind us for good. We no longer have to worry about what will happen with Plaxico. We no longer have to worry that, even if he did come back, he might blow up another promising season like he did 2008. We no longer have to worry that the Giants would take Plax back, and take a giant step toward becoming like the Bengals or other franchises who sell out to talent and forget about character.
Today we begin looking ahead to what will still be a bright future for the Giants, and will probably be brighter without this whole mess to worry about.
We know the Giants have a championship caliber defense. We know they are a stud wide receiver short of having a championship caliber offense.
Well, you can be sure General Manager Jerry Reese knows this, too. And Reese, we know, is one of the best GMs in the business and one of the sharpest judges of talent around.
The season does not begin tomorrow, it is several months away. Rest assured that Reese will upgrade the position either by trade for a player like Braylon Edwards of Cleveland, the draft, or both.
No matter which side of the Plaxico debate you were on, I think you still have to realize that the future is bright for this team.
As always, In Reese We Trust.
And, we will always have this moment.
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Right on Ed
Yesterday was a sad day because of the big contributions Plax made to this franchise and the great rapport he had with Eli. If Plax had learned a little humility from his situation (which I thought he would) and really wanted to be a Giant first and foremost, then this thing might have been fixed. It appears that he really didn’t learn anything and that he didn’t care to be a Giant, so it’s best for the franchise to cut ties.
As Ed says, today is a good day because the future is still bright for these Giants. I think they’re still a strong contender in the NFC without a stud receiver because they can now prepare their game plans that way (as others have been saying), where last year it took them by surprise and they didn’t adjust well. That being said, this team is one stud WR away from being the class of the entire NFL and I definitely expect that Reese will figure out a way to fill that hole.
Definitely a sad day
Plax will go down as one of the best Giants receivers ever in his brief time here. There is no way to explain in words how incredible his playing injured throughout the 2007 season was.
Like many great players who always seem to flame out, he has a few screws loose in his head. You could just imagine how good the guy would be if he just got some of these things in order.
TO be honest, the gun thing could’ve happened to anyone. I still think that Plax doesn’t carry that gun if a week earlier Steve Smith doesn’t get robbed at gunpoint. We’ll never know, but that’s my idea of why the guy was carrying, a recent event of a teammate getting robbed.
Its definitely time to move on. THey were trying to move on and let Plax make back some of his money with this new contract offer, but he refused and not he gets nothing.
The consensus
Among all is that the Giants either have to make a big trade or must draft one or more receivers/TE’s to help out Eli.
I agree with drafting guys cuz I still think the WR trade route is too costly. The Giants may not have needs now, but who knows during or after the season. YOu need to plan ahead so you don’t just give up your draft for one player, especially a guy like Edwards who hasn’t proved to be anything more than a one year guy.
We’ll obviously know more by the end of the month. I think they may draft some guys, but the WR’s on the team will be given their fair shot too. Even Sinorice Moss may get a final chance to prove something. Manningham definitely will, hopefully on some actual passing plays.
TE is probably the more likely option cuz it provides that big target that none of the considered top WR do. Guys like Barden and Patrick Turner are later round guys who may be projects. Also they aren’t even as fast or quick as guys like Shawn Nelson or Jared Cook let along as big and strong.
Draft
What you have to realize with this draft is the Giants have 10 picks. Reese has already gone on record as saying there is no way 10 rookies make this team, so that makes this the perfect year for him to give up a couple of picks to get one player he considers to be a stud. If you give up two picks, you still have 8 selections (one more than the norm), so you are hardly ‘giving up your draft.’
But
Id still rather them just trade up in the lower rounds in order to get a player they like who may have fell a bit.
If Barden or Turner is still available in the 4th rounder I rather them trade the 4th + a 5th and or 6th to get him.
You right, even if they had 5 picks that i guess would be sufficient to get WR, TE, secondary, LB and O-Line or something like that. Id still rather keep the picks and trade up. Using Later round picks to move up in that round would be fine with me.
I guess Boldin or Edwards would be nice. They have nice potential in the GIants O and they are proven. But their negatives are pretty big. Edwards may have the talent, but he only had one good year and who the hell knows if that was just an outlier. Boldin is obviously more proven, but that injury would concern me. Obviously he had no ill effects last year after he came back, but I just don’t know if Id want him considering that. I don’t think the picks are as big a deal as the gigantic contract he wants.
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 4, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Negatives
I’d say Plax’s negatives are even bigger at this point. In the end, this is why we trust JR. He knows talent better than we do, and he hasn’t steered the Giants wrong yet.
by Ed Valentine on Apr 4, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
That's no doubt of course
Reese hasn’t done anything to make me question his judgement at all. Im just speculating like Im sure you are.
Id love to have Boldin, Edwards or even Ocho Cinco on the team. They have their negatives yea, but they also have a ton of upside. Im sure Reese would have a plan on who to draft even if he gave up a few picks for these guys, so I wouldn’t sweat a thing.
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 4, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
THANK GOD IT'S OVER!!!
I said months ago that " I need to see remorse, ALOT OF REMORSE" from Plaxico and it turns out he JUST DOESN’T GET IT!!!
GOOD RIDDANCE PLAX you’re just not worth it!!! I feel relieved and I’m on the edge of my seat in excitment to see what JR comes up with next???
Jerry Reese is THE BEST thing to happen to our GIANTS in 20 years!!! Can’t wait!!!
We are screwed
The only thing that can salvage this year would be a big trade draft day. Anything short of Boldin and we are SCREWED! Theres no way Edwards with his stone hands can take Plaxico’s place!
I think "screwed"
may be a little strong, don’t you think? The Giants are smart enough to know that they still need an upgrade at WR, and I’m sure they will go out and get it. Relax, it’s April 4th, not December 4th.
The Giants will survive, and so will we.
Giants and Rangers fan from the womb to the tomb
www.blueshirtbanter.com
www.bigblueview.com
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 4, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Whoa
walk off the ledge … we’ll have a great defense and a good running game with a passing offense that can do enough to get the job done without either of those guys. Plus, I’m sure Reese has a plan to upgrade WR anyway.
As for Edwards, I’ve talked to Browns’ fans & they feel Edwards 2008 was an aberration, that was due to the turmoil at the QB position and lack of weapons there. He has one bad year and he now has stone hands? Sorry, I don’t buy it and it’s too small of a sample size to determine his career has suddenly gone down the tubes.
I'm just saying
Who knows if that was one bad year or not. Anomaly or not 2008 Edwards just won’t cut it here. Eli needs a guy who can pull the long pass out of the air, not let them bounce off his hands. It’s not even debatable, Eli needs that guy, just look at the end of last year without Plax.
Edwards
The guy had a bad year in ’08. But, many folks I respect who cover the league feel Edwards is a perfect fit for the Giants. Just let it play out. It will be fine.
by Ed Valentine on Apr 4, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Edwards is worth the chance.
Edwards is faster and nearly as big as Plaxico, not to mention that he is 5 years younger. I think his problems last year were due to injuries (being spiked/shoulder issues), he definitely improved after their Week 5 bye. Also, throw in the fact that Cleveland did not have a settled QB situation. If you don’t have QBs that are throwing the ball properly, how can you put all the blame on a WR for dropping some passes? The Giants are built to win now, and that means picking up a veteran WR. A rookie WR just won’t produce the numbers we need. A couple of picks and one of our average WRs would still leave the Giants with plenty of options in the draft and on the roster. I have a strong feeling that Edwards would thrive under the stability that the Giants aim for.
The offense
did not play well without Plax at the end of last year, but I feel it was as much to do with poor adjustments as Eli needing anyone. The Giants simply not come up with a good offensive strategy w/out Plax. Now that they have an entire offseason and preseason to prepare, the offense should be ok even without that guy and can win with the weapons they have and their great defense. They are without question an NFC contender right now, today. Admittedly to be a GREAT passing offense they will need that guy, so I am hoping that Reese makes a move to fill that hole and make the Giants the team to beat in the entire NFL.
The funny thing is
Eli had his best game by far against Seattle with no Plax and his second best game against the Cardinals, with no Plax.
During the season I was constantly saying how much better the Giants offense was WITHOUT Plax in those games. I guess it was teams like the Eagles and Cowgrills to show how much Plax actually meant, but to say Eli NEEDS that guy is false.
THey NEED to look at what the hell they did in those games that all of a sudden made Plax an afterthought. The answer is spread the frickin ball around and get everyone involved instead of focusing on one player..
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 4, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I know Seattly and Arizona
are far from good defenses like the Eagles and Cowgirls are, but they could’ve at least tried to spread the ball like they did in those games.
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 4, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Screwed?
That’s wayyyy strong. Like ‘pot’ said, come back down off the ledge. This team has a terrific defense, a great offensive line, a quality running game even with DWard gone, a winning quarterback, a great head coach and one of the best GMs in the business. We also have some talented wide receivers, though not a No.1 guy. This is a playoff team even if they don’t add another player. Oh, and the games don’t start for how many months? Relax and let it play out. Plax wasn’t going to help the ’09 Giants, anyway, with his current troubles.
by Ed Valentine on Apr 4, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, c'mon.
We still have a great team and we’ll have a great season. JR has already taken steps to shore up what he believed was what cost us those four losses at the end. I believe that the team as it now is could win the division title. There’s still plenty of time to do more to make it stronger.
having Plax was like dating a hot girl
that’s really high maintenance.
you can put up with it because you’re she’s hot but after awhile it starts to wear on you because it’s such a headace/hassle.
by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Apr 4, 2009 10:06 AM EDT reply actions
Excellent analogy
And there are other hot girls out there. There are nice-looking ones a little steadier who you can get attached to for the long-term. All will be well with the Giants.
by Ed Valentine on Apr 4, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree.
Just ask the Steelers. Did the world end when they let Plax walk? Sometimes you add by subtraction. The Giants have a lot of good alternatives, whether it be through trade or the draft. I trust the good judgment of JR and Company to fill this hole in a way that makes us a stronger team in ’09.
At this point ...
I’d rather see the G-Men go defense early in the draft with a LB, as that is the only hole on what could be a truly dominating defense, making a “manage the game” offense acceptable in 2009. Maybe Tony G. if he’s not too expensive draft choice wise for a year or two stop gap would help the red zone O, our biggest beneficiary of Plax’s unique stature in years past.
Also, I would sorely like to see a replacement for AP by next year, as he is rapidly declining in skills, and a potential bad influence – remember his comment the day after Plax dissed his thigh ? – “I’m a grown man, and I do what I want”. Birds of a feather …
Bottom line, the most amazing thing about all of this is the chip-on-the-shoulder ‘tude has not changed one bit with Plax. Giants’ “new” contract offer may not have looked good compared to the one he signed last year and promptly shot holes in … but after a stint in the pokey, a suspension, and not being available until mid-2009 to another team (at best) … no team will sign Plax until he is completely past his legal troubles, and for 2010 he will be 33 by opening day … what team is going to pay him even $5MM per year for 2-3 years ?? And if he thought the Giants’ approach of “behavior clauses” was unfair, wait until he sees all of the caveats in the next offer he sees.
Also … any potential worry of local public backlash for “making an example” of Plax that the DA might have been worried about, just went out the window. Plax not recognizing how important the Giants standing by him was to his remaining career and legal woes is just mind boggling.
Just saw this on Craig's List ...
WIDE RECEIVER (USA)
Reply to: job-4NYG-1109873426@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-04-04, 6:52AM EDT
We are a professional football team looking for a new savior/distraction. We are willing to overlook a lot for the right “package”. Attributes we are looking for are :
1) Wannabe gangbanger mentality & wardrobe.
2) Street smarts / cred. (shot someone ?, been shot ?, both at same time ?) .
3) 0-5 score max on Wunderlic testing.
4) Freakish wingspan. Boorish attitude.
5) Looks indifferent when hearing inspirational quotes like “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.
Ask for “Jerry” when replying
Rosenhaus
is smart enough to see all that you do. He must have laid it all out for Plax. So, once more it seems to go back to Plax’s personality, his apparent inability to see things the way the rest of the world (okay the overwhelming majority of it) does.
You bring up an interesting point...
Being the knuckle-head that he is, I wonder if Plax is giving Rosenhaus and his attorney the same kind of I know what I’m doing and it’s gonna go down my way attitude as he did the GIANTS?
Rosenhaus would be pissed cuz it’s costing HIM money, but his attorney is making more money the longer this goes on and says “Hey, I’m not the one going to jail!!”
In a previous post, I said that Plax was incorrigible
because he exhibited all the symptoms of ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder.) Impossible to treat an unwilling patient; very difficult a willing one at so late an age.Nothing I’ve seen from him to date suggests that the diagnosis is incorrect. Quite the contrary, everything seems to justify it. Plax has to be Plax. Plax will always be Plax.
Rosenhaus
You can’t underscore his importance throughout this process -He obviously only gets paid when/if Plax signs a new contract. Just remember that – he’s sort of a key figure in this. He’s motivated to get Plax to sign a new contract because then he gets his commish. Otherwise, if Plax just plays through his existing contract, Rosenhaus doesn’t get paid.
no problem here and I'm NO expert at contract negotiations, but...
I can’t believe that Rosenhaus (RH) didn’t feel some financial pain here. If Plax signs a 250 million dollar contract for 7 years and RH gets 10% that’s 25 mil. What if Plax breaks the contract after 2 years ( he made 50 mil) does RH still get 25 mil or 5 mil (10%) of what Plax collected? I don’t know.
Bottom line is RH is a dirty bag agent who couldn’t have help the situation by being involved. IMO
Interesting observation. Can he be that devious and calculating?
Perhaps, but in doing so, he could very well be cutting off his nose to spite his face. The idea of an agent who puts his own self interest above that of his client doesn’t shock me. Doesn’t the agent keep getting his cut as the player keeps on playing throughout the term of the contract? That’s the way it works with writers and entertainers, except for monster heavyweights like Stephen King. who doesn’t have an agent. He hires a lawyer to negotiate his contracts and pays him a one-time fee for each one.
Im starting to warm to Edwards
Because of his size, athleticism and youth and he seems like the type of player who wants to play in a place like NY…Im just wary of what Boldin can do outside of that pass happy offense and w/o Fitzgerald on the otherside b/c the Giants dont have a guy of that caliber to draw attention away from Boldin…where as Edwards did what he did largely w/o any help
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
And
Boldin is a great receiver, but can’t really fill Plax’s role on the outside. He’s more of a possession receiver with explosiveness. It seems the real need is WR that is tall and can go grab those overthrows from Eli. Edwards is simply a better fit. Plus with the Giants, Edwards will have a good supporting cast of receivers to make it easier for him.
I hadnt heard of any trade rumors about Edwards outside of this sight
So Im a bit suspicious that he’s even available
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
It's not coming from here
The Giants made an attempt to trade for him, but the price was too high. It’s out there in many places, but seemed to originate from Giants Insider:
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2009/03/report_new_york_giants_discuss.html
Boldin's rookie season
Without Fitz or Warner, he had 100 catches and 1400 yards with 11 TDs. That being said, I agree that Edwards has a less-worrisome injury history and better age.
This subject makes me think back to...
What was JR thinking when he made the statement…
“Who knows who will be the guy that steps out of the shadows for us?”
What the hell did that mean??? Who’s he thinking about to even expect someone to do that? He chooses his words carefully and didn’t say “who knows who will step up to the plate for us?”
Is it Manningham?? JR’s too smart to be expecting Moss to finally arrive after all this time. Either you got it or you don’t and Moss don’t
I dont think theres any doubt Mario will take his spot on the team
and hopefully get on the field more often….a top three of Edwards-Smith-Manningham would be great
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I think, based on Eli's comment about him, that it's Manningham.
Don’t forget about Hix, either. He didn’t get a real shot last year because the Giants really didn’t adjust the offense to cater to his strengths except for an occasional attempt at throwing him a bomb. I like the fact that he has proven he can get clear deep. Admittedly, he dropped a perfect pass, but the failures on long ball plays were mostly attributable to Eli’s poor throws.
I know it might sound absurd to most, but maybe the Giants are going to more or less stand pat re WRs. We’ll have a pretty good idea after the draft.
I think that would be a poor move
Standing pat, the current group is basically all possession receivers, Smith being the best amongst them, and one potential game breaker (Manningham), though he cant be counted on to make big plays week in and week out like Plax was,but a threat nevertheless.
I think trading is the only way to get that guy
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
We haven't even had a chance to see what we have in Manningham
to not know about counting on him week in, week out. I don’t think Blue Gonz is that crazy here. We’re a run first, spread the ball around type offense. I don’t see us becoming a NE – Tom Brady type offense real soon.
With the guys we currently have signed there’s gonna be a blood bath at the end of camp as it is. Any WR draft pick(s) will get a free pass, so who’s heads are gonna roll??
Moss, Sinorice
Will definitely be the odd man out. I just don’t know what the problem is with him. Every time they throw to him he runs a perfect button hook and fakes the CB out of his shoes. There is something the team isn’t telling us about him so I think he’s as good as gone anyway.
Also I think Hixon is gonna be placed back at return man. He had ample time to prove if he is a good receiver, he was the only one of these guys that actually got a shot and he didn’t distinguish himself. He stil may get another chance, but I think he should be back at KR instead, I miss him averaging 30 yards per return and Bradshaw isn’t the answer at return man.
I like the spreading the ball around idea. The pass O looked real good when they did this. I would rather have a whole bunch of decent options than one prime option cuz Eli locks in on him too much.
Didn't a player regret telling how they just read Eli's eyes
to make a key interception against us? My point is, you’re right on the money about Eli might look to a # 1 too much.
Camp should be intetresting as they have to fight for thier lives. I think Moss should have shown by now that he has what it takes. I’d be surprised if he makes the team. Hixon stays becuz of KR/PR.
Disagree on Hixon
I’m not sure why you say he didn’t distinguish himself, or that other guys didn’t get a chance. He actually had more reception yards and one more touchdown than Steve Smith, as well as a 13 YPC average as opposed to Smith’s 10 YPC. Smith only had about 10 more receptions, despite playing reciever in every game. Yes, Smith is the short-yardage option, but Hixon saw less action last season and racked up arguably better stats.
Right on, Rich.
Everyone seems to hold that one drop on a long bomb against him. He did wear down pretty fast. though. He got special attention and rough handling from opposing Ds. HYe was mugged on virtually every play but the refs overlooked it.
He was far from a bust. On the other hand, he didn’t look like a #1 either. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t be. I don’t think he has had a full shot at that role. On the other hand, guys like him, Cliff Branch types, willowy guys around six feet, are few and far between these days.
IMO
Hixon is going to make a great complementary burner to a #1 guy. Just the way he is built I think he can’t handle being a #1. BUT he’s still going to be a very good receiver for the Giants and he fills a much needed role … now if Eli can just hit him.
Yea that drop will always stick out
But its not like any of the other Giants receivers including Plax have always caught taht ball. It always seems that whenever Eli throws a bomb that its always dropped.
You also have to remember that Steve Smith has a syndrome where he falls as soon as he catches the ball. He probably could have doubled his yards if he could run after he catches it.
Hixon can be a good receiver. I just like him a whole lot more as a part time guy and a kick returner primarily. Id rather have 2 starters and a slot guy, then having Hixon in there I guess as our 4th guy who spells the starters for a few series. He would be great in that role IMO.
I just think that since he is so skinny and really doesn’t have that great first step to avoid the bump and run, that he would be better suited to a 4th WR/ Part time guy. ALthough hopefully that doesn’t mean that they never throw to him. Id want them to keep him involved.
Well, I did say "maybe,"
That doesn’t rule out getting s WR after the first round.
You might be right about trading as the only way to immediately have a guy capable of making big plays week in, week out. I get the feeling that the Giants are unwilling to spend the kind of money it would take to get a player like that.I also feel that they believe there are more urgent areas to address.
OH I got the maybe part for sure!!
As I said this morning, I’m just waiting to see what JR does next because the guy is so crafty, trying to predict what he will or will NOT do, is damn near impossible.
Belichik must go “DAMN!!! That was clever of him!!”
You’re right about the money, the cap thing is so screwy it’s almost impossible to ever figure what they have to spend. Some guys want BIG draft picks, WELL…
they don’t come for nothing! The bigger the talent you pick the more it’s gonna cost ya. But even then, isn’t there something about draft picks not counting entirely towards cap space; just there base pay blah,blah,blah…
I need a beer just thinkin about it, See ya!!!
The DRAFT
Boldin I feel is priority number 1…do whatever it takes and get em’ in blue
James Laurinaitis — it will be tough but if you have something left over after Boldin, make a move cause we need an LB and this kid would be great for us. I love Pierce, he’s our captain but we saw how Westbrook came out the backfield and burned him so we need more speed at the LB position.
The rest of the picks, go with lineman, and more defensive players. Lineman are the heart to any offense or defense so let’s stack up and see who makes the team.
Excellent post Ed...
You took the words right out of my mouth… LET’S MOVE ON.
Upon visiting BBV for my daily fix, I thought all I was going to read about was how stupid the Giants are for letting Plax go, or what-are-we-going-to-do-now scenarios. But I think this post coincides with how the NYG front office is feeling: “We did everything we can, it didn’t work out, we’re not going to sell ourselves off for one player, so let’s move on.”
I love Plax, he’ll always be one of my favorite players ON THE FIELD. But off the field, it’s always going to be the same story for Plax… I remember last off-season when he cried about getting a new contract and told the press he knew it wasn’t going to happen – so what happened? He inked a huge contract extension on opening day against the Redskins – the same day, and only time, he went for over 100 yards this past season. And after a 16-7 victory when Plax was being interviewed, the first thing he brings up is, any guesses? his contract extension…
Baker, you made a great point – having Plax is like dating a high maintenance girl friend… true on multiple levels.
I agree
I say to Plax thanks for all your contributions to the Giants and good luck in all your endeavors as long as they don’t conflict with the Giants’ goals.
After that I agree its time to move on. In Reese we trust, and I’m sure he’ll do the right thing.
Who knows maybe he’ll bring in a number one receiver who’ll practice with Eli in the off season as opposed to going south for the winter and hiding.
Let's not get carried away
I think the folks that are writing off Moss and relegating Hixon to return duty aren’t being very realistic. With Plax and Toomer gone, the only receivers left on the roster who saw any serious playing time are Smith, Hixon and Moss. Manningham got in for a few plays and certainly didn’t do anything to distinguish himself. If the Giants were to take Hixon and Moss out of the equation at this point they’d have Tyree and Micah Rucker and some unknown draftee to replace them. I don’t think that’s gonna happen. Sure, if the Giants trade for somebody and draft a receiver or two Moss may lose out in the competition, and hopefully Manningham will step up. But I’m pretty sure that unless they trade him, Hixon is going to be a regular part of the rotation.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Apr 4, 2009 5:08 PM EDT reply actions
Valid point TF. I didn't consider the need to be replacing Toomer too.
Still, my point was merely that by adding draft picks to the currently signed receivers, there isn’t going to be enough room in the boat for everyone. Hixon stays merely because of his kick returner skills. Moss has been tried there with little success, so he could (should IMO) be the first man thrown over-board.
p.s.
I remember Tyree. but who’s this “Micah Rucker” guy you mentioned??
Farewell
Plax has been frustrated this organization since before last season began and the Giants were right to make this move. Still, five years from now I’ll remember Plax as the guy who whooped Al Harris’ rear in the Conference Championship and the guy who was on the opposite end of Eli Manning’s epic game-winner.
I'm of the opinion
that, while Boldin would be the better pick between him and Edwards if you were to look at stats, experience, and even playing style, what needs to be mentioned is the current situation that Boldin has created with Arizona.
To go with another girlfriend analogy, I’m of the opinion that you should never date a girl who cheated on her boyfriend with you. How do you know she won’t do the same thing to you?
The same could be said about Boldin and his demand for a trade and overall “bratty” attitude over the past year. One of the contributing factors to our release of Plax was his apparent desire for a trade. Isn’t that what Boldin is doing right now?
Just a thought, In Reese We Trust.
"I'll probably go get lifted right now with Greg. Hey, and come back tomorrow and try to get another win."
-Renaldo
Two things I don't get
First, if they think all these guys — Manningham, Moss, Smith — can’t do the job, why have they spent such high picks on them in the past? Were they that far off on all of them? If so, that makes trading up all the shaker.
Second, maybe I missed this discussion, but why not trade the rights to Plax? No value given the uncertainty? Would they have to square his contract first? I gotta believe you can get a couple of third rounders for him, even not knowing what’s going to happen to him.
I am also not wild about Boldin for the reasons solanumbrella notes. I’d rather take a shot at trading up for the draft.
Like XLII, I can’t bring myself to dislike Plax, given his 2007 play down the stretch. Sort of how I feel about Jim Leyritz.
Well they already released him, which is the point of the article
so they can’t trade him. That was probably the reason they released him, cuz they wouldn’t even have gotten a 7th rounder for him cuz all 31 other teams knew that he isn’t playing until 2010. The NFL is not he NBA, so 2010 is too long to wait for a player.
And for all we know Manningham Moss Smith And Hixon are gonna be our top 4 WR. We may spend a few picks on WR, but they may lower in the depth chart.
We never saw that much in these other guys cuz Toomer and Plax were entrenched as our 1 and 2 guys. Even guys like Tyree seemed to be ahead of Sinorice Moss all these years on the depth chart.
So who knows, but in Reese we trust. Im sure he has a plan with these guys, whether its drafting a few new guys or trading up in the draft or trading for an available vet (Keyword AVAILABLE!!)
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 5, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
That's what I meant -- ie
I knew they cut him but I wondered why they couldn’t have traded him — I’m sure Reese tried, and probably it tanked for the reason you suggest. I didn’t realize it was pretty much assumed he will be out all ’09.
They definitely should try to batch a couple of picks and maybe one of the four WRs to move up and get one of the better guys — though I wonder whether they want to pay the price to move up to get the guy from T Tech or the guy from Missouri. I’m not wild about Edwards — I saw him drop too many last year. And Boldin bugs me for the reasons discussed above.
Yea but actually out of all these scenarios
I kinda like getting Nicks or Britt, plus also a pass-Catching TE (big guy) like Jared Cook or even Shawn Nelson, and also a later round guy like Ramses Barden or Patrick TUrner (Barden may be rising up teh boards tho.)
If we get 3 of these guys, Id like what they’d bring to the offense. Id say getting 3 of these is a whole lot better than trading up for Crabtree or Maclin or even Harvin. I like boldin or Edwards but they have their problems too and also may not even be available.
You get these 3 guys, but also give the guys already here a chance, and we have a whole lof of guys to choose from. If they beat out guyts like Sinorice Moss, there is nothing keeping the Giants from cutting him.
I get a lot of negatives on the TE pick, but let me ask you to look at the Cowgirls pick in the 2nd round of Martellus Bennett and what he was to their offense. He didn’t get at whole lot of looks and Witten was unquestionably the #1 guy, but Bennett is gonna be a very valuble weapon for them and Id love to have a guy like that on the team in addition to boss. Darcy Johnson and Matthews are NOT that dude.
by FreeBradshaw on Apr 5, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
FB, "...for all we know...," etc.
I’ve been thinking (not predicting, mind you) the same way. So far, that seems a viable scenario (among many.) That’s what makes this year’s draft so much fun—so many picks offer so many possibilities. There’ll be a lot of action and surprises forthcoming.
Good point I hadn't seen raised
before in your first par.
To clarify:
Good point, 1st par refers to providence post.
Anyone else notice this?
Thanks to Plaxico’s incident and Toomer’s retirement we are left with Dominik Hixon as our #1 WR. I don’t know abot you guys but I think we need to shop for someone like Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards. With one of those guys at the #1 reciever slot and Hixon as a solid #2 plus Manningham as a #3, we would have the best set of recivers in the division. But if we don’t sign one of them we could be too run dependant next year. That all said Eli’s a great QB and he will put up some numbers with any set of recivers we have.
by subliminalnirvanaist on Apr 5, 2009 6:08 PM EDT reply actions
I don't think we'll
become too run dependent at all. I think even if they make none of those trades that they’ll be fine. Even if we bring in a bunch of rooks at WR and TE in edition to our guys already there, I think we’ll just have to make adjustments in the passing game.
We relied on Plax and toomer for so long so now we have to develop some guys. Steve Smith and Hixon already have a bit of experience, so they very well may be our 1 and 2 guys going into camp. Its not Fitzgerald and Boldin, but they are usable.
Give Eli a full camp with these guys and maybe they develop some chemistry. Maybe even Gilbride gets his head out of his ass and calls the same play that works more than once a season…….
My prediction for next season
NFC East:
1. Giants 12-4
2. Eagles 10-6,
3. Cowboys 10-6,
4. Redskins 7-9
by subliminalnirvanaist on Apr 5, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions
Overly Optimistic?
As a young Giant fan and my father and his friends, who are older Giants fans, have once told me that no matter how good or bad the Giants may seem before the season, you always predict 8-8. When they are really good, they always seem to tank, when they are really considered weak, they always surprise.
The SB year was incredible, but no one predicted even 10-6 let alone SB cuz of new defensive coordinator, D being horrible in the beginning of the year etc. Also, no one came close to thinking they’d be as good as they were last year, going 12-4.
So while I know it as much as anyone the Giants look real good next season, before you predict that they repeat last season’s record, think about our history first.
UNFORTUNATELY...
You are very correct in your last post…
IF “Gilbride gets his head out of his ass…”
we can still be a very good offense.
Stuck where it is NOW, we could be in for alot more agonizing games!!!
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