Views: What I'm thinking about this week

by Ed Valentine on May 31, 2009 7:00 AM EDT in Valentine's Views Comment 27 comments

Here are some random thoughts on the Giants and a few other topics for this week.

I really hate to agree with the Eagles' fans, but I think this whole 'Domenik Hixon is better than DeSean Jackson' argument is silly on the part of Giants' fans. Our man 'cjmulrain' nailed the reasoning in his comment on the post (I knew there was a reason I hired the guy). If you missed his comment, here it is. It's dead-on accurate, even though I love Hixon.

Hixon is 4 years older than Jackson. If we’re talking about who’s going to be better this season, I’d say it’s probably a 60/40 bet that it’s Jackson. If we’re talking about who’s going to have a better career, you’d be absolutely crazy not to go with Jackson. I don’t like it, but the guy produced more in his rookie year than Hixon has in 4 years. I know a big part of it is b/c he got more opportunities than Hix did, but there’s a reason for that, you know.

I think everyone should thank former Giants and Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton for his Brett Favre-ripping rant the other day. If you haven't seen it, here is some of it.

"I think it’s despicable. What he put the Packers through last year was not good," said Tarkenton, who played for the Vikings from 1961-66 and again from 1972-78. "Here’s an organization that was loyal to him for 17, 18 years, provided stability of organization, provided players. It just wasn’t about Brett Favre. In this day and time, we have glorified the Brett Favre’s of the world so much, they think it’s about them. He goes to New York and bombs. He’s 39 years old. How would you like Ray Nitschke in his last year [playing for] the Vikings, or I retire, and go play for the Packers? I kind of hope it happens, so he can fail."

"He told the Packers [after 2008 that], ‘I’m retiring,’" Tarkenton said. "They’ve got to move on. They’ve got to go through their offseason plan, their workouts, they go with the other quarterback [Aaron Rodgers], who is a good player, and then [Favre] comes back and says, ‘I think I want to play.’ … You build your team in the offseason. Everybody knows that. It’s about team. It’s not about Brett Favre. So he goes and runs up to the Jets, doesn’t even dress in the locker room with the players. Has a separate facility. Playing quarterback is about the relationships you have with your coaches, with your players, with your trainers, with your managers. How can you do that if you show up on gameday and you haven’t put the time in. And now he’s trying to do it again in Minnesota. And if Minnesota bites, God bless them."

Amazing, amazing forthright slam job on Favre. Good stuff, Fran!

I think, no, I know I am less than thrilled with Tarketon's calling Eli Manning "just a guy." Yep, just a guy with a Super Bowl ring you were never able to win, Fran!
We talked about new Giants' defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan last week. I think there is only way Sheridan can screw up the Giants' defense in 2009 -- and that's by putting the shackles on that immensely talented group and not letting his front seven attack the quarterback. I don't think that is going to happen.
The Eli Manning-Tony Romo comparisons got tossed around at BBV last week. I think for their to be a real comparison Romo will first have to accomplish something -- other than being a celebrity, that is -- for their to be a valid comparison at all.
If you're a sports fan I think you have to love the story of Kevin Laue, the one-handed young man who recently accepted a basketball scholarship to Manhattan College.
Hot girl comment of the week: I love 'House,' but Olivia Wilde (Thirteen) as No. 1 on Maxim's 'Hot 100?' Are you kidding me? Especially when the gorgeous Jennifer Morrison (Cameron) is No. 69? I have a major problem with that.

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Sorry Ed

I still think you, CJ, and all the Eagles fans are still wrong about Hixon vs. Jackson at least for now.

Tucker Fred came found a nice analysis of total value for WR, and apparently Hixon blows away Jackson.

That Hixon got his first opportunity in year 4 and Jackson his rookie year and was better makes him better couldn’t be farther from the truth.

From one of my favorite draft, 2004, you got Michael Clayton and Wes Welker. Clayton’s first year had 80 catches and 1000+ yds, now look at him. Welker wasn’t much more than a kick returner, now look.

There are more cases than I care to look into of WR having good first seasons, then falling off. And there are many cases of special teams guys, Derrick Mason is another, who become solid WR.

Not saying it happens in this case, but its too early to just say right away this is dumb that Hixon could be better AND HAVE A BETTER CAREER TOO!!

NFL careers are short, Hixon and Jackson could end up retiring in the same year or Hixon could last longer. It really doesn’t matter who’s been playing for longer, especially since Hixon is only 2 YEARS OLDER than Jackson.

Just be careful when you decide to agree with Eagles fans. They may be right, but right now to be definitive and say one’s better is wrong.

by FreeBradshaw on May 31, 2009 8:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You're entitled to your opinion

I just believe that Hixon has to prove it, which he hasn’t yet.

by Ed Valentine on May 31, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not just a matter of stats

When comparing the career prospects of specific players, one should take into account their potential for durability as well.

Hixon is built like an NFL wide receiver. Jackson is a wispy 5’10, 175 pounds. I wonder about his ability to withstand the rigors of the NFL game, long-term.

by knickfan on May 31, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hixon

Thing is, I love the guy. I just don’t think he has done enough to win a comparison w/Jackson at this point. Eventually, who knows?

by Ed Valentine on May 31, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But

Jackson really hasn’t done enough either…….

by FreeBradshaw on May 31, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow, really?

62 rec, 912 yards as a rookie is enough for now. Key words being for now. He broke rookie recieving records and these stats are facts. It’s difficult to base an argument when you have facts vs. speculation. Maybe if Hixon played in more games he COULD have had better numbers. Would he? maybe. Did he? no. He is a back up obviously because the coaches of the Giants (who probably know more about his skill level than all of us) gets paid millions of dollars to make those judgements. I’m willing to bet that if Coughlin were offered a straight up trade hixon for jackson, he would. I will also go as far as to say IMO he would play more, get better numbers, and the fans would be happy to acquire him. That’s all speculation though.

I mean hixon has had his chances. He’s been in the league for four years. Most good receivers have put up solid numbers by their 4th season, and even greater receivers are putting up rookie numbers like desean. Will he be a great receiver? who knows. I know is it’s hard for you all to agree with us…. but i’ll take facts over speculation any day.

Eagles.

by #1EaglesFan on May 31, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doofussessessess

I agree with you on Hixon. As much as Iike him, he has yet to prove anything to warrant even a comparison to Jackson.

Fran Tarkenton is an infomercial pitch man, who’s relevance has long left the building, along with his ability to analyze anything associated with football.

The Maxim 100 is absolute proof that the ratio of heterosexual men involved with the selection process is way biased towards the non side. No offense to gay men, but having one choose which women are hot is akin to letting a vegan pick out your cut of beef.

The Eli vs. Romo comparison is proof that we are starved for anything resembling real news from the NFL front. Tony, the only thing you’ve really accomplished is to get to wear a Star on your helmet, an overrated “honor”, in and of itself, in the opinion of anyone who is not a Cowboys fan.

Bleeding Blue since 1962

by sunlion333 on May 31, 2009 8:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

IMO

Jackson has shown he has the potential to be a top flight receiver. That’s all, one season doesn’t a reputation make. I do think he’ll be very good if he keeps his ego in check.

Hixon has shown he is an excellent returner and is developing into good receiver, maybe even a consistent starter. I think he’ll be a good receiver for several more years but will leave the Giants because of the logjam at WR.

by TerraByte on May 31, 2009 9:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Football outsider

Maybe some of you Hixon doubters would be interested to see where the sophisticated stat gurus at football outsiders rank Hixon’s performance versus Jackson’s last year. http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/wr2008

Their analysis shows that Hixon was more productive last year than Jackson by a pretty good margin. I didn’t look at this until today, and it actually makes a stronger case than I was able to make with my paltry statistical analytical skills. You can ignore the stats or quibble with them, but in the end, the argument that Jackson is currently performing at a superior level is a purely subjective one.

by Tucker Fredrickson on May 31, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Doubters

Tucker, I’m not really a ‘doubter.’ You can use those FO numbers to make your case, and you have. Reality is, though, that in four years in the NFL Hixon has not accomplished as much as a receiver as Jackson has in one. Now, after the ’09 season it would be fun to re-visit this again and see what the numbers say.

by Ed Valentine on May 31, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, what would be really fun...

…Would be to compare 2 comparable things : Compare D.Jackson’s 4th season with Hixon’s 4th season ? Because we all know how comparing both of their first years into the league would look like.

And for the Welker vs Clayton comparison… For every example of receiver not doing anything their first 3 years then becoming good, valuable NFL WRs, I can find something like 20 examples of WR getting 800 yards in 4 seasons in the NFL, and never being more than 3rd or 4th WR for the rest of their career, or even dropping out of the NFL. So beware when using examples.

Hixon maybe was the best WR last year (Not sure about best player, D.Jackson had some very good returns), but he was in his 4th year. D.Jackson was in his rookie year…

by bubqr on May 31, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's there to "doubt"?

I believe Hixon will become a fine receiver, but he may never get the chance on this team to really shine. We have alot of talent waiting to surface and he’s only one of many and, sizewise, has a definite ceiling. I’m pretty sure that by the end of the season he will be relegated to the returner role.

IMO Nicks will crack the starting lineup before the end otf the year(the Giants don’t spend a 1st rd pick on anything other than QB to ride the pine), Manningham will either shine or be another Sinorice Moss and the jury is still out on what Barden will become. Smitth is with us for the long hall as, at least, our 3rd WR. Moss has to have a monster camp to even stick.There is still the spectre of Rucker to deal with, as well.

either way, we shall see once camp rolls around and we get into the season as an injury can change everything.

Bleeding Blue since 1962

by sunlion333 on May 31, 2009 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Stirred up some debate

Hey Ed, at least I stirred up some discussion with all this. It’s been a very spirited debate. Probably time for me to move on to other topics though. I never meant to become the president of the Domenik Hixon fan club. I was just tired of hearing the overhype I get in Philly about Jackson and I love how passionate Eagles fans get when you question their cherished beliefs.

by Tucker Fredrickson on May 31, 2009 11:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sure

It’s been a spirited debate, and it stayed friendly. So, that’s good stuff.

by Ed Valentine on May 31, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Taking it away from the Hixon Jackson debate

I can’t believe michelle obama is on the hot 100… shouldn’t that be reserved for the hottest women in america? michelle obama is an attractive woman but shes not hot 100 worthy.

President of the Ramses Barden Fan Club

Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on May 31, 2009 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Can't we keep both Doctors on the roster, too?

by TerraByte on May 31, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Umm ...

Yeah, that’s kind of a weird thing.

by Ed Valentine on May 31, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what I don't understand

is why Wilde is #1 while also being #97? I think Mila Kunis is the same type of thing.

These fruit loops can rank these 100 girls all they want, I’ll take #100 any day of the week!

by FreeBradshaw on May 31, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

maxim still exists?

All of the mets fans hope that we will not see the bad news mets ever again.

by kendynamo on May 31, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Back on the topic of Jackson/Hixon

I think that Ed is right.. DeSean Jackson is the better player. Teams scheme around Jackson and I don’t think you can say the same thing about Hixon at this point. Will Jackson be as durable as Hixon? Possibly not. But we can’t think of what might happen in the future. DeSean Jackson is an electrifying player in all aspects and you can’t say the same thing about Hixon to this point.

President of the Ramses Barden Fan Club

Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on May 31, 2009 5:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I simply do not understand all this Hixon adoration around here

Hes an overachiever, hes never going to do anything of substance for this team

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.

by bren on May 31, 2009 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Whoa!

Never going to do anything of substance? What? Now I know how I came down in the Hixon/Jackson argument, but that is way, way off base. Have you watched him as a return man? He’s one of the best in the business? He is also a deep threat, just not a polished one yet or a guy you can call a No. 1 type. But, that’s way too negative.

by Ed Valentine on May 31, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Call it what you will

Im sure opponents stay up late at night shivering at the thought of Domenik Hixon……Domenik Hixons dont lead teams to championships….he’s a flash in the pan, I dont see how Im the only one thinking this

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.

by bren on May 31, 2009 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Always one in a crowd

I was waiting for the totally irrational blanket statement. You didn’t dissappoint. I guess we should cut him now. Thanks. I’ll call Jerry right away. I know he was waiting on your esteemed opinion.

Ed, you knew it was coming, eventually. The fact that he’s barely acheived, yet he’s an “overacheiver”. I sincerely hope that bears out to be true at some point but, really?

Bleeding Blue since 1962

by sunlion333 on May 31, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you don't have to cut him

The world needs ditch diggers and backup wide receivers too

by queler on May 31, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Typical over valuling of ones own players

And ive been a Giants fan my whole life; what makes this guy so special? He might as well be Thomas Jones or Chris Calloway or that Alford dude from Purdue we had….he doesnt have the physical tools to be a difference maker.

If you think he can be a return man, thats one thing, but youre drastically over estimating this guys ability, and if youre relying on him to be anything more than a third receiver, then youre in a world of trouble

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.

by bren on May 31, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A barely acheived overacheiver, and---

a flash in the pan who has yet to flash.
I wonder why no one has mentioned his praying mantis stance at the line of scrimmage. If he remains a starter or becomes a star, how many will imitate that posture?
Another thing no one has mentioned is how often he gets mugged by DBs. He has to learn to get away from them.
I love his speed and think he has a lot of upside potential. As I said in an earlier post, only time will tell how good he’ll be. The upcoming season will tell us a lot.
As for comparisons with Jackson, IMO there are too many variables and it’s far too early to do anything more than guess. Jackson’s shiftier. It looks like Hix is faster.

by blue gonz on May 31, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs