Best WR trio in the league

by jmark82 on Nov 1, 2010 11:01 AM EDT

I know this has been talked about; in fact, I think Ed mentioned it a bit ago but the Giants have the best trio of receivers in the league, hands down.

Steve Smith, even as a rookie, showed that he could be Eli's favorite target. I'm sure you all can remember that critical final drive in Super Bowl XLII when the Giants faced a 3rd and 11 at around the Patriots' 30 yard line. He showed hands, guts, smarts and quickness to be able to avoid Meriweathers' hit long enough to get to the marker and get out of bounds. Since then, Plaxico shot himself, went to prison, and Hakeem Nicks has emerged.

Hakeem Nicks showed flashes his rookie season towards the latter end when he merited some playing time. He showed hands, speed and an ability to fight through arm tackles. He demonstrated good down field vision and used his blockers well. He was often able to turn a simple swing pass into a 20, 40, or 60 yard reception. As this breakout season demonstrates, it was no fluke. He's tough to contain in single coverage and, depending on the matchup, he's a sure thing a lot of the time.

Manningham is very capable of making big plays and even though he isn't a huge part of this offense, it doesn't mean he couldn't be. He's relatively smaller than the other two and has a harder time fighting off press coverage; however, with Nicks and Smith receiving every play double coverage, it leaves a swift and agile receiver man to man on a 3rd CB or vulnerable safety at all times. The guy's going to find some plays to be made and he's got the ability to convert.

Here's the kicker...

In the beginning of the season, coverage was always rolling towards Steve Smith. You'd often see a linebacker on the inside or a safety over top with the cornerback in order to limit the balls thrown his way. Since the emergence of Hakeem Nicks, the opposing DC cannot figure out who to limit. So, every passing play the Giants have, there is going to be some one or some area on the field that we can exploit for gain. If our offensive line continues to play like they have, the Giants are a better team than the team that won the Super Bowl a couple years ago.

There is no team that has the trio of playmakers the Giants have at WR. The Colts were close until they lost Austin Collie indefinitely and Dallas Clark for the year. The Jets MIGHT be close with Edwards, Cotchery, and Holmes; until Mark Sanchez can show more accuracy and poise, however, we won't see that. The Broncos WR corps don't have the natural playmakers, outside of Brandon Lloyd's emergence, to match the Giants WR corps. No other team could be on that map.

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Manningham is superior to cotchery

Gives us the edge over the jets, i think

packers give the giants a challenge with jennings, driver james jones, and nelson tho

by Nfpdawg on Nov 1, 2010 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Didn't even think of Packers...

I probably should have thought about that last part a little more.

Hmmm….perhaps a poll is necessary?

In Reese We Trust

by jmark82 on Nov 1, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Driver

is showing his age this season

Superman is back!

by The Always Well Dressed... on Nov 1, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Jets are not even close

our guys are more consistent and are all better

Packers are better when that big TE is healthy, Saints have tons of weapons, Eagles and Cowboys have good WR’s as well.

by mclaren_is_the_best on Nov 1, 2010 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Did you see Holmes drop that pass on Sunday?

Holy shit…he looked like Brandon Marshall practicing for the Broncos last year.

"I play real sports…not trying to be the best at exercising."
"I'm a bulletproof tiger man!"
- Kenny Powers "Eastbound and Down" (season 1)

by nywins42 on Nov 2, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions

ESPN NY has a Giants/Jets comparison thing going on...

I’m sure a lot of you have seen it.

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/2466/football-scientist-whos-better-giants-or-jets

They have been breaking down each set of positions and seeing which team is better from a statistics perspective. I think the WR comparison is ridiculous, as the guy writing the article decided that BRAYLON EDWARDS is better than Hakeem. Let’s be serious here everyone know that’s dumb. Anyway, it was kind of an interesting read, if you like reading articles that are biased towards the Jets that is.

by NikhilP on Nov 5, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd take the Giants trio over anyone in the league.

the only ones statistically comparable are the Colts and Broncos. The Colts have Peyton Manning and he’s basically always made his WRs better. From Anthony Gonzalez to Pierre Garcon, Peyton can make basically any WR into a solid one.

Eli can do that too, but I doubt the Colts WRs would be as good as they are anywhere else.

The Broncos are all McDaniels’ system. He was the guy that helped Brady have that all-time great year, so I don’t take the passing numbers in Denver seriously at all.

Giants have the best trio. Nicks ever since that article came out that said he’s got the skill set to be the best WR in the NFL…has looked the part. Steve Smith is still one of the best possession WRs in the NFL, and unlike other possession/slot WRs (*cough..Welker), SS12 can actually beat you deep.

And of course Manningham is a beast in his own right. A bonehead at times, but the most electric of the 2 with the rock.

You can’t roll all coverage to one WR as Eli will simply target one of the 3 and they’ll pick you apart.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Nov 1, 2010 11:47 AM EDT reply actions

Haha, yeah, but you thought Hixon was better than DeSean Jackson.

by JimmyK on Nov 1, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

sort of was, almost

but not really, kinda.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Nov 1, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

in most comparisons

we end up throwing the other teams’ pass-catching TE into the mix, and we shouldn’t. WR are WR.

Only the Eagles compete. Maclin and D-Jax have great potential.

FREE FREEBRADSHAW!!!

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 1, 2010 11:50 AM EDT reply actions

Personally I count all pass catchers together.

Steve Smith plays the same role for the giant as Witten does for the Cowboys and a whole bunch of other TE’s do for their team

by mclaren_is_the_best on Nov 1, 2010 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

They need to be more consistent.

The potential is their, but there are too many dropped passes for me to consider them elite IMO.

***FREE FreeBradshaw!***

"If I was one of our offensive opponents, I’d be scared shitless"
-Antrel Rolle

"We’re going to hit the quarterback as many times as possible, and if he doesn’t make it through the game, then that’s unfortunate for him."
-Barry Cofield

by tito (eight and oh) on Nov 1, 2010 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

Jackson, Maclin, and Avant?

by JimmyK on Nov 1, 2010 1:35 PM EDT reply actions

see above

FREE FREEBRADSHAW!!!

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 1, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah, good work.

by JimmyK on Nov 1, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

At what point..

Do we start patting Sean Ryan’s back for this?

***FREE FreeBradshaw!***

"If I was one of our offensive opponents, I’d be scared shitless"
-Antrel Rolle

"We’re going to hit the quarterback as many times as possible, and if he doesn’t make it through the game, then that’s unfortunate for him."
-Barry Cofield

by tito (eight and oh) on Nov 1, 2010 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

them guys are pretty good

Terrell Owens 45, 629
Chad Ochocinco 39, 458
Jordan Shipley 24, 359

I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.

by Troy O on Nov 1, 2010 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

Mehh

Our WRs are all four years in the league or younger, although I always liked Ocho.

***FREE FreeBradshaw!***

"If I was one of our offensive opponents, I’d be scared shitless"
-Antrel Rolle

"We’re going to hit the quarterback as many times as possible, and if he doesn’t make it through the game, then that’s unfortunate for him."
-Barry Cofield

by tito (eight and oh) on Nov 1, 2010 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

All 3

of our guys try their hardest every play.

TO… Not so much

All you hear about is the past, the past... the past is the !@#$ing past, this is the present.
THIS IS TEMPORARY! A CHAMPIONSHIP IS PERMANENT
-Michael Strahan

by Willgfass on Nov 1, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

ya, just food for thought ..

i do like Shipley though.

I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.

by Troy O on Nov 1, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

I mean 5 years ago, maybe even 2, definitely close. Now, you gotta go with the Giants

All you hear about is the past, the past... the past is the !@#$ing past, this is the present.
THIS IS TEMPORARY! A CHAMPIONSHIP IS PERMANENT
-Michael Strahan

by Willgfass on Nov 1, 2010 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Imagine they get Moss

***FREE FreeBradshaw!***

"If I was one of our offensive opponents, I’d be scared shitless"
-Antrel Rolle

"We’re going to hit the quarterback as many times as possible, and if he doesn’t make it through the game, then that’s unfortunate for him."
-Barry Cofield

by tito (eight and oh) on Nov 1, 2010 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know who's got the best 3 WRs in football....

I know who’s go the best 4 WRs in football though…

"We need to get him some more game experience and see him make decisions on the run. But I think he's earned the opportunity." - Eli Manning
"If I'm curt, then I apologize" - Newman

by andiamo708 on Nov 1, 2010 4:42 PM EDT reply actions

Jackson, Maclin, Avant, and Cooper?

by JimmyK on Nov 2, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Cooper did have a pretty nice interception against the Titans...

***FREE FreeBradshaw!***

"If I was one of our offensive opponents, I’d be scared shitless"
-Antrel Rolle

"We’re going to hit the quarterback as many times as possible, and if he doesn’t make it through the game, then that’s unfortunate for him."
-Barry Cofield

by tito (eight and oh) on Nov 2, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Haha, that he did. And that’s exactly what it was.

by JimmyK on Nov 2, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

No doubt, on a seperate note, can I ask how you got in the press box?

That’s one thing I’ve always wanted to do, at the Giants stadium of course. Admittedly I’m quite jealous.

***FREE FreeBradshaw!***

"If I was one of our offensive opponents, I’d be scared shitless"
-Antrel Rolle

"We’re going to hit the quarterback as many times as possible, and if he doesn’t make it through the game, then that’s unfortunate for him."
-Barry Cofield

by tito (eight and oh) on Nov 2, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I met the Eagles guys that grant access to such things when I covered training camp in August (they said they read BGN regularly), and they told me not to be shy about asking them for anything. So I emailed them a couple weeks ago asking if they would give us media credentials, and they said sure. We’re allowed to send one guy per game – I’m leading off on Sunday. BGN has been averaging roughly 80,000 unique visitors per week, so they rightfully view it as a legitimate media outlet, even if we’re not exactly breaking news stories. It’s not really any different than if Ed were to cover games from the Giants press box.

It’s kind of funny actually. I only discovered SB Nation a little over a year and a half ago, and started writing fanposts to kill time at work as my dying company went out of business. During my subsequent employment, I started to ramp it up a bit, and got hooked. As my work got better, I got promoted to the front page, and now I’m going to be in the freaking locker room interviewing players, and possibly on the field during the 4th quarter. It’s really all kind of crazy. Apologies for my life story.

Anyway, not sure I have any advice for you, other than to drink your milk, eat your vitamins, have an inordinate amount of free time, write a bunch of stuff, get promoted to the front page, and ask the Giants for media credentials.

by JimmyK on Nov 2, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions

enjoy the game

I hope it’s a crushing loss

FREE FREEBRADSHAW!!!

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 2, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks (sort of)

by JimmyK on Nov 2, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Good for you man.

You do great work over there you’ve earned it. Have a blast, maybe share your experience on BGN, I know I’d be interested.

***FREE FreeBradshaw!***

"If I was one of our offensive opponents, I’d be scared shitless"
-Antrel Rolle

"We’re going to hit the quarterback as many times as possible, and if he doesn’t make it through the game, then that’s unfortunate for him."
-Barry Cofield

by tito (eight and oh) on Nov 2, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks bud.

by JimmyK on Nov 2, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

that's awesome....

I heard another blogger got a job as a scout…wasn’t that also in Philly?

I wish I could have an opportunity like that but I would probably end up punching Gilbride on the sidelines, and telling Pat Hanlon what I really think about him…Carl Banks would than kick my ass, all the while making Ralph Vacchiano more relevant…and lord Giants Fans don’t need that.

"We need to get him some more game experience and see him make decisions on the run. But I think he's earned the opportunity." - Eli Manning
"If I'm curt, then I apologize" - Newman

by andiamo708 on Nov 2, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, in my younger days, I could have almost guaranteed I would have done something to ensure I’d never be invited back.

by JimmyK on Nov 2, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Now that's funny! Ha ha

by giant fan since 57 on Nov 2, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

JK, that's an awesome story

Regardless of your fanbase, you always seem fair with knowledgable backing! This world seems to be missing out on opinions such as yours or others on the smaller mainstream blogs. Goodluck in the future!

by Hootman on Nov 2, 2010 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks.

by JimmyK on Nov 3, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Denver

i know Bad team but B Lioyd D Thomas J Gaffly and E Royal

okay i have cerebral palsy arthris and chronic fatigue as well i have a great life and loveing folks some days are better than other days i got a make-a-wish in 2001 and saw my favorite team the broncos it was the trip of a lifetime i wish everyone couild have gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that okay but i bleed organ and bule for my mnr fans but i bleed orange and blue denver will rise again resident broncos fan for every blog resident broncos for stampede bule thanks shvd98z24 real name jeremy woodard nettleton high class of 02 yes i am a raider

by j-man on Nov 1, 2010 8:44 PM EDT reply actions

Certainly making Orton look good this year.

Or is it the other way around? Either way, I agree they deserve to be in the conversation.

***FREE FreeBradshaw!***

"If I was one of our offensive opponents, I’d be scared shitless"
-Antrel Rolle

"We’re going to hit the quarterback as many times as possible, and if he doesn’t make it through the game, then that’s unfortunate for him."
-Barry Cofield

by tito (eight and oh) on Nov 1, 2010 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

top 3-5

by j-man on Nov 1, 2010 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

I love our top 3

but there are quite a few teams with a very nice top 3. I like Baltimore’s quite a bit as well as Philly, Denver, NYJ, GB, Dallas… heck, even Buffalo’s top 3 has shown some flashes of brilliance.

That being said, I think our guys can go head to head with any group in the league.

"things like locig and prrofreading are actually valued here" - zknower

by daveh873 on Nov 2, 2010 10:45 PM EDT reply actions

Steelers had 4 last season and 3 now

Ward, Holmes, Wallace and Miller now minus Holmes

Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all

by Rickfansince76 on Nov 3, 2010 3:53 PM EDT reply actions

Feeling a little overlooked

My roomie is a Giants fan, so I follow the team a good amount by proxy, and I’ve been talking up Nicks since the Giants drafted him, but I think it’s a pretty close race if you throw the Saints up against the Giants. The individual numbers might not be as hardcore for the Saints, but the ball gets spread around amongst more players. Colston, Moore, Meachem, and Henderson are a pretty deep corps. Throw in Shockey, Bush, Thomas, and Graham and even if you give the nod to Giants wideouts, I think you have to say the Saints have the edge overall in pass catchers.

by Jimbo03 on Nov 12, 2010 9:00 AM EST reply actions