Giants Bye-Week Notes

Plaxico Burress was suspended for two weeks (one game) by the Giants for missing Monday’s meetings and a light workout (though he may appeal it). Tom Coughlin sent a message to the team: It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you’re a scrub on the practice squad, Plaxico Burress or Homer Jones, the rules are for everyone and the team comes first. And the players have responded positively. They’ll miss Burress on the field, but they all back Coughlin, while at the same time are supporting their teammate. No clubhouse sniping this year. Hopefully this will be the end of Burress’ antics. The last thing this team needs is an Uno Siete.

Domenik Hixon will take Burress’ place, starting as the receiver in the X spot. He played there in the preseason, so it shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for him. He has the speed and big-play capability. That will also allow the team to leave Steve Smith in the slot, where he’s been thriving this season. And Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham may actually get some playing time. But there’s no doubt that Burress’ absence will hurt the team.

Lawrence Tynes is all but ready to come back, but the Jints haven’t made a decision yet on what they’ll do with their kicking situation. John Carney is nine for nine in field-goal attempts and was just named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. How do you get rid of him now? They may keep him around as an insurance policy.

On the injury front, Aaron Ross was the only player in last week’s game to come up lame. He bruised his shoulder, but should be fine for the next game.

After three games, the Giants offense is sixth in points per game (27.7), third in total yards (400.3), seventh in rushing (157) and 10^th in passing (243.3) The defense is fourth in points allowed per game (14.3), sixth in yards per game (252.3) and tied for first with the Eagles in sacks (13).

Fred Robbins leads the team with four sacks, and Mathias Kiwanuka got his first sack of the year last week against Cincinnati. But turnovers for the D are scarce so far, with only one interception and one forced fumble.

Giants legend Dick Lynch passed away on Wednesday. He played cornerback for Big Blue from 1959–1966. He had 37 career interceptions, made the Pro Bowl in 1963 and played in four NFL Championship games. In 1967, he started calling games on the radio and was the voice of the Giants up until last season. He was an unabashed homer, who announced birthdays and told stories about his family and friends on the air. Bob Papa called him “the Phil Rizzuto of the Giants.” He was 72.

The Giants’ record before a bye week is 16-4. After the bye it’s 4-15. There are a few theories floating around on what New York’s problem is: Some of the players think the season’s over, pack up and go home, and then are surprised when they have to go back to work. Some lose their edge after getting too relaxed and comfortable enjoying the DVD’s of seasons one, two and three of Empty Nest the team hands out as a mid-season bonus. Or maybe it’s all just a coincidence. Who knows? Next up are the Seattle Seahawks (1-2), who also have a bye this week, on Sunday, October 5^th, at 1:00.