"We're all saddened by it. But we want to make sure that the message is loud and clear” -Giants Coach Tom Coughlin regarding the Plaxico Burress situation.
The Seattle defense has been breathing a huge sigh of relief ever since last Monday when the New York Giants announced that star WR Plaxico Burress would be suspended for this Sunday's game.
Burress was suspended due to missing a team meeting. We all have heard what happened, and it doesn't need any more attention than it is already receiving. Instead, like the Giants, we should be wondering the same thing they are. Who will step up and help out Manning on Sunday?
With a question like this, it is better to first show what kind of shoes they will be filling. Prior to his suspension, Burress had amassed 18 catches for 259 yards [both team highs].
It is assumed that Amani Toomer, Giants all-time leading receiver, will head this week's depth chart. But the spot right below Toomer is somewhat open. Let us take a look at what each receiver offers to the table before we make a final verdict.
1. Steve Smith
Smith, a rookie last year out of USC, has been one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets on Sundays, especially when Burress and Toomer can't be found or on blitz packages. He is nowhere near the tallest or most experienced wideout on the team (only 5' 11'').
However, it has already been shown this year that Manning feels especially comfortable throwing to him on third downs, and Smith's stats prove that point. Currently he has hauled in 11 receptions and 94 yards.
Though the numbers don't exactly blow anyone's mind, it should be noted that seven of them came against the Giants' previous opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals. The only real problem with putting him in Burress’s spot is that he has been particularly good at helping Manning out across the middle.
He can run a slant pattern just about as well as anyone else, and his lack of height certainly isn't going to win him many jump balls. Can the chemistry from two weeks ago carry on?
2. Domenik Hixon
Probably one of the least noticeable names on this list belongs to this man. Hixon is currently in his fourth NFL season and his second with the New York Giants. He has been primarily used as a special-teams player, but he has really stepped it up as a receiver this year.
He has caught six balls thus far, which is five more then he caught in 2007 alone.
Domenik may be the early favorite to take over the position because he can play the part. He has the speed and the hands to be able to cover a deep ball or create separation from a defender. (Oh, and a little side note: In the third preseason game, Hixon finished with four catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns, while also returning a punt for a TD, ALL in the first half.)
3. Sinorice Moss
2 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
David Geller 9 months ago
Good piece. I don't think Manningham will play because he came down with a pretty bad flu (great timing huh?). He's a project I doubt he'll see much of the field this year.
Hixon is the popular name right now. He'll be starting over Steve Smith, and whenever he has played in Plax's spot he's thrived. One scout around the league said that he had no clue what the Broncos were doing when they cut him in October, and the Giants got a steal.
Hopefully he'll prove him right on Sunday.
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Blaine mire 8 months ago
I love Hixon's speed. He just needs more experience.
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