OK, let's face it. Amani Toomer can't play forever.
I know. It shocked me too when I came to this realization. So what do we need to do to secure our Wide Receiver situation?
The problem isn't really that big at all. The wide-out that will fill Toomer's shoes will be filling big shoes indeed. He currently leads the Giants in receptions, yards, and TDs for a WR in team history.
The obvious choice would be current third string WR Steve Smith. It's not going to happen though.
Smith has been one of Manning's favorite targets since coming into the league two years ago. Though, Smith isn't exactly qualified to take the spot. Why? Because Smith is a fantastic slot receiver and can run a slant pattern better than anyone. He has easily been Manning's first choice on third downs.
So who takes over for Amani? I think it will be Domenik Hixon. He has the speed and the hands to be a medium-to-deep threat, just like current No. 1, Plaxico Burress. In the week that Hixon got the start when Burress was suspended, Hixon put up tremendous numbers.
A look at the receiving stats for all Giants players makes this a very likely situation when Toomer, in fact, does leave.
Plaxico Burress: 22 receptions, 317 yards, 14.8 ypc, 2 TD [Missed 1 game: Susp.]
Amani Toomer: 17 receptions, 207 yards, 12.2 ypc, 1 TD
Domenik Hixon: 11 receptions, 197 yards, 17.9 ypc, 1 TD [Very limited playing time]
Steve Smith: 22 receptions, 215 yards, 9.8 ypc, 0 TD
As stated, Hixon has received very limited time for the type of receiver he is. He is a deep threat. Smith fits into the slot perfectly; Plax will be our No. 1 til he retires; and, Hixon should fit comfortably into Toomer's role when the time is right.
Our future looks bright indeed G-Men fans.
Written, edited, and developed by Travis Rand: New York Giants and NFL Bleacher Reporter
4 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
David Geller 8 months ago
We struck gold with him. The way it's looking he can be Mr. First and second down too.
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Jared Karlebach 8 months ago
When he was drafted I preferred his teamate Dwayne Jarett, but thank god reese is there and not me.........for now haha, steve smith is like a 12 year veteran as a second year pro, his routes are crisp and hands soft, a steal in the second and the future of the giants recieving core as eli already loves him.
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Michael Schlossberg 8 months ago
yep Steve Smith in the Super Bowl 4 of his 5 catches for 1st downs including on 3rd and 11 the play right before Manning to Burress... Jerry Reese the best evaluator of talent in the NFL. PERIOD
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Travis Rand 8 months ago
Perfectly put Mike. People always talk about Tyree's catch, which was GREAT don't get me wrong, but people always seem to forget how two plays later it was 3rd and 10 again. Steve Smith had the field prescence to make a great catch, and go out of bounds AFTER he got past the line.
And don't even get me startedm on Jerry Reese... Guy is a GENIUS
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