One Giant Rotation

The New York Giants wide receiving has been in a state of flux since Plaxico Burress shot himself, and that state will continue as the Giants approach their season opener with the Washington Redskins. Head coach Tom Coughlin made it known today that the team will be employing a wide receiver rotation.

There will be four receivers in this rotation, Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks. Hixon and Smith will start the game but both will be making way for the others throughout the game.

What this rotation really tells me is that all of the involved players have proven they can play on the NFL level but none have separated themselves from the pack. Which is good but yet troubling.

Throughout Eli Manning’s career he’s had problems with accuracy and been known for miscommunication with his receivers. If these guys will be alternating roles and not just rotating this could add to this problem. You could have guys running wrong routes or even Eli expecting a different receiver to be at a specific spot at a specific time.

This rotation could also make the Giants play calling a little more predictable. Opposing defenses will pick up plays very quickly if the Giants decide to use specific players for specific plays. Wow, I’m using the word specific a lot.

I like the thought of this rotation but I’m more nervous about its potential pitfalls then its advantages.

Looking at the possible advantages, this rotation could help speed the process of developing Manningham and Nicks. Both played very well in the preseason and have shown they could be integral parts to the team this season. More early reps equals more experience and a greater chance of being valuable down the stretch.

This rotation also allows the Giants to leave their best punt returner, Hixon in place. If Hixon breaks a 30-yard return the team has someone they can plug in the number one slot while he gets a breather. If he was clearly the top guy they’d most likely look into someone else playing the punt returner, one that may not be as productive.

Regardless of how things shake down the one constant will be Steve Smith. Smith clearly became Eli’s safety valve last year, he’ll continue being the key possession receiver this season.

Looking at this you can’t help but notice that the Giants are becoming a team of rotations.

Over the last couple years they’ve had Earth, Wind and Fire now just Earth and Fire. They had the rotation of defensive ends when Michael Strahan was with the team, now its a full defensive line rotation.

If this rotation has similar success it should be a fun season for Giants fans.