Giant Step-Up: Who Will Do It in the Wake of Plaxico Burress' Suspension?

"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

Santana's little brother may finally have his time to shine. Moss is without question, the fastest of all four of these guys. Since being taken in the 2006 draft out of the University of Miami, he has been somewhat of a minor disappointment.

Moss has only pulled down one catch this year, though it was a 23-yard strike in the first game. He doesn't really have that great of a chance of stepping up in Plax's absence, mainly because he has not had great chemistry with Eli. Then again, crazy things can happen when a lead receiver goes down.

4. Mario Manningham

Manningham is still looking for his first NFL reception, but it can't hurt to dream big. He was drafted in the second round last year amid plenty of controversy (Look Up: Manningham drug test, or better yet, Manningham Wonderlic score).

It is widely known that he is still in the process of digesting the New York Giants' sizable playbook. Mario looks to make a big impact on the Giants this year, and this could be just the opportunity he needs.

The Verdict?

While Burress is virtually irreplaceable, my choice would be Domenik Hixon. I don't see him being the target of many passes but he does have the speed and hands to fill in for a game.

I believe Steve Smith and Kevin Boss will see many more passes than they have, and that can only be good for the Giants. Amani Toomer's veteran presence makes it extremely easy to continue to be Eli's favorite target on Sunday.

No matter what happens, I look forward to seeing Burress return to the big stage in Week Six against the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football. The only thing we as G-Men fans can do now, is hope the NFL doesn't further suspend No. 17 for domestic abuse reports.

We need to focus on the task at hand—defending our unbeaten record and Super bowl Championship.

Written by, Edited by and Developed by Travis Rand, New York Giants Bleacher Reporter