Giants' Plans After Giving Plax The Axe (1 Viewer)

[Matt Waldman]

Some good questions need to be answered here in lieu of Plax getting the axe...

1) Can Steve Smith take enough step forward with his development? Last year he had one score and averaged a little over 10 yards per catch. He was clearly the underneath receiver who could use his quickness to gain yardage after the catch and move the chains. Is he a player with a limited game or is if possible Eli Manning doesn't completely trust throwing the deep ball to Smith just yet and it's simply not a matter of Smith lacking speed. I didn't think Smith was slow at USC. He didn't time slow. He was just known more for making nice catches over the middle in the teeth of coverage.

2) Will Mario Manningham make the most of his opportunity? He's been regarded by some as a good athlete who is slow to learn. He certainly proved he was slow to learn about the NFL's policy for drug testing and it's concern for illicit drugs during the combine. I personally don't think Manningham is a special player, but if he applies himself he certainly could contribute.

3) Is Derek Hagan a young Amani Toomer? Physically, he looks the part. He also does performance-wise with his inconsistent hands. Can he improve his technique? Toomer did...But if Hagan does, is there enough vertical speed between Smith/Manningham/Hagan to help the Giants? Does it even matter with the running game they have? I think it might be enough to compete, but not contend. Unless Manningham has the light come on brightly.

4) Are they now in the market for a first or second round WR prospect. If so, who is a good fit in your opinion?

Thoughts?

 

[foxco]

Toomer did...But if Hagan does, is there enough vertical speed between Smith/Manningham/Hagan to help the Giants? Does it even matter with the running game they have? I think it might be enough to compete, but not contend. Unless Manningham has the light come on brightly.Thoughts?

Hixon is a pretty good vertical threat. If he takes the next step he could be a solid weapon.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Toomer did...But if Hagan does, is there enough vertical speed between Smith/Manningham/Hagan to help the Giants? Does it even matter with the running game they have? I think it might be enough to compete, but not contend. Unless Manningham has the light come on brightly.Thoughts?

Hixon is a pretty good vertical threat. If he takes the next step he could be a solid weapon.

Very true. Still, do they have a guy who can do it all? Over the middle; take the short pass long; or go long?

 

[Sebowski]

Toomer did...But if Hagan does, is there enough vertical speed between Smith/Manningham/Hagan to help the Giants? Does it even matter with the running game they have? I think it might be enough to compete, but not contend. Unless Manningham has the light come on brightly.Thoughts?

Hixon is a pretty good vertical threat. If he takes the next step he could be a solid weapon.

Very true. Still, do they have a guy who can do it all? Over the middle; take the short pass long; or go long?

Maybe they can teach one of their 12 defensive linemen to play WR.

 

[foxco]

Toomer did...But if Hagan does, is there enough vertical speed between Smith/Manningham/Hagan to help the Giants? Does it even matter with the running game they have? I think it might be enough to compete, but not contend. Unless Manningham has the light come on brightly.Thoughts?

Hixon is a pretty good vertical threat. If he takes the next step he could be a solid weapon.

Very true. Still, do they have a guy who can do it all? Over the middle; take the short pass long; or go long?

No, they don't really have that right now, but lots of teams don't have that.

 

[lyon812]

I'd bank on Hixon and Smith ahead of Manningham and Hagan. I think Smith in particularly has the talent to thrive. He's a first down machine. However, the biggest threat to Giants WR production remains Manning's fluttery passes and poor accuracy.

 

[Yenrub]

Taking a quick look at the Giants depth chart at WR, they don’t have a lot of experience (or production) at the position right now. Smith seems like a really good player but doesn’t come off as a deep threat. I don’t know much about Hagan. Hixon has had his moments and looks like he can get deep. Moss hasn’t done much and Manningham hasn’t done anything.

If they don’t trade up, they are going to miss out on Maclin, Crabtree and probably Hicks.

If I had to guess which WR they draft I would guess Britt or Robiski

 

[gheemony]

I really like Hixon. He's not at Plax's level, but think he'll be a WR2 if he gets Plax's opportunities. I don't see anyone else on the roster taking them from him. Just spread out a little bit more. They probably continue to lean more heavily towards the run.

Would be interesting if the Giants went out and got a vertical threat at TE in round 3/4/5. Someone to rotate with Boss on pure passing downs.

 

[jimmy b]

There is no way the Giants go into the season without a Veteran WR.

Don't count out a Holt, or a Boldin, i'll cross Edwards off this list with

Winslow and Stallworth gone......on a side note, where does Plax wind

up after jail......Skins, Philly, Dallas ?

 

[Carolina Hustler]

New home for Tory Holt? Buy 1-2 more years for the young crop of WR's

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I really like Hixon. He's not at Plax's level, but think he'll be a WR2 if he gets Plax's opportunities. I don't see anyone else on the roster taking them from him.

I agree. I think Hixon is the most versatile WR on the roster.An excellent "Buy" imo.

 

[chook]

One more to the Hixon wagon. While Steve Smith will have a solid Bobby Engram-like NFL career, Hixon is the one I see as far more likely to become a relevant starting fantasy WR over time.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Toomer did...But if Hagan does, is there enough vertical speed between Smith/Manningham/Hagan to help the Giants? Does it even matter with the running game they have? I think it might be enough to compete, but not contend. Unless Manningham has the light come on brightly.Thoughts?

Hixon is a pretty good vertical threat. If he takes the next step he could be a solid weapon.

 

[Franknbeans]

They need Boldin

 

[Mikey16x]

when the F did we get Derek Hagan lol?

 

[Couch Potato]

when the F did we get Derek Hagan lol?

Giants signed him Dec 16 after Dolphins cut him in Nov.(rumor is Parcells left him in a basket on the porch, rang the doorbell, and ran)

 

[Bri]

Giants have been planning this for some time. I posted this a long while back. It was just a PR game since.

Toomer is a bigger loss IMO than Plax. He was the heart of that team.

I disagree on the Manningham love, the guy has done nothing. I think they'll either draft or sign a WR and if it's a rook that needs experience, well Smith and Hixon are the starters.

If someone feels like googling, I wouldn't be surprised if they just had a visit with a rookie WR either. Reese is a pretty transparent GM and I think that's great.

I can't recall where Sinorice Moss is in this picture but there is always someone on the Gmen that thinks he's better than he is.

 

[Mikey16x]

Giants have been planning this for some time. I posted this a long while back. It was just a PR game since.Toomer is a bigger loss IMO than Plax. He was the heart of that team.I disagree on the Manningham love, the guy has done nothing. I think they'll either draft or sign a WR and if it's a rook that needs experience, well Smith and Hixon are the starters.If someone feels like googling, I wouldn't be surprised if they just had a visit with a rookie WR either. Reese is a pretty transparent GM and I think that's great.I can't recall where Sinorice Moss is in this picture but there is always someone on the Gmen that thinks he's better than he is.

Smith is a starter, but I think with letting Toomer go and now cutting Plax we're pretty much going to take a WR with our first pick of the draft. I still hope we enter the Boldin sweepstakes and trade for him.

 

[Trey]

I just don't see what others see with Hixon.

In the last 7 weeks of the season (including the playoff game) he had 30-388-1, the Giants offense looked like it was completely lost, and the team sputtered its way out of the playoffs in their first game. Defenses did not have to give the respect to the passing attack that they did under Plaxico and thus the entire offense suffered as a result.

In my opinion, Hixon cannot merely be "plugged in" to Plaxico's role in the offense with the idea that it will continue to flow. They need a legitimate threat at WR for that offense to work and Hixon is not it.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Hixon is a talented WR, but he doesn't command attention like Plax. None of the current WRs do, which was the problem for the team when they lost their #1 last year. Defenses didn't have to account for Plaxico, so they could play more honestly and need not shade coverage towards Burress.

That was the problem, and without resolution they will have troubles in the passing game.

Hixon can be a deep threat and Steve Smith can be a possession WR, but until one of them starts to consistently make plays and dictate some coverages then the entire passing attack (and Eli) will struggle - including Boss and other options.

As for where Plax lands, a team will have to roll some big dice on him. Someone who needs a bigtime WR1 that can't get one another way - like Chicago (no first rounder, no pick until #49).

 

[DynOmite]

The Giants will leverage their picks to pick up an impact WR by the end of the draft. They have 10 picks this year because of trades and compensatory picks and can't afford to pay 10 rookies with their cap as it is. They're either going to move up to get one of the top 3 WR on draft day or (fingers crossed) go out and get Boldin. I don't see them trading up because: A) They can't/won't get into the top 5 or so to grab Crabtree and B) Harvin and Maclin don't fit the mold of the type of WR Burress was physically.

I don't think Braylon is the answer because of the Browns WR situation as earlier stated in this thread and to me Holt doesn't really solve the problem at this age. They HAVE TO move some picks so why not do it for the perfect answer...Boldin?

 

[Crippler]

Now what is Crabtree drops out of the top 10 for the Giants to move up and get him

Mayocks mock draft last night had

1. Stafford

2. Smith

3. Monroe

4. Curry

5. Raji

6. A. Smith

7. Heyward-Bey

8. Maclin

9. Oher

10. Sanchez

 

[JAA]

Giants have serious WR issues. Will be interesting to Tyree in action

 

[massraider]

Smith and Hixon were young guys with two vets in front of them. With Plax and Toomer gone, there's a lot of catches to go around. If they don't wind up getting a Braylon Edwards or Boldin, I thnik both of those guys could be nice values.

I am going to assume the rumors are true that the Giants refused to include Smith in any Braylon trade. Under that assumption, I am going to do everything in my power to acquire him in every dynasty league I am in (I play PPR).

Certainly seems like a lot of people have decided what kind of player Smith is already. Y'all must have some secret film of Smith on the Giants I am unaware of. I think he is an unknown, that the Giants drafted high, already has a rep as a dependable sort, with a great opportunity. I can't think of a young guy that is in a better situation to come out of nowhere and grab 80 or 90 balls.

I'm a little surprised that there isn't more buzz on him.

 

[Matt Waldman]

I love Smith's game, so I echo your sentiments massraider. He was the best receiver on that Leinart-Bush-Jarrett-Williams-White offense. He bailed out Leinart frequently. I just haven't seen much of him on deeper passes in the Giants offense, so I'm wondering how much of that has been his role or what he can/can't do.

I think it's role, but I agree there should be buzz on Smith if he remains the projected starter and there's no significant acquisition of a primary-do-it-all threat.

 

[Bri]

Giants have serious WR issues. Will be interesting to Tyree in action

he was at risk to get cut last year.Can't recall if he was put on IR or what-not but I remember being quite surprised how quickly he had fallen.

 

[Bri]

I just don't see what others see with Hixon.In the last 7 weeks of the season (including the playoff game) he had 30-388-1, the Giants offense looked like it was completely lost, and the team sputtered its way out of the playoffs in their first game. Defenses did not have to give the respect to the passing attack that they did under Plaxico and thus the entire offense suffered as a result.In my opinion, Hixon cannot merely be "plugged in" to Plaxico's role in the offense with the idea that it will continue to flow. They need a legitimate threat at WR for that offense to work and Hixon is not it.

I don't disagree. Hopefully he will get a new offensive role and not just the Plax role. Did Gilbride do that in Pittsburgh? replace Plax's role? Or was he gone by then.The real shame here is the Giants had a "good looking" young WR in Anthony Mix that was 6-5 and filled the Plax role in preseason(starting) and in practice(Plax missed most for a year). He really played well and Eli had tremendous confidence in him, a high amount you just don't see a QB have in just some young kid from the sideline. At youtube you can see some snap N throw lobs for TDs and others to Mix that show this, Eli doesn't even think for a second. He just chucks it. And then after all that, he was cut. The Skins scooped him up where he sat in obscurity for a while and he's probably working a 9 to 5 now. He was the perfect Plax replacement for practice and preseason, such a shame he never really got to how it in games too much.

 

[Bri]

Hixon can be a deep threat and Steve Smith can be a possession WR, but until one of them starts to consistently make plays and dictate some coverages then the entire passing attack (and Eli) will struggle - including Boss and other options.

In their Supe run, for the playoffs, I think Smith did command attention and that did help Boss out. (I don't think Smith has played as well since but maybe for a game here N there). It was two(as you said) Plax and Smith then. I'm not sure if a possession WR like Smith is going to open things up too much by himself. I really don't think he matters here. IMO more teams send "the kitchen sink" to blitz a QB than double a possession WR lately. In the last couple years, I just think it's become the (non)coverage of choice.What do you think the Iggles do if he has 5 catches for 80 yards and it's 3rd and 10? Do they double him or send everyone they can toward Eli?While it may look like an angry teacher chasing a bratty kid around the playground at recess, the guy that commands the most attention now is probably(sadly) Sinorice Moss. Despite not doing anything in the NFL, D's are aware when he's in.

 

[Tanner9919]

Toomer did...But if Hagan does, is there enough vertical speed between Smith/Manningham/Hagan to help the Giants? Does it even matter with the running game they have? I think it might be enough to compete, but not contend. Unless Manningham has the light come on brightly.

Thoughts?

Hixon is a pretty good vertical threat. If he takes the next step he could be a solid weapon.

Very true. Still, do they have a guy who can do it all? Over the middle; take the short pass long; or go long?

unfortunately, they don't have much talent at the WR position, just a bunch of underacheivers...

Manningham,by all accounts, is the practice star, catching everything in sight, making the tough catch,etc., but the coaching staff seems to have a distrust in rookies so he sat for most of the 2008 season..He should be able to step up and contribute this season...

Steve Smith is an average WR..I just don't see him taking that big leap forward to become the Giants #1 or a viable #2 option..he is a lesser version of J. Cotchery, and thats not really saying much..he looked great in the playoff run two eyars ago, but he really stepped backwards last season..Perhaps that was just a 'sophomore slump' ?

I imagine that the Giants will do whatever it takes to get Braylon Edwards , who apparently has been publicly talking about his desire to play in NY..

the Giants are probably long look at Hakeem Nicks as a first round selection, or most likely, Kenny Britt..

you also get the feeling that the Giants will try to pull off a trade..

personally, I'd throw the kitchen sink at the Browns for B. Edwards..he's young, played at a high level two years ago, and is a perfect fit for the NYG offense..he'll be their #1 guy for the next decade..

 

[bcr8f]

I just don't see what others see with Hixon.

In the last 7 weeks of the season (including the playoff game) he had 30-388-1, the Giants offense looked like it was completely lost, and the team sputtered its way out of the playoffs in their first game. Defenses did not have to give the respect to the passing attack that they did under Plaxico and thus the entire offense suffered as a result.

In my opinion, Hixon cannot merely be "plugged in" to Plaxico's role in the offense with the idea that it will continue to flow. They need a legitimate threat at WR for that offense to work and Hixon is not it.

Noone said he is Plax.He dropped a lot of passes in the 2nd half. He didn't respond well after Plax left. He should be ready after a full off season.

1st 9 games 76.5% of targets were caught

Weeks 10-17 it dropped to 54.5%

 

[harryhood]

Britt and Barden PHYSICALLY look more of the Burress part, and if they draft any WR I am thinking it's one of these two. I want no part of Maclin/Harvin. You need a strong arm QB to get those guys to show off all of their skills....NY has the wrong Manning for those two.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I love Smith's game, so I echo your sentiments massraider. He was the best receiver on that Leinart-Bush-Jarrett-Williams-White offense. He bailed out Leinart frequently. I just haven't seen much of him on deeper passes in the Giants offense, so I'm wondering how much of that has been his role or what he can/can't do. I think it's role, but I agree there should be buzz on Smith if he remains the projected starter and there's no significant acquisition of a primary-do-it-all threat.

The problem is that everyone who just relies on stats and doesn't watch the games (I understand that everyone cannot watch evry game, I just happen to be in the NY market), points out things like his low ypc and lack of TDs and then state he can never be a good fantasy WR because he's just a "possession" guy with no speed.The problem is those numbers (ypc) can be skewed due to the limited # of receptions he had in his first two seasons (stuck behind vets and still learning) and the situations that they were accrued in. Smith was mostly used as a 3rd down slot receiver meaning that his main job was to get open in an area that would gain first down yardage and then catch the ball. If he takes over Amani Toomer's spot as the #2 wideout he'll be asked to do more and those numbers will theorectically increase.He is capable of making big plays if needed. Look at his college production in a more high powered offense than the one the Giants run. Also, on the first drive of the Giants-Philly playoff game he was wide open down the sideline and could have easily scored a long TD if Eli hadn't been so off in that game.Smith may never be a fantasy stud, but he can easily be a 4-6 catch 60-85 yard per game WR that is a valuable asset, especially in ppr leagues. I also think his TD production can increase as he's capable of getting open in a phone booth which can come in handy in the red zone. He's pretty strong on the ball for a smaller WR and can ghet open. He'll likely not be a double digit TD guy but if he grans 6-8 TDs in a season it wouldn't be shocking.

 

[inzanitee]

I love Smith's game, so I echo your sentiments massraider. He was the best receiver on that Leinart-Bush-Jarrett-Williams-White offense. He bailed out Leinart frequently. I just haven't seen much of him on deeper passes in the Giants offense, so I'm wondering how much of that has been his role or what he can/can't do. I think it's role, but I agree there should be buzz on Smith if he remains the projected starter and there's no significant acquisition of a primary-do-it-all threat.

The problem is that everyone who just relies on stats and doesn't watch the games (I understand that everyone cannot watch evry game, I just happen to be in the NY market), points out things like his low ypc and lack of TDs and then state he can never be a good fantasy WR because he's just a "possession" guy with no speed.The problem is those numbers (ypc) can be skewed due to the limited # of receptions he had in his first two seasons (stuck behind vets and still learning) and the situations that they were accrued in. Smith was mostly used as a 3rd down slot receiver meaning that his main job was to get open in an area that would gain first down yardage and then catch the ball. If he takes over Amani Toomer's spot as the #2 wideout he'll be asked to do more and those numbers will theorectically increase.He is capable of making big plays if needed. Look at his college production in a more high powered offense than the one the Giants run. Also, on the first drive of the Giants-Philly playoff game he was wide open down the sideline and could have easily scored a long TD if Eli hadn't been so off in that game.Smith may never be a fantasy stud, but he can easily be a 4-6 catch 60-85 yard per game WR that is a valuable asset, especially in ppr leagues. I also think his TD production can increase as he's capable of getting open in a phone booth which can come in handy in the red zone. He's pretty strong on the ball for a smaller WR and can ghet open. He'll likely not be a double digit TD guy but if he grans 6-8 TDs in a season it wouldn't be shocking.

I think the Giants grab someone like Britt or Robiskie - they KNOW they need a WR, it's their biggest need now.

 

[Jason Wood]

Lots of teams lose key players each year and sometimes we have a tendency to make more of a loss than we should. I remember a year ago thinking the Giants defense was in trouble because the losses of Strahan and Osi [which was unplanned obviously] would have a ripple effect throughout the defense and expose an over matched secondary. OOPS. I also remember wondering how Baltimore would survive with the offensive line having so many questions, and Harbaugh being primarily a special teams coach, and a rookie QB under center. OOPS

Point being, I'm mindful of the fact that we don't really know how things will work out until we know. THAT SAID, in this case I think Giants fans have a right to be concerned about Plax' dismissal. Regardless of whether this was the right move for the franchise [and it seems there is plenty of data in support of that conclusion], on the field the Giants have a hole that needs patching, and it's not going to be easy.

I've heard a few Giants fans on local radio argue that the Eagles haven't had a bonafide #1 for years and still put up big yards and points. I also heard a caller make not that Miami rebounded last year with Chad Pennington under center an no stud WRs. All true. BUT, we haven't seen Eli manage an effective passing attack without Plax; and that's the big question. Can he? I don't see why anyone would say he CAN'T. But WILL HE? Hmmm, that's very much a question mark.

 

[TitusIII]

I just don't see what others see with Hixon.In the last 7 weeks of the season (including the playoff game) he had 30-388-1, the Giants offense looked like it was completely lost, and the team sputtered its way out of the playoffs in their first game. Defenses did not have to give the respect to the passing attack that they did under Plaxico and thus the entire offense suffered as a result.In my opinion, Hixon cannot merely be "plugged in" to Plaxico's role in the offense with the idea that it will continue to flow. They need a legitimate threat at WR for that offense to work and Hixon is not it.

Agreed, Plax made the NYG offense "click". Without him, Manning and the rest of the team on that side of the ball looked pretty bad, to say the least. Edwards/Boldin would be ideal, and the Giants would be wise to pony up whatever it takes to acquire either one. I'm not sure why the Browns would deal Edwards, as I think last season was a bad fluke, but the Cardinals WR/cap situation may benefit the NYG. On the other hand, now that the Cards have a playoff quality team for the remainder of Warner's career, I doubt they will help a fellow NFC team like the Giants or Bears.

 

[Two Deep]

Hixon.