Offensive Rebound

One of the biggest topics this off-season for the Giants has been whether or not they can rebound off of last seasons let down in the playoffs.Can they replace Plaxico? Who will replace the Giants all-time leading receiver Amani Toomer? These are the two big questions that stare the Giants down coming into the 2009 season.

First off, Amani Toomer was the greatest wide receiver the Giants have had since they won their first two super bowls. He did everything that you could ask a receiver to do and then some. The guy was clutch and made all the right plays when the Giants needed them over the years. He won't be replaced over night but his shoes may not take long to fill. When the Giants drafted Steve Smith three years ago, It was apparent to me that he would be the replacement for Amani in the future. I didn't think the future would come this fast but it has. Steve Smith has done nothing but caught everything thrown at him and made plays since becoming a Giant. He missed most of his rookie season but came up big in the Super Bowl on the teams game winning drive. Over the next couple of years the shoes that Toomer has left will be filled. Smith has been a great slot player and I predict that he will move to the outside this season and make the catches and become Eli's go to receiver.

Who will be the play maker? This is a question everyone can't wait to find out. I truly believe that if Sinorice Moss stays healthy he will be a player maker. He has very good hands and runs very well in the open field. His only obstacle is getting separation since he is short and staying away from the hamstring bug that has nipped at him over his career.

Also Mario Manningham will make plays. He has the quickness and ability to catch the ball and make plays. At one time he was thought of as a first round pick but dropped to the Giants in the third round because of "character issues". The last guy that will have a big season is Hakeem Nicks. I have to be honest I really didn't think much of him before the draft. Then I turned on the game film and fell in love. I love his hands, it seems like he can't drop a ball. He has great size and body control to fight off defenders. He is only 6'1" but he can still get up and haul in the ball down the field.

No one will replace Plaxico Burress, but with the NFL's best running game, they will force teams to bring a safety up and then beat them deep. You still have to respect Jacobs, Bradshaw and watch out for Andre Brown and Danny Ware as well. The Giants 2009 receiving core is young, athletic, quick and explosive which all equates to big plays. Last season they stalled without Plax, but this season they have had over 6 months of preparation to get past that and transition to a whole new era of football. My feeling is this team is more determined then ever and they have a great core of leaders to get back on top.