Steitzenhaus

...well, to answer the question, I think it's too early to tell how much he will progress as a receiver. The potential is certainly there. As of now, I would like to see him as a secondary or third option and be used as the team's primary return specialist, for both kicks and punts. That he wasn't used more often on either of these this past season is confounding, considering the ability he displayed in the Arizona game. I know after Burress's incident you can't have a primary receiver getting hurt on return duty but I think for the time being that is where he can contribute the most.

Well, let's hope that we don't have to find out if that is true or not. He's the number one priority this off-season and I certainly don't like the prospect of him wearing a different uniform. He sets the tone for the offense(except last Sunday-19 carries Gilbride?) and is a major part of this teams identity.

Yeah, I second that. Nice post.

Ross is going to be fine. He struggled at times this season but I think some of that could be in part because Webster has developed into such an excellent corner. Teams weren't throwing to his side of the field...they have to throw it somewhere. With the loss of Strahan and Osi, the pass rush wasn't nearly as effective as last season. The game is tilted in the offense's favor to begin with and no corner in the league can stick with a receiver if the quarterback has too much time in the pocket. The secondary, led by Webster, has a great young nucleus with Ross, Thomas, Phillips, and Johnson. An area that was a weakness for so long is beginning to become a strength. I would like to see that kept in place.

David Carr? He was drafted to be the face of the Houston Texans franchise and they eventually gave up on him. Did you see his numbers in Carolina last season? I know he had a good half of football in the last game of the season but the idea that he should even be considered is humorous. About the contract, yeah it is a ton of money to commit to one player. However, the guaranteed money is the number that is most important. I have to imagine a lot of the money is performance based incentives. Eli had a terrible game last week, but let's try and remember what he and the team accomplished last season. The Giants have made the playoffs every year he has been a starter and he has shown the ability to find ways to win when the fourth quarter comes around. Let's consider these things before we nominate the backup to be the future leader of this franchise.

I don't agree with your opinion of Jacobs. He has missed time due to injury, I can't dispute that. However, he may very well be more important to this offense than Burress. There is something to be said about a back that can wear down a defense simply by players having to tackle him. Look at Ward and Bradshaw's effectiveness when he went down. The regular season game at the stadium against philly was a poor showing by the offense, but when Jacobs got hurt, they couldn't move the ball at all. The next week in Dallas, Ward is unable to make a difference and the Giants have another stagnant display on offense. When he returned against Carolina, Jacobs was given the ball 24 times, and Ward had a career day, running for 215 yards. I think Jacobs is the #1 priority for the team heading into the offseason. Now, about the game. The fact Jacobs was given the ball 19 times in a playoff game where Eli simply didn't have it is unacceptable to me. I've thought about it all week and I've tried to rationalize a reason for it but I come up empty. This is a terrible loss, considering the expectations heading into the postseason. I'm going to try and put this into perspective though. If you told me after the Super Bowl that Strahan would retire, Osi would be lost for the year in the preseason, and Burress would shoot himself in the leg mid season, it would be a pretty discouraging forecast. Yet the Giants still won the division and earned the #1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Maybe this makes the loss even worse but it does show me that this team displays tremendous depth and resilience and I am extremely optimistic for the future

I know a lot of people are going to criticize the amount of money in this deal. It's understandable...that's a huge chunk of change. But we live in times where we as fans consider a 30 million dollar deal for a good player a "bargain". When you get into the area of 100 million dollars, is there really any athlete worth that kind of money? I'm less concerned about the money than what it does, as it is going to make Eli Manning the quarterback of the Giants for the long term future. Personally, I would not want anyone else quarterbacking this team. Sunday was very disappointing and Eli along with the coaching staff are going to have to find a way to navigate the winter winds of Giants Stadium, but what the team accomplished last year is not lost on me for a second. Considering what New England was trying to accomplish, you can argue that the Giants '07 playoff run was the greatest in NFL history. He has displayed a knack for elevating his play in the 4th quarter, and I had the privilege of seeing in person his first career win in '04 to end the season against the Cowboys and the Denver game in '05, where he engineered game winning 4th quarter drives. It can't be disputed that it's a ton of money to devote to one player, but I am glad Eli Manning is going to be with the Giants for the long haul.

I have a complaint with Jacobs.....he didn't get the ball enough. In a game where the offense couldn't execute and the playcalling was suspect to say the least, Jacobs was the one player who was able to make some kind of impact. Perhaps he was still hobbled by his injury, but I heard all week how fired up he was to play in this game. To see him on the sideline for the second series in the 1st quarter, and to be taken out of the game after going for 16 yards on 2 carries following the Robbins interception is confounding to me. 19 carries in a playoff game where Eli simply didn't have anything going for him is inexcusable. This game was the time to try and ride Jacobs to a win and for whatever reason, they didn't do it.

Jacobs- I think he is the #1 priority and while it's the adage that runningbacks are a dime a dozen, 265 pound ones aren't. Ward- A nice, solid runner and I'd like to see him back but if it comes down to him or Jacobs, it's an easy decision. Burress- I'd like to see him back, providing issues with the law and the league turn out as good as they can. I believe in redemption and if his teammates want him back, there is no reason I shouldn't. Kiwi- I like the poor man's Ware comparison. With Osi coming back, he gives the team versatility, either playing linebacker or playing down on the line along with Tuck and Osi. Toomer- I'm not sure if he has thoughts of retiring, but it would be nice to retain him. He is a true professional and his ability to mentor and provide leadership would be valuable. Best career Giant receiver I have ever seen but in the end it's about money so I honestly don't know what will happen. Madison- see Toomer Gilbride- Get that Raiders job sir. If you do, call me. I'll pay for your plane ticket. Spags- I've heard Reese is considering making him the coach in waiting, which I love. A nice, smooth transition when Coughlin retires would be great.

Hi everyone I'm new to this board. I migrated from the original Giants message board. I could no longer handle the constant Eli Manning topics about his value to the team and the overall lack of substance. I heard this board is more informed and I'm hoping this is true. As for Sunday, the team just didn't execute. However, the playcalling on Gilbride's part left a lot to be desired. After the Robbins interception(great play on Fred's part. He's a real unsung hero on this defense.), Jacobs took the first carry for 11 yards and the following carry for 5 yards. Jacobs comes out of the game for Ward, and they go empty backfield in a shotgun formation. They throw a screen to Ward that falls incomplete. An incomplete pass on third down and they settle for another field goal, putting the Giants ahead by a point. I really got discouraged after this series. This was a great chance to retake the momentum and hit the Eagles in the mouth. I knew this game would be a battle and I thought Jacobs was the key to winning and I believed he could have a big game, especially after hearing how fired up he was all week leading up to Sunday. 19 carries simply wasn't enough.

I agree with everything you said, sir. I'm new to the site after migrating from the original Giants message board. The level of debate and intelligence on there is lacking and I can't take it any longer. I have heard this site is more rational with a higher level of discussion(i.e. every topic isn't about the merit of Eli Manning). I'm hoping that is the case. Looking towards next year, I think linebacker is the number one priority on defense in next years draft and free agency. A player who displays good athleticism and isn't a liability in coverage is a must for next season. Offensively, I don't think it needs to be stated again but wide receiver has to be addressed. I don't know what's going to happen with Burress but I believe in second chances and as long as the players on the team are supportive and want Plaxico back on the team, I certainly would not have any objections. Granted, this hinges largely on his legal situation and what the NFL is going to do in terms of a possible suspension. Either way, there are plenty of pieces in place for another chance at a championship next year. A talented offensive line with great chemistry. Hopefully Osi will return at full strength and with Tuck and Kiwi they can regain the form they displayed in '07. A very good corner in Webster is locked up long term. Re-sign Jacobs and go from there.