Former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, won’t be doing any touchdown celebrations for a while. The Superbowl hero for New York two years ago was indicted on weapons charges for shooting himself in the thigh at a night club last November 29th. A NYC grand jury charged the 31 year old athlete with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of reckless endangerment. Burress faces a minimum jail sentence of three and a half years if convicted. The receiver could also face disciplinary action by NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell. If Burress’ attorney and prosecutors don’t work out a plea bargain, number 17 will stand trial on September 23rd.
In my opinion, Plaxico’s possible prison punishment is a product of his own imprecision and stupidity. He carried a loaded and unlicensed gun into a club and accidentally shot himself. Plaxico must have known his weapon’s license was only valid in the state of Florida. He also must have been aware his license was five months expired when he checked into the Latin Quarter club. I understand the reckless receiver did not intend to commit a crime with his .4 caliber semi-automatic. He was only carrying a weapon in the waistband of his pants to protect himself in self-defense. How silly it sure seems that he needed reassurance in the form of a weapon to enjoy a night out. The circumstances are still questionable as to why he was even at a club with teammates that November night. Burress should be able to lead a normal live outside football but he obviously had reserves about the type of environment he chose to endeavor. Athletes realize risky daily decisions can hurt not only their career but their teammates. As it turns out, Plaxico was the only one injured by his own carless and negligent actions. He deserves time in the cell for putting other civilians in unnecessary and harmful danger. I was satisfied with the jury’s decision to disregard his fame and status as an NFL star and followed the law of the state. Burress is protected under the Second Amendment right to bear arms. But he won’t be able to wiggle himself out of a jail sentence the way he can wiggle the ball out of a defender’s hands for a touchdown.
Parting points: Check out the new Modest Mouse album hitting stores today. It sounds like another great collection of Indie rock.
Showing posts with label Plaxico Burress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plaxico Burress. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Receiver Replacement
Bring Bodacious Braylon to Big Blue
The New York Giants were not the same football team without the agile Plaxico Burress on the field. The flabbergasting football feats Plaxico produced were prodigious. Number 17 was officially released from the team on Friday and now Jerry Reese has to fill the wide receiver hole hanging over the team. I whole-heartedly agreed with the decision to drop Burress. Reese left the door open for a happy return not long before Friday’s announcement. He and the Giants were more than willing to honor Plaxico’s remaining four year contract. The shallow Burress boasted a resounding resume and had everything going for him. He deserved the increased pay last off-season. But now, the misbehaving receiver and his greedy agent want compensation for last year’s missed playing time. Enough is enough. Plaxico took advantage of his star status and the team has every right to be angry. It was time for the Giants to move on, without the distraction of his off-field antics. Burress made a spectacle of the franchise by demonstrating his inability to stay out of trouble. The repeated suspensions and neglected meetings and practices became inexcusable and tiresome over the past few years. The reactionary result decisively disinfects the dark cloud in the clubhouse. His Giant teammates reportedly liked Burress but unfortunately must learn to trust a younger wideout or hope management drafts well this April.
Finding a replacement will be a giant task and pressing process for New York. You cannot teach an athlete size, and there are very few NFL players who can match Plaxico’s height and ability to catch passes. Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Sinorice Moss, and David Tyree are members of Tom Coughlin’s team with talent. Not one of them stands out as a number one go-to guy for Eli Manning.
Braylon Edwards of the Browns would be my choice for the Giants. He is an attractive option on the open market. Braylon is a play maker who is going into the last year of his contract. The five year player could be obtained via a trade and fill the spot vacated when Plaxico was passed on. The organization appears reluctant to part with first or third round draft picks in order to land Edwards now. Braylon could use a change of scenery and he’s communicated his desire to play in New York. In 2008, he accumulated 873 yards with only 3 touchdowns. The season before, he had a career year. Braylon ripped 1,289 yards with 16 touchdowns. The knock on Edwards are his dropped passes and inconsistency at the wideout position. However, Edwards did not have any fumbles last season. The Giants do not need him to be spectacular. They only need a solid receiving alternative to supplement the running game. Plaxico is a top 10 receiver. Edwards will never be elite but is a feasible replacement. He maybe ranks in the top 25 in the league. Braylon is 6’3” and 215 pounds but a more responsible football player than Plaxico could ever be. The 2005 number three overall draft pick has already been to the Pro Bowl. He plays the position well enough to learn the system, and is most effective in 1st or 2nd and long situations. Eli Manning will have to adjust and be willing to throw to his younger crop of receivers. I am really high on Edwards and would completely back a move to bring him to Big Blue this season.
The aspect Plaxico added was an opponent’s fear in covering the massive presence. He pressurized other players. Often he was double-teamed and the main focus of head coach’s pregame strategies. Edwards, or any of the other Giant receivers, do not exude fright. That was proven after Plaxico went down last winter and Manning was forced to pass the ball around. Hixon and Smith are both able to step up and will not go into shells. But they cannot be the main components because neither are deep threats. Moss is also considered in the mix and quietly and occasionally will catch some balls thrown his way. Hixon is better at short routes and Smith is quick, but better exploited in short-yard situations too. Hixon is exciting to watch but has questionable skills. He initially replaced Plaxico and handled the job as well as anybody could ask. Domenik made the Meadowlands his home and will have to be the new security blanket for Manning. Domenik starred at Akron and was primarily drafted by Denver as a return specialist. He’s a special teams ace and accrued numerous accomplishments in that area. Hixon has a take-charge attitude you admire in an athlete. Smith is similar in stance but a more polished player He has two years under his belt in New York. He already cemented himself in Giants history with a game changing catch during Superbowl XLII. Aside from the memorable 17 yard reception on 3rd and 11 late in the game, he also recorded 5 receptions for 50 yards. Savvy Smith begets flexibility and is a viable number two receiver. The Alaskan native caught 190 passes as a college player for the USC Trojans and I believe will have a breakout 2009.
Manningham was one of my favorite college players coming from Michigan, and he reminds me a lot of Edwards. Both were Wolverines; maybe that’s why. I just think Mario has more potential than he’s been given credit. The Ohio-born Mario appeared in 7 games last season and averaged 4.3 yards. Manning to Manningham should be the tandem announced by commentaries all around New York for years to come. Eli needs to take the time to make Mario fit in. Coughlin and his creative coordinators should infuse Manningham into the offensive plan. Tyree was the hero of the Superbowl over New England two years ago. His famous catch was a once-in-a-lifetime one, and I hesitate to consider him a consistent option for the Giants. If he returns, he is not going to see a lot passes but could bring depth to the team in long-yard situations. With Amani Toomer gone, the Giants do not have a veteran leader on the field offensively. Edwards could bring that leadership quality if the Giants were willing to take the risk in inquiring and acquiring him. He may not be the target on field Plaxico was, but it’s obvious the Giants are out of options. Manning can no longer have reservations about throwing to other players. Big Blue will have to model their game around a different player, or set of players. All that’s needed is to put the idea into practice this Spring and summer. It will take hard work but the team integrity will be better off for it.
If the Giants choose to wait until the April draft to snag a sleeper receiver, I like Percy Harvin. Harvin starred for the championship Gators and has speed, good hands and game-breaking knack. Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree is another option and probably will be the first at the WR position selected. Big Blue are sure to find a future receiver in this year’s rookie class with 10 draft picks on tap.
Parting points: Excellent page turner- Anything by Washington Irving
The New York Giants were not the same football team without the agile Plaxico Burress on the field. The flabbergasting football feats Plaxico produced were prodigious. Number 17 was officially released from the team on Friday and now Jerry Reese has to fill the wide receiver hole hanging over the team. I whole-heartedly agreed with the decision to drop Burress. Reese left the door open for a happy return not long before Friday’s announcement. He and the Giants were more than willing to honor Plaxico’s remaining four year contract. The shallow Burress boasted a resounding resume and had everything going for him. He deserved the increased pay last off-season. But now, the misbehaving receiver and his greedy agent want compensation for last year’s missed playing time. Enough is enough. Plaxico took advantage of his star status and the team has every right to be angry. It was time for the Giants to move on, without the distraction of his off-field antics. Burress made a spectacle of the franchise by demonstrating his inability to stay out of trouble. The repeated suspensions and neglected meetings and practices became inexcusable and tiresome over the past few years. The reactionary result decisively disinfects the dark cloud in the clubhouse. His Giant teammates reportedly liked Burress but unfortunately must learn to trust a younger wideout or hope management drafts well this April.
Finding a replacement will be a giant task and pressing process for New York. You cannot teach an athlete size, and there are very few NFL players who can match Plaxico’s height and ability to catch passes. Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Sinorice Moss, and David Tyree are members of Tom Coughlin’s team with talent. Not one of them stands out as a number one go-to guy for Eli Manning.
Braylon Edwards of the Browns would be my choice for the Giants. He is an attractive option on the open market. Braylon is a play maker who is going into the last year of his contract. The five year player could be obtained via a trade and fill the spot vacated when Plaxico was passed on. The organization appears reluctant to part with first or third round draft picks in order to land Edwards now. Braylon could use a change of scenery and he’s communicated his desire to play in New York. In 2008, he accumulated 873 yards with only 3 touchdowns. The season before, he had a career year. Braylon ripped 1,289 yards with 16 touchdowns. The knock on Edwards are his dropped passes and inconsistency at the wideout position. However, Edwards did not have any fumbles last season. The Giants do not need him to be spectacular. They only need a solid receiving alternative to supplement the running game. Plaxico is a top 10 receiver. Edwards will never be elite but is a feasible replacement. He maybe ranks in the top 25 in the league. Braylon is 6’3” and 215 pounds but a more responsible football player than Plaxico could ever be. The 2005 number three overall draft pick has already been to the Pro Bowl. He plays the position well enough to learn the system, and is most effective in 1st or 2nd and long situations. Eli Manning will have to adjust and be willing to throw to his younger crop of receivers. I am really high on Edwards and would completely back a move to bring him to Big Blue this season.
The aspect Plaxico added was an opponent’s fear in covering the massive presence. He pressurized other players. Often he was double-teamed and the main focus of head coach’s pregame strategies. Edwards, or any of the other Giant receivers, do not exude fright. That was proven after Plaxico went down last winter and Manning was forced to pass the ball around. Hixon and Smith are both able to step up and will not go into shells. But they cannot be the main components because neither are deep threats. Moss is also considered in the mix and quietly and occasionally will catch some balls thrown his way. Hixon is better at short routes and Smith is quick, but better exploited in short-yard situations too. Hixon is exciting to watch but has questionable skills. He initially replaced Plaxico and handled the job as well as anybody could ask. Domenik made the Meadowlands his home and will have to be the new security blanket for Manning. Domenik starred at Akron and was primarily drafted by Denver as a return specialist. He’s a special teams ace and accrued numerous accomplishments in that area. Hixon has a take-charge attitude you admire in an athlete. Smith is similar in stance but a more polished player He has two years under his belt in New York. He already cemented himself in Giants history with a game changing catch during Superbowl XLII. Aside from the memorable 17 yard reception on 3rd and 11 late in the game, he also recorded 5 receptions for 50 yards. Savvy Smith begets flexibility and is a viable number two receiver. The Alaskan native caught 190 passes as a college player for the USC Trojans and I believe will have a breakout 2009.
Manningham was one of my favorite college players coming from Michigan, and he reminds me a lot of Edwards. Both were Wolverines; maybe that’s why. I just think Mario has more potential than he’s been given credit. The Ohio-born Mario appeared in 7 games last season and averaged 4.3 yards. Manning to Manningham should be the tandem announced by commentaries all around New York for years to come. Eli needs to take the time to make Mario fit in. Coughlin and his creative coordinators should infuse Manningham into the offensive plan. Tyree was the hero of the Superbowl over New England two years ago. His famous catch was a once-in-a-lifetime one, and I hesitate to consider him a consistent option for the Giants. If he returns, he is not going to see a lot passes but could bring depth to the team in long-yard situations. With Amani Toomer gone, the Giants do not have a veteran leader on the field offensively. Edwards could bring that leadership quality if the Giants were willing to take the risk in inquiring and acquiring him. He may not be the target on field Plaxico was, but it’s obvious the Giants are out of options. Manning can no longer have reservations about throwing to other players. Big Blue will have to model their game around a different player, or set of players. All that’s needed is to put the idea into practice this Spring and summer. It will take hard work but the team integrity will be better off for it.
If the Giants choose to wait until the April draft to snag a sleeper receiver, I like Percy Harvin. Harvin starred for the championship Gators and has speed, good hands and game-breaking knack. Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree is another option and probably will be the first at the WR position selected. Big Blue are sure to find a future receiver in this year’s rookie class with 10 draft picks on tap.
Parting points: Excellent page turner- Anything by Washington Irving
Saturday, December 6, 2008
SEC Showdown Saturday, Slipping Shotguns & a Steelers Sunday
I have three topics on the board this morning. They all involve football, of the college and professional prowess. First and foremost is the Florida-Alabama SEC title game taking place in Atlanta this afternoon. The game features the fierce fireball quarterback Tim Tebow of the Gators. Tebow can make a statement by annihilating the Tide today. An overpowering win would ensure him another Heisman Trophy and a chance at a repeat national championship. Urban Meyer is the mastermind behind a well-rounded, well-coached team. Meyer has shown nothing but brilliance as a college head coach. His resume includes remarkable revamped Bowling Green and Utah teams. The Gators were his biggest challenge and he hasn’t failed yet. Today he faces a stimulating test against Nick Saban. Saban is equal in success and ability as far as coaching goes. Under his instruction and leadership, the Tide have managed to remain the top team in the nation coming into the title game. Still, Alabama is a 10 point underdog. It says a lot about the Florida Gators that they are favored by more than a touchdown on a neutral field. I think many experts are overlooking Saban and underscoring the Alabama team.
The Tide boast a beefed up defense and are fully healthy. The same cannot be said for the Gators on defense. They are missing key players in the most important game of the year so far. Florida has been so consistent and terrifyingly tenacious defensively and Alabama may be the only other team that can match their talent. Blitzing Tebow is the way Saban needs to shape his defense today. In order to beat Florida, a successful pass rush is needed. The Gators do not turn the ball over very often so the secondary needs to concentrate on limited the run and forcing Tebow to hurry his passes. Tebow has the ability to rush on his own, but the Alabama defensive line is painstakingly persistent in pressuring the quarterback. Offensively, the Tide have to win the turnover ratio and be stronger on special teams. Last week, the Gators were weak against the Seminoles on special teams. Saban should take advantage of this but also be aware Florida is very good at forcing turnovers. Glen Coffee, the talented Alabama running back is a difference maker offensively. The Gators can’t afford to look past Coffee or the Tide offense. I think the Gators have the upper hand with their high octane offense and shutdown defense. They are not as healthy as they would like to be though and wideout Percy Harvin is questionable. But this game will be close in the fourth quarter and come down to what coach can manage the better game.
Topic two takes us to Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s Heinz Field. The Cowboys are the visiting team against the Steelers in what is considered a highlight of week 14. The Cowboys are on a roll now that Tony Romo is healthy but they really have not beaten any team with the Steelers’ caliber. Look for a bloodfest with the Pittsburgh defense tackling and chasing Romo all day. On the other side of the ball, Demarcus Ware leads Dallas defensively and is going to play Sunday. He horrified the Seahawks on Thanksgiving and will go for seconds against the Steelers tomorrow. The Cowboys are likely going to be without their star running back, Marion Barber. With Barber sidelined and Felix Jones already out for the year, Romo needs to locate his receivers and tight ends more often. Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett will find ways to create plays but it won’t be enough against this Steelers defense. I foresee Pittsburgh coming away with a two touchdown victory unfortunately.
Finally, I have had a week to ponder the Plaxico Burress situation. The Giants continue to shake off all Plax’s distractions and can probably win games without him. He is their best player because he scares defensive coordinators and can catch just about any ball thrown his way. We all witnessed how crucial the receiver was to the Superbowl champs last year. But enough is enough. Burress made a stupid mistake and should not be given the star treatment for his behavior. There is no excuse for carrying an unlicensed gun or going to a club on a week he was not scheduled to even play. He deserves his suspension and any criminal penalties coming his way. I really was a fan of his for a long time but have to admit he cannot keep this up and earn the respect of the fans.
The Giants got rid of Jeremy Shockey and Eli Manning turned the team around. Shockey was also a very talented player but his off and on field distractions were inhibiting the quarterback. I think the same can be said of Plax missing in action from here on out. Eli will be forced to use different receivers. Mario Manningham, Steve Smith, Amani Toomer and Kevin Boss can emerge as the stars now. Manning and the Giants will be better for it too. They might lose a game because of Plaxico’s absence but in the end, won’t lose the respect of the fans.
Parting points: Congratulations to Buffalo on winning the MAC last night. They surprised a very good Ball State team.
The Tide boast a beefed up defense and are fully healthy. The same cannot be said for the Gators on defense. They are missing key players in the most important game of the year so far. Florida has been so consistent and terrifyingly tenacious defensively and Alabama may be the only other team that can match their talent. Blitzing Tebow is the way Saban needs to shape his defense today. In order to beat Florida, a successful pass rush is needed. The Gators do not turn the ball over very often so the secondary needs to concentrate on limited the run and forcing Tebow to hurry his passes. Tebow has the ability to rush on his own, but the Alabama defensive line is painstakingly persistent in pressuring the quarterback. Offensively, the Tide have to win the turnover ratio and be stronger on special teams. Last week, the Gators were weak against the Seminoles on special teams. Saban should take advantage of this but also be aware Florida is very good at forcing turnovers. Glen Coffee, the talented Alabama running back is a difference maker offensively. The Gators can’t afford to look past Coffee or the Tide offense. I think the Gators have the upper hand with their high octane offense and shutdown defense. They are not as healthy as they would like to be though and wideout Percy Harvin is questionable. But this game will be close in the fourth quarter and come down to what coach can manage the better game.
Topic two takes us to Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania’s Heinz Field. The Cowboys are the visiting team against the Steelers in what is considered a highlight of week 14. The Cowboys are on a roll now that Tony Romo is healthy but they really have not beaten any team with the Steelers’ caliber. Look for a bloodfest with the Pittsburgh defense tackling and chasing Romo all day. On the other side of the ball, Demarcus Ware leads Dallas defensively and is going to play Sunday. He horrified the Seahawks on Thanksgiving and will go for seconds against the Steelers tomorrow. The Cowboys are likely going to be without their star running back, Marion Barber. With Barber sidelined and Felix Jones already out for the year, Romo needs to locate his receivers and tight ends more often. Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett will find ways to create plays but it won’t be enough against this Steelers defense. I foresee Pittsburgh coming away with a two touchdown victory unfortunately.
Finally, I have had a week to ponder the Plaxico Burress situation. The Giants continue to shake off all Plax’s distractions and can probably win games without him. He is their best player because he scares defensive coordinators and can catch just about any ball thrown his way. We all witnessed how crucial the receiver was to the Superbowl champs last year. But enough is enough. Burress made a stupid mistake and should not be given the star treatment for his behavior. There is no excuse for carrying an unlicensed gun or going to a club on a week he was not scheduled to even play. He deserves his suspension and any criminal penalties coming his way. I really was a fan of his for a long time but have to admit he cannot keep this up and earn the respect of the fans.
The Giants got rid of Jeremy Shockey and Eli Manning turned the team around. Shockey was also a very talented player but his off and on field distractions were inhibiting the quarterback. I think the same can be said of Plax missing in action from here on out. Eli will be forced to use different receivers. Mario Manningham, Steve Smith, Amani Toomer and Kevin Boss can emerge as the stars now. Manning and the Giants will be better for it too. They might lose a game because of Plaxico’s absence but in the end, won’t lose the respect of the fans.
Parting points: Congratulations to Buffalo on winning the MAC last night. They surprised a very good Ball State team.
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