3, 5 & Moss... hold ur ground Jerry Reese!

Giants schedule analysis

April 14, 2009 7:18 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

Breakdown: The New York Giants' 2009 schedule will begin the same way it did in 2008 -- with a home game in the Meadowlands against the Washington Redskins. The Giants will then travel to Arlington, Texas, where they will christen the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium. That will be an NBC game at 8:20 p.m. ET. The game against the Cowboys kicks off a three-week road trip on which the Giants will play the Bucs and Chiefs.

Beginning Dec. 6, the Giants will begin a three-game stretch against its NFC East opponents. The good news is that the first two games are at home -- against the Cowboys and Eagles. The schedule finishes up with a home against the Panthers and a trip to Minnesota, which sounds much like last season.

Complaint department: After the home opener against the Redskins on Sept. 13, the Giants will play three straight road games. In '08, the schedule was back-loaded. This season, the Giants will be tested early. The only back-to-back home games come in December when the Giants stay home to face division rivals Dallas and Philadelphia. The Giants will play a home game against the Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 22 before having to travel to Denver for a Thanksgiving night game. Head coach Tom Coughlin won't like that scenario, but he will like the fact that the Giants have a later bye week this season (Nov. 15).

My knee-jerk reaction to this schedule: At first glance, I see the Giants going 11-5. I think they survive the tough early stretch to go 4-1, but they'll run into trouble in New Orleans and in Philly. But in this rugged division, an 11-5 record might get it done. OK, let's change it to 12-4. I'll be back later to explain why.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation?tag=schedule%2009%20nfc%20east

Cardinals to Consider Trading Boldin

The Arizona Cardinals are prepared to consider trade offers for Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin, team officials said today.

"We just think it is prudent for us to evaluate all our options," Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves said, according to the team's website.

Boldin has been at odds with the club over his contract. Previously, the Cardinals had indicated they had no intention of trading Boldin.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said today that the team's preference still would be to keep Boldin and sign him to a longterm contract.

Whisenhunt said, according to the Cardinals' website: "Before the draft, you know there is going to be talk about Anquan and his situation and a trade. Since not a whole lot has changed with his contractual situation, we know that will come back up.

"It would be foolish from our standpoint not to listen to those opportunities and see what actually exists. But I want to make the point... our goal is to re-sign him to a long-term deal. That hasn't changed."

Graves told reporters that the Cardinals already have spoken to some teams about Boldin but declined to identify them, according to the club's website. He also declined to comment on what the Cardinals' asking price for Boldin will be.

There has been speculation that the Cardinals would want at least first- and third-round draft picks in return, and perhaps more.

The New York Giants could be interested. They have been reported to be interested in trading for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards as a replacement for the released Plaxico Burress. Other teams with a possible need at wide receiver include the Chicago Bears, who have been linked to Burress in reports, and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Washington Redskins reportedly have had interest in Boldin in the past, and Boldin reportedly has expressed interest in playing for the Miami Dolphins.

Boldin has two years remaining on his contract and has been at odds with the Cardinals since they signed their other Pro Bowl wideout, Larry Fitzgerald, to a $10 million-a-year extension. Boldin is to have to have salaries of $2.75 million next season and $3 million in the 2010 season. He said several times last season that he would not remain with the Cardinals, but there have been mixed signals on that topic from his camp since the team's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.

Boldin also created a stir with a sideline disagreement with Todd Haley, then the Cardinals' offensive coordinator, late in the NFC championship game. But Boldin and Haley, now the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, later dismissed the incident.

The Cardinals re-signed quarterback Kurt Warner as a free agent earlier this offseason. Warner reportedly offered to reduce his income if the Cardinals keep Boldin and sign him to a contract extension, although the team apparently didn't take him up on that offer.

Boldin has reached the Pro Bowl three times in his six NFL seasons. He missed four regular season games last year but still finished the season with 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns.

He was plagued by a hamstring injury during a playoff run in which Fitzgerald established himself as perhaps the sport's most dynamic young receiver.

Boldin has 502 catches for 6,496 yards and 40 touchdowns in six NFL seasons, all with the Cardinals. He turns 29 in October.

http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/nflnewsfeed/2009/04/cardinals-to-consider-trading-boldin.html

I'd give up a first and a third for Boldin, no problem, and perhaps a first and our second for Boldin plus a third or fourth.

Posted by TMS:

yes to Boldin... please Mr. Reese, do the right thing!

he's a legitimate top-tier WR

Posted by TMS:

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by TMS:

yes to Boldin... please Mr. Reese, do the right thing!

he's a legitimate top-tier WR

no doubt... he's a 3 time pro bowler & tough as nails... a true #1 WR... Braylon Edwards wants a $10 million dollar per year contract... EXCUSE ME??? 1 great season in 4 & this guy thinks he deserves elite WR dollars?... if we're gonna spend big money, i'm spending it on someone like Boldin... yeah, we can get Edwards for less of a cost in picks, that's because he's not nearly as good a player as Boldin... a 1st & 3rd for Boldin is a high price but i think he's worth it.

Me too, but the market seems to be established. Roy Williams was had for the Cownoy's 1 and 3... the Giants picks are obviously not as valuable and Bolidn is a superior player. I think it has to be something like this year's 1 and 5 and next year's 2... or a 1 and 2 this year for Bolidn and a 3/4

[Edited by - SupremeCommander on 04-15-2009 11:04 PM]

Posted by VDesai:

Neither Boldin or Edwards will demand the package that was given up for Roy Williams. Dallas was out of their mind there.

I like Boldin quite a bit better than Edwards, but I have reason to believe Edwards is the Giants no.1 target and I think he has one or two things working in his favor- youth and potentially durability. Boldin took some really bad hits last year and there might be some concern there. Also the money may work out to be the same but the cost in terms of picks may be slightly less for Edwards. I also think Miami is going to be hot after Boldin and the competition may drive up the price the Giants would pay.

The man had his face welded back together and was back on the field in like two weeks (or something).

I wouldn't have paid what Dallas paid for Williams but I don't think they overpaid. The way I look at the deal, Williams was had in season for a first rounder that turned out to be #20, and a pick that could have decreased in value if Williams improved the club the way Jones thought. Williams is not a worse "prospect" (he's young) than anyone outside of Crabtree. I'll weigh the first and Williams as a wash. Meaning the Cowboys paid a third round premium on Williams. Maybe you can argue that wasn't worth it, but I won't--even though the price paid was steep.

As for Boldin, I can't see Boldin getting dealt for less than what Williams was had for, unless he's become such an ******* that it's in the best interest for Cards to move forward without him... in which case, I don't want him.

A 2 and 5 for Edwards is essentially an injured Shockey for Edwards. Okay. I can see that. A 2 for Tony Gozalez is like Jason Taylor for Gonzalez. Could see that. I can't see Boldin being traded for any of those players. Jay Cutler wasn't technically worth what the Bears paid, but that's what you pay in a trade for franchise level talent. Just like Eli technically wasn't worth the price paid, but no one seems to be complaining (now)

And, yes, I consider Boldin a franchise level talent. I would pay a first, plus a reasonable premium. I think swapping our second for a 3/4 is a reasonable premium that's needed to entice the Cardinals to make the deal.

Eli is lobbying for Braylon...

http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/11778/20090417/eli_lobbies_for_giants_to_get_edwards/

Newsday - Giants quarterback Eli Manning is starting to lobby his team to acquire receiver Braylon Edwards in a trade from the Browns.

"You just see him make big plays," Manning said. "I know last year maybe wasn't his best year, but two years ago, he scored a lot of touchdowns. And I think you want a guy who can catch the ball and get in the end zone."

Manning is aware that the front office is working hard, but made it known that he wants a top-flight target to replace Plaxico Burress.

"I think Jerry Reese and the coaches and the owners, they've been studying all the receivers, whether it's the draft or free agents and what might happen, so I think they're on top of it," Manning said.

"They know we have some good receivers but that we might need a No. 1 receiver ... And I'm sure something will happen during the draft or before the draft or right near it to help us out."

Like I said.. I'm for getting Braylon, I'd just be careful with what is given up. 2 and a 5 is fine, but not with Steve Smith thrown in.

Posted by TMS:

Manning is aware that the front office is working hard, but made it known that he wants a top-flight target to replace Plaxico Burress.

that would be Anquan Boldin, not Edwards.

Agreed, but Boldin is going to cost big time. Can't see the Cards trading him for less than Roy Williams.

Given how stingy the Giants front office is (99.99% of the time that is a GREAT thing), I think the best scenario for the Giants is they leverage the Browns into trading Edwards for less. Edwards for a 2 and 5 straight up would be awesome... a TD threat plus drafting a LB, OL depth, or whatever RB falls, without giving up any WR would be dynamite

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by TMS:

Manning is aware that the front office is working hard, but made it known that he wants a top-flight target to replace Plaxico Burress.

that would be Anquan Boldin, not Edwards.

Agreed, but Boldin is going to cost big time. Can't see the Cards trading him for less than Roy Williams.

Given how stingy the Giants front office is (99.99% of the time that is a GREAT thing), I think the best scenario for the Giants is they leverage the Browns into trading Edwards for less. Edwards for a 2 and 5 straight up would be awesome... a TD threat plus drafting a LB, OL depth, or whatever RB falls, without giving up any WR would be dynamite

Giants brining Kenny Britt in for a workout... i hope they just pass on Edwards if it's gonna cost us a 2 & 5 & instead move up in the draft if they have extra picks they want to unload... would be nice to come out of this draft w/a top flight LBer prospect along w/Kenny Britt.

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by TMS:

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by TMS:

Manning is aware that the front office is working hard, but made it known that he wants a top-flight target to replace Plaxico Burress.

that would be Anquan Boldin, not Edwards.

Agreed, but Boldin is going to cost big time. Can't see the Cards trading him for less than Roy Williams.

Given how stingy the Giants front office is (99.99% of the time that is a GREAT thing), I think the best scenario for the Giants is they leverage the Browns into trading Edwards for less. Edwards for a 2 and 5 straight up would be awesome... a TD threat plus drafting a LB, OL depth, or whatever RB falls, without giving up any WR would be dynamite

Giants brining Kenny Britt in for a workout... i hope they just pass on Edwards if it's gonna cost us a 2 & 5 & instead move up in the draft if they have extra picks they want to unload... would be nice to come out of this draft w/a top flight LBer prospect along w/Kenny Britt.

Britt with the NO 2nd I'm happy with... Britt with the first I'd be pissed. The overwhelming majority of rookie WRs make minimal impact in the NFL. They take time, which would be fine, if the Giants actually had a player with the talent to be a number one. The Giants offense is their rushing attack, and they need a WR that forces the LBs to play the second level and the safeties to play the 3rd. That rushing attack was okay without a receiver that could force the defenses to play that way. Hixon took Plax's role last season, and he was mediocre at best on man coverage. I'll assume he improves next season, but games will start with eight in the box next season until one of the rostered wideouts proves he warrants zone or double coverage.

The Giants are operating in their Super Bowl window now, which is why I'm an advocate of Boldin or Edwards. Someone that pulls guys out of the box NOW, not three seasons from now. I don't think I'm going out on limb saying that by the time Britt is ready to make a significant NFL impact--if he ever is ready--that window will be shutting.

my preference would be if the G-men moved up in the 1st round & drafted a topnotch LBer prospect, & then hopefully be able to steal Britt in the 2nd round... i'd be willing to give up a 3rd & 5th round picks to go this route rather than give up a 2nd & 5th for someone like B Edwards... that's just me.

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by TMS:

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by TMS:

Posted by SupremeCommander:

Posted by TMS:

Manning is aware that the front office is working hard, but made it known that he wants a top-flight target to replace Plaxico Burress.

that would be Anquan Boldin, not Edwards.

Agreed, but Boldin is going to cost big time. Can't see the Cards trading him for less than Roy Williams.

Given how stingy the Giants front office is (99.99% of the time that is a GREAT thing), I think the best scenario for the Giants is they leverage the Browns into trading Edwards for less. Edwards for a 2 and 5 straight up would be awesome... a TD threat plus drafting a LB, OL depth, or whatever RB falls, without giving up any WR would be dynamite

Giants brining Kenny Britt in for a workout... i hope they just pass on Edwards if it's gonna cost us a 2 & 5 & instead move up in the draft if they have extra picks they want to unload... would be nice to come out of this draft w/a top flight LBer prospect along w/Kenny Britt.

Britt with the NO 2nd I'm happy with... Britt with the first I'd be pissed. The overwhelming majority of rookie WRs make minimal impact in the NFL. They take time, which would be fine, if the Giants actually had a player with the talent to be a number one. The Giants offense is their rushing attack, and they need a WR that forces the LBs to play the second level and the safeties to play the 3rd. That rushing attack was okay without a receiver that could force the defenses to play that way. Hixon took Plax's role last season, and he was mediocre at best on man coverage. I'll assume he improves next season, but games will start with eight in the box next season until one of the rostered wideouts proves he warrants zone or double coverage.

The Giants are operating in their Super Bowl window now, which is why I'm an advocate of Boldin or Edwards. Someone that pulls guys out of the box NOW, not three seasons from now. I don't think I'm going out on limb saying that by the time Britt is ready to make a significant NFL impact--if he ever is ready--that window will be shutting.

my preference would be if the G-men moved up in the 1st round & drafted a topnotch LBer prospect, & then hopefully be able to steal Britt in the 2nd round... i'd be willing to give up a 3rd & 5th round picks to go this route rather than give up a 2nd & 5th for someone like B Edwards... that's just me.

I'd be okay with that. The Giants D would be elite again... but you head into the season knowing the team is going to be pedestrian offensively.

If the Giants stand more or less pat, I'd like them to trade up to about 20 and grab Moreno and take Britt in the second.

u can't assume their offense will be pedestrian... for all we know Kenny Britt could be like Marques Colston was for the Saints his rookie season & that guy was a 7th round draft pick... they seem to have similar builds & both are nice big targets to throw to... i think Britt would fit in nicely in this offense & have an impact right away, maybe not on Plax's level obviously but more of a threat than Hixon, Moss or Manningham will be next season IMO.

& anyway we still have 1 of the best O-Lines in the game along w/the biggest & most bruising RB in the game... i think that kid Ware's gonna be a nice backup for Jacobs & Bradshaw will bring some of that playmaking ability that we didn't see much of last season because of his limited role.