| Jason Cohen. 14th October, 2009 - 8:09 pm
 Coming into the 2009 season, the major question mark surrounding the New York Giants was whether they could get it done offensively with a receiving core of Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss and newcomer Hakeem Nicks.
With an average age of 24 and very limited experience, it would appear that in order for the team to score points, they would have to rely heavily on their dangerous running attack.
After a 5-0 start to the season in which the team has dominated their opponents both offensively and defensively, the receivers have exceeded expectations.
The team has been led by Steve Smith, who has blossomed into a reliable target for Eli Manning since the departure of imprisoned Plaxico Burress and the aging Amani Toomer. He has managed to rack up 481 receiving yards on 37 receptions with a team high four touchdown receptions. Not only has Smith’s production helped take pressure off the other young receivers, but it has also alleviate the pressure from Manning, who has 87 completions for 1,212 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In addition to Smith’s production, the team has received a solid effort from second-year player Mario Manningham, who has shown great promise and has flourished with his increased role in the offense. His rookie season was cut short due to an injury, but he has done a great job of developing chemistry with Manning coming into this season. Their efforts have certainly paid off as Manningham has 20 receptions for 342 yards with three trips to the end zone and he appears to be improving each time he steps onto the field.
While Domenik Hixon has not put up great numbers to this point, he remains a big play option for Maning down the field due to his combination of speed and height. With two receptions for 23 yards, Hixon figures to get some more looks. In 35 career games Hixon has compiled 624 yards on 46 receptions, scoring two touchdowns. Most of this production came last season when he had a breakout year.
At 25 years of age, Sinorice Moss is the most experienced Giant receiver, entering his fourth season with the team. In his young career, he has been plagued by nagging injuries, which slowed his production and development.
Rookie Hakeem Nicks came into the season with big expectations as a first round draft choice after a prolific college career at North Carolina. In his first few games, he has shown why he was chosen in the first round and why he is the all-time leader in touchdowns at North Carolina. Playing sparingly, he has already caught two touchdown passes with one of them being a 54 yarder. His big play ability, size, and speed will make him a solid contributor and an integral piece for the Giants’ continued success.
The team must continue to develop the talent they have in place, but it would appear as though what looked like a weakness going into the season may develop into one of the teams’ strengths. If the Giants are able to sustain this level of production from their receivers, Eli Manning will be on his way to another superb season and the Giants will be a major player come playoff time. |
