AUTHOR: Anthony Fucilli TITLE: A Giant loss DATE: 11/08/2006 05:54:00 PM ----- BODY:

The New York Giants were dealt another blow this week after the news that Michael Strahan would be out two to four weeks due to a foot sprain, and Osi Umenyiora not expected to come back against the Bears with a hip flexor. It was expected that the Giants would be 100 percent offensively, but then came the devestating news that Amani Toomer suffered a partial tear in his ACL, ending his season. It is a 'Giant,' blow because Toomer was having a productive year with 32 receptions for over 200 yards and three touchdowns, and is an 11-year veteran, who was a huge locker room presence. He is no longer the primary target for Eli Manning, but he accepted his role and was very instrumental to that Giants offense, as a player that Eli looked for in key situations. Especially when defenses looked to take away Shockey and Burress, Toomer was able to strive. It was a new role for him, because he went from the number one option to the third, but it was also a very effective option for the Giants offense, and distracting for opposing defenses. His speed made him very difficult to defend. He could go over the top or he could make critical receptions over the middle. Now Eli Manning will have to somehow find another target, a reliable target. The question now is whether Tim Carter will be able to take on that role. He has shown flashes that he is ready to take on that role, but he has never been a consistant receiver for that Giants offense. He has had his drops in the past and this year, this is his time for him to pick up the slack that Amani Toomer left. It is a devestating blow for the Giants because of the respect that they have for Amani in the locker room. He isn't a vocal leader, but he is a presence that explains to the younger guys how to prepare on and off the field. Tiki Barber, playing in his last year, now will be the last true veteran on that offense. Eli Manning, becoming the leader on that offense, will also have to step up. It's not good to be playing the Bears coming off their loss to the Dolphins, coming into Giants Stadium very angry. The Giants will have to circle the wagons, knowing they got past the Texans, and knowing they are a better football team. It will make for great theater on National TV, with Brandon Jacobs blasting through the middle towards Brian Urlacher (if he plays). Barber coming out of the back field and somehow trying to find a way to create space and day light. Plaxico Buress now will have his jersey and opponents will find out where he is on that field; he will draw much attention. Unfortunately the Giants won't have Amani around to take advantage of opportunities in that area of the offense. We will see Sunday night if Tim Carter is ready, if Ernie Acorsi was right after drafting him in the second round out of Auburn, a guy who could make plays and be a factor in this Giants offense.

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Anonymous DATE:11/08/2006 10:44:00 PM Fooch:

Should the Giants bring in a Proehl or another veteran wideout? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR: Anonymous DATE:11/18/2006 01:24:00 PM Fooch:

I'm not sure why all the cast of the Giants Online jumps all over you when you make intelligent commentary on the lack of good coaching by Coughlin's staff in critical situations such as the 3rd and 22 incident. You were totally right: it was as much of a coaching blunder as a physical miscue by Demps. They should have had more than one player play the draw.

Jae Lee
Washington, DC
Long time Giants fan ----- --------