Off-Season Priorities

The Giants Have Many Decisions To Make
Amid much speculation, the New York Giants announced the promotion of current linebackers coach Bill Sheridan to defensive coordinator. He will be filling the hole left vacant after Steve Spagnuolo left Big Blue to become the Ram’s head coach.
Spagnuolo, or “Spags” as he is often called, led the Giants defense to great triumphs over the last two seasons which included a SuperBowl championship and a division title. While the 2007 championship season might seem like the greater achievement, Spags’ real success came in 2008 without future Hall of Famer Michael Strahan or Pro-Bowler Osi Umenyiora on defense. The Giants ended the season ranked fifth in the league in defense, and had stats not achieved since the 2000 campaign.
While replacing Spags was certainly important, the Giants still have a lot of work to do.
In this past year Big Blue boasted the best running game in the league with stars Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw. Led by Jacobs, this three headed attack nicknamed “Earth, Wind, and Fire” is about to be broken up. With Jacobs and Ward both eligible to become unrestricted free agents, each will demand huge salaries, and will certainly receive many offers.
On one hand, both have stated they wish to remain in blue for the remainder of their careers, while on the other hand, both want to be the top running back.
If faced with a decision, the Giants likely choice would be to allow Ward to leave, but the choice would certainly be tough.
In the other area of offense, the passing game, longtime Giant Amani Toomer will become an unrestricted free agent. While he certainly won’t garner many lucrative offers, Big Blue needs to decide if he’s worth resigning.
A 13 year veteran who’s spent his entire career with the Giants, Amani Toomer has shown signs of aging. At 34 he has lost most of his speed, and cannot jump as well as he used too, both hindering his chances at getting open for a pass.
With the likelihood that Plaxico Burress will go to jail on charges of possessing an unregistered loaded weapon, the Giants are reduced to the young wide receivers Steve Smith and Dominic Hixon.
So should the Giants resign Toomer? If Burress isn’t convicted, should they resign him? If both players find new homes in 2009, who should the Giants acquire? They certainly need a top veteran receiver, but can they afford to trade for someone?
One possibility lies in the form of Terrell Owens, the outspoken Cowboy’s receiver who has destroyed the chemistry of his Dallas team, after doing so with the Eagles. A trade for TO would certainly help the team, but would certainly bring controversy off the field, that often seeps on to it.
On the other side of the ball, the Giants need to think about making any upgrades to the secondary or defensive line. Veteran safeties Sammy Knight and Sam Madison will certainly be gone next season, while defensive end Fred Robbins has had his string of injuries, including two broken wrists and a sprained knee, through which he still played.
Lastly, although 44 year old John Carney was one of the leagues best kickers in 2007, the much younger Lawrence Tynes, who was hurt and inactive for most of the season should replace Carney, considering the ancient veteran lost most of his kick strength by the postseason.
Big Blue needs to wisely decide who to keep, who to let go, and who to sign if they should even consider making plans to return to the playoffs.