Giants Must Begin Making Final Preparations For 2012 Offseason

[RoanokeFan]

http://www.giants101.com/2013/01/11/...013-offseason/

Excerpt: "For many, it's still too early to focus on the offseason. The NFL playoffs are ramping up, story lines are still developing and the Super Bowl is a mere three weeks away. Unfortunately, for New York Giants fans, February 4th can not get here fast enough. Big Blue fell tremendously short of their goals in 2012, as they finished out of the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. The team is currently $4.7 million over the salary cap and has 27 free agents to make decisions on this offseason. Although there is talent on the roster, general manager Jerry Reese as some franchise-altering decision to make before the team steps on the field in 2013.

Every decision that Reese makes this offseason will have a domino effect. First and foremost, the team must restructure the salaries of several players who had questionable 2012 campaigns. Corey Webster is on the books for $7.5 million, Chris Snee is owed $6.45 million, David Bass is under contract for $4.25 million, while Chris Canty ($6.25 million), Michael Boley ($4.25 million) and Justin Tuck ($4 million) all underperformed this season.
After some cap room is cleared, getting Victor Cruz under contract is going to be a tumultuous task. Cruz was productive in this season, but he proved he's not a No.1 receiver that can line up on the outside and play against a physical cornerback. With Hakeem Nicks on the field, Cruz can get into the slot and make plays. However, No. 80 disappeared at times this season. He's going to be retained, but he's not going to get the $10 million per year contract he desires. It may take Cruz a while to realize that this offseason.

There's really no easy decision to make in terms of who to get rid of. In the aforementioned group of players, every single one has been a key influence in winning at least one Super Bowl. It's hard to cut someone that's been to the promised land and delivered results far beyond anyone's wildest expectations. However, the NFL, and sports in general, is an ever-evolving industry in which change is sometimes necessary. Change is coming in 2013, we're only three weeks away from getting a preliminary notion of how Big Blue's roster will look next season." Read more...

[jgiantfan]

Every decision that Reese makes this offseason will have a domino effect. First and foremost, the team must restructure the salaries of several players who had questionable 2012 campaigns. Corey Webster is on the books for $7.5 million, Chris Snee is owed $6.45 million, David Bass is under contract for $4.25 million, while Chris Canty ($6.25 million), Michael Boley ($4.25 million) and Justin Tuck ($4 million) all underperformed this season.[/COLOR]
After some cap room is cleared, getting Victor Cruz under contract is going to be a tumultuous task. Cruz was productive in this season, but he proved he's not a No.1 receiver that can line up on the outside and play against a physical cornerback. With Hakeem Nicks on the field, Cruz can get into the slot and make plays. However, No. 80 disappeared at times this season. He's going to be retained, but he's not going to get the $10 million per year contract he desires. It may take Cruz a while to realize that this offseason.

What is most disturbing is that too many well paid veteran players had a mediocre season. Some of these players were captains or leaders on their respective offensive and defensive units. . I'm sorry but the blame goes to the coaching staff . Tom Coughlin is too loyal to veteran players and will not consider benching them if they are playing poorly. However, Tom is quick to pull the trigger and bench a rookie for making a mistake. Just imagine if Tom would bench Cory Webster or Chris Snee for not playing up to excpectations. .This would send a message to the team that playing poorly is not an option and I believe the players would respect him more. It's time for a new voice and these vets need to be held accountable. Jerry Reese have at it.. These players either restructure their salaries or part ways. Tom. Thanks for the memories but its time to retire.