Plaxico Who?

The game this past Sunday night was an absolute show, not only for Giants and Cowboys fans, but NFL fans as a whole. Witnessing the opening of one of our time's most impressive architectural buildings, Cowboys Stadium, was absolutely breath-taking. The average New York Giant hater figured this to be a prime place for the so called "weakness" of the WR core to be exposed. This has widely been the topic of discussion across the league, especially considering the fact that after star WR Plaxico Burress went out last season, QB Eli Manning failed to hook up with any WR for a touchdown in the latter weeks and playoff games last season.

So much for that. USC product Steve Smith and rising star Mario Manningham combined for an impressive 20 catches, 250+ yards, quieting the doubts, and further proving that this team can win without their pass rush or dominant rushing attack. Jacobs and Bradshaw were virtually shut-down, and the Giants failed to sack Romo throughout the whole game. Eli Manning found a way to win the game, no doubt with the help of his WRs. Manningham made a variety of catches throughout the night, including his now signature move in which Eli dishes him the ball right after the snap, giving Super Mario the opportunity to iso the cornerback, usually ending up with at least a 10 yard gain after several missed tackles and jukes. Also, Manning hooked up with Manningham on a beautiful fade route late in the game. Lacking confidence? I don't think so.

Smith looked like a great possession receiver, making nice leaps and throwing a ridiculous move on Scandrick, leaving the Dallas D frozen to put the Giants ahead in the 4th quarter. To start off the game, he made two great catches, continuing the Giants march down field. Throughout the off-season, Eli stressed the confidence he had in his WRs, and although there is no distinct number one, this looks to be a great group of guys, with huge upside. Hixon, who left the game early with an injury, does not have to be the forced #1 at all anymore. If anything, he has dropped in the recent depth chart, which ultimately means nothing with Coughlin. They will continue to throw a mix of the great possession and route running Steve Smith, and the flashy and speedy Mario Manningham.

As a Giants fan, I am very excited to see these young guns develop and further flourish with Eli Manning. Looks like we have found a great QB to WR connection for years to come...