Change on menu after playoff fizzle

Change on menu after playoff fizzle
January 14
New York Post columnist Paul Schwartz
" THERE was an attempt by the Giants New York Giants to keep some of the old gang together as a reward for winning Super Bowl XLII. But after Monday's bleak and premature shuffle out of Giants Stadium following the 23-11 playoff loss to the Eagles, there will be more of an emphasis on change.


For the first time in franchise history, the Giants qualified for the playoffs in four consecutive seasons - only the Colts can match that in the NFL - and coach Tom Coughlin's stance that "the nucleus is in place" echoes the opinion of GM Jerry Reese.

That won't stop Reese from making the multiple moves he's poised to make after the legitimate shot at a repeat title devolved into an abrupt postseason ouster.

No one is waiting for Plaxico Burress Plaxico Burress , who, despite the rhetoric of the past few days, has an infinitesimal chance of ever again wearing a Giants uniform. A proven and statuesque receiver is essential, and drafting one is not the desirable way to go.

Rookies take time, and the Giants need a receiver now. There are enough young targets on the roster in Steve Smith Steve Smith , Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham and Sinorice Moss if he's asked back. None is a game-breaker, and Hixon is the tallest - and he's only 6-foot-2.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh of the Bengals is the most productive receiver on the free-agent market (he's averaged 98 catches the past three seasons), and while he inhales passes, he's more possession-oriented and only 6-1.

Antonio Bryant also is 6-1 and coming off a career year (15 yards per reception), but if the Buccaneers don't re-sign him, they might put the franchise tag on him.

Trading for beastly Anquan Boldin would be a dream, but even though he wants more money, it's hard to believe the Cardinals will deal him. "
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