Plaxico: 3 Years as a Giant
Michael Eisen, of Giants.com, pointed out that the Giants signed Plaxico Burress to a six-year contract three years ago today. Eisen praised Burress for his tenure thus far and wrote that, “Burress’ physical ability was never a question mark, with the height, speed, and hands to be a top wide receiver in the league. His attitude and approach were never such sure things, given the reputation he had when he left the Steelers to sign with the Giants.”
In response to his work ethic, Burress said, “Up till my third year in Pittsburgh, I didn’t work hard at all. I just thought I was so much more physically gifted than everybody, which I was, I didn’t have to work at it. I would just go to work, wouldn’t practice hard – man I’ll just play on Sunday.” I never saw this improvement until 2007. When Plaxico was reminded of the play where Pacman Jones picked off Manning right in front of Burress and Burress did nothing about it it, he responded by saying,
That play was one of the reasons why I’m doing so well this year. All those great things I did last year, and that’s the thing that stuck with me. So many people don’t want me to play and don’t want me to do well. Those are the things that push me over the top.
Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin each praised Plaxico for his work ethic. Eli said they have always been on the same page. Coach Coughlin said that Burress has been very coachable. Eisen also pointed out this statistic about the Plaxico Burress-Eli Manning tandem which has been one of the best in football since they joined forces back in 2005. In the three years since they have more touchdowns than any other quarterback-receiver duo with 29.
I was never a fan of Burress until this season. I always thought he was underachieving. Even his teammates called him out on television which they shouldn’t of done. All of us Giants fans knew what Plaxico did wrong, but his teammates were also wrong. In 2007, Burress played his butt off on one leg, didn’t miss a game, and the Giants won a Super Bowl. I have no complaints. But, it makes me wonder how many players on the Giants did not give it their all during the past few seasons? It would be naive to think that Plaxico is the only one. See what happens when everybody puts in 100%.
