Imagine if you will an alternate timeline where: the Chargers couldn't come to terms with a trade and kept Eli, the Giants drafted Big Ben, and then Pittsburgh drafted Phillip Rivers.
Fun game. Giants make the playoffs a couple more times. Win it all in 2010. Ben's only Super Bowl.
Distinct possibility.
There are many QBs who were and are better than Eli was. That doesn’t mean the giants win two Super Bowls or even one super bowl with that better, or more prolific qb. It’s a funny game and league, especially come January.
is what happens if the Giants had been forced to keep Rivers? I know Ernie likes to tell stories, but the idea that he drafted Rivers on a "hunch" that the Chargers really wanted him and they'd do the trade afterwards is endlessly fascinating because of the risks involved.
Accorsi rightfully says that unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn't have enforceable rules that you can draft a player for another team and deal him.
So the story goes, Accorsi is jostling with AJ Smith talking trade, and not coming to an agreement. However, in the days leading up to the draft, intermediaries tell him that he really wants Rivers. So when the pick comes up for Accorsi, and while Big Ben is 2nd target, he drafts Rivers anyway, as a signal to the Chargers that he's ready to deal.
I can't for the life of me believe that the GM of the Giants, with a franchise QB being picked at #4 made that selection and hoped that AJ Smith wouldn't screw him. I have to believe that there was a deal that was actually worked out. But what happens if the Chargers decide to screw over the Giants. Now they go out and draft a QB that they didn't want in Rivers, missing out on Eli and blowing getting Ben who was there for them. If I was Mara, I'd have fired Accorsi that day.
that Roethlisberger's history of sexual assault gets a lot more scrutiny in New York than it did in Pittsburgh. My bet is that he flames out and the Giants wind up having to pick a new coach and quarterback within a few years.
Ben would have never survived the NY market fame Â
Now that they keep the 2005 pick who do they go with? Merriman? Derrick Johnson? Roddy White? Can't remember what the needs were back then but pretty sure LB and WR were up there.
While we're at it, what if Chargers took Eli and Accorsi can't work out deal for the guy he likes so he goes BPA: Sean Taylor, and goes QB in the next year: Aaron Rodgers.
is what happens if the Giants had been forced to keep Rivers? I know Ernie likes to tell stories, but the idea that he drafted Rivers on a "hunch" that the Chargers really wanted him and they'd do the trade afterwards is endlessly fascinating because of the risks involved.
Accorsi rightfully says that unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn't have enforceable rules that you can draft a player for another team and deal him.
So the story goes, Accorsi is jostling with AJ Smith talking trade, and not coming to an agreement. However, in the days leading up to the draft, intermediaries tell him that he really wants Rivers. So when the pick comes up for Accorsi, and while Big Ben is 2nd target, he drafts Rivers anyway, as a signal to the Chargers that he's ready to deal.
I can't for the life of me believe that the GM of the Giants, with a franchise QB being picked at #4 made that selection and hoped that AJ Smith wouldn't screw him. I have to believe that there was a deal that was actually worked out. But what happens if the Chargers decide to screw over the Giants. Now they go out and draft a QB that they didn't want in Rivers, missing out on Eli and blowing getting Ben who was there for them. If I was Mara, I'd have fired Accorsi that day.
No you wouldn't, because if you were Mara you would have been involved in the whole crazy scheme from the jump.
is what happens if the Giants had been forced to keep Rivers? I know Ernie likes to tell stories, but the idea that he drafted Rivers on a "hunch" that the Chargers really wanted him and they'd do the trade afterwards is endlessly fascinating because of the risks involved.
Accorsi rightfully says that unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn't have enforceable rules that you can draft a player for another team and deal him.
So the story goes, Accorsi is jostling with AJ Smith talking trade, and not coming to an agreement. However, in the days leading up to the draft, intermediaries tell him that he really wants Rivers. So when the pick comes up for Accorsi, and while Big Ben is 2nd target, he drafts Rivers anyway, as a signal to the Chargers that he's ready to deal.
I can't for the life of me believe that the GM of the Giants, with a franchise QB being picked at #4 made that selection and hoped that AJ Smith wouldn't screw him. I have to believe that there was a deal that was actually worked out. But what happens if the Chargers decide to screw over the Giants. Now they go out and draft a QB that they didn't want in Rivers, missing out on Eli and blowing getting Ben who was there for them. If I was Mara, I'd have fired Accorsi that day.
No you wouldn't, because if you were Mara you would have been involved in the whole crazy scheme from the jump.
Fair point. But Mara might still throw him under the bus.
I actually want Big Ben for the Giants as I was really impressed when I saw him at Miami of Ohio. I thought TC would prefer him as his mobility was something he had with Brunell.
All three had great talent and were drafted to teams with one big commonality. All three had Very Good/Great established head coaches who emphasized strong OL's and running games and believed in balance and protecting the QB. They were all going to be very good.
Ben had the best team early on. I think what would be interesting is the back half of each's career. Whichever of the three ended up with the Giants would have really struggled the last 6-7 years imo. So maybe Ben would be the one getting all the criticism and Eli would be enjoying the sun.
Now that they keep the 2005 pick who do they go with? Merriman? Derrick Johnson? Roddy White? Can't remember what the needs were back then but pretty sure LB and WR were up there.
While we're at it, what if Chargers took Eli and Accorsi can't work out deal for the guy he likes so he goes BPA: Sean Taylor, and goes QB in the next year: Aaron Rodgers.
Funnily enough I remember saying to a buddy "man I really wish we had our pick to get Antrel Rolle" He was gone by the time we picked but still.
Fun game. Giants make the playoffs a couple more times. Win it all in 2010. Ben's only Super Bowl.
Distinct possibility.
There are many QBs who were and are better than Eli was. That doesn’t mean the giants win two Super Bowls or even one super bowl with that better, or more prolific qb. It’s a funny game and league, especially come January.
Very true DJM. Didn't Ben receive a participation trophy in his rookie season for a Steelers SB win?
is what happens if the Giants had been forced to keep Rivers? I know Ernie likes to tell stories, but the idea that he drafted Rivers on a "hunch" that the Chargers really wanted him and they'd do the trade afterwards is endlessly fascinating because of the risks involved.
Accorsi rightfully says that unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn't have enforceable rules that you can draft a player for another team and deal him.
So the story goes, Accorsi is jostling with AJ Smith talking trade, and not coming to an agreement. However, in the days leading up to the draft, intermediaries tell him that he really wants Rivers. So when the pick comes up for Accorsi, and while Big Ben is 2nd target, he drafts Rivers anyway, as a signal to the Chargers that he's ready to deal.
I can't for the life of me believe that the GM of the Giants, with a franchise QB being picked at #4 made that selection and hoped that AJ Smith wouldn't screw him. I have to believe that there was a deal that was actually worked out. But what happens if the Chargers decide to screw over the Giants. Now they go out and draft a QB that they didn't want in Rivers, missing out on Eli and blowing getting Ben who was there for them. If I was Mara, I'd have fired Accorsi that day.
That is crazy, because it's wrong. Accorsi got word from somebody (a reporter, perhaps) that AJ Smith would call the Giants with 11 minutes, or 7 minutes left in the Giants' turn. He was considering a trade offer from the Browns to swap picks. Accorsi considered this, because he figured Rothlisberger would still be available. But ultimately, he passed on the offer. Smith called when he was supposed to. He wanted Osi from the Giants. Accorsi said no and offered the 2005 first round pick instead. And the Giants picked Rivers for the Chargers and then they submitted the trade to the league office.
The better question would have been if the league had disallowed the trade. The league is OK with teams trading upcoming picks, and they are OF with teams trading players they just drafted. When they are not OK with is one team telling another team who to draft so they can then make a trade. And I believe that was a legitimate worry for Accorsi.
I know Rivers was the third QB on the Giants list Â
Cowboys team, and didn't get the second overall pick for Saquon.
Then the Jets would have taken Darnold at 2 instead of 3, leaving Barkley for the Giants.
Hard to say for sure that the Colts trade out of #2 if they're there instead of #3, or that the Jets would have met what may have been a higher price to go to #2. It's entirely possible that the Colts could have taken Barkley at #2, leaving the Giants with a choice of Darnold, Nelson, or Chubb at #3 (and the thinking is that they would have gone with Chubb there).
If they Giants got the third overall pick, they still would have ended up with SB. No one (other than the Browns) was taking him at #2 overall.
Then the Jets would have taken Darnold at 2 instead of 3, leaving Barkley for the Giants.
Even crazier, what if the Giants had taken Darnold with that second pick, does he still make out with teenage girls and get mono?
Distinct possibility.
There are many QBs who were and are better than Eli was. That doesn’t mean the giants win two Super Bowls or even one super bowl with that better, or more prolific qb. It’s a funny game and league, especially come January.
What if Snee/Diehl don't age prematurely and play at a high level as long as say Jason Peters?
I think Ben crumbles with the NYC nightlife and doesn't become a HOF QB.
Or Aaron Donald
Or his sentence longer....
Accorsi rightfully says that unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn't have enforceable rules that you can draft a player for another team and deal him.
So the story goes, Accorsi is jostling with AJ Smith talking trade, and not coming to an agreement. However, in the days leading up to the draft, intermediaries tell him that he really wants Rivers. So when the pick comes up for Accorsi, and while Big Ben is 2nd target, he drafts Rivers anyway, as a signal to the Chargers that he's ready to deal.
I can't for the life of me believe that the GM of the Giants, with a franchise QB being picked at #4 made that selection and hoped that AJ Smith wouldn't screw him. I have to believe that there was a deal that was actually worked out. But what happens if the Chargers decide to screw over the Giants. Now they go out and draft a QB that they didn't want in Rivers, missing out on Eli and blowing getting Ben who was there for them. If I was Mara, I'd have fired Accorsi that day.
I actually think each of those players ended up in the perfect spot for themselves.
While we're at it, what if Chargers took Eli and Accorsi can't work out deal for the guy he likes so he goes BPA: Sean Taylor, and goes QB in the next year: Aaron Rodgers.
Accorsi rightfully says that unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn't have enforceable rules that you can draft a player for another team and deal him.
So the story goes, Accorsi is jostling with AJ Smith talking trade, and not coming to an agreement. However, in the days leading up to the draft, intermediaries tell him that he really wants Rivers. So when the pick comes up for Accorsi, and while Big Ben is 2nd target, he drafts Rivers anyway, as a signal to the Chargers that he's ready to deal.
I can't for the life of me believe that the GM of the Giants, with a franchise QB being picked at #4 made that selection and hoped that AJ Smith wouldn't screw him. I have to believe that there was a deal that was actually worked out. But what happens if the Chargers decide to screw over the Giants. Now they go out and draft a QB that they didn't want in Rivers, missing out on Eli and blowing getting Ben who was there for them. If I was Mara, I'd have fired Accorsi that day.
No you wouldn't, because if you were Mara you would have been involved in the whole crazy scheme from the jump.
Do TC and Williams co-exist? Does Williams leave for a HC spot? Do the Giants get caught up in BountyGate?
Now, this does mean Mark Collins is not a Giant, but still - LT and Reggie White, in their prime, on the same defense.
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is what happens if the Giants had been forced to keep Rivers? I know Ernie likes to tell stories, but the idea that he drafted Rivers on a "hunch" that the Chargers really wanted him and they'd do the trade afterwards is endlessly fascinating because of the risks involved.
Accorsi rightfully says that unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn't have enforceable rules that you can draft a player for another team and deal him.
So the story goes, Accorsi is jostling with AJ Smith talking trade, and not coming to an agreement. However, in the days leading up to the draft, intermediaries tell him that he really wants Rivers. So when the pick comes up for Accorsi, and while Big Ben is 2nd target, he drafts Rivers anyway, as a signal to the Chargers that he's ready to deal.
I can't for the life of me believe that the GM of the Giants, with a franchise QB being picked at #4 made that selection and hoped that AJ Smith wouldn't screw him. I have to believe that there was a deal that was actually worked out. But what happens if the Chargers decide to screw over the Giants. Now they go out and draft a QB that they didn't want in Rivers, missing out on Eli and blowing getting Ben who was there for them. If I was Mara, I'd have fired Accorsi that day.
No you wouldn't, because if you were Mara you would have been involved in the whole crazy scheme from the jump.
Fair point. But Mara might still throw him under the bus.
All three had great talent and were drafted to teams with one big commonality. All three had Very Good/Great established head coaches who emphasized strong OL's and running games and believed in balance and protecting the QB. They were all going to be very good.
Ben had the best team early on. I think what would be interesting is the back half of each's career. Whichever of the three ended up with the Giants would have really struggled the last 6-7 years imo. So maybe Ben would be the one getting all the criticism and Eli would be enjoying the sun.
And we call their fanbase insufferable now???!!
True, although he contributed virtually nothing to the first one.
While we're at it, what if Chargers took Eli and Accorsi can't work out deal for the guy he likes so he goes BPA: Sean Taylor, and goes QB in the next year: Aaron Rodgers.
Funnily enough I remember saying to a buddy "man I really wish we had our pick to get Antrel Rolle" He was gone by the time we picked but still.
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won 2 super bowls....
True, although he contributed virtually nothing to the first one.
The tackle!
Then drafts Tom Brady ...
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Fun game. Giants make the playoffs a couple more times. Win it all in 2010. Ben's only Super Bowl.
Distinct possibility.
There are many QBs who were and are better than Eli was. That doesn’t mean the giants win two Super Bowls or even one super bowl with that better, or more prolific qb. It’s a funny game and league, especially come January.
Very true DJM. Didn't Ben receive a participation trophy in his rookie season for a Steelers SB win?
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won 2 super bowls....
True, although he contributed virtually nothing to the first one.
True. The Steelers won that year in spite of Ben's performance.
Accorsi rightfully says that unlike the NBA, the NFL doesn't have enforceable rules that you can draft a player for another team and deal him.
So the story goes, Accorsi is jostling with AJ Smith talking trade, and not coming to an agreement. However, in the days leading up to the draft, intermediaries tell him that he really wants Rivers. So when the pick comes up for Accorsi, and while Big Ben is 2nd target, he drafts Rivers anyway, as a signal to the Chargers that he's ready to deal.
I can't for the life of me believe that the GM of the Giants, with a franchise QB being picked at #4 made that selection and hoped that AJ Smith wouldn't screw him. I have to believe that there was a deal that was actually worked out. But what happens if the Chargers decide to screw over the Giants. Now they go out and draft a QB that they didn't want in Rivers, missing out on Eli and blowing getting Ben who was there for them. If I was Mara, I'd have fired Accorsi that day.
That is crazy, because it's wrong. Accorsi got word from somebody (a reporter, perhaps) that AJ Smith would call the Giants with 11 minutes, or 7 minutes left in the Giants' turn. He was considering a trade offer from the Browns to swap picks. Accorsi considered this, because he figured Rothlisberger would still be available. But ultimately, he passed on the offer. Smith called when he was supposed to. He wanted Osi from the Giants. Accorsi said no and offered the 2005 first round pick instead. And the Giants picked Rivers for the Chargers and then they submitted the trade to the league office.
The better question would have been if the league had disallowed the trade. The league is OK with teams trading upcoming picks, and they are OF with teams trading players they just drafted. When they are not OK with is one team telling another team who to draft so they can then make a trade. And I believe that was a legitimate worry for Accorsi.
You still only would have been like 6 years old.
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Cowboys team, and didn't get the second overall pick for Saquon.
Then the Jets would have taken Darnold at 2 instead of 3, leaving Barkley for the Giants.
Hard to say for sure that the Colts trade out of #2 if they're there instead of #3, or that the Jets would have met what may have been a higher price to go to #2. It's entirely possible that the Colts could have taken Barkley at #2, leaving the Giants with a choice of Darnold, Nelson, or Chubb at #3 (and the thinking is that they would have gone with Chubb there).
Not only did it wreck 08', it forced the Giants to draft wideouts they should have never needed.
Instead of Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden, could have focused on Linebacker, OL.