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BBI Debate - Giants All-Time Team

Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 11:52 am
Back in 2014, we created the following All-Time team document. Larry did almost all of the work but there was input from Daniel Franck, Mike Moran, John Berti, and myself.

Well felt it was best to break out the players into three distinct eras:

Single-Wing / Single-Platoon Era (1925 – 1949)

Pro T / Two-Platoon Era (1950 – 1977)

Post-Modern (1978 – 2010) & Post-Lockout Eras (2011-2019) Combined

In 2021, we revised the document. With the 100th-year anniversary of the team approaching, Larry correctly believes we should update it again.

My initial thought is we're going to have a problem with a controversial wide receiver from LSU. Right now, in the latter era, we have:

X Receiver – Amani Toomer (1996-2008)
Honorable Mention – Plaxico Burress (2005-08)

Z Receiver – Victor Cruz (2010-2016)

(BTW, we may need to include a slot receiver category).

I think the debate is going to be true talent/ability versus historical "value" and productivity to the franchise.

In other words, how do you view Toomer and Burress versus Beckham as an X receiver?



New York Giants All-Time Team - ( New Window )
 
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 2/16/2024 11:55 am : link
Odell is the most talented Giants WR I have ever seen. But I am still taking Amani over him.
RE: …  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 12:01 pm : link
In comment 16400553 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:
Quote:
Odell is the most talented Giants WR I have ever seen. But I am still taking Amani over him.


I think this is the debate we're going to have. And that's why I'm looking for fan feedback.

I definitely think we need to add slot receiver and consider getting rid of the X and Z designations since receivers move around quite a bit in today's game.

Larry is wondering if we need to separate out the post-lockout era too. I'm not sure if we have enough good players (12 years of bad Giants football) to do that.
I'd take Hakeem Nicks  
jeff57 : 2/16/2024 12:03 pm : link
Over Toomer. And Kinard over Rolle.
RE: I'd take Hakeem Nicks  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 12:05 pm : link
In comment 16400563 jeff57 said:
Quote:
Over Toomer. And Kinard over Rolle.


I just asked Larry what our debate regarding Nicks was. I think he should at least be an honorable mention.

However, I'm not sure you can list any NYG receiver over Toomer in terms of his historical production and impact. Hakeem had a great run, but it was very short.

While he was here, Odell was the most dynamic player I think I have  
Matt M. : 2/16/2024 12:05 pm : link
ever seen. But, it was too brief and with too many distractions. I am comfortable with either Toomer or Plax over him.

LG - I take Roberts over Seubert. Snee vs. Stone is a tough call. I'd give honorable mention to Karl Nelson also. I'd give honorable mention for Antonio Pierce. Also, Howard Cross. I know he wasn't much of pass catcher, but he was the best blocking TE in the league, maybe that I've ever seen. He was a 3rd OT.
remember  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 12:08 pm : link
this isn't a list about who had more talent (though that is obviously a major factor) or who had more potential (immaterial), it's about who had more of a historical impact on the team and sport.
RE: RE: I'd take Hakeem Nicks  
jeff57 : 2/16/2024 12:09 pm : link
In comment 16400566 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
In comment 16400563 jeff57 said:


Quote:


Over Toomer. And Kinard over Rolle.



I just asked Larry what our debate regarding Nicks was. I think he should at least be an honorable mention.

However, I'm not sure you can list any NYG receiver over Toomer in terms of his historical production and impact. Hakeem had a great run, but it was very short.


Toomer had a long run, but it wasn't spectacular. When he was playing, Nicks was the best Giants wide receiver I've seen.
RE: While he was here, Odell was the most dynamic player I think I have  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 12:10 pm : link
In comment 16400567 Matt M. said:
Quote:
ever seen. But, it was too brief and with too many distractions. I am comfortable with either Toomer or Plax over him.

LG - I take Roberts over Seubert. Snee vs. Stone is a tough call. I'd give honorable mention to Karl Nelson also. I'd give honorable mention for Antonio Pierce. Also, Howard Cross. I know he wasn't much of pass catcher, but he was the best blocking TE in the league, maybe that I've ever seen. He was a 3rd OT.


Yeah, I think Pierce should probably be included as an honorable mention.
I think  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 12:12 pm : link
we originally didn't want to overuse honorable mentions and only tended to use them when there was a really difficult debate (i.e., the Rolle versus Kinard situation).
Not much to quibble with here Eric  
Chris684 : 2/16/2024 12:13 pm : link
But I'll say one thing, I think Brandon Jacobs is worth the Honorable Mention over Rodney Hampton at RB.

Jacobs became part of the fabric of 2 championship teams. While his stats won't set him apart, his attitude and his ability to set the tone in games became part of the reason why teams wanted no part of us. Particularly in 2007. He was a unicorn at the position.
 
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 2/16/2024 12:17 pm : link
Love Richie, but I think I’d put Roberts over him.

Also, Jacobs over Hampton. And I love Rodney, but Brandon won two Super Bowls here and is a huge reason why we won.
Think Ron Johnson  
jeff57 : 2/16/2024 12:22 pm : link
Should have gotten an honorable mention.
...  
ryanmkeane : 2/16/2024 12:39 pm : link
I would have Nicks over Cruz.

Nicks broke the playoff record for most yards by a receiver in a single playoffs in 2012 and I would have to check to see if anyone has broken that yet. But in any event - that alone puts him over Cruz for me.
some good feedback  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 12:41 pm : link
here...

I know this was debated 10 years ago, but I'm not completely comfortable not mentioning Karl Nelson, Antonio Pierce, Hakeem Nicks, Ron Johnson.
RE: ...  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 12:44 pm : link
In comment 16400631 ryanmkeane said:
Quote:
I would have Nicks over Cruz.

Nicks broke the playoff record for most yards by a receiver in a single playoffs in 2012 and I would have to check to see if anyone has broken that yet. But in any event - that alone puts him over Cruz for me.


That would be a tough argument for me. I loved Nicks, but Cruz made so many more huge plays on a consistent basis. Where Nick really stood out was the 2011 season. I've made the argument on BBI that Eli, Cruz, and Hakeem carried that team to a title. But as we wrote:

"Holds Giants record for most receiving yards in a season with 1,536 in 2011. Seven touchdowns of 70 or more yards; second most in team history. His 99-yard TD reception against the Jets in 2011 is the longest play from scrimmage in Giants history and was cited by Tom Coughlin as the catalyst for the teams run to Super Bowl XLVI. Eighteen 100-yard receiving games rates third-most in franchise history. Retired 10th in team history in receptions and receiving yards."
what  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 12:46 pm : link
we were robbed of was Cruz and Nicks playing for the team for another 5-8 years. Just tragic.
RBs have a short shelf life  
Reale01 : 2/16/2024 12:50 pm : link
Ron Johnson was the best all around back the Giants had ever had ... until Tiki.
Given how you broke it up  
jeff57 : 2/16/2024 12:51 pm : link
I guess Tarkenton gets lost in the shuffle.
RE: RE: I'd take Hakeem Nicks  
Matt M. : 2/16/2024 12:53 pm : link
In comment 16400566 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
In comment 16400563 jeff57 said:


Quote:


Over Toomer. And Kinard over Rolle.



I just asked Larry what our debate regarding Nicks was. I think he should at least be an honorable mention.

However, I'm not sure you can list any NYG receiver over Toomer in terms of his historical production and impact. Hakeem had a great run, but it was very short.
Agree on Hicks.

I also agree with the suggestion of Kinard over Rolle.
Toomer or Tiki or both  
Matt M. : 2/16/2024 12:54 pm : link
should be honorable mention for PR.
RE: RE: ...  
Matt M. : 2/16/2024 12:55 pm : link
In comment 16400645 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
In comment 16400631 ryanmkeane said:


Quote:


I would have Nicks over Cruz.

Nicks broke the playoff record for most yards by a receiver in a single playoffs in 2012 and I would have to check to see if anyone has broken that yet. But in any event - that alone puts him over Cruz for me.



That would be a tough argument for me. I loved Nicks, but Cruz made so many more huge plays on a consistent basis. Where Nick really stood out was the 2011 season. I've made the argument on BBI that Eli, Cruz, and Hakeem carried that team to a title. But as we wrote:

"Holds Giants record for most receiving yards in a season with 1,536 in 2011. Seven touchdowns of 70 or more yards; second most in team history. His 99-yard TD reception against the Jets in 2011 is the longest play from scrimmage in Giants history and was cited by Tom Coughlin as the catalyst for the teams run to Super Bowl XLVI. Eighteen 100-yard receiving games rates third-most in franchise history. Retired 10th in team history in receptions and receiving yards."
Nicks was a better WR, but his injuries robbed him of more than Cruz'. Both should be mentioned.
RE: what  
Chris684 : 2/16/2024 12:56 pm : link
In comment 16400648 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
we were robbed of was Cruz and Nicks playing for the team for another 5-8 years. Just tragic.


And similarly Boss, Ballard, JPP, Wilson, Terrell Thomas and Chad Jones.

I guess when you pull of a play like Eli to Tyree on 3rd down on the eventual game-winning drive over a then 18-0 team, your luck is bound to go the other way at some point.
I can see  
Lines of Scrimmage : 2/16/2024 12:56 pm : link
the debate about Nicks. To me, he made the skill group go but he played so little I understand keeping him off. Hurt in game 2 2012 and never the same again. Cruz's YPC fell off 6 yards and then 5. Nicks injury was the injury that really impacted the Giants imv.

Glad Richie is included. Someone fairly recently posted he was just a "JAG" and Will Beatty was a championship pedigree OL....yikes.

Nice job putting this together.
RE: Not much to quibble with here Eric  
Matt M. : 2/16/2024 12:57 pm : link
In comment 16400581 Chris684 said:
Quote:
But I'll say one thing, I think Brandon Jacobs is worth the Honorable Mention over Rodney Hampton at RB.

Jacobs became part of the fabric of 2 championship teams. While his stats won't set him apart, his attitude and his ability to set the tone in games became part of the reason why teams wanted no part of us. Particularly in 2007. He was a unicorn at the position.
I don't think one over the other. Both deserve it, in my opinion.
Swap Dex in for Burt right now.  
Bobby Humphrey's Earpad : 2/16/2024 1:06 pm : link
And I would have Plax, Toomer and Cruz as the modern day WRs. Toomer's impact spans the Fassel and Coughlin generations and evolves from a deep threat to possession guy. Cruz passes smith and Ike for the prototype slot. I take Plax over Odell because his signing was key for Eli's development + his run blocking as a WR was top-tier.
My personal take  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 1:08 pm : link
on Nicks is that his 2011 was his best, and he was the best WR on the team in the critical 2011 playoffs. If I remember correctly, he also had a huge play in the comeback win over the Cardinals that season.

However, those are the games that stick out. And there were moments like against the Cowboys where he dropped a goal line pass that was picked off that cost the team the game.

Cruz was just more consistent, both in terms of the big plays and overall productivity (both statistically proven). He also had more signature moments (huge plays against the Eagles, Cowboys, Redskins, Jets, etc.).
RE: Swap Dex in for Burt right now.  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 1:09 pm : link
In comment 16400698 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:
Quote:
And I would have Plax, Toomer and Cruz as the modern day WRs. Toomer's impact spans the Fassel and Coughlin generations and evolves from a deep threat to possession guy. Cruz passes smith and Ike for the prototype slot. I take Plax over Odell because his signing was key for Eli's development + his run blocking as a WR was top-tier.


I'm not sure anyone should be listed on an all-time list based on just two seasons.
For example on Cruz  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 1:11 pm : link
remember that one game when the Redskins came back and looked like they stole a win at the Meadowlands. The game was over. And then Eli connected with Cruz for an 80-yard touchdown with under a minute to play?

That just happened more with him.
One thing about Toomer  
truebluelarry : 2/16/2024 1:18 pm : link
Is he retired with all the Giants career receiving records: catches, yards and TDs.
Prior to him those respective records were held by three different players, Joe Morrison, Frank Gifford and Kyle Rote.
RE: For example on Cruz  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 1:18 pm : link
In comment 16400716 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
remember that one game when the Redskins came back and looked like they stole a win at the Meadowlands. The game was over. And then Eli connected with Cruz for an 80-yard touchdown with under a minute to play?

That just happened more with him.


I actually missed this game. I was at an airshow and following it on my wife's phone. When the Skins scored, I was like "God damn it...shit...shit...shit..." and then a few seconds later, "Holy shit, we won!!!"
Cruz  
Lines of Scrimmage : 2/16/2024 1:31 pm : link
2011 16 82c 1536y 18.7y/r 9TD
2012 16 86c 1092y 12.7y/r 10TD
2013 14 73c 998y 13.7y/r 4TD

Nicks

2011 15 76c 1192 15.7 7
2012 13 53c 692 13.1 4

Game 2 against Tampa 2012: Nicks 10 199 19.9
Cruz 11 179 16.3

Taking out game 2 of 2012 it significantly impacts both WR's moving forward. Nicks was never the same and neither was Cruz imv.
Odell was best  
giantstock : 2/16/2024 2:03 pm : link
WR Ive ever seen with Giants. I'd put him ahead of Toomer and Plax. Four of his 5 years over 1,000 yards with 2-3 years snesational. IMO it was all him when we were 11-5. While he was his own victim for sure- his teams were not good.

Ron Johnson and Antonio Pierce definitely HM.

And I'd keep Hampton where he is. I thought he was amazing and also had an understated style.
RE: RE: Swap Dex in for Burt right now.  
Bobby Humphrey's Earpad : 2/16/2024 2:06 pm : link
In comment 16400707 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
In comment 16400698 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:


Quote:


And I would have Plax, Toomer and Cruz as the modern day WRs. Toomer's impact spans the Fassel and Coughlin generations and evolves from a deep threat to possession guy. Cruz passes smith and Ike for the prototype slot. I take Plax over Odell because his signing was key for Eli's development + his run blocking as a WR was top-tier.



I'm not sure anyone should be listed on an all-time list based on just two seasons.


In this case it doesn't matter. Dex already has more sacks, Pro bowls, and was second-team All-Pro twice. He's started more games already than Burt did for the Giants.
Bobby Humphrey's Earpad  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 3:58 pm : link
Good points. We'll discuss it.

Andrew Thomas is going to be another hard one.

At some point, you also have to factor in longevity.

When we wrote the original document, we fell prey to also believing some players were going to be good for a long time (i.e., Cruz). Injuries change things very quickly.

Jim Burt was a very important player for the Giants for a number of seasons. And the team was very fortunate to have Erik Howard replace him (honorable mention).
RE: historical impact on the team and sport.  
Trainmaster : 2/16/2024 4:40 pm : link
This is the “best peak year” versus “sustained, long term excellence” debate.

Toomer was an excellent receiver for longer than some of the other “big names”, so if longevity / historical impact is the criteria, Toomer has it over the likes of Burress, Beckham, Nicks etc.

I tend to more gravitate to the peak / near peak excellence (but not just a one year flash in the pan).

Peak / near peak, I’m taking Beckham, Burress, Nicks over Toomer.

RE: RE: historical impact on the team and sport.  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 4:55 pm : link
In comment 16400977 Trainmaster said:
Quote:
This is the “best peak year” versus “sustained, long term excellence” debate.

Toomer was an excellent receiver for longer than some of the other “big names”, so if longevity / historical impact is the criteria, Toomer has it over the likes of Burress, Beckham, Nicks etc.

I tend to more gravitate to the peak / near peak excellence (but not just a one year flash in the pan).

Peak / near peak, I’m taking Beckham, Burress, Nicks over Toomer.


This is correct.

However, I tend to lean to a guy like Toomer. Both played games in Green Bay in the playoffs. One showed up. The other did not.
Eric..  
JT039 : 2/16/2024 5:00 pm : link
Was snacks Harrison ever a consideration? He was pretty dominant the time he was here.
RE: Eric..  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 5:06 pm : link
In comment 16400996 JT039 said:
Quote:
Was snacks Harrison ever a consideration? He was pretty dominant the time he was here.


Harrison only played three years as a NYG. Look at the article and see who he was up against.

RE: RE: Eric..  
JT039 : 2/16/2024 5:11 pm : link
In comment 16401001 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
In comment 16400996 JT039 said:


Quote:


Was snacks Harrison ever a consideration? He was pretty dominant the time he was here.



Harrison only played three years as a NYG. Look at the article and see who he was up against.


I read it. I was just wondering. Thanks!
BTW  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 5:12 pm : link
I don't want to steal Larry's thunder.

This list was mostly compiled by Larry with input from others. My involvement in this was mainly a sounding board and weighing in on the tough calls.

There may have been only a handful of players on this list where I had an actual impact.

What's interesting is how things can quickly change. How modern era players were viewed in 2014 did change just a few years later.

Look at Cruz. I can't recall many Giants fans saying back in 2014 that Nicks was the better player. But here we are in 2024 and some in this thread now think otherwise. Interesting.

RE: RE: RE: historical impact on the team and sport.  
giantstock : 2/16/2024 5:56 pm : link
In comment 16400992 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
In comment 16400977 Trainmaster said:


Quote:


This is the “best peak year” versus “sustained, long term excellence” debate.

Toomer was an excellent receiver for longer than some of the other “big names”, so if longevity / historical impact is the criteria, Toomer has it over the likes of Burress, Beckham, Nicks etc.

I tend to more gravitate to the peak / near peak excellence (but not just a one year flash in the pan).

Peak / near peak, I’m taking Beckham, Burress, Nicks over Toomer.




This is correct.

However, I tend to lean to a guy like Toomer. Both played games in Green Bay in the playoffs. One showed up. The other did not.


You're counting the SUper Bowl winning Giants with a combo of Toomer, Plax and most of season Shockey with a 26 yo Eli in which Toomer already had about 8 other playoff games for his career with TC as a head coach vs a 35 yo Eli with a 1st time playoff Odell with Mcadoo his coach and past his prime Victor Cruz (retired the next year) and using that as a meaningfull barometer?

I don't agree.
giantstock  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 6:03 pm : link
You're asking me if performance in playoff games is a meaningful barometer?

Guilty as charged.
and I will  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 6:04 pm : link
argue that if Eli Manning is to remain listed over Phil Simms, it will be because of his playoff games. Otherwise, he's a .500 quarterback.
One last thing about the GB game in 2016  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 6:11 pm : link
This is what I wrote in my game review:

"Odell Beckham caught 4 of 11 targets for 28 yards with three drops, including one dropped TD.

"Most disappointing was the play of Odell Beckham. It was hoped that “playoff Beckham” would reach even greater heights of excellence. Instead, Beckham laid a major egg. He was all but invisible against a terrible pass defense, and hurt his team with those three key drops. He dropped a 3rd-and-5 pass inside the 30-yard line on the promising opening drive. On the ensuing possession, he dropped what should have been a 28-yard touchdown pass. When the Giants were desperate, down 24-13 early in the 4th quarter, a wide-open Beckham dropped a deep pass on 3rd-and-11. The Giants punted and quickly found themselves trailing 31-13."


Playoff Game Review: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers, January 8, 2017 - ( New Window )
I'd put Barrow as honorable mention  
widmerseyebrow : 2/16/2024 6:16 pm : link
for MLB behind Carson since it was blank.

For SS honorable mention, Garnes and Gibril were good starters for the SB teams.
RE: and I will  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 2/16/2024 6:19 pm : link
In comment 16401031 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
argue that if Eli Manning is to remain listed over Phil Simms, it will be because of his playoff games. Otherwise, he's a .500 quarterback.


If Simms doesn't get injured vs. Buffalo in December '90 & we still win it all vs. the Bills the following month in Tampa...Simms is ahead of Eli IMO. But-and I started a thread on this months ago-I don't know if we win it all in '90 with Simms remaining as our QB, which should idiotic considering Simms' 90 season prior to going down, but Hoss' running component was a huge plus for us in those postseason games.
RE: Odell was best  
bw in dc : 2/16/2024 6:20 pm : link
In comment 16400822 giantstock said:
Quote:
WR Ive ever seen with Giants. I'd put him ahead of Toomer and Plax. Four of his 5 years over 1,000 yards with 2-3 years snesational. IMO it was all him when we were 11-5. While he was his own victim for sure- his teams were not good.



In my 30+ years of watching the NFL, OBJ is the most talented WR I've ever seen.

Physicality, I think he was almost perfect.

Before Tyreke arrived, I had never seen a receiver with that type of short area burst. It was stunning.
RE: RE: and I will  
jeff57 : 2/16/2024 7:20 pm : link
In comment 16401048 SFGFNCGiantsFan said:
Quote:
In comment 16401031 Eric from BBI said:


Quote:


argue that if Eli Manning is to remain listed over Phil Simms, it will be because of his playoff games. Otherwise, he's a .500 quarterback.



If Simms doesn't get injured vs. Buffalo in December '90 & we still win it all vs. the Bills the following month in Tampa...Simms is ahead of Eli IMO. But-and I started a thread on this months ago-I don't know if we win it all in '90 with Simms remaining as our QB, which should idiotic considering Simms' 90 season prior to going down, but Hoss' running component was a huge plus for us in those postseason games.


Simms also played before they changed the rule about contact after 5 yards.
RE: Eric  
giantstock : 2/16/2024 7:31 pm : link
In comment 16401030 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
You're asking me if performance in playoff games is a meaningful barometer?

Guilty as charged.


It's not the question I'm asking you. You are looking at one game from Odell while Toomer had about 8 playoff games? One vs 8 also tells a stroy of overall team and mgmt. The one game comparison you are disregarding the talent Toomer's team had over ODdell's along with the coaching. Isn't "Championship Tom" much better than McAdoo?

And I'll take the ELi 2007 over the Eli 2016. I'll take toomer's 2007 WR teammmate Plax over Odell's teammate 2016 teammate Cruz any day of the week.

I am going to put so much on Odell for just 1 game in which the Giants would never have sniffed Playoffs without him - then why not have Rosey Grier over Medenhall? Rosey won a championship. What good is Meandenahall's longevity without any playoffs? He was never all-pro. Yet I can agree with JM though i never saw Rosie play.


Odell carried that team to the Playoffs. A WR that carries your team to at least get to the Playoffs and only has one shot - should get soem leeway vs a WR that was "very good" but not really a "great" WR. Those early years Odell was a modern day Justin Jefferson. BTW - I agreed with the move the Giants trade him. Unfortauntley I was also always in support of removing the Clown-of-a_GM that was running things too.
giantstock  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 7:42 pm : link
No question was Odell was more physically talented, but this is the reality on the field.

http://www.bigblueinteractive.com/new-york-giants-historical-statistics/ - ( New Window )
RE: I can see  
christian : 2/16/2024 7:58 pm : link
In comment 16400678 Lines of Scrimmage said:
Quote:

Glad Richie is included. Someone fairly recently posted he was just a "JAG"


Wow. Who said that?
Relative to position  
Osi Osi Osi OyOyOy : 2/16/2024 8:00 pm : link
Big Dex is up there. Even if you think there are better DL/interior DL than him in the NFL today, his size/ability combo makes him unique in this league. Don’t know if I’ve seen someone like that besides Jacobs in the last 20 years as a Giant, but Jacobs wasn’t close to this good as much as I respect him.

The way Odell handled slants those first few years was otherworldly. He’d get faster when others slowed down. Don’t know about overall but certainly the most explosive Giant athlete of the last 20 years, Barkley didn’t even have that burst as freakish as he is. But Odell lacked strength, toughness, and tried too hard off the field.

Tuck vs. JPP is tough. JPP in 2011 peaked in such a ridiculous way. I’ll never forget when him and Eli tag-teamed the entire Cowboys and beat them to keep our SB season alive that year. But Tuck was such a beast when he was on, including ‘11 when him waking up might’ve been the key.
Nicks is top 5 all time in receiving yards in a single postseason.  
shockeyisthebest8056 : 2/16/2024 8:26 pm : link
The other 4 guys? Larry Fitzgerald, Cooper Kupp, Jerry Rice, and Steve Smith.


Odell has to be among the top three receivers. His first two seasons in the NFL, the only QBs who threw more touchdowns than Eli were Brady and Rodgers. Keep in mind, the season before Odell was drafted was the fewest touchdowns Eli ever threw in a full season.
RE: BTW  
truebluelarry : 2/16/2024 8:27 pm : link
In comment 16401007 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
I don't want to steal Larry's thunder.

This list was mostly compiled by Larry with input from others. My involvement in this was mainly a sounding board and weighing in on the tough calls.

There may have been only a handful of players on this list where I had an actual impact.

What's interesting is how things can quickly change. How modern era players were viewed in 2014 did change just a few years later.

Look at Cruz. I can't recall many Giants fans saying back in 2014 that Nicks was the better player. But here we are in 2024 and some in this thread now think otherwise. Interesting.


So when I first came up with this article idea for the Giants 90th anniversary in 2014 I came up with a list broken into three eras of football.

I didn't want it to be just my opinion, I wanted it to be as well rounded and objective as possible.

I had Mike Moran (son of former Giant Hap Moran) assist me with the Single Platoon Era. Daniel Franck contributed to the Pro-T Era - and gave critical input and reshaped my vision of that team significantly and Eric rounded out the Post Modern Era.

I think what we have is the most comprehensive representation of New York Giants players and coaches you'll find anywhere. Forget about online blogs which pretty much exclude anything pre Super Bowl, but history books even disregard the first 30 years of pro football, which I find disgraceful. There were so many fantastic players and innovative coaches who brought pro football forward into the game we love today. Any book you read on the Giants pretty much implies the Giants history began with Frank Gifford and Sam Huff. Sure, they'll be the passing obligatory mentions of The Sneakers Game, Mel Hein and Steve Owen, but don't expect to learn anything about what made those men great and what they meant to the Giants and Pro Football in general.

It is no exaggeration to state that the Giants were critical to the growth of the NFL in the 1920s and 1930s. Benny Friedman and the evolution of the passing game in 1929 and 1930 brought major attention to the pros and helped differentiate them from the college game. The Notre Game All-Stars game in 1930 was a massive boon to pro football's esteem in the public;s eye, and helped pro football actually grow during the Great Depression, while college football and major league baseball suffered at the box office. Steve Owen guided the Giants through the WWII man shortage which ultimately helped the Giants and NFL stave off a major threat from the AAFC following the end of the war. It is a little known fact that the AAFC Yankees salary war nearly bankrupt the Giants, who took out a significant loan to remain solvent.

Then in 1950 Steve Owen concocted the Umbrella Defense to combat Paul Brown's juggernaut team from the rival conference. The Browns went on to win the NFL championship that year, but the Giants were the only team to beat Cleveland, and they did it twice! That was the beginning of the NFL's greatest rivalry of the 1950s and birthed the modern game of football.

So, anyway, that was my long rant on why I think it is important to recognize the totality of the Giants history. You can argue about Odell Beckham and fantasy stats all you want, that's fine. But don't ignore what came before. The guys who wore leather helmets and played both sides of the ball for four quarters without recognition because stats weren't official and highlights were sparsely confined to newsreels in movie theaters made it all possible.
I  
Trainmaster : 2/16/2024 8:33 pm : link
Miss Eli at QB 😢

You cannot select guys who...  
DefenseWins : 2/16/2024 8:39 pm : link
were often injured or had a limited tenure on the team.
Do the Giants have any HOF players because  
xman : 2/16/2024 9:19 pm : link
thats where I d start when listing who is the best.
Eric  
giantstock : 2/16/2024 9:24 pm : link
In comment 16401089 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
No question was Odell was more physically talented, but this is the reality on the field. http://www.bigblueinteractive.com/new-york-giants-historical-statistics/ - ( New Window )


Eric,

Are you able to pull some next gen stats as to who they would have rated as best indivdual season's for a WR in Giants History?

Also, would like to see things such as the difference between him and the 2nd best receiver on his team etc.

I'd be suprsed if teh Advnaced Stats didn't show these type of advantages.

Did you think Odell put the team near completely on his back that year they made the playoffs? Or am I wrong? Okay if I am.

I just have to say I felt like he was everything during thos se four of 5 years. With that said he angered me so much - he was hardly among my favorite players ever so I believe I'm putting up too much of a fightfor him due to my personal frutration with him. I'll drop.

But damn -- he was great for a time.

Simms over Eli  
AROCK1000 : 2/16/2024 9:35 pm : link
And I agree with SF about Roberts at G
Not sure how to make a credible argument about a Guard,but having watched both its just my guy feeling

Thanks for all the efforts on this stuff dude
RE: Do the Giants have any HOF players because  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 10:07 pm : link
In comment 16401128 xman said:
Quote:
thats where I d start when listing who is the best.


That was a big factor. See the bottom chart Larry created.
giantstock  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 10:10 pm : link
The 2016 team?

That team was 25th in offense.

It was 10th in defense and SECOND in scoring defense.

The defense carried that team.

Odell was a huge part of the offense, but they got there because of the other side of the ball. And then Odell had a horrific playoff game.
BTW  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/16/2024 10:12 pm : link
one of the reasons the 2017 team fell apart is that the defense fell to 27th.
 
ryanmkeane : 2/16/2024 10:14 pm : link
Toomer was an assassin in the playoffs. I think of the Tampa and Dallas games in the 2008 playoffs. Just always open on third down and always got 4-5 more yards than you thought he was going to get when he first made the catch. So smooth.
Eric  
giantstock : 2/16/2024 10:42 pm : link
In comment 16401147 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
The 2016 team?

That team was 25th in offense.

It was 10th in defense and SECOND in scoring defense.

The defense carried that team.

Odell was a huge part of the offense, but they got there because of the other side of the ball. And then Odell had a horrific playoff game.


I meant offensively -- I thought he was the show. I felt Eli was at a signficant decline and there was nothing else. Cruz was out of football the next year. Odell was the only weapon-.

But as I was talking to you and I spoke of how much he pissed me off at times-- that's probably a factor of probably playing likr a sick dog sometimes where others were more appropriate such as Toomer more appropriate for being all-time.

No longer fighting this.



Toomer was better than some of you say  
Greg from LI : 2/17/2024 3:39 am : link
People are talking about him like he was Chris Calloway or something. Remember that he played most of his career in a league less friendly to passing, and with lesser QBs.

I’ve always thought Erik Howard was better than Jim Burt.

And, finally, Simms will always be my guy. Eli’s stats dominance rests almost entirely on circumstances beyond Simms’ control - much better receivers, rules changes favoring passing, and a more wide open offense. And remember, Simms threw for 4000 yards back when very few QBs ever had - by 1985 only a handful of QBs had: Namath, Fouts, Marino, Brian Sipe, Lynn Dickey, and Neil Lomax.
...  
christian : 2/17/2024 8:24 am : link
Cruz, Nicks, and OBJ all had outstanding bursts derailed by injury.

Set aside OBJ's eventual emotional meltdown, his injuries in 2017 and 2018 sapped a lot of who he was previously.

The Giants got 3 healthy years from OBJ, 3 healthy years from Cruz, and 3 healthy years from Nicks.

That's comical.
Manning/Simms  
Lines of Scrimmage : 2/17/2024 8:37 am : link
debate is interesting. Eli two SB's after year 8. Simms 1. Had Eli had a better GM and rebuilt the OL as needed, the backend of his career would have been a lot different. Over time, the wasting of many prime Eli years will magnify imv.

Simms OL for the back end of his career:
Elliot Roberts Oates Moore Reisenberg. Three players on the list of all timers.

Eli's OL post '12. A whole lot of Giants that won't be making any lists.

Both great QB's who needed a quality OL with the skillset they had.
RE: Toomer was better than some of you say  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/17/2024 8:49 am : link
In comment 16401184 Greg from LI said:
Quote:
People are talking about him like he was Chris Calloway or something. Remember that he played most of his career in a league less friendly to passing, and with lesser QBs.

I’ve always thought Erik Howard was better than Jim Burt.

And, finally, Simms will always be my guy. Eli’s stats dominance rests almost entirely on circumstances beyond Simms’ control - much better receivers, rules changes favoring passing, and a more wide open offense. And remember, Simms threw for 4000 yards back when very few QBs ever had - by 1985 only a handful of QBs had: Namath, Fouts, Marino, Brian Sipe, Lynn Dickey, and Neil Lomax.


Greg, I think younger fans who only really knew Toomer from the latter stages of his career don't know how good he was when he was in his prime, especially limited by guys like Kent Graham throwing to him.

When push comes to shove, he's the team's all-time leading receiver. It's not close. That matters.

The other guy who suffers from younger fans not knowing him in his prime is Harry Carson. Before the LT years, Carson was a best. We're talking 20 tackle games on terrible teams. Then LT arrives and Carson is also overshaddowed by LT.
should read  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/17/2024 8:49 am : link
Carson was a BEAST
RE: Manning/Simms  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/17/2024 8:54 am : link
In comment 16401215 Lines of Scrimmage said:
Quote:
debate is interesting. Eli two SB's after year 8. Simms 1. Had Eli had a better GM and rebuilt the OL as needed, the backend of his career would have been a lot different. Over time, the wasting of many prime Eli years will magnify imv.

Simms OL for the back end of his career:
Elliot Roberts Oates Moore Reisenberg. Three players on the list of all timers.

Eli's OL post '12. A whole lot of Giants that won't be making any lists.

Both great QB's who needed a quality OL with the skillset they had.


One thing to keep in mind is that this article was originally generated in 2014. Think of how Eli was considered in 2014, just three years after his second Super Bowl and five years before his retirement.

This is what I talked about above how perceptions can quickly change. In 2014, it was largely given that Eli would crush Simms in the stats department but of course he would be back to the playoffs. We all know what happened.

Almost unbelievably, Eli's legacy is a .500 quarterback with two incredible playoff runs and upsets over Tom Brady (8-0 total). If it were not for those two playoff runs, Eli is viewed completely differently.

IMO, the Simms-Manning debate is now a lot closer than it was in 2014.
RE: ...  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/17/2024 8:55 am : link
In comment 16401210 christian said:
Quote:
Cruz, Nicks, and OBJ all had outstanding bursts derailed by injury.

Set aside OBJ's eventual emotional meltdown, his injuries in 2017 and 2018 sapped a lot of who he was previously.

The Giants got 3 healthy years from OBJ, 3 healthy years from Cruz, and 3 healthy years from Nicks.

That's comical.


I would use a different word than comical.
RE: Manning/Simms  
US1 Giants : 2/17/2024 8:55 am : link
In comment 16401215 Lines of Scrimmage said:
Quote:
debate is interesting. Eli two SB's after year 8. Simms 1. Had Eli had a better GM and rebuilt the OL as needed, the backend of his career would have been a lot different. Over time, the wasting of many prime Eli years will magnify imv.

Simms OL for the back end of his career:
Elliot Roberts Oates Moore Reisenberg. Three players on the list of all timers.

Eli's OL post '12. A whole lot of Giants that won't be making any lists.

Both great QB's who needed a quality OL with the skillset they had.


Does YA Tittle make it into the conversation of the Giants All-Time QB?
giantstock  
Eric from BBI : Admin : 2/17/2024 8:59 am : link
No, I appreciate the feedback. This is what I asked for when I started this thread.

Beckham is a dilemma to me.

I'm also influenced by the shitty way he handled himself before, during, and after he was traded (he's still mouthing off to this day about it too, reinventing history).

For a few years, I thought we were witnessing clearly the team's all-time receiver (the Giants also do not have a rich legacy at the position...it's kind of pathetic).

But like Plaxico did himself in, Beckham did as well.

I don't know what it is about the WR position and the Giants, but the team is jinxed.

Toomer is at the top of the stats heap because he's one of the few who didn't see his career sabotaged by his own actions or injuries.
RE: RE: ...  
christian : 2/17/2024 9:01 am : link
In comment 16401230 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
The Giants got 3 healthy years from OBJ, 3 healthy years from Cruz, and 3 healthy years from Nicks.

That's comical.

I would use a different word than comical.


In the the "so ridiculous, you have to laugh sense."

I remember pre-Burress the debates on BBI about how aside from Toomer, the Giants had a pretty unimpressive list of "best all time WR."

If you include Burress -- the Giants had 4 guys with really high ceilings fizzle after 3 years as Giants.

That doesn't even include Steve Smith, who had his career cut short as well.
US1  
Lines of Scrimmage : 2/17/2024 9:10 am : link
He is before my time but I don't see why not if he had played with the Giants longer and at a good time to be with the franchise. He was a incredibly accomplished QB.
RE: US1  
US1 Giants : 2/17/2024 9:16 am : link
In comment 16401241 Lines of Scrimmage said:
Quote:
He is before my time but I don't see why not if he had played with the Giants longer and at a good time to be with the franchise. He was a incredibly accomplished QB.


Before my time too. In 1963 he had 36 TD passes, 3100 yards, 60% Completions, and 2 rushing TD. He had a shorter regular season and with much less friendly rules for passing. Not saying he should be the All-Time QB but think he should be in the discussion.
RE: RE: RE: historical impact on the team and sport.  
56goat : 2/17/2024 9:21 am : link
In comment 16400992 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
In comment 16400977 Trainmaster said:


Quote:


This is the “best peak year” versus “sustained, long term excellence” debate.

Toomer was an excellent receiver for longer than some of the other “big names”, so if longevity / historical impact is the criteria, Toomer has it over the likes of Burress, Beckham, Nicks etc.

I tend to more gravitate to the peak / near peak excellence (but not just a one year flash in the pan).

Peak / near peak, I’m taking Beckham, Burress, Nicks over Toomer.




This is correct.

However, I tend to lean to a guy like Toomer. Both played games in Green Bay in the playoffs. One showed up. The other did not.


Ditto. Beckham had a couple of great years, but due to all the other stuff, I would not ever put him on any all-time Giants team. I'll take Nicks, Plax, Cruz, Toomer, hell Phil McConkey before I'd take OBJ.
Nicks does not get enough appreciation. He was MONEY  
Victor in CT : 2/17/2024 9:51 am : link
ESPECIALLY in big games. Beckham was flashy and talented but a dick in every way and in his 1 playoff game played like shit.

That Tampa game in 2012 was disastrous. Nicks beat Aqib Talib like a rented mule all day, then that knee injury happened. His career was still on an upward trajectory at that point.
re: Eric  
giantstock : 2/17/2024 11:14 am : link
In comment 16401233 Eric from BBI said:
Quote:
No, I appreciate the feedback. This is what I asked for when I started this thread.

Beckham is a dilemma to me.

I'm also influenced by the shitty way he handled himself before, during, and after he was traded (he's still mouthing off to this day about it too, reinventing history).

For a few years, I thought we were witnessing clearly the team's all-time receiver (the Giants also do not have a rich legacy at the position...it's kind of pathetic).

But like Plaxico did himself in, Beckham did as well.

I don't know what it is about the WR position and the Giants, but the team is jinxed.

Toomer is at the top of the stats heap because he's one of the few who didn't see his career sabotaged by his own actions or injuries.


Yes. When I was tyoping a prior post to you and was saying in a way "I don't even like him . . ." - it made me think "why?" - And that I did support him being traded --

I understand "why" not to put him in. He really isn't / shouldn't be "an all-time Giant" is how I view it now. I understand the dilemma better now.

Homer Jones is a much much better option that Odell. Really Odell doesn't below in the conversation. Toomer, Plax and Homer ahead of Odell just off teh top of my head.

 
christian : 2/17/2024 1:17 pm : link
I completely understand and agree with the disappointment fans feel with OBJ, but the physical on-field impact he had over those three years is unlike anything a Giant has accomplished.
Giants all time team  
Tim in Eternal Blue : 2/17/2024 11:10 pm : link

Should be the greatest Giants to ever lace them up. Not the most "talented".

Toomer over OBJ. All day. Twice on Sunday.

Antonio Pierce should be an honorable mention at MLB.


And I'm putting Ottis Anderson in over Rodney Hampton. 2 SB rings. Was instrumental in our 1990 SB run and when he retired he was 7-8 in yards and TDs, respectively. Dude is definitely one on the greatest Giants
RE: Eric..  
JoeSchoens11 : 2/18/2024 10:54 am : link
In comment 16400996 JT039 said:
Quote:
Was snacks Harrison ever a consideration? He was pretty dominant the time he was here.
Glad you gave him a shout out. He was my favorite player to watch in his short time here…which sounds pretty ridiculous when taking about a run-stuffing NT but he was better than anyone I’ve ever seen at it.

Off topic but it would’ve been great to see Snacks vs the tush-push.
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