In Super Bowl XLII, Burress caught a game-winning touchdown to help the Giants beat the Patriots.

Plaxico Burress found himself in trouble win when he shot himself in the leg while at a nightclub on Novemver 29, 2008. He was sentenced to two years in prison for violating gun laws in New York  in September 2009 . Burress pleaded guilty to a lesser firarms charge.

After being released three months early for good behavior, he signed with the Jets for the 2011 season.  He scored eight touchdowns, 612 yards and 45 receptions. He tied the team high for TDs and receptions.

Recently there were rumors circulating that Burress would be signing with the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys organization denies any internal conversations about bringing Burress to Dallas.

Burress’ phone hasn’t rung much this off-season, coming off his first year back in the NFL after being charged with two felony weapon counts, and serving jail time. He hasn’t generated any interest in the free agent market after the one-year deal he signed with the New York Jets expired.

Apparently, until now.

Multiple sources have indicated that Dallas and agent Drew Rosenhaus are engaging in early talks about Burress signing with the Cowboys.

Dallas lost some depth when WR Laurent Robinson left via free agency to join the Jacksonville Jaguars signing a 5-year, $32.5 million contract. The Cowboys’ best receiver Miles Austin is again showing up in the headlines with some injury issues, currently battling a hamstring strain. Those headlines though, are still better than the ones his teammate Dez Bryant has made as of late. The troubled receiver was recently in the news (again), this time for having some physical altercation with his mother.

Although owner Jerry Jones has shot down any rumor, dealing with the Cowboys and Burress, it seems unlikely they wouldn’t at least pick up a phone.

Burress, who is set to turn 35 on August 12th, is certainly past the prime of his career. However, he is still a serious threat in the red zone. Last year he tied Santonio Holmes with a team high 8 receiving TDs. With Romo, Witten and either Austin or Bryant (or both) Burress wont gather the attention he did in New York (for either the Jets or Giants).

A potential deal would make sense for both sides, but with Jerry Jones, who really knows what makes sense?

Oct 26, 2008; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

Did a time and a Super Bowl victory ease the pain Plaxico Burress caused on Giants fans with his idiotic act of shooting himself? Not for Coach Coughlin it didn’t. According to the Daily News, when Coughlin was asked he shook his head and mouthed no. But with the injury or Nicks would it make sense to bring him in on a one year deal?

With the lack of pass catching TE’s and not knowing what to expect from the recievers after Cruz it may be worth at least thinking about. Yes, he is past his prime and he appeared pretty slow with the jets last year. But, he can still catch the ball, especially in the red zone. It seemed that age and prison may have matured him on the field, so he may have become an ideal Coughlin pupil and just show up on time and do what is asked.

It always nice to have weapons on offense, the question is what would his asking price be. But, even if it was low it is highly doubtful he will be back. The offense may have just enough options to live without Nicks for a week or two. And Coughlin and Reese have earned the right for us not to question there free agency moves or non moves,  At least for now.

They were without their leading receiver. Their starting running back, full back and center all missed the game due to injury. Their 1st pick overall in the 2011 NFL Draft made the trip, but did not play.

Of the six categories (ten positions within each slot), not one…NOT ONE single member of the New York Giants earned themselves a slot in the NFL Weekly leader board. They were shutdown for the entire first half. Just how did Big Blue pull off their biggest upset of the season? We’ve got answers. Join me on this incredibly inspiring fact finding recap.
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Even more disconcerting are the handful of free agents, who at one time were considered to be the league’s elite, that are now “more distinguished looking” and attempting to make one final impression on a career gone wrong. These players are, most certainly, headed for Canton, Ohio. These players are the “Bad Boys Of Free Agency.”

Just in case you haven’t heard, the NFL is currently closed for business and doing battle with the guys who fill the stadiums aka football players. This shutdown is threatening the livelihoods of countless individuals who work for the teams, stadiums and surrounding areas that host football games. These people have no stake in the 9 billon dollar split that the owners and players are currently trying to bisect. They are just trying to put food on their tables; make their car and mortgage payments.

There have been some rather vocal activists on both sides of the CBA issue. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees have championed the cause of the players. John Mara, owner of the New York Giants, has been one of the workhorses working to bridge the gap between the two parties in order to salvage a season headed for disaster. Steve Tisch, VP and co-owner of the New York Giants…not so much.
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Heather Ainsworth/AP

OK, Giants fans. Are you ready for a new, weekly feature to keep you busy during this long, grueling offseason? Well, you’re getting one anyway. This week there were a few headlines that deserve to be addressed with the gloves off. That’s what this feature will deliver. I’m off to a late start so let’s get to it.

Brandon Jacobs, who doesn’t seem to have much control over his temper, or mouth at times, has been speaking to the media about the possibility of him not being back with the New York Giants. This, of course, was purely speculative on his part. He didn’t think that the front office would be able, or have the desire, to re-sign him, at the whopping salary that he commands, and Ahmad Bradshaw. GM Jerry Reese announced this week that the Giants had every intention of re-signing Jacobs and laughed at the notion of not having him on the roster for the 2011 season.

BJ was fined last year for tossing his helmet, started the season off by being confrontational with the media and ended the year on the same note by telling reporters, “F*** you all!” Now, I am a Jacobs fan. I would love to see him go over 1,000 yards this year and get rid of some of the frustration that he can no longer suppress. But the first step, is getting back to the Big Blue basics. With this damn lockout in place it is a bit trickier to do. Regardless, being a New York Giant means leading by example, displaying class on and off the field and keeping a sock in it. See Jacobs run. See Bradshaw run. See Jacobs and Bradshaw run.
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He led his team to victory in what was arguably the greatest game ever played. He was the MVP of Super Bowl XLII. This season, he moved up one slot, overtaking Charlie Conerly, to become #2 on the New York Giants‘ Top Ten Passers list. Why then were so many fans calling for the head of Eli Manning at season’s end?

An abundance of interceptions can easily stir up the “angry mob” mentality amongst football fans. Manning led the league in interceptions this season and told the media, the day after the New York Giants’ disappointing season finale, ”

I am not a 25 interception quarterback.”

That is the exact number of times he threw the ball into the opposition’s hands, however. Manning went on to say,

“I think obviously that’s got to be fixed. We have to fix that. That’s on me, the receivers, and everybody doing that, but most of it’s on me.”

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The injuries that the New York Giants have had to contend with this season have passed over the borderline and into the territory of the obscene. Before the start of the preseason, and at the very first practice, their “Plaxico Burress successor”, Domenik Hixon, suffered a season ending accruciate ligament injury. From that practice up until the game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, the Giants’ receiving corp continued to be depreciated by a nasty little injury plague.

There was a glimmer of hope on Monday night though. David Diehl, Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks all made it back into the starting lineup only to find the injury plague back in full swing. Steve Smith was Big Blue’s second leading receiver before his pectoral injury. In the 3rd quarter of the Vikings game, Smith suffered a hamstring injury and is likely to miss at least one game.
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Welcome to December Giants fans. Forget what you knew. Forget the last 11 games. This is a NEW season, a 5 game season and one whose road is not paved to perfection. In fact, buckle up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride!
I am by no means a numerologist. Yet, I could not help but notice that the number 5 has reared its mysterious head throughout Big Blue’s 2010 season. The New York Giants went on to win 5 consecutive games after losing 2 straight earlier in the year. What every Giants fan is hoping for is DEJA BLUE. That has already begun – another 2 straight losses and the beginning of another possible 5 game winning streak. Last Sunday’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars brought in the first of this very hopeful winning streak.
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Many will remember that Hixon required season ending surgery on his knee after an awkward cut on the first Giants practice on their new turf. The injury caused much alarm, or alarmism depending on your viewpoint, as to the safety of the turf at new Giants Stadium. Players and management took up both sides, and the fact that almost all NFL teams now use the same kind of turf was cited by defenders on both sides.

Regardless, this could be a sad way to end what at times looked like could be a beautiful friendship, to paraphrase the legendary Humphrey Bogart. There’s still a chance that if Hixon clears waivers he will be placed on Injured Reserve. However, there is no safety net here, if another team claims him, he’s all theirs.

Hixon had many highlights for the Big Blue. Many will remember his 74 yard kickoff return in the regular season finale against the undefeated New England Patriots. He also recovered a fumble in that postseason against the Green Bay Packers. After the Plaxico Burress fiasco, Hixon started and caught 4 passes for 102 yards in the first half before leaving with a concussion.

Of course, his career was more marked with promise than with actual results. Just as frustrating were the dropped passes that seemed to plague Hixon, as well as the injuries. Hopefully he clears waiver and can build upon the potential he’s shown so fleetingly on the field.

“I just don’t think that him leaving the Packers and going to the Jets was a great thing because you never know with them,” Jacobs said. “Great quarterback, I just don’t know if that was a smooth idea. … I’m not saying he’s going to do something bad, but I think he had a pretty good thing with the Packers. But if they didn’t want him back, they didn’t want him back.”

First time I have ever heard Favre’s move hailed as not smooth, but Jacobs really voiced something I’ve been thinking this whole time: you do never know with the Jets.  Right after the trade was announced, commentators on Sportscenter asked the following question: “Whose better now, the Packers or the Jets?

Is that even a question?  The Packers made it to the NFC Championship Game, and the Jets went 4-12.  Admittedly, the Jets made some good moves this offseason, but the Packers are not only a better team, they are in a much easier division.  It’ll be interesting to see how Favre reacts to two tough games against the Hatriots.

Jacobs also shed some light on how the Favre situation affects the Giants:

“At first, everything was about (Plaxico Burress‘ contract),” Jacobs said. “Now it’s all about Brett Favre. You can’t read too much about Plax anymore.”

Touche, sir.  The media really does have a short memory.  It seems they’d rather show images of Favre with his trademark scruff and molar-to-molar smile than focus on the pouty Plaxico.  Like with the Shockey situation, Plaxico has found a media shield to hide behind.  While he’s avoided getting a bad rap for too long (is it too early to start a Plax being Plax catchphrase?), if he misses any games this season not even the Giants trading for Peyton Manning would help Plax avoid the wrath of the media.

A report today from Ralph Vacchiano at the NY Daily News, tells us all something none of us should be surprised at, Plaxico Burress is still not practicing:

“I definitely want to be out there, but Plaxico Burress has to take care of Plaxico Burress,” Burress said. “That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to make all the right judgments as far as my health. I’ve stressed that to them. When I get out there I’m going to be running 100 miles per hour with no restrictions. That’s what I’m trying to accomplish.”

Speaking in the third person is never good.  It makes you sound self-centered, and it’s obvious Plax is not trying to veil his displeasure anymore.   There is an article update that says the Giants are working on contract negotiations with Burress now, and that they expect a new contract to be agreed upon before the season.

It’s about time.  Maybe Plaxico isn’t a $8-9 million receiver (which is apparently what he’s asking for), but he’s certainly worth more than his current cap figure ($3.5 million).  I think the two sides will meet somewhere in the middle.  Maybe around $6.5-7 million.

Craig Dahl (ankle) is probable vs Washington.

Plaxico Burress (ankle/knee) is listed as questionable vs Washington.

Aaron Ross (hamstring) is listed as probable vs Washington.

Gibril Wilson (knee) is doubtful vs Washington.

Jeremy Shockey (stomach) is questionable vs Washington. 

I don’t think Shockey will miss the game on Sunday and can’t imagine that he will though Clayton’s words seem to make it a strong possibility.

Clayton also mentioned Plaxico being out of practice, but that is not uncommon news.

Jeremy Shockey didn’t practice Thursday because of an abdominal strain.

Michael Strahan (rest) returned to practice Thursday and will start.

For the second straight day both starting safeties, James Butler (hamstring) and Gibril Wilson (knee), sat out of practice. Backup Craig Dahl (ankle), who didn’t practice on Wednesday, worked with the starters today along with rookie Michael Johnson.

Aaron Ross (hamstring) returned to practice on a limited basis on Thursday.

James Butler (hamstring) is still out and on the sideline.

Gibril Wilson (knee) is going to try to practice.

Aaron Ross (hamstring) missed Wednesday’s practice.

Michael Strahan (team decision) missed Wednesday’s practice.

Plaxico Burress (ankle/knee) missed Wednesday’s practice.

R.W. McQuarters plans on taking reps at safety incase he is needed.

Antonio Pierce (ankle) has been removed from the injury report.

Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report.

Steve Smith (hamstring) has been removed from the injury report.

Passing:
The Redskins will be without Jason Campbell after injuring his knee last week against Chicago. Washington will turn to Todd Collins. Collins was 15/20 with 224 yds, 2 TD, and 0 INT in his time against the Bears in Week 14, and is no pushover. The Redskins do have a nice pass rush and will protect Collins well, but the fact of the matter is that the Giants’ defense has come A LONG way since Week 3 when they last faced Washington, and Collins could be in for a long day.

Eli Manning has played well under constant scrutiny his entire career and even more so the previous two weeks after his play against Minnesota. Plaxico Burress finally appears to be healthy, playing the way he was at the beginning of the season as he carried the Giants on his back against the Eagles in Week 14. Amani Toomer has been a great option for Eli, but it would be nice to see Jeremy Shockey get more involved in the offense. With Jacobs’ return to the lineup and his shaky play (two fumbles) against Philly, expect the G-Men to put it in the air a lot of Sunday.

Rushing:
The Giants were unable to contain Brian Westbrook last Sunday and they need to do a better job against Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts this week and make Washington use Collins. The Redskins have had some trouble on the ground at the goal line and the Giants have been doing a great job of holding their opponents to field goals. If New York can prevent Washington from making big plays on the ground, Washington could be in for a long day with Collins getting a look at the Giants relentless pressure.

Brandon Jacobs needs to make up for his effort last week and prevent turnovers. Washington was able to hold the Bears to 60 rushing yards last week, and though I like to think that the Giants are a better offensive team than the Bears, it appears as though Coughlin and Co. will pick their spots carefully on the ground. The Redskins tend to give up points late in games, possibly from defensive fatigue, so if they can keep Jacobs and Reuben Droughns fresh, and keep the Skins’ defense from making stops, Eli will have more time to hit the open man.

Tomorrow a look at the defenses.

Also, check out some stats about the Giants from Michael Eisen of Giants.com.

In the News:
The Giants had to come from behind on the road for the second straight time.

Antonio Pierce found a way to play through his injury and help the team on Sunday.

Apparently Plaxico Burress still doesn’t need to practice after his performance against the Eagles.

The Giants were able to survive another late-game collapse.

The G-Men played behind Plaxico Burress as he played through pain.

Branon Jacobs fumbled twice, but in his mind he only lost the ball once.

Opinions have changed on Tom Coughlin, a year after everyone wanted him gone.

New York moves to 9-4 on the season, achieving a 6-1 record on the road for the first time since 2000, as the Eagles fall to 5-8, just about ending their bid at a playoff berth this season.

Plaxico Burress was amazing making 7 cathches for 136 yards and a touchdown. He single-handedly carried the Giants as they fought to come back against a gutsy Eagle team who was looking to keep their playoff aspirationg alive, while also trying to avenge their 16-3 embarrassment at Giants Stadium earlier in the season.

Brandon Jacobs had an off-day with 22 carries and 70 yards with a pair of fumbles, including a crucial one at the PHI 5. Jacobs had a hefty workload today with Ward being out and Droughns only taking the ball three times.

Eli Manning had a nice game as well going 17 of 31 with 219 yards and a touchdown pass. A no-interception game for Eli as he continues to bounce back nicely after critics destroyed him for his performance agaisnt Minnesota in Week 12. Eli has handled the pressure of late with no problems and continues to put together solid drives leading to Giant scores.

All in all, not the prettiest game of the season for the Giants, but they did beat a team that lost to New England by 3 with their backup QB playing. The Giants have proved they can win close games and now it is time they learn how to finish teams off when they have the opportunity, something the Giants have never been able to figure out. Up next: Washington.