Sinorice Moss is just one of the many Giants receivers competing for their 2010 roster spot. It’s interesting, once Domenik Hixon went down with a season ending knee injury earlier this spring, Sinorice Moss was probably sleeping much easier. But now that rookie (and fan favorite) Victor Cruz had a significant and electrifying breakout night during the home opener against the Jets, and Tom Coughlin gave his endorsement of the accomplishment, that roster spot may now be in jeopardy for the fifth year veteran. It’s true that Moss is no stranger to the situation… and you could have said the same thing last year with Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden competing for the spot.
"“It’s pretty much the same thing and I just take the same approach to it. I don’t look at it as numbers. I just go out there, perform and take care of the things I need to take care of.”"
Regardless, he should now more than ever be feeling the heat. When asked if he’s nervous about Cruz taking his spot, Moss downplayed it.
"“If I think about that, I won’t be able to do what I need to do on the field every day. So why think about numbers? It’s not about numbers to me. It’s about me going out there every day and participating and making plays and showing this team what I’m capable of doing.”“I definitely do have the experience and I’ve been asked these questions many times throughout the years. I take the same approach – a positive attitude and a smile. I know what I bring and I know what I’m capable of doing. That’s why I have the smile on my face all the time.”"
Here’s a fact that might not make him smile — there is very little that Moss has done over the past several years to set himself apart from anyone else. Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Domenik Hixon, and now Victor Cruz — regardless of their personalities that fact is these guys are all about the same size and build with approximately the same speed and quickness. What can you do to set yourself apart? Hixon is of course out, so Moss has that going for him… but realistically that may be about it.
Steve “Consistency” Smith, aka “Mr. Third Down” is obviously going to make the team. Enough said.
Ramses Barden is another story all together, but I think he still makes the team. He’s not consistent, he hasn’t done anything to set himself apart on the field in terms of production, yet… but the Giants have struggled in the red zone without a 6’6″ receiver catching back corner fades – something Barden is steeped in and can certainly help the Giants with regardless of his lack of versatility and special teams prowess. At 5’8″ Moss just does not have that advantage. I think no matter what Coughlin says about Barden, you need a red zone threat like Barden on the team for the Giants to win some of those close games. Touchdowns over field goals will be more possible with Barden on the field.
At 6’2″ 215 – Hakeem Nicks is a bit more imposing with a thicker build than the rest of the receiving core, he has freakishly gigantic hands, breakaway speed – and most importantly he has the benefit of contributing all last year to favorable results at the NFL level. He wasn’t a nominee for offensive rookie of the year for nothing. He makes the team.
Derek Hagan like Nicks is also among the bulkier receivers (6’2″ 215 as wekk) but more importantly he’s consistent in everything he does. Special teams is his strength, but he’s shown he can be relied on to pick up where David Tyree left off as that athletic and special utility receiver that can catch touchdown passes when you least expect it. He’s in.
Mario Manningham is quick and can shake tackles, and has shown he can be a versatile threat all over the field, whether he’s in the slot, goes deep, or out wide for a quick screen. He’s in.
And finally – Victor Cruz. After Monday’s performance and Tom Coughlin’s glowing endorsement I don’t know how he doesn’t make the cut. He’s in!
So if the Giants go with 6 receivers and carry extra Safeties, Moss is going to be out. If Hixon was still able to play, Moss would be out. And as it stands, f they carry 7 receivers again, Moss still has to compete with Tim Brown, Nyan Boateng, and Duke Calhoun among others… and Brown has looked good all summer in WR duties.
Another argument is this — return duties. Moss failed to provide any spark last season when he filled in for Hixon there. if Andre Brown becomes the new kickoff return man and Aaron Ross takes punts, Moss is really not going to be able to contribute anything to this Giants team.
Now, combined with the fact that Moss is due over $1.7 Million this season – it really is a significant wonder why Moss is still in competition for any spot whatsoever with the Giants.
To end on a light but realistic note, I want to wish Sinorice Moss the best of luck in making the Giants roster. I have my doubts, and I think these concerns are all valid. In the end, one thing is for sure…. Moss should certainly be feeling the heat right now.Whether he likes it hot, whether he performs or gets burnt, we’ll have to see. To that end… here is a classic 1980’s pop tune that deals with that very subject.
[pro-player width=’530′ height=’353′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq6hY0Y3KGk[/pro-player]