Hakeem Nicks, Team Put ‘On Notice’

Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants have made the playoffs only once over the past four seasons and general manager Jerry Reese has seen enough.

In a recent interview with ESPNNewYork.com’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Reese states that everyone is “on notice” coming into the season.

Now while many would look at the bright side and say that the Giants have won a Super Bowl over the course of the past four seasons, Reese is tired of the inconsistency and is holding the Giants to a higher standard.

While Reese stated that the team as whole is being looked at, it is clear there are several players that will draw a little more attention this season.

Veterans like Justin Tuck and Corey Webster are looking for bounce back years with their contracts up at seasons end, but the individual with the most riding on this season has to be wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.

Nicks very well may be the most talented player on the entire Giants roster, when healthy.

Unfortunately the disclaimer “when healthy” as followed Nicks most of his young career.

Nicks entering the final year of his deal just spent the offseason watching his teammate Victor Cruz get paid and listened to management throughout call himself a “top priority.”

Nicks has not played a full season yet in his career but the Giants would love it if he could match the 15 games and nearly 1,200 yards he put up in 2011.

With all eyes on him this season now that Cruz has received his money, Nicks has to show his worth.

If he wants to get paid like a big time number one receiver, and we know he does, he must elevate his game to a level the Giants haven’t seen yet.

So while the whole team may feel Reese’s focus, its Nicks who has the most to lose this season.