Reese doesn't mind skepticism about Giants
Jerry Reese is introduced as the new general manager of the N.Y. Football Giants at a Giants Stadium press conference. (Jan. 16, 2007) Credit: Newsday/David L. Pokress
Heading into their second preseason game Monday night, the Giants already have been relegated by some to non-contender status. Jerry Reese doesn't mind that a bit.
"For things not to be smooth right now, I like that," Reese told Newsday Saturday. "I like going into training camp when things are a little bit shaky, the players are a little bit unsure, the coaches are a little bit unsure, the owners are a little bit unsure. I like that. I like that because we've had times when everything looked like, 'Well, we had a great offseason, the Giants are stacked, they're deep,' and we don't play well. So, I like for everybody to strain harder."
In his fifth year as Giants general manager, Reese has faced intense scrutiny. Tight end Kevin Boss (Raiders) and wide receiver Steve Smith (Eagles) signed elsewhere after spurning offers from the Giants; so did Plaxico Burress, who went to the Jets. The Giants' biggest free-agent addition was center David Baas, who replaced another Super Bowl XLII player, Shaun O'Hara; O'Hara and 10-year Giants offensive lineman Rich Seubert were cut, two more moves that drew notice around the league.
"People -- especially fans -- they endear to guys like that because they helped us win our Super Bowl and they've been good players and good citizens for us," Reese said. "But players move on. Kevin Boss had 35 catches last year. I hope we can replace that. Steve was in and out of the lineup last year [and our] quarterback threw for 4,000 yards. Had two receivers combine for 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns -- without Steve.
"So, I'm not downplaying Steve or Kevin in any kind of way. I'm just saying you have to move on. When they came in, the same thing -- people were saying, 'Who are these guys?' It's just part of the deal."
As the Giants have moved deliberately through the post-lockout frenzy of player signings, it's seemed as if Reese and the team were left behind.
"We stuck to our game plan and there's been plenty of guys to win the offseason Super Bowl, and we don't have any interest in that," he said. "We just want to make the best decisions for the New York Giants franchise. Sometimes it's not splashy."
