I posted this on another thread and am actually kind of proud of it. I figured to post it here in case anyone wanted to read it and/or cared to comment. It's about the ongoing debate (on Giants message boards) over which WR would help the Giants more, Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards. I know this has been discussed before, but I've put a lot of thought into this and hope it can shorten the eternity that seems to exist between now and the draft. Everyone has already talked about Anquan Boldin & Braylon Edwards as nasuem; discussing hands & YAC & height & whatnot. However I have not seen people look outside the skillsets and careers of the players themselves. By this I mean that you need to consider the environments in which they put up their respective numbers. Boldin has performed in a dome and has had one of the most dominant WR I have ever seen playing opposite him in Fitzgerald. Boldin has also built his resume playing in a division where none of his opponents (even when dominant) had outstanding defenses. Seattle was good because of the oline and a younger Shaun Alexander. The Rams' offense lead to their post-season success. And the last time San Francisco was good was when they had Steve Young & Jeff Garcia at QB; not because of their defense. Outside of Marcus Trufant and the very overpaid Nate Clements (who would probably be covering Fitzgerald anyway) who is there to stop Boldin? Boldin plays a very physical game at WR, but how well would that transfer to the NFC East? How would the most physical WR in the NFC West fare in the most physical division in football? I doubt he would flounder here, but he certainly wouldn't be as dominant as he has been in the past. Considering the steep asking price for him, I think diminishing his game at all makes him a bad deal for the Giants. Besides this we must keep in mind that Boldin has played his entire career in a dome and has a better QB than Eli throwing to him. I am NOT saying Warner is better than Eli overall, but what I am saying is... Warner in a dome is better than Eli in the Meadowlands. Moving on to Edwards. Edwards is younger than Boldin and has, heretofore, not had nearly as impressive a career. But keep in mind that during his best year he had Derek Anderson, having his best year to date, throwing him the ball. Eli is better than Derek Anderson. In addition to this the Giants' offense as a whole is better than the Browns' offense. The superior bevy of running backs the Giants can field allows for more effective play action (one of Eli's strengths). The fact that we have a more talented WR core means that Edwards may not always see double coverage (I am thinking specifically of 3rd downs when Steve Smith will be the focus of the defense in passing situations). We have seen Boldin at his best, but I do not think we can say the same about Edwards. Edwards has proven himself to be a legitimate #1 WR in the NFL; this is not something Anquan Boldin has had to do for several seasons. Edwards has also proven himself while seeing the top 10 defensive mainstays of the Ravens and Steelers. We don't know how Boldin would fare against the fast and physical 3-4 Dallas defense or the blitz happy Eagles. Edwards has dealt with similar (if not actually more talented) defenses in Baltimore & Pittsburgh. For reference, earlier this year Edwards had 5 catches for 102 yards against Philly. I've checked his highlights from that game and he did it mostly when left in single coverage (due to Jim Johnson's blitzing scheme) with Asante Samuel. This is exactly what Burress used to do to Philly. This is the kind of WR, to my eyes, that we need. I know this is a topic that has beaten to death so frequently on this board that it's probably on a first name basis the Charon the boatman, but I think these are facets of the argument that haven't been brought up before and are worth mentioning. On a more personal note I actually enjoyed writing this and am trying to land some free lance journalist work (mostly editing) & would appreciate any criticism or comments.
If I were the Giants, I'd make the move for Braylon Edwards. Boldin has better hands but Edwards is bigger and faster. Edwards drops are a result of poor concentration which might be correctable, it might not be. Boldin might have a shortened career with that reckless physical style he plays.
Edwards can play out a 5 year contract, assuming the Giants give him one. Boldin I do not think could do this. I think we have seen Boldin at his best, but I think Edwards could still improve. I also think he is the better fit to replace Burress than Boldin.
Boldin didn't have Fitzgerald opposite him during his rookie season and put up fantastic numbers. He also had Jeff Blake as his QB and no run game to support his efforts.
Edwards= drops Boldin= TOUCHDOWNS I do not think it is really that hard of a decision. You have to pay for production bottom line.
