"Plaxico"

Recently, The Steelyard received a copy of the new book “The G.M.: The Inside Story of a Dream Job and the Nightmares That Go With It,” by Tom Callahan (Crown), which chronicles the last year of Ernie Accorsi’s tenure as general manager of the New York Giants. Of course, the book is of minimal interest to Steelers’ fans, except for chapter 4 (“Plaxico”), which focuses on former Steelers’ wide receiver Plaxico Burress, described by Callahan as having “a sleepy manner and a penitentiary face.”

According to Accorsi, The Steelers “would have loved to have kept [Burress]” … but “Dan Rooney didn’t want to put all of the team’s money into receivers,” preferring to retain Hines Ward. Makes sense.

Meanwhile, Giants QB Eli Manning goes out of his way to defend Burress, saying, “Plax is smarter than what you think, or what he shows you.” Manning relates how he once borrowed Burress’ playbook and says, “When I opened it, I couldn’t believe my eyes. He had written all these little notes in the margins--in beautiful handwriting. ‘I’m the hot receiver here.’ ‘I go here.’ ‘I do this or that.’ ‘Somebody else does whatever.’ All in perfect penmanship….”

It’s funny how Manning compliments Burress’ penmanship, as if that compensates for the occasions when Burress takes plays off or disappears from the offense.

Very Early Returns ...

These thoughts come courtesy of our friend Nick, who sent The Steelyard the following e-mail earlier this week:

The offensive line needs work, but this Carey Davis from God-knows-where University might be a beast. #41 shows promise too; I'm not sure Kevan Barlow will be collecting his $600,000. And how 'bout LaMarr Woodley; he looks like our rookie of the year. Fifth-round pick William Gay played well against New Orleans too. With a last name like Gay you just know the kid is either going to grow up to be an interior decorator or a serious tough guy. It is preposterously early but I am pleased. Let's hope fast Willie's knee problem is just "camp knee."