Game Ball: Plaxico Burress

This weekly feature is fast becoming a ground for redemption. It seems each week we look at a guy who had been struggling and then put up a big game. Plaxico Burress fits the bill this week. Burress' slow statistical start led to much questioning in the media. He was a center of attention last week. His three touchdown outing against San Diego was instrumental in New York's big victory.

Plax was probably not fully to blame for his slow start. It is difficult to judge a receiver solely on his numbers with a quarterback like Mark Sanchez increasingly spreading out his targets. Beyond this, the Jets really were not using him in a way that would maximize his talents. Plaxico at this point of his career is not a guy who is going to run past people or create space with sharp cuts. He is not going to create a ton of separation. His separation is created by his big frame. Even when he is covered, he can use his size to win balls in the air. It takes time for a quarterback to build trust in a receiver's ability to win those balls. Perhaps things are starting to click for Sanchez and Burress.

For his hat trick, Plaxico Burress gets my game ball. Who gets yours?