Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE
The New York Giants and their fans were all waiting for the outstanding performance by Ramses Barden in last night’s win against the Carolina Panthers. Barden led the team with nine catches and 138 receiving yards. He looked good beating press coverage, and made an incredible spin move on a defender for extra YAC. Now the question is, is he the third receiver on the depth chart?
Barden isn’t going to unseat Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz from their starting positions anytime soon. Nicks is a proven receiver in the league and Cruz is showing that he is no one year wonder. Barden was labeled as “Mini-Plax” coming out of school and was supposed to fill the role of the main redzone target.
Domenik Hixon has a concussion and it isn’t know when he will return. Especially with the new concussion guidelines, Hixon has to pass tests before he can come back. With 11 days until the next game, it is possible that Hixon could be ready.
The thing is Barden has more physical tools than Hixon does. He’s a bigger body and may even be a little bit faster. In three wide receiver sets, Barden can line up on the outside and put Cruz in the slot where he is most dangerous. Barden’s height is also a matchup nightmare because of his height for opposing corners.
If Hixon doesn’t play next week and Barden does and is again effective, it wouldn’t shock me in the slightest if Barden stays at the third receiver position.
