National Football League

Giants' Reese defends lack of moves

Published Aug. 12, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Giants general manager Jerry Reese is not oblivious to the gloom and doom created by Super Bowl-winning players exiting through the revolving door and practically no one arriving back the other way, the New York Post reported Friday.

A free-agent talent drain has tested the patience of even the most loyal fans, but the boiling point was reached Wednesday night when receiver Steve Smith spurned the Giants and instead signed with the arch-rival Eagles.

Reese, who has been accused of sleeping at the switch, cleared his throat Thursday and spoke for the first time since the Big Blue ship seemingly began to take on water.

"Seems like people are in a little bit of a panic, the perception is we're not doing a lot," Reese said.

To say the Giants have not done a lot is akin to saying the stock market is in a bit of a lull. Smith was the most recent defection, joining tight end Kevin Boss (Raiders) and defensive tackle Barry Cofield (Redskins). Plaxico Burress was courted by the Giants before they made him an offer they knew he would refuse and instead took $3 million guaranteed to play for the Jets.

The only starting player the Giants have acquired is center David Baas from the 49ers.

Reese, sounding defensive and defiant, declared that he followed his game plan in free agency and that the Giants will rise this season.

"We won 10 games last year. It wasn't like we were 6-10, we were 10-6. We expect to build off that," Reese said. "We made a couple of plays last year, we'd have been in the playoffs and who knows what would have happened. But it didn't happen, so we'll make the plays this time and we'll get in the playoffs and we'll make a run."

Making the playoffs and making a run seems like a far-away concept after the shocking news that Smith eschewed the Giants one-year contract offer to take more — one-year, $4 million deal ($2 million guaranteed) — from the Eagles, who have added an all-star assortment of big-name players.

"How many big, sexy moves did the Green Bay Packers make last year?" Reese asked. "I don't remember a lot. Who won before? Pittsburgh? How many big, sexy moves did they have? You develop players, the making a splash, the big, sexy moves. I don't know if that always works. I don't know if all the big, sexy moves are the right way to go."