TIKI'S VALUE GOES DOWN

[Slingblade]

Contacting absentee running back Ron Dayne wasn't exactly on top of coach Jim Fassel's to-do list yesterday.

"That's not the first thing I tried to take care of when I walked in here," Fassel said, back at Giants Stadium after attending NFL meetings in Phoenix last week. "I've got guys here I'm worrying about right now."


As the second week of the Giants' off-season conditioning program began, Dayne remained the only unexcused absence from the "voluntary" workouts. Dayne is working out with a personal trainer, according to his agent, Terry Lavenstein.

Lavenstein has said Dayne believes he can better prepare for the upcoming season without the guidance of the Giants' strength and conditioning staff. Fassel has taken that criticism personally.

"I don't agree with that at all. I take offense to that," Fassel said. "Most every player around here has improved, including Ron Dayne. The guys I've hired, the guys who are here working, are outstanding. Sometimes an agent has no clue about ... building team chemistry."

Fassel was initially irked after Dayne told him last month he would attend the off-season program, then sent word through Lavenstein that he would not.

"If that's what he chooses, that's what he chooses," Fassel said. "There's a number of issues here. When I call a player, I want a return phone call."

The Giants would like to sign Jaguars free-agent running back Stacey Mack if they can do so at an affordable price.

[Roseman]

If they sign Mack that will definitly take away from Tiki especially around the goal line. I dont think Mack will go to NY because I think he wants to start not play back-up again

[Homeless]

Damn it to hell ! I hope this isnt another full RB by committee move.

[hayesb26]

i know homey!! damn that commitee

[DUKE]

He may want to start somewhere, but there aren't too many openings for that role. He'll end up goalline, touchdown stealing back again this year.

[converge241]

hopefully mack will go with Texans cause Tiki is primed for a monster year

there were rumors he may just stay in jacksonville too though (hes not getting the type of $$$ offers he expected)

[VIPER]

Agree with Converge....let him go to the Texans!!!

[chaindog35]

If Mack signs, Barber's value goes down again.

[The Sandwich]

Will it really drag Tiki down? Mack is more of a blocking back. Tiki was running mostly out of a single back set last year. Dayne was useless. With a blocking back is it possible he might need to do less improv and just follow Mack through the hole, take a few less hits? I guess it does give NY one more option at the goal line. I still see Tiki as a nice starter in leagues where you start two backs.

[fntsyrookie]

Will it really drag Tiki down? Mack is more of a blocking back. Tiki was running mostly out of a single back set last year. Dayne was useless. With a blocking back is it possible he might need to do less improv and just follow Mack through the hole, take a few less hits? I guess it does give NY one more option at the goal line. I still see Tiki as a nice starter in leagues where you start two backs.

I'm not sure Mack is as much of a blocking back as he is a goaline back. He steals goaline TDs. Blocking backs don't usually leave their teams because they think they can start somewhere else.