What do the Giants do With Mark Herzlich

A few years ago this day would have seemed impossible for many. There was a question as to whether or not Mark Herlizch would ever walk-again, but we all know the story. Herzlich was determined to not let cancer beat him so he went to work, beat cancer and then got back into good enough shape to play his final season at Boston College with the hopes of reclaiming his first round grade. Though by most standard Herzlich had a fine final season at BC, a season in which he had 65 tackles, 4 INT, 3 Tackles for loss, and a few passes broken up, it was clear that he was not back to form.

The N.F.L. is about winning and not feel good stories so Herzlich was to go undrafted, but got a call from the New York Giants and decided that he should try his luck at making the roster with the Giants. The Giants devoid of great linebacking talent seemed like a great fit. The fact that it is also an organization that is greatly respected and has a die-hard fan base that appreciated quality linebacker play was just an added bonus. Herzlich got off to camp a bit sluggisghly, but more and more gained the trust of the coaching staff and was one of the final pieces to be kept on the 2011 roster.

Herzlich started the season playing strictly special teams and not seeing any defensive packages, but that all changed in week 11 at home vs Philadelphia where he got his first N.F.L. Start. In that game Herzlich flashed the ability that earned him a first round grade a few short years ago. He displayed terrific timing in his blitzes, and was a force in the run game taking and shedding blockers. He did, however, struggle a bit with the speed of the Eagles, but he brought instincts and intensity to the field and earned himself another start for week 12 against New Orleans. The whole team got embarrassed that day, but Herzlich left the game with more than bruised ego-he also badly hurt his ankle. His ankle injury forced the Giants to go out and resign former Giants Linebacker and current grocery bagger (that part’s not true), Chase Blackburn.

Since Blackburn has returned to the field the Giants defense has settled down. The Giants have settle down and won 6 of their last 8 games with losses only to the Packers and the Washington Redskins. Blackburn has played well enough to make a claim to start in the Superbowl. But what about Herzlich will he get the opportunity to play in the big game. The players who got pushed behind Herzlich prior to his injury like Greg Jones has made some big plays on special teams in this run and the defense has gelled. The question for the Giants is now that Herzlich should be healthy enough to start will he play in the game, or will he be inactive?

I think regardless of what the Giants decide Herzlich would tell us that he’s just thankful for the opportunity and looks forward to enjoying what could be the most special moment of his entire career. There aren’t always second chances and here’s to hoping that Herzlich does get on the field and can make a big play in this game.

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