The Giants and Jets collide Saturday night in a game for bragging rights for either Geno Smith or Mark Sanchez.
It’s also a chance for Giants and Jets fans to sit on neighboring barstools and debate the Serby Top 10 list of New York’s best football players today:
1. Eli Manning
QB, Giants
Can you name any other two-time Super Bowl MVPs among the locals? So what if he isn’t on anyone’s Top 10 rapper list?
2. Jason Pierre-Paul
DE, Giants
We’re talking about the JPP who was a destructive force of nature prior to his back woes a year ago. If he’s that Monster of the Meadowlands again, he might top next year’s list. “You’ve got to be aware where he lines up,” a respected personnel executive said. “He’s a matchup dilemma in terms of protection for offensive coordinators.”
3. Antonio Cromartie
CB, Jets
Al-cro-traz is open for business with Darrelle Revis taking his talents and moneybags to Tampa Bay. NFL quarterbacks throw at Cromartie at their own peril. The prototypical big corner teams need to combat the Megatrons of this world. Not the run defender Revis was, but has grown into the leader of Rex Ryan’s defense.
4. Nick Mangold
C, Jets
A four-time Pro Bowl center who is the most indispensable Jet. The best draft pick not named Revis made by Mike Tannenbaum. “In-line blocking ability, can get to the second level,” Deep Personnel Throat says. “Good communicator, smart, instinctive player. You can win with him in the run game and you can win with him in pass protection.”
5. Victor Cruz
WR, Giants
Little brother Manning’s Wes Welker. Lightning quickness and an uncanny knack of adapting to coverages and figuring out a way to get open. Gets the nod over Hakeem Nicks more for his durability than his salsa. “Big-play ability, but can also be a move-the-chains type,” Deep Personnel Throat says. “Hard to cover because he’s got separation quickness.”
6. D’Brickashaw Ferguson
LT, Jets
Has been the long arms of the law protecting the blind sides of Chad Pennington, Brett Favre and Mark Sanchez. A rock — or brick — every game day since 2006. “He’s not going to win a lot of point-of-attack battles in the run game,” Deep Personnel Throat says, “but he can match up with the perceived best pass rusher.”
7. Antrel Rolle
S, Giants
The ultimate gamer/warrior who brings intimidation and immeasurable leadership to Big Blue. “A two-way safety,” Deep Personnel Throat says. “He can run support or cover.”
8. Hakeem Nicks
WR, Giants
Changes the complexion of Manning’s offense when healthy. A threat anywhere on the field at any time. Big receiver with big hands. “Very good ball skills,” Deep Personnel Throat says. “He can adjust to the football well. Crafty, savvy, instinctive.”
9. Muhammad Wilkerson
DT, Jets
An intimidator who is on the brink of stardom entering his third season. A brute at the point of attack and a threat to become a double-digit sack threat if Ryan can get him some help. “He’s a scheme-flex player,” Deep Personnel Throat says. “He’d be even more productive in a 4-3 scheme rather than as a block eater in a 3-4 front. This guy can be a three-down player, stay on the field on third down and give you pass rush value.”
10. Chris Snee
G, Giants
Smart and tough as they come. “Can compete at the point of attack and can also block at the second level,” Deep Personnel Throat says. “He can compete in a phone booth with strength and anchor but he can also play in space.”