Paul Connors / AP

Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett is a big reason why the Cardinals' defense has made big stride during the playoffs, writes Dan Pompei.

Q: Will Plaxico Burress be with the Giants next season?
— Kevin Hartlaub, Lansing, Mich.

A: Giants general manager Jerry Reese has raised the possibility, which was stunning to some. So there certainly is a possibility. I’m not sure I am ready to call it a probability yet. The Giants need to go through a process in which they weigh all of their options with Burress.

It still would not be surprising if they came to the conclusion they were better off without him. If they do part ways with Burress, though, they know he will be difficult to replace. There just aren’t many players like him in the NFL.

Q: Hey Dan, do you think Edgerrin James will end up in the Hall of Fame?
— Brad, Carmel, Ind.

A: My initial inclination would be to say he will be under consideration but might have a tough time getting in. James was never the reason the Colts were a great offense, and the Colts replaced him easily.

But we shouldn’t penalize him just because he played on the same team as Peyton Manning. He led the league in rushing twice and has been a Pro Bowler four times. We’ll see where he ends up on the all-time rushing list.

Q: Can you tell me what offensive holding is? Every week I see guys holding jerseys and pulling the player but holding is not called. What has to happen for a holding call to be made?
— Dan Wilson, Westminster, Md.

A: The saying you could call holding on every play has some truth to it. But holding usually only is called in blatant circumstances. If a blocker gets his hands outside the defenders shoulders, that’s usually an automatic call. If a blocker takes down a pass rusher in space, that often is called holding. Holding calls aren’t always consistent because it is a difficult rule to legislate.

Q: What happens to unused salary cap money in the NFL?
— Dick Boockmeier, Portage, Wisc.

A: Nothing, because it doesn’t exist. It’s not like every team is sitting on a pile of money they use for the salary cap every year. There is a difference between cash and cap space. The cap is just the maximum amount of cash a team can spend. And you can’t carry it over until the next year.

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