First published on Examiner
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is a Super Bowl champion and MVP. Manning is still aware that both he and the Giants can improve.
"Yeah we can definitely get better," Manning explained on Thursday. "We've got a few guys banged up but we've got guys in there and we're throwing in a lot of different things so we can definitely be sharper in the passing game and hit some more completions."
Even the best NFL quarterback needs a top notch wide receiver. Manning has one of the best in Steve Smith. Eli talked about the connection he has with Smith, saying "Yeah. We've learned what it takes. In meeting rooms he sits right next to me so we're talking and going over things while we're watching film as a whole team. After practice he's got questions and he's going over the film from practices and talking in between plays. He's just gotten really good at understanding defenses and getting a feel for where the open holes are and finding ways to get open. He's a guy who works hard and we communicate well. He wants to get better and he wants to learn and you can see that in his hard work that he's getting open and I've got great confidence in him."
Sinorice Moss is hardly the first name that pops into your head when thinking about the Giants' wide receivers. Moss still has a way to go if he will emerge into an every Sunday offensive threat, but Manning sees promise. "I have great confidence in (Moss), whether he's at the X or moving around so he's getting a better feel for the holes and the pockets and when he's got to run full speed and when he's got to slow it down and find the holes and so just learn the ins and outs of being a true football player," Manning explained. "Obviously he can run. He's got great speed - straight line speed, but he's just learning all the ins and outs of being a receiver."
The loss of Domenik Hixon was the big story heading into training camp, but Manning believes the offense will be able to fill the gap caused by the injury. Manning said "when you've got three returning guys who have started games in Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks, we need that fourth receiver to step up and that's where we're hoping that Ramses (Barden) can get in there and take over that spot for Hixon and move him around, put him in different spots, and be that solid guy who you know is going to be there and make plays for us."
Eli Manning and Steve Smith working with young receivers such as Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden can only make those receivers better. Make no mistake about it. This is Eli Manning's offense, and that's a fact Manning is well aware of this training camp.
All quotes via the New York Giants Communications Office
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