Prior to their game Sunday night, an overwhelming number of sports pundits and fans predicted the depleted New York Giants would run into the buzz saw known as the Dallas Cowboys in their new billion dollar Cowboys Stadium.
However, after the night was through, the victorious Giants were the ones receiving accolades for putting up impressive numbers. And what was a looming concern for the team coming into the season—the wide receiver position—seemed to transform into one of promise and excitement.
The youngsters, Mario Manningham and Steve Smith, stole the show. Both were instrumental in the Giants’ 33–31 win over the Cowboys and were a huge part of Eli Manning’s 330-yard aerial attack.
Against a veteran group of Dallas cornerbacks including All-Pro Terrence Newman, Manningham caught 10 catches for 150 yards while Smith caught 10 passes for 134 yards. The performance from both players was so good that it placed them among the league leaders in receiving.
It’s almost shocking to think that after the unfortunate Plaxico Burress fiasco and the departure of sure-handed veteran Amani Toomer, the Giants’ biggest worries would be alleviated so quickly. Or did they?
After the game, Giants quarterback Eli Manning did not seemed shocked by Manningham’s success. Referring to the hard work that the second-year man put into the off-season, Manning said, “It started back in the spring. He came up to me asking me what he could do to get better, how can he get into the offense. He wanted to have a good year.
“From training camp through now, he has a great grasp of the offense and what’s going on. He’s an explosive receiver, and some of that talent is coming out now.”
Manningham graciously said in a post-game press conference, “It’s a real good blessing to come out and make plays. But I feel like we can do better. We [the receivers] had to step up.”
At the 2008 NFL Draft, most teams had former Michigan star Mario Manningham ranked within the top 20, but questions surrounding his 4.6 speed, low Wonderlic scores, and off the field issues dropped his stock considerably.
Teams considered him a risk and questioned his ability to adapt to the fast-paced and cerebral NFL game. When Manningham fell into the third round, the Giants saw a golden opportunity and selected him.
Improvising with Eli Manning on several plays that went for big gains and burning past Dallas’s Terrence Newman en route to his 22-yard touchdown reception, Manningham dispelled notions that his football smarts are lacking or that his speed is not up to par.
Steve Smith gave praise to his teammate saying, “He is a quick, really quick, elusive guy. I think Eli is developing a good rapport with him and he is just confident in him.”
As for being worried that both he and Manningham have big shoes to fill with the departure of Burress and Toomer, Smith admitted it’s not going to be easy but is confident that he and others can get the job done, “We worked so hard in the off-season. We are just glad it’s coming together now.”
As good as the Giants receiving corps looks now, it has the potential to become much better as the season progresses. Still to be added to the mix are rookies Hakeem Nicks, the Giants first-round pick out of UNC, and 6’6” Ramses Barden, who turned heads in training camp with several acrobatic catches.
Speaking about how teams may underestimate the young receivers, Manningham said, “People are going to say what they want to. We believe in ourselves as a receiver group. We know what we can do.”
Once all four of them get on the same page with Eli Manning, the Giants could have one of the most feared passing attacks in the NFL for many years to come.
However, after the night was through, the victorious Giants were the ones receiving accolades for putting up impressive numbers. And what was a looming concern for the team coming into the season—the wide receiver position—seemed to transform into one of promise and excitement.
The youngsters, Mario Manningham and Steve Smith, stole the show. Both were instrumental in the Giants’ 33–31 win over the Cowboys and were a huge part of Eli Manning’s 330-yard aerial attack.
Against a veteran group of Dallas cornerbacks including All-Pro Terrence Newman, Manningham caught 10 catches for 150 yards while Smith caught 10 passes for 134 yards. The performance from both players was so good that it placed them among the league leaders in receiving.
It’s almost shocking to think that after the unfortunate Plaxico Burress fiasco and the departure of sure-handed veteran Amani Toomer, the Giants’ biggest worries would be alleviated so quickly. Or did they?
After the game, Giants quarterback Eli Manning did not seemed shocked by Manningham’s success. Referring to the hard work that the second-year man put into the off-season, Manning said, “It started back in the spring. He came up to me asking me what he could do to get better, how can he get into the offense. He wanted to have a good year.
“From training camp through now, he has a great grasp of the offense and what’s going on. He’s an explosive receiver, and some of that talent is coming out now.”
Manningham graciously said in a post-game press conference, “It’s a real good blessing to come out and make plays. But I feel like we can do better. We [the receivers] had to step up.”
At the 2008 NFL Draft, most teams had former Michigan star Mario Manningham ranked within the top 20, but questions surrounding his 4.6 speed, low Wonderlic scores, and off the field issues dropped his stock considerably.
Teams considered him a risk and questioned his ability to adapt to the fast-paced and cerebral NFL game. When Manningham fell into the third round, the Giants saw a golden opportunity and selected him.
Improvising with Eli Manning on several plays that went for big gains and burning past Dallas’s Terrence Newman en route to his 22-yard touchdown reception, Manningham dispelled notions that his football smarts are lacking or that his speed is not up to par.
Steve Smith gave praise to his teammate saying, “He is a quick, really quick, elusive guy. I think Eli is developing a good rapport with him and he is just confident in him.”
As for being worried that both he and Manningham have big shoes to fill with the departure of Burress and Toomer, Smith admitted it’s not going to be easy but is confident that he and others can get the job done, “We worked so hard in the off-season. We are just glad it’s coming together now.”
As good as the Giants receiving corps looks now, it has the potential to become much better as the season progresses. Still to be added to the mix are rookies Hakeem Nicks, the Giants first-round pick out of UNC, and 6’6” Ramses Barden, who turned heads in training camp with several acrobatic catches.
Speaking about how teams may underestimate the young receivers, Manningham said, “People are going to say what they want to. We believe in ourselves as a receiver group. We know what we can do.”
Once all four of them get on the same page with Eli Manning, the Giants could have one of the most feared passing attacks in the NFL for many years to come.
