The Manning Connection

Today’s New York Post addressed the New York Giants wide receiver situation, specifically Mario Manningham. The article went on how Mario is finally feeling 100% healthy and looking to make an impact this year. So much so that he’s completely turned the page on last year and doesn’t even want to talk about 2008-09 anymore. “Let’s talk about this year!” he exclaimed after a practice.

“When you’re a rookie, you’re just going out there trying to remember the play,” Manningham said, “I’m better, way better. It’s just going out there and playing now. I can’t wait to go out there and show everybody what I can do. That’s why I’m here.”

The Post has Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith as starters, which actually most of us have assumed anyways. Which would mean the remaining spots are a competition between Sinorice Moss, Mario, Hakeem Nicks and possibly Ramses Barden. With that group of receivers you can see why Mario is excited about this year.

Mario is a burner, a deep threat the Giants have lacked for a while. Wait a minute did I just say that? Yea, I did the reason cause that’s what every other person is saying. But if I’m not mistaken I remember seeing Hixon burn quite a bit of defenders last year and get deep down the field. Only problem is he had butter fingers quite a bit on those plays.

Apparently Mario will be the deep threat the Giants have not had and didn’t have with Hixon. Meaning he’ll be the guy to get down field and MAKE the play. Apparently he even did it twice on Monday which is a good thing.

If his OTA work carries into Training Camp it’s quite possible he can crack the top three. Which would mean we could be hearing a lot of Manning to Manningham, or Manning-ham for 6.

Notice I did say IF OTA work carries over. Remember it is OTA’s so don’t get too excited, the guys aren’t wearing pads and contacts not allowed. Once the pads get thrown on Aaron Ross or Kenny Phillips may lay him flat on his ass, keeping him at the lower end of the depth chart.

I will say thou its very encouraging, as he’s one player the Giants truly need to step it up this year.

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Tags: Eli Manning, Mario Manningham, New York Giants, NFL