Manning Not Losing Sleep Over Giants' Preseason Offensive Woes
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Eli Manning isn't worried about the New York Giants' offense despite an awful preseason.
The 35-year-old, two-time Super Bowl MVP has been around long enough to know the preseason means nothing heading into the regular-season opener at Dallas against the Cowboys on Sunday.
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As far as Manning is concerned, the Giants have practiced well in training camp under new coach Ben McAdoo. It's the same offense that put up big numbers the past two seasons, and the talent is still there, particularly at wide receiver with second-round pick Sterling Shepard and Victor Cruz joining Odell Beckham Jr.
Still, the preseason was ugly, especially the two games in which Manning played. He was on the field for 12 series and hit 14 of 24 passes for 109 yards, one interception and no points.
"Feel good about where we are right now and what we can do," Manning said Monday after the Giants started preparations for Dallas. "So we've just got to go and obviously do it on Sundays and do it when it counts. And so, I feel good about where we are, how I feel within the offense, the players that we have, and I think we'll be able to go out there and move the ball."
While the preseason was awful, Manning said there are playmakers on the Giants who are going to benefit when the team starts game planning.
Beckham has been the Giants go-to guy for the past two seasons, and he should have a chance to be even better if Shepard and Cruz give Manning more options.
Manning laughed about his lack of playing time in the preseason.
"I've got 13 years of a lot of regular-season games and preseason, playoff games," Manning said. "So I've got a lot of snaps under my belt and, you know, you want to get into preseason and get into a little rhythm, but ultimately the goal is to get out healthy and get used to moving in the pocket, those types of things, but yeah, ready to go now."
One thing that has not changed for Manning is the excitement of a new season, one in which the Giants hope to end a four-year playoff drought.
"You don't know what the possibilities are, but everybody starts in the same spot, and we've got a chance to do something special this season, and it starts right here," Manning said. "This week, having a great week of preparation and going to Dallas and playing smart football, and we'll see if we can get a win."
NOTES: The Giants signed 30-year-old quarterback Josh Johnson and waived middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley. Coach Ben McAdoo thinks Johnson can push backup quarterback Ryan Nassib. "He's been trained in a version of the system," McAdoo said. "He plays with his cleats in the ground, has a natural throwing motion, and has some good experience." ...CB Leon Hall and LB B.J. Goodson are still going through the concussion protocol. ...S Darian Thompson (shoulder) and LB Jonathan Casillas (ribs) practiced on a limited basis. ... McAdoo on DT Robert Thomas, who was awarded to the Giants on waivers: "He plays with great energy. Leverage, he stays on his feet. Tremendous balance and he uses his hands well. He's active."
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