Giants' Shaky Offense Not A Big Worry For Manning, Coughlin
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Eli Manning and the Giants starting offense have been a preseason dud so far, but bad numbers haven't bothered the quarterback and coach Tom Coughlin.
Odell Beckham Jr. has not caught a pass. Injuries kept Beckham, Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle from taking the field at the same time in a 22-12 victory over the Jaguars over the weekend. And the starters have put up only two field goals in seven possessions in the preseason.
But Manning and Coughlin see hope as they practice for an exhibition against the Jets on Saturday knowing that the Giants have only two touchdowns in two exhibition games.
"Keep working on things and we'll get better," Manning said. "That's the point of preseason games, to see where we stand, get some of those things out of the way, and see what you need to fix up."
The two-time Super Bowl MVP said the refurbished offensive line was effective, holding the Jags without a sack until reserves came in halfway through the second quarter. Guards Geoff Schwartz (who was hurt in 2014) and John Jerry (a starter who struggled in run blocking) took snaps at both guard and center.
The Giants struggled especially in the passing game.
Beckham was absent from several practices with a balky hamstring, Cruz is still rehabbing from knee surgery and a strained calf muscle, and Randle has been dealing with tendinitis in a knee. That forced reserves Corey Washington and Preston Parker into the starting lineup. They combined for just three catches for 31 yards on seven targets.
Coughlin said he was not certain whether Randle or Cruz would play against the Jets.
"The thing with Rueben has really confused me," Coughlin said. "He's been able to handle (tendinitis) so well over the years, and yet this circumstance has been bothersome."
Coughlin said not having Cruz or Randle means they haven't been able to fully test the passing game.
"There was so much speculation going on about having these people work together," Coughlin said. "We haven't really seen them work together yet, and we're this far into camp."
Second-year offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is using a West Coast-style offense to try to improve a group that finished 13th in scoring, 23rd in rushing and seventh in passing.
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