The latest dispatch from Stephen Haynes, who already has written more relevant, insightful blogs than Blauber:
Eli Manning has thrown poorly the last two practices. Now in his fourth year, the QB continues to struggle with accuracy and consistency. He’s made several errant throws and forced open receivers to adjust on some of his completions. He’s also thrown three interceptions since yesterday afternoon (and two sure picks that were dropped by Sam Madison and Gibril Wilson). This morning he was picked off by Will Demps after overthrowing Michael Jennings on a seam route to the weak side.
Manning’s accuracy has been an issue his entire career. Last season he completed over 67 percent of his attempts through week 4 but ended up completing 57.7 percent of his passes.
He blamed the mid- through late-season swoon on his own inconsistency, injuries and opposing defenses using more zone coverage. Following today’s practice, which he descried as “strong,” he said that he needed to work more on his mechanics, which quarterback coach Chris Palmer has been on him about.
“I have to get better at decision-making, not force stuff or look for a certain receiver,” Manning said. “[Palmer] and I have been working a lot, going over a lot of film. Personally, I’ve been doing a lot of drills with bags, moving around and trying to get better at throwing on the move then being able to stop and still get the ball out accurately. And I’m still working with coach [Kevin] Gilbride on footwork and things like that.”
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Yesterday, Jim Finn’s season ended before it started and today, the head coach and players hinted that undrafted, unheralded second-year fullback Robert Douglas is the favorite to line up in front of Brandon Jacobs.
Maybe that’s because Douglas, a converted RB, is the only FB on the roster right now.
He admitted that he sometimes has difficulty getting low for leverage when blocking because of his height (at 6-foot-2, he’s taller than the average fullback), but he was quick to point out that he’s had success at the position before. At the Universiy of Memphis, he blocked for NCAA all-time leading rusher DeAngelo Williams, who was drafted in the first round by the Panthers last year. And the Giants coaches think he’s capable.
“I’ve been impressed with what (Douglas) been able to do,” said Tom Coughlin after practice. “But of course, we don’t have any pads on yet.”
In addition to blocking for Tiki Barber, Finn caught 42 passes as a Giant, mostly on swing passes to the flat. Douglas wasn’t too sure he’d be able to chip in as a receiver, though.
“I catch…decent,” he said with a grin. “I’m decent at it.”
Comments (11)
Hate to say I told you so guys.....we have a real problem here if the guy can't even through accurately in practice
Hey Joe, settle down. It's only June. Start worrying in late August.
Haven't read anything anywhere about Steve Smith... 2 weeks ago that's all anyone was talking about... what happened?
Arthur,
These interns were a great idea. This is the type of info I have been begging for since last summer.
As for Eli's troubles - it just goes to strengthen my arguement - he learned nothing from QB Coach Gilbride the past three years. But we should see some big changes now. Stay tuned, boys.
Nice work guys/gals.
-Big BB
C'Mon Eli. Pick it up. Get a little "killer instinct" in your game!
How can he be so inaccurate after spending all off-season on improving his accuracy? I mean people say it is "only" June and don't panic til August....but my argument is that he has had since February to improve it and things are not better so why should I expect Eli to get more accurate in the next two months?
Let's hope he does. If not, this could be potentially a 6-10 or 5-11 type season.
JT -
I am glad to see that I am not the only realist here. This guy is a disaster and the trade for him will go down as one of the worst in the history of the NFL.
Joe,
I hope I am wrong. I want the Giants to win and I like Eli...I am just worried that he may not be that good.
Thanks for the support. We really appreciate it. I don't know if we're supposed to reply to the comments, but I'll be doing it anyway. So ask away.
Kiwi n Osi, not much has been written or said about Steve Smith because there isn't much to write or say. He works with the second team (first team for now is Moss and Jennings) and hasn't done anything spectacular yet. I did talk to him after the yesterday's practice and he said that he's adjusting to running routes in the NFL, and the coaches have told him that he needs to get more toned in the belly area before training camp. He isn't out of shape, but he doesn't have exactly have a 6-pack. I asked him if he's heard people comparing him to a young Ike Hilliard and he said that he has and sees the similarities ("We're both smooth coming out of our routes and we don't mind going over the middle to make big catches."). He also said that he wants to pattern his route-running after Torry Holt and he watches as much tape of him and Toomer as he can find.
Manning WILL BE FINE. OK this is mini-camp, not training camp, not the preseason, not the regular season. This is the 1st time in a month Eli has thrown the ball this many times to receivers in one day. Everyone needs to stop thinking just because Eli is Peyton Manning's bro that he'll be just as good. I'm sure that's not what Ernie Accorsie was thinking when he traded for Eli back in '04. Eli is a decent quarterback, not a great one. He'll get his mechanics and timing in order before the preseason begins, no doubt!
No offense, gmen79, but your argument was weak.
Eli will be Eli, just like Peyton has been Peyton. Eli still has time to develope into a better quarterback, which I believe he will, possibly before the regular season begins.
I don't believe Ernie traded for Eli because he knew he would be 'decent.' Ernie traded for Eli because he saw something. He saw his poise and determination for winning. (as shown vs. Denver, @ Philly).
I feel comfortable with Eli Manning playing behind Shaun O'Hara. How can anyone not? Two full starting seasons and we've reached the playoffs both times.
Two seasons ago, the Giants had low expectations. They went 11-5 and won the NFC East Division title.
This season, the Giants face the same expectations.
I don't see a 4-12, 5-11 season.
I honestly think Eli Manning will be the quarterback Ernie expected him to be.
But of course -- only time will tell.
Joe... nevermind.
John -
I agree with you for once on something. Accorsi did trade for Manning because he saw "something". A cynic would say that he saw his retirement coming in two years and figured he'd take a big gamble at the end because he wouldn't have to answer for it if it didn't work out. However, I don't think the blame lies all with Accorsi as I strongly suspect that others higher up in the organization were pushing hard for what will come to be known in Giants history as "The Trade".
Just as "The Fumble" finally caused meaningful changes in the organization in 1979, I hope "The Trade" will help bring some real changes in the near future.