Eli Manning shows off arm strength in Giants minicamp
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning takes the snap during minicamp at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Credit: Andrew Theodorakis
Eli Manning overthrew Rueben Randle twice. That might be a good thing.
"I don't recall that ever happening," Randle said after the first workout of minicamp Tuesday, taking it as a sign that the quarterback's arm strength may be at its highest level in years. "That's something we noticed when we were down at Duke working with him [in the spring], we noticed that his arm is stronger. That's exciting for us."
Manning, 34, said he feels like "I have good juice on it," and said it's not just a physical phenomenon that has him putting more crispness into his passes.
"I have a better feel for the offense coming into this spring than last year," he said. "When you know where you're going with the ball, it always helps. To have a plan, have a progression, put your feet in the right direction, it lets you be able to step into your throws.""When you have a little more comfort and more confidence in your reads . . . the ball should come out a little better."
Giant steps
Safeties coach David Merritt said he wants a leader at the position to emerge in this minicamp, but it has so far been "elusive." Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said of the position, which is manned by young and inexperienced players: "Right now, it's a challenge . . . but we've got a long ways to go." . . . Tackle Will Beatty said he hopes to return from his torn pectoral before the medical prognosis of sometime in late October. He said his goal during rehab is not to get "lost in the crowd" or "put on the back burner." . . . Linebacker Devon Kennard was limited to individual drills because of a hamstring injury . . . Manning hit Preston Parker for a TD on the first red-zone snap of the workout, but was picked off by Prince Amukamara on the second pass . . . Asked about Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant's threat to boycott the regular-season opener against the Giants if he does not get a long-term deal, Spagnuolo grinned. "I highly suggest it," he said.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
