New York Giants Offensive Assistant Coach Quotes: Quarterbacks Coach Chris Palmer on QB Eli Manning: “Eli is exceptional. We had our meeting and he talked about the things that he wanted to improve. He is a hardworking guy. He is well grounded and he knows that it is just the beginning for him. I think he can get better, I think he thinks he can get better, and if those things happen we will have a very, very bright future.”
Wide Receivers Coach Mike Sullivan on the competition at wide receiver: “Well, competition brings out the best in everybody and we are fortunate that we have a couple veteran receivers who have made a lot of plays over their careers with Amani, with Plaxico, and with Steve Smith really stepping up toward the end of last year in the playoffs and making plays for us, and Sinorice Moss with all the ability that he brings despite having had some of the injuries, and David Tyree – what can you say? The guy has a history of making plays and stepping up and responding when he has been called upon and certainly making one of, if not the, greatest catches in Super Bowl history. Then you throw into the mix Domenik Hixon and Mike Jennings and Brandon London, who were all a part of our team last year, and now with the addition of Mario Manningham and D.J. Hall we are excited.”
Sullivan on WR Plaxico Burress: “Absolutely (he can get better). In looking back over the past couple of years I was putting together some clinic tapes and doing some things in the offseason and pulling some clips of him from ’05 and ’06 and my gosh, he looks in many ways so much faster and more explosive. I think about all he went through this past year with the ankle and how hobbled he was and how a lot of players might have went on (injured reserve) and not been able to fight through that. I know he is very excited about getting himself healed. He is pleased with the progress of his rehab and I think he can’t wait to get back into the fray and see where he can go with two healthy ankles underneath him and two sturdy legs and take his game to that next level.”
Sullivan on WR Mario Manningham: “Manningham was a player (in college) that I felt had great quickness and ability to separate underneath and he also made a lot of plays down the field. He had good build-up speed and was able to run by a lot of guys and then when he did catch the ball underneath he made some people miss. He really was a pretty complete receiver and we are excited about seeing where he fits into our scheme and how we can utilize him and how his talents can fit into what we are trying to do.”
Offensive Line Coach Pat Flaherty on the young offensive line backups: “I see some change in those younger guys. I am really anxious for the OTAs (organized team activities), mini-camp, and training camp to find out a little bit more about a Kevin Boothe, Adam Koets, Guy Whimper, and Na’Shan Goddard has come back to us a second time, and we have a young guy Brandon Torrey who has been with the Steelers. With those kind of guys you see and kind of gauge where they are at this point and whether or not they can help you during the season if need be. That is the message that Guge (Assistant Line Coach Dave DeGuglielmo) and I have been sending out to them all the time, reminding them that it is about time you guys step up and push to be a starter. We don’t want guys around who are just satisfied being a practice squad guy or guys who are satisfied just being a backup. You don’t have success in this league with that attitude.”
