The ‘Invisible’ Manning WILL Be Heard!
~Amy Lignor
Yes, we all hear about Peyton and his Broncos almost every minute of the day. But it seems, thus far, that his little bro (the one with more rings than his brother, but far less press), is having the time of his life right now. He is setting the Giants up to look good – very good – as contenders this season. And he has one thing his poor brother doesn’t have, receivers he knows and can work with.
Last preseason there were targets of Eli’s missing for one reason or the other, but this year it’s all changed. Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham are back and learning the new offense right along with Eli, making things a whole lot better for the team.
Manning spoke about the new ‘West Coast’ offense they are learning, and was incredibly encouraged that all of his guys are able to study and practice with him. It means good, solid preparation is happening in the Giants’ locker room, which should lead to a promising season for New York.
And, yes, the preseason has shown the Giants to be good. I know, I know…preseason doesn’t count and things are not the way they will be when the real kickoff begins. BUT, even though Tom Brady – the master of all he surveys – was not on the field last Thursday night (except to hold on a field goal) when the Giants won 16-13 over the Patriots, it was a resounding celebration for the Giants who have now delivered their first undefeated preseason since 2006.
Missing the playoffs for the past two seasons is not something the Giants have enjoyed – and if they continue like they are now, third time should be the charm, allowing New York to be back in the hunt where they belong. Monday night, September 8th, the Giants will begin that long road against Detroit – but an undefeated preseason is still something to talk about.
As always…the other Manning bro is getting the airtime, so to speak. He’s already been on every sports broadcast imaginable, with people speaking about the fact that Peyton is not happy with losing his receivers to other teams (namely San Francisco). I’m not going to talk about the fact that if he gave up some of his salary there may have been enough in the coffers to keep some of the guys he wants back – but, I am going to say that Peyton does not exactly look like the calm, poised Peyton of previous years.
He has now been docked $8,268 for ‘taunting’ Houston Texans safety D.J. Swearinger in a preseason game held last week. Peyton said it was justified (“Money well spent,” were his exact words), because the safety hit Wes Welker in the head, giving the slot receiver his third concussion in only ten months. Manning yelled an ‘expletive’ at the safety, supposedly, which led to the fine. I have to agree with Peyton on this one, though. Give me a break! This is football. Manziel of the Browns gets fined for offering a one-finger salute (even though Pittsburgh was not fined for their one-finger foam fingers that they waved in the air at their game), and now Peyton is fined for screaming an ‘expletive’? What does the NFL think this is…a cooking class?
Yes, this is a man’s game. Yes, there are rules and regulations. But if you’re going to fine people for simplistic things like this, and then keep players on the team who have broken actual laws, then you look ridiculous.
Whatever happens with the Broncos this year will be interesting – to see if Peyton can get back the ease of working with his receivers in order to make the big scores. Chances are, he will be just fine. But never forget that there is another Manning out there who deserves the limelight. And he may just get the ‘big spotlight’ shone on him when the season comes to a close, and the Giants head to the Super Bowl.
You go, Eli! We’re looking forward to it!
Source: Baret News Wire
