The New York Giants entered the 2019 training camp period with a big question mark on the offense. Was rookie passer Daniel Jones going to show he’s capable of starting this upcoming season?
Up to this point, it seems as if he’s quite some time from having the tools necessary to compete against NFL talent every week. The more surprising factor has been Eli Manning and his performance so far in training camp.
Manning began working with a new trainer this offseason, a former MLB player that is skilled in improving ball velocity and arm strength.
Giants head coach Pat Shurmur told USA Today:
“I think he’s really throwing the ball well,” Shurmur said. “When he came back for OTAs, we saw it. Some of it was physical, some of it was how he trained. You ask the quarterbacks to get better every day and train and do all of the right things, and along the way, they sort of find their way. Eli’s done that every year.
The drafting of Jones has undoubtedly put Manning in a different gear, as this is the first time in his 15-year career that he’s facing legitimate competition. While age has taken its toll on the veteran, there’s no question he’s playing at a different level. His offseason play translating to the regular season is an entirely different story, though.
With Eli’s improved velocity and a rebuilt offensive line composed of new signings Kevin Zeitler and Mike Remmers, it’s seeming like the Giants’ trusty steed can turn back the clock and begin performing at a solid level once more. With one season remaining on his deal, it’s rather interesting to see his intensity change gears, however.
Jones, who has been working with the second-team this offseason, has shown signs of progression and quality, but there’s a long way to go before he can be a regular starter at the professional level. A year of experience under his belt should be enough, but if Manning performs well, it’s possible general manager Dave Gettleman elects to re-sign him and exercise the “Green Bay model.”