Quarterback Eli Manning
August 15, 2018
Joint Practice with Detroit
Q: How do you think these joint practices have gone so far?
A: I think they have gone well, it’s just good work. To practice against a different style, different theme to their defense, get into different situations, third down, the red zone where teams play different coverages than our defense plays, so we got some work. The ball is going to different guys and everybody is getting through their progressions, and so I think it has been great work, good to mix things up and go against different guys.
Q: What are your impressions of the Lions defense and secondary?
A: They’re good in the secondary, they have some good players. They did a good job with different looks, the have guys in the right spots and they did a good job at making some plays.
Q: Odell seemed to have a good day yesterday, I know you have worked after practice because you said you wanted to catch up with him, you think you guys are there?
A: Yeah, we are getting there. We still have some work to do, but I thought he has done a good job the last few weeks getting his feel back. Knowing how to work guys in man, give a little extra move and trusting his body and everything. I think he’s getting back into his own and getting comfortable on the field again.
Q; He seems like a guy who when he sees a different color jersey he ramps it up a little bit?
A: Yeah, I’m sure he gets competitive, I think that’s everybody. When you go against some new faces everybody gets amped up a little bit and you want to go out there and play well.
Q: When you and Odell spend time after practice, obviously it’s not physical stuff, is it what you want to see, what he wants to see, certain things like that?
A: Instead of just saying, ‘Here’s a route, run it‘, it’s ‘Here’s a route, this is the coverage, this is the technique’. So, you make sure he is seeing things the same way, so we are expecting the same thing, so you can coach it up after. It’s not just ’Hey run this route’, you’re running some things you haven’t run as much, some new plays to make sure we are good with the depths of things and the angles coming out of breaks.
Q: (Jaguars CB) Jalen Ramsey made a comment that at this point in your career you are only a good quarterback because of your connection with Odell Beckham do you have comment on that?
A: No... Who? (laughing)
Q: How do you feel in this offense? You are going into your 15th season, running a new offense, do you feel you have command of it?
A: I feel good, but I still have work to do. I think it’s great going against a different defense, and different coverages. It tests your progressions, getting through things and making good decisions. I feel very comfortable but there is always room to grow.
Q: This is not a game obviously, but does it help just in case you don’t play in a lot of pre-season games?
A: It definitely helps just to get those reps and obviously it’s not a game, you’re not getting hit but you are going against different coverages, different looks. Third down they have a special package and you come in totally unprepared for it and you have to make adjustments. I think it’s a test in the sense that you’re running a play in games against un-scouted looks and we have to know our rules and assignments. It does make it a little extra competitive and that’s good.
Q: How valuable is it when you see a guy like (Lions CB) Darius Slay against Odell? How much does that help Odell get ready for game action?
A: I think it helps – and not just going against Odell. It’s the other guys as well. Seeing what Cody Latimer and some of our new guys can do against a good corner, and see if they can win. So, it’s not just testing Odell. It’s testing all the guys to see what they do versus a quality opponent.
Q: If you don’t have Saquon (Barkley) out on the practice field, is he ready to play?
A: Obviously, reps are still important at this time. I think he’s doing a good job kind of mentally going through it. But, it’s different. Obviously, it’s different going through something mentally, and going out there and doing it. I think he’s shown that he knows what he’s doing. He’s been sharp on his assignments, and his routes, and catching the ball, and all of those things. Hopefully, we get him back sooner than later.
Q: How much does Jalen Ramsey’s comments affect you guys? They are your week one opponent.
A: I hadn’t heard anything about it. I got work to do. I’m going to be excited about week one no matter what.
Q: Have you noticed any jumps in the play of Darius Slay?
A: I know he’s a good player. I haven’t gone against him. He’s smart, he’s smooth, he can play man, he knows all the coverages, and knows when to jump things, but smart about it. I’ve been impressed with his play the last couple of years.
Q: Evan Engram had a few drops last season. What advice or what help did you give him during the offseason to fix that problem?
A: Drops obviously bother you, but I always think that the guys are trying to catch it. I think part of it is just being tired. The stress of a long season, and everything going through it. I think it’s the focus can kind of disappear a little bit. So, I think he’s talented, he’s working on it. I think it’s good you work on it, and have more that you want to improve on. But, don’t make it a mental block or something you’re thinking about, or getting anxious about or worried about. I try not to bring it up too much, and just say, ‘Hey, just keep getting open, doing the right routes, doing the right things, we’ll keep throwing to you, and you’ll make those plays‘.
Q:How much improvement have you seen in that regard?
A: It’s been good. It’s been smooth, he’s catching the ball. I think he’s got a lot better, and been good at camp. So hopefully, he continues to do it throughout the season.
Q: Did you say anything to Davis Webb about channeling his nerves and playing in a more relaxed way?
A: No, he didn’t need me to say anything – he’s ready. We always talk about the game plan, and this and that. I don’t need to say anything specific, he’ll be fine.
