EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Out of everyone at New York Giants training camp, Brandon Marshall might be the happiest that training camp is underway. Last season, Marshall failed to eclipse 1,000 yards (788 yds) receiving for just the third time in his 11 year NFL career. The chemistry between Marshall and any of the New York Jets quarterbacks just wasn’t there. Marshall’s lack of production, largely had to do with the lack of quality at the quarterback position.
Could be one of the reasons why Marshall signed a two year deal with the Giants for $11 million ($5 million guaranteed). Eli Manning is a proven winner, and is known for giving his receivers an opportunity to go get the football.
At training camp on Saturday afternoon, we got our first glimpse of what that Manning to Marshall connection would look like. On the first series of team 7 on 7’s, Marshall went up and out muscled a defender for the catch. This catch sent the Giants crowd in an uproar, and Odell Beckham Jr. was one of the first to congratulate Marshall following the catch.
Giants’ Pro Bowl corner back Janoris Jenkins talked at the podium Saturday afternoon, and he mentioned about just how big and physical Marshall is. Marshall looked like he kept himself in excellent condition over the off season. It’s a combination of his physicality, and Beckham Jr.’s speed that will make this play making tandem a key cog for the Giants.
Marshall has been on FaceTime with Manning, to improve timing and understanding of the offense. It looks like that extra work is laying the foundation for a productive connection. Beckham Jr. was also seen showing Marshall his footwork technique. Marshall is soaking in all the information from his new change of scenery. It’s that revitalized hunger that wasn’t with Gang Green last season, that will make Marshall succeed this season with Big Blue.
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732
(Featured Photo Credit: Bobby O’Hara/PureSportsNY)