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New York Giants: Eli Manning Compares Brandon Marshall To Plaxico Burress

By Kenneth Teape

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is excited to play with Brandon Marshall, comparing him to Plaxico Burress.

The New York Giants have had a good offseason. Despite not having as much money to spend this year as last year in free agency, the Giants did well filling some holes. One of the bigger signings, physically and figuratively, was wide receiver, Brandon Marshall.

Marshall is an imposing player. He stands 6-feet-4 inches tall, providing the type of size that quarterbacks love on the outside. Even if they miss a throw, a player of that size can make up for it. That is part of what the Giants are hoping Marshall brings to the table.

Marshall should help the Giants in the red zone immensely. Without a reliable tight end option, or big running back, the Giants need help scoring close to the end zone. Marshall will provide that with his size.

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Many people have compared Marshall to former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Both bring some similarities to the table based on their size. Eli Manning is excited to have Marshall in the fold.

"“I was excited when we made that acquisition,’’ Manning said. “He’s obviously a big target and smart, asks a lot of questions, he’s going to pick up the offense quickly. And he’s excited. He’s excited about coming to this offense and staying in New York and having a No. 1 receiver [Odll Beckham Jr.] on the opposite side of him.’’"

While the Giants already have a strong duo in Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard, both are under six-feet tall. The Giants desperately needed to add some size to their receiving corps and Marshall will do that.

The Giants also needed another wide receiver with Victor Cruz being released. The Giants gave Cruz every opportunity to play last season but was never able to put things together after missing almost two seasons with a patellar tendon and calf injury. Marshall gives the Giants a scary trio at wide receiver as Beckham Jr. and Marshall should be on the outside with Shepard in the slot.

A big receiver is something Manning hasn’t had since Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress. Marshall has been compared to Burress because of their similarities in size, and Manning compared his new receiver to his old favorite target as well.

"“I think Plaxico was kind of the last one similar to that size,’’ Manning said. “They can be open when they’re not really open. You don’t want to get into a habit, it’s not a jump-ball but you can throw him open. He’s been in lots of offenses and he gets open a lot of different ways, very disciplined in his route-running and understanding concepts. I think he’ll be good for that receiver room and in our locker room, having that veteran presence.’’"

Manning and Marshall should both help each other out as they enter the final stages of their respective careers. Manning has never been the most accurate receiver, so having a player the size of Marshall should help. For Marshall, there is little doubt that Manning, even at 36 years old, is the best quarterback he has played with.

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There is some buzz developing around the Giants. They look like they have the pieces to make another Super Bowl run. If they are going to do that, Manning having a season with Marshall reminiscent of the ones he put together with Burress would certainly help.

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