New York Giants coach Shurmur says he ‘can’t wait to get to work’ with Manning
>>NEW YORK: New York Giants coach Pat Shurmur made it clear during his introductory press conference on Friday that he “can’t wait to get to work” with veteran quarterback Eli Manning.
Shurmur, who served as the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator this season, gave his evaluation of the 37-year-old Manning and discussed the team’s 3-13 record in 2017.
“I think the relationship’s gonna be very strong, I’ve watched him, competed against him, admired how he’s played over the years,” Shurmur said of Manning at the news conference in East Rutherford.
“Got to spend some time with him this summer. He’s an outstanding football player and I can’t wait to get to work with him. I like the way he’s handled things, his calm approach to the position.”
Manning just completed his worst statistical season since 2013, throwing for 3,468 yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The yards were actually his fewest since 2008.
Shurmur gave no indication to suggest the team will move on from Manning, the first overall pick in the 2004 draft.
“I think he’s got years left — how many, I don’t know,” Shurmur said of the two-time Super Bowl champion.
The Giants enter the 2018 NFL Draft with the No.2 overall pick and the class includes four quarterbacks ESPN projects as first-round picks, including Southern Cal’s Sam Darnold and UCLA’s Josh Rosen.
“With regard to the draft, I’m not ducking that question,” Shurmur said. “We’ve got to travel down that road of evaluation . ... We’ve got a guy here who’s helped this organisation win Super Bowls.”
General manager Dave Gettleman said at his introductory press conference last month that the Giants like what they have at the quarterback position, which includes Manning at a US$22.2 million salary and backup Davis Webb, a rookie in 2017.
Shurmur, 52, has a 10-23 record as an NFL head coach. He went 9-23 as coach of the Cleveland Browns in 2011-12 and also won a game as interim coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. Shurmur reportedly received a five-year contract with the Giants to replace Ben McAdoo, who was fired on Dec 4.