It’s about time Eli Manning started pleasing the Boss.
Not just the real boss, coach Tom Coughlin, but a tight end who for much of the season was a Giant afterthought. Kevin Boss became a focal point yesterday, and Big Blue’s passing game purred.
Boss’ season-high totals included five receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns in the Giants’ 34-31 overtime victory against the Falcons. It was the first two-touchdown game of Boss’ career.
Manning connected with Boss for a 28-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, after the Falcons had taken a 7-3 lead. Before the half was finished, Manning found Boss for a 4-yard touchdown that sent the Giants to the locker room with a 17-7 lead.
“[Boss] is playing well,” Manning said. “He probably got off to a slow start. He’s been banged up and taking a lot of hits, but he’s as tough as nails. I know the two weeks [off] really helped him get back healthy.”
Coughlin said getting Boss involved — particularly close to the end zone — was an objective. Boss has four touchdowns in the last three games after not scoring in the first seven.
“I feel pretty confident that when we get down there I can help the team out,” Boss said. “I’m confident in my abilities to score some touchdowns and I think I have the size to be a threat down there. I was fortunate enough to have those opportunities today.”
On his first touchdown reception, Boss caught a pass in the right flat and delivered a stiff arm to Erik Coleman before rumbling to the end zone.
Boss said his second touchdown catch — a circle route to the end zone — was a standard play.
“I kind of had my fingers crossed that we’d run it down there when we got close,” Boss said. “Eli just put it on me, where no one else could get it.”
Manning said the Falcons’ defensive scheme played into getting Boss more involved.
“He did some great things,” Manning said. “He’s a threat running down the field and he’s a big target who made some great plays.”
Both starting tight ends thrived. Future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez caught eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown to lead the Falcons’ receivers.
“It was my first time watching [Gonzalez] live, so I was excited to see him in person, and he had a heck of a game,” Boss said.