Though the Giants are hanging out on a school field in New Jersey tossing the football around, don’t expect any shouts of “Go long” when Eli Manning and several of his receiving targets get some work in this week and next at Hoboken High School.
Manning organized this lockout-induced passing camp, but the quarterback is taking it easy because the risks are far greater than the rewards.
“Eli’s been real smart about it,” tight end Kevin Boss, who attended all three days this week, said yesterday. “He’s not wanting to throw real long, deep routes, doesn’t want guys trying to run after a ball that’s maybe not catchable and pull a hamstring. Guys are being smart about it, too. This would be a terrible time to get injured.”
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In a normal year, the Giants would be several weeks into their voluntary off-season workout program, and Manning and his receivers would be running and throwing on the manicured grass at the Timex Performance Center.
Manning and backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels yesterday threw to a group that included Boss, Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Duke Calhoun, Samuel Giguere and Mark Clayton. Everything is orchestrated by Manning.
“He’s taken full control of it; we’re just doing whatever he asks,” Boss said. “It’s been nice to have someone to gather us up and take control and lead us through some drills.
“I think it’s important to get back amongst each other, just starting to hear the terminology again and hearing the plays being called, just kind gets it back in your head, refreshes your memory a little bit. I think it’s good for us to get out there and be together again and catch some balls and have a good time while we’re doing it.
“It’s been fun, something different. It kind of reminds me of college, when we’d spend all summer getting guys for some seven-on-seven.”
Boss is not at full strength, coming off January arthroscopic hip surgery. He says his rehab has been smooth and he’s a week or two away from full medical clearance. Left unsaid is whom he will be playing for this season. His original four-year contract has expired and, depending on the aftermath of the lockout, Boss will either be a restricted or unrestricted free agent.
“It’s been a little strange in that way, not really sure am I gonna remain with the team. That’s what I’m hoping for; I’d love to finish out my career with the Giants,” Boss said. “That’s what I’ve been hoping and praying for.”
Mark Sanchez has the Jets working out in Mission Viejo, Calif., which never has been confused with Hoboken.
“Maybe we have to get Eli to get a home in California so we can go out there next year and enjoy the sunshine,” Boss said. “I could hold it at my home in Oregon, but I don’t know how many guys would join me.”