Plenty of Reason to Believe Mario Will Be Super

By Michael Salfino

September 8, 2011

You'd think the Giants receiving corps would be in tatters after losing out on one former Pro Bowl wideout, Plaxico Burress, and then seeing another, Steve Smith, depart via free agency. But if the performance of Mario Manningham in Steve Smith's absence last year is any indication, the Giants actually may be better off.

In the seven games that Smith missed with his knee injury, Manningham posted 34 catches for 558 yards and six scores. Over a 16 game season, that projects to 78 catches, 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns—numbers that last year would have ranked 13th, 4th and 2nd, respectively, among all NFL wide receivers.

But you don't need projections to classify Manningham as elite. In 2010, he ranked second in the NFL behind only Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace in the average gain for a wide receiver whenever the ball was thrown his way, whether or not it was complete. Manningham gained 944 yards on just 92 "targets," according to Stats LLC—an average of 10.3 yards. Last year, that same yards-per-target stat could have been used to project the emergence of Hakeem Nicks, who ranked fourth in the category in 2009. In just 13 games, Nicks ended up increasing his catches by 32, his yards by 262 and his touchdowns by five.

Should Mannigham see a similar spike in productivity, the result could be the most dynamic receiving duo in franchise history. Big Blue has never had a pair of receivers to each record over 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. The closest was in 1999 when Amani Toomer had 1,183 yards and Ike Hilliard added 996. But that pair combined for only nine scores, a total Manningham matched himself in 2010 and seems set to improve on now that he's a full-time starter.

The Giants' Offensive Weapons Are Statistically Elite

By Michael Salfino

August 17, 2011

Giants fans may be worried about the strength of their offense after the losses of wide receiver Steve Smith and tight end Kevin Boss, plus a lackluster effort in the team's preseason opener. But a closer look at the numbers should provide some reassurance. Big Blue's key remaining skill players have résumés that would make them the envy of most of their peers.

Quarterback Eli Manning last year became just the 30th quarterback since the 1970 merger to post a 30-plus touchdown pass season. His primary target, wideout Hakeem Nicks, has 17 scoring grabs in his first two seasons, the 11th most since 1970. Smith's replacement at wide receiver, Mario Manningham, was the second-most effective weapon in the league last year measured by average gain on all passes thrown his way (completions plus incompletions). Should the opposing defense overplay these elite wideouts, Manning can just turn around and hand the ball off to Ahmad Bradshaw, whose 4.84 yards per carry is ninth best since 1970 among all running backs with at least 500 attempts .

Pessimists will argue that the Giants finished just fifth in yards gained and seventh in points scored even with these four playing at high levels. But that was largely due to the team's league-high turnover rate. Most notably, Manning threw 25 interceptions, but there's an argument that this was the result of bad luck, considering eight of these picks first hit the hands of his intended receiver.

If Smith and Boss returned, it may have turned out to be subtraction by addition. After all, Manning only has one ball to distribute on every play, and already has three weapons with achievements great enough to demand a bigger share of the action.

Examining the Progression of Mario Manningham

Jacksonville Jaguars Don Carey cant stop New York Giants Mario Manningham from diving into the end zone for a 26 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter at New Meadowlands Stadium in week 12 of the NFL in East Rutherford, New Jersey on November 28, 2010. The Giants defeated the Jaguars 24-20. UPI /John Angelillo

By Kyle Langan

January 6, 2011

After a rookie season in which he hardly dressed for games, wide receiver Mario Manningham burst onto the scene in his second season, recording 57 receptions for 822 yards and five touchdowns.

Mannaingham served as one of New York's top two receivers during the 2009 season alongside Steve Smith. Heading into the aforementioned 2009 season, not much was expected of Big Blue's receiving corps. After sub par performances from the passing game after losing Plaxico Burress in 2008, many believed that there was no solution to passing game's problems on the roster.

Merely two weeks into the 2009 season, it was apparent that Steve Smith and Mario Manningham had set out to prove the critics wrong. Both receivers went over 100 yards as the New York Giants ousted the Dallas Cowboys in their first game in Dallas' new digs (better known as Jerry World)

Manningham would move on from a 10 catch, 150 yard performance in Dallas to help the Giants land among the league's leaders in passing plays over 20 yards, but a number of mistakes left many wondering just how high Manningham's ceiling could be in The NFL.

In 2010, Manningham took a massive step in the right direction.

With five of New York's top seven receivers missing significant time, Manningham often found himself as the number one target for quarterback Eli Manning.

Much of the Giants' offense is predicated on option routes and a distinct trust between quarterback and receiver. This, coupled with extra attention from defensive backs, did not prevent Manningham from recording 60 receptions for 944 yards and nine touchdowns.

Perhaps most impressive, is Manningham's ability to consistently get behind defenses. He had a touchdown reception of at least 25 yards in seven games, and recently became the first NFL receiver in 35 years to have touchdown receptions of 85 yards or more in consecutive weeks.

As the Giants evaluate what they do and do not have heading into 2011, the talents of Manningham will surely be counted among the positives and figure to be a prominent part of the team's plans in 2011 (especially bearing in mind the health of Steve Smith).

It would behoove the team to try to take advantage of Manningham's skills even more in the future. He proved a lot in 2011, and he has plenty of room for improvement.

Mario Manningham starring as Giants' top receiver

December 4, 2010

By TOM CANAVAN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Mario Manningham put on his sweat pants after practice and quickly pawed through the clothes on the floor in front of his locker looking for a T-shirt.

The longer it took the New York Giants' receiver to find the shirt _ and it was only seconds _ the more concerned he was.

Eli Manning was waiting and Manningham wasn't about to make the Giants quarterback wait long. It's all part of his new role, being the No. 1 receiver in the wake of injuries to Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks.

He needs Manning. Manning needs him for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins (5-6).

"I got a meeting with Eli. I got a meeting with Eli," Manningham said. "I'll be right back."

The third-year pro never returned, which isn't surprising. Manningham has a lot on his plate as the only experienced receiver who has been with the team all season.

Friday's meeting with Manning might be Manningham's most important. It's Manning's meeting. The quarterback sits down with his receivers and tells them what he sees when he watches videotape of the upcoming opponent. If Manning notices a safety cheating on a certain route or a cornerback playing soft, he clues in his receivers.

"It's Eli's input," Nicks said. "I'd be there, if I were playing."

When Manning looks around the room these days, Manningham is the only one who he's used to.

Veteran Derek Hagan was cut in training camp and re-signed three weeks ago, after Smith went down with a partial tear of his pectoral muscle on Nov. 11. Second-year receiver Ramses Barden broke an ankle against Dallas three days later.

Also in the room are Michael Clayton and Devin Thomas, who were signed last week after Nicks suffered a leg injury that required an emergency surgical procedure on his right leg on Nov. 22. Returnman Darius Reynaud is also there.

"It's part of the game we are in," Manningham said. "Injuries come everyday."

Manningham had his first taste of being the No. 1 receiver last week vs. Jacksonville. So far, so good. The former Michigan product caught three passes for 61 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that helped the Giants rally from an 11-point second-half deficit.

And while the Jaguars didn't double team Manningham in the Giants' 24-20 win, they used their safety to provide the cornerback with help.

"I didn't notice anything different," he said.

On his touchdown, Manning found Manningham in a seam between the cornerback and the safety rolling his coverage.

"He is as explosive or dynamic of a guy as we have," offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said. "They key is we're constantly working on consistency with him and that is the area that we are always looking to get better at. But in terms of a guy that you put the ball in his hands and he can do a terrific job running after the catch, he's exceptional."

The Giants have used Manningham a lot on flanker screens and short passes, hoping he will break a tackle.

"I think his explosiveness is one of the important reasons why we're so high up in big plays as an offense," Gilbride said. "And then I think guys feed off the energy, off the personality, as well as off the big plays that he makes."

Smith, who set a franchise record with 107 catches last season, and Nicks, who had team-highs of 62 catches and nine touchdowns before the injury, said any of the wideouts would relish being No. 1.

"I think it is more of a mentality," Nicks said. "If you get the opportunity, you have to want to do it and take advantage of it. In our receiver group, if any of us get the privilege to step up and be a No. 1 receiver, all of us want to do it."

For now, the job belongs to Manningham.

"That's what you want," Smith said. "That's what you are here for."

Nicks hopes to start running next week. Smith said doctors told him his injury features a six-week recovery period. He has been out for three and is doubtful for Sunday.

Mom pushed Giants' Manningham all the way to NFL

December 3, 2010

By Kevin Kernan

Mario Manningham is only in his third season, but right now he is the last experienced wide receiver standing for the Giants.

He showed this past Sunday that he was up to the challenge, catching a 26-yard touchdown pass, his fourth touchdown over the last six games.

With Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith sidelined, he's told the veterans, "I'll hold down the fort until you get back."

Manningham is looking for another big game against the Redskins this Sunday at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Don't expect him to ever play scared.

Explained fellow wide receiver Devin Thomas, who starred at Michigan State and has known Manningham since he was a star at Michigan, "Mario never panics."

"That's something my mom taught me," Manningham told The Post after yesterday's practice.

"I grew up in the projects in Warren, Ohio. I saw everything you could ever see. My mom was a single mom. She raised me right, she always told me, 'Never panic. Take it day by day.'

"So I never really got frustrated by anything. I owe it all to her. She gave me the whoopin's I needed. She put me in my room, made me read and do my homework."

"My son had to be in before the street lights came on to eat dinner," Marion said in a telephone interview. "Even though we lived in the projects, I had rules."

Mario also got something else from his mom.

"She's real fast, that's where I get my speed from," Manningham said with a smile.

"I ran track all through my high school years," Marion said. "And I named him after me."

She shortened it by one letter to make it a boy's name.

"From the moment I had him, I knew he was a special kid, I could see it in his eyes," she said.

Mario was creative, too.

"When he was 3 or 4 years old," his mom said, "we couldn't afford a basketball hoop, so Mario made one out of hangers and hung it on the door.

"And," she added with a laugh, "I wondered why we could never find any socks. He would ball them all up to make his own basketball."

Marion made a point to tell young Mario to never come home crying. One day, when he was about 6 years old, Manningham came home crying.

"A big dude, he tried to beat me up," Mario told his mom.

What did Marion do? She walked her son outside, found the 10-year-old bully and told him, "You want to fight my son? You fight him right now while I'm here."

This time young Mario took care of business.

"I had to, my mom was there," Manningham recalled with a laugh. "I couldn't take three whoopin's in a day."

All that made him stronger.

"With my mom on my side," he said proudly, "I don't care about nothing. She's always looking out for me."

Marion makes the drive from Ohio to New Jersey with family members for nearly every home game. She is quick to credit her parents as well for all the help they gave her, helping raise Mario and his younger brother and sister, who are both good athletes, too.

After last Sunday's win, as soon as she saw Mario, she gave him a high-five.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride raves about Manningham's explosiveness, and said that because of the injuries to Nicks and Smith: "We don't have to share it among three now. More of those chances will come his way."

Manningham is ready.

"I'm just trying to make plays so my team wins on Sunday," he said. "God put me in this position, and I'm just going to cherish it."

His mom knows this is just the beginning.

"He's always been the step-up guy," she explained. "He's worked very hard. He's given me so many great smiles, so many great tears. There's more to the story, stay tuned. I've told him, 'You're just starting to break through. Don't stop.' "

Until you get in the end zone.

Mario Manningham Flashes Superb Hands

By: Zac

October 28, 2010

Last week, we highlighted the training behind Chris Johnson’s extraordinary balance and core stability, which were on display during the Titans’ impressive win over Jacksonville on Oct. 18. This week, the spotlight is on wide receiver Mario Manningham who, for one play, put his game-breaking speed on hold and showed some finesse with a spectacular sideline catch.

With 36 seconds remaining in the second quarter, the Giants’ wideout eluded coverage on a 12-yard Out Route and jetted for the sideline. Eli Manning, who rarely misses his man, was slightly off target with a laser pass over the head of a fully extended Manningham. Executing a tight rope act along the sideline, Manningham snatched the ball from overhead and hauled it in. Like a catcher in baseball, he seemed to have framed the catch—both feet in bounds—before falling to the ground, ball in hands, first down secured.

Many of the skills shown to perfection by Manningham—precise route-running, footwork, body control and hand-eye coordination—were developed while training with performance coach Tim Robertson, owner of Speed Strength Systems in Cleveland.

To make plays like this possible, Robertson has Manningham perform tennis ball drills aimed at enhancing his reaction time and hand-eye coordination. The concept is simple. According to Robertson, “If you’re able to catch a tennis ball in stride properly, it’s going to be much easier to catch a football.”

Gilbride: Mario Could Be Special

By John Fennelly

October 7, 2010

Giants’ Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride met the media today and answered a question regarding the development of WR Mario Manningham…..

“I think that it’s the natural maturation that comes from just growing up. As you get older, experience more of life and some of the good and some of the bad – and he’s had to deal with it all – I think there’s just naturally that growth and development that takes place, but I would also add that I think that his determination to be a special player has also forced him now to maybe bear down more than he had to in college, just because he was probably physically better than everybody. Here he’s still physically very competitive with anybody, but now you have to win with technique and understanding.”

“We ask him to do a lot of different things, which we ask of all of our receivers – I’m not sure that that was always the case when he was in college. The good thing is that he’s very positive. He wants to be very good, he wants to be special, so his work ethic is excellent. There’s a complete commitment by him to be an elite receiver, which is terrific.”

Manningham Leads Giants in Receiving Yards

Manningham on a mission

Giants receiver eyes another big season

By JOHN VARGO

July 15, 2010

WARREN - Mario Manningham made the rest of the nation know what Warren G. Harding faithful and followers of the Michigan Wolvernines knew years prior.

Super Mario is a prime time, clutch receiver.`

The New York Giants 5-foot-11, 183-pound receiver finished the 2009 season with a career-high 822 yards on 57 receptions and five touchdowns.

He made his presence known early in 2009 against the Cowboys with 150 yards on 10 receptions and a TD - making him a must-have for most fantasy football owners.

Simply, the third-year pro wants more out of 2010.

"Get better than I was last year, get bigger, faster, stronger, know the game more," said Manningham, who played in the Warren G. Harding alumni basketball game Monday.

As for basketball, Manningham was a phenom in high school. WGH coach Steve Arnold tells of the football star being a standout on the hardwood.

"Some people don't realize how great of a basketball player he was," said Arnold, who added teams like Syracuse had a keen interest in Manningham playing basketball for the Orange.

"He had a triple-double against Akron St. Vincent in points, steals and assists. That's pretty special. Obviously him being a receiver, his hand-eye coordinator is really good."

Although basketball isn't intertwined into his life anymore, Manningham does remember when it was.

"I used to miss it, but I don't," he said. "I love football, so I don't miss it too much. When I first left to play college, I missed it - I missed it a lot."

The Giants training camp begins Aug. 1 at the University of Albany, where the team is trying to improve on their disappointing 8-8 record last season.

"(We need to) come out and ball and do what we've got to do to win - take every game at a time and come out and win," Manningham said. "That's all to it, to get better every day."

Mario Manningham makes Pro Football Focus' All First Year Team

PFF All 1st Year Team

A year after some impressive (and some disappointing) rookie seasons from the 2008 Draft Class, PFF breaks down how these 1st year players have done in their second year