Eli Manning Is “Sad”
February 14th, 2012
While nobody knows what kind of playcaller/gameplanner Mike Sullivan will be as Bucs offensive coordinator, one thing that can’t be argued is the man is used to being around exceptional quarterback play and work ethic from Eli Manning.
And per the Star-Ledger, Manning is down about losing his QB coach, and Sullivan recognized Manning’s focus on detail.
“I’m extremely excited for Coach Sullivan, but I’m sad to see him go,” Manning said. “We had a great relationship. He is a tremendous coach who pays attention to every little detail. He always had us well-prepared.”
After throwing for 4,002 yards with 31 touchdowns to a career-high 25 interceptions, Manning emerged as one of the league’s best under center in 2011, passing for 4,933 yards, 29 touchdowns (an NFL-record 15 in the fourth quarter) and just 16 interceptions during the regular season.
His postseason numbers were even more impressive: 1,219 yards, nine touchdowns, one interception, and his second Super Bowl MVP award.
“Working with Eli, it was wonderful to see the hard work, the commitment, and the focus on all the little details,” Sullivan said. “He’s such a true professional. I think there was a definite determination and attitude he brought to the table this year to focus on being the best he could possibly be, whether it was small mechanical things, or footwork, or different things in practice.”
While there’s been a lot of focus on what Sullivan brought to Manning’s development and preparation, Joe’s feeling rather soothed thinking about how Manning likely helped push Sullivan to grow as a quarterbacks coach over the past two seasons. Regardless, Josh Freeman should be the beneficiary of a coach with high standards of excellence.
Sure, Sullivan will not coach quarterbacks in Tampa. But Joe suspects a load of his offseason work will be devoted to all things Freeman, from film study to devising an offense that plays to Freeman’s strengths, and everything in between.
February 14th, 2012 at 10:10 am
My comment about Eli’s INTwere wrong on the other post, I was remembering the year before with the 25 INTs…Sorry everyone. Let’s hope that Freeman takes a giant step forward with the new staff, along with the rest of the Bucs…
February 14th, 2012 at 10:18 am
Do we have any hope for a DC announcement this week???
February 14th, 2012 at 10:54 am
I hope Freeman is paying close attention to every article about Sullivan he can find. There are great clues as to what is expected of his quarterbacks.
I’ll better Freeman will be in there studying more than he was his rookie year.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:07 am
I seemed to get the impression that Freeman has always been a dedicated hard worker so having the new coaching staff to help him will pay huge dividends. All I can hope for is that they do in fact design the offense around Josh’s strengths and not a specific system that he needs to adapt to.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:23 am
The age of the twirl has arrived.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:33 am
Freeman is the real deal, he will be fine. Coaching matters and I think the lockout robbed him of some coaching – oh, and the fact that nobody seemed to be coaching after the lockout.
I’m excited for Sullivan and for us, I hope he has a good aggressive offense.
Now, who the hell will be the DC?
February 14th, 2012 at 11:40 am
Hearing this story makes you think Sullivan will work out as our OC. To hear Eli Manning, a 2 time Superbowl MVP and Winning QB, “I’m Sad” and talking about how he pays attention to every little detail! Thats a good sign that he can pull this off. Detail oriented people usually do well as coaches. So hopefully this is no exception!!
I’m liking the staff, or what we have so far anyways, that Schiano is putting together. The Butch Davis hire is confusing as to why the wouldn’t but his contract out if we wanted him as our DC. But he is a brillant DC, so whatever “figurehead” we hire will have a superb coach in their ear telling them what to do. I love it!!!
February 14th, 2012 at 11:44 am
I like Butch but lets remember he hasnt had any success in the NFL since the early 90’s. Around 20 years ago.
Nobody in NFL beat down his door to get him after his Cleveland debacle.
Just sayin.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:47 am
Off subject…the Bucs have the 2nd most cap space in the league at $60.496 Million Dollars to spend. I know we have guys to resign. But we should go after…
Jonathon Vilma LB, Michael Griffin S, ton of great CBs out there so atleast 2 of them. Mario Williams would be awesome, but I don’t see us paying atleast $15 Mil per year for him.
Dewayne Bowe would be lovely on our team, so would RAY RICE!!! IF he doesn’t get franchised we have a real chance to sign this guy. He loves our Coach, and honestly…Schiano was one of the few coaches who recruited this guy out of HS. Do you think he has forgotten that??? I don’t!!! Need some OL help as well. Another speedster WR would be lovely too.
Have a combo of Bowe, Williams, Benn, and a speedster we get either in FA or the Draft. And get someone like LaMichael James or Ronnie Hillman to combo with Blount!!!!
February 14th, 2012 at 11:55 am
Joe, Don’t forget that he was Receivers coach before being the QB coach. He knows boths ends of the pass. So I am sure he is looking at both for talent, attitude, smarts, and, the intangable, desire. His coaches will use his methods after some discussion but the off season will be interesting because, if it has not already happened, they (QB’s & Receivers, including backs) will be starting on his way now.
February 14th, 2012 at 11:58 am
Yes, but that 90s success created two SB rings.
DL/DC hell yes! HC not so much.
February 14th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
Why do many of these articles keep saying “just” 16 interceptions? 16 INTs for a good QB is not such a good stat if the TDs he’s thrown aren’t more than 32. I remember in the year 2009 Peyton Manning won the MVP and many critics bashed his INT numbers.
Now I am not saying Sullivan could be a bad coach or anything, but 16 INTs by an established veteran in the league is not at all a positive.
February 14th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
If ony he was gonna be our DL/DC.
February 14th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
We need to refer to Butch Davis as a Consultant and not a Coach. The Fans may violate the UNC agreement by referring to him as a Coach and he’ll end up forfeiting his severance.
February 14th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Not all ints are the QB’s fault. Besides, what does it matter if he overcomes ints and wins?
February 14th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Eric
I would rather have him to consult the defense, then not being around One Buc at all!
February 14th, 2012 at 7:35 pm
:We need to refer to Butch Davis as a Consultant and not a Coach. The Fans may violate the UNC agreement by referring to him as a Coach and he’ll end up forfeiting his severance.”
Yeah, like what WE call him will have any bearing in a lawsuit.