EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — When the Giants lost one of the top third-down receivers in the league this offseason, there were questions aplenty about quarterback Eli Manning’s targets.
Steve Smith, after all, had so much responsibility in New York’s offense, there was an immediate huge void to fill after his free-agent departure to the Philadelphia Eagles.
But the Giants never panicked. Their answer? Replace one with many.
Manning, rated fourth among NFL passers this year, has spread the ball around to four primary targets in Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Victor Cruz, and surprisingly productive tight end Jake Ballard. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw also snares passes, along with fullback Bear Pascoe.
The Giants (4-2) take on the Miami Dolphins (0-6) on Sunday.
