INDIANAPOLIS—Running back Ahmad Bradshaw had an encouraging second straight day of practice and quarterback Eli Manning, on target throughout the Giants’ second Super Bowl XLVI practice of the week, highlighted a smooth New York workout as the Giants continued to get healthier with the game against New England just three days away.
Bradshaw (foot) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) were the only Giants among all active and practice squad players who the club listed as limited in this afternoon’s 88-minute practice on the University of Indianapolis’ FieldTurf indoor practice field. The other three players who had been limited in Wednesday’s workout here—cornerback Corey Webster (hamstring), wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder) and special-teamer/linebacker Jacquian Williams (foot)—practiced fully on Thursday.
Bradshaw, who coach Tom Coughlin said hadn’t practiced on consecutive days to his memory all season, tripped going through the line on one running play early in the session. But he hopped up and was able to continue, and he showed no signs of limping with the nagging foot injury, completing practice as normal. “It looked like he tripped over the fullback’s foot,’’ said Coughlin. “But he’s fine.’’
Overall, Coughlin said, “We did fine. The energy level, the enthusiasm, the excitement is all there, as it should be, as it was yesterday. They’re really excited to practice for the game. I think they’ve done very well. This was a good day of preparation.’’
Manning was sharp. In the final two first-unit offensive possessions of the day, the second a two-minute drill, he completed 10 of 11 throws. Manning was particularly effective in the two-minute drill, held against the Giants’ first-team defense, moving the offense briskly downfield with but one incompletion. He appears to be in peak form heading into the second Super Bowl of his eight-year NFL career.
The play of the day came from Nicks, one of Manning’s favorite targets. Early in the practice, Nicks made a twisting, one-handed catch of a line drive from Manning on the left sideline, corralling the ball easily and turning upfield.
In all, the Giants appear to be in good shape, physically and mentally, for the rematch of the Super Bowl four years ago.
The NBC television crew that will do Sunday’s game—play-by-play man Al Michaels, analyst Cris Collinsworth, sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, producer Fred Gaudelli and director Drew Esocoff—were on hand to watch the Giants work, a day after they’d observed the Patriots work out at the Colts practice facility.
— Written by Peter King, Pro Football Writers of America
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