The Facts: Manning has spent the better part of a decade without the type of big-body, 6-5 receiver that can change his fortunes in the red zone. And on Thursday, when discussing new acquisition Brandon Marshall, he made sure to reminisce about the days of Plaxico Burress. "They can be open when they're not really open," Manning said. "You don't want to get into a habit, it's not a jump-ball but you can throw him open. He's been in lots of offenses and he gets open a lot of different ways, very disciplined in his route-running and understanding concepts. I think he'll be good for that receiver room and in our locker room, having that veteran presence."
Diehards Line:Manning and Burress were one of the NFL's great quarterback-receiver odd couples before Burress' career and life changed in 2008. Their relationship, seen most poetically through the back-shoulder fade, changed the Giants' offense and brought them a Super Bowl win in 2007. Marshall represents the Giants' most aggressive dive into the free agency/trade market since signing Burress in 2005. "I was excited when we made that acquisition," Manning said. "He's obviously a big target and smart, asks a lot of questions, he's going to pick up the offense quickly. And he's excited. He's excited about coming to this offense and staying in New York and having a No. 1 receiver on the opposite side of him. ..."