Eli Manning spoke with Giants.com as the team begins a new era with coach Pat Shurmur:
Vanderbilt junior Kyle Shurmur was among the dozens of college quarterbacks to participate in last summer's 22nd annual Manning Passing Academy. It was there at Nicholls State University where Eli Manning first met Kyle and his father Pat, who was in attendance while his son served as one of the camp counselors.
Fast forward seven months; it's Manning and the older Shurmur who are now working together, as quarterback and head coach of the New York Giants, respectively.
"Coach Shurmur was at the Manning Passing Academy last year with his son," Manning said. "So we spoke with him a little bit there. So I know a little bit about him. I know a little bit about his past when he was in Philadelphia and obviously the Browns and obviously this season with the Vikings and what he was able to do as offensive coordinator. So I'm excited about that and excited to get back to work with him and see how we can improve this team."
A 19-year NFL coaching veteran, Shurmur's most recent post came with the Minnesota Vikings. The 52-year-old spent two years in the NFC North and was the team's offensive coordinator this past season during the Vikings' run to the NFC Championship Game.
Giants' general manager Dave Gettleman confirmed this week that Shurmur intends to call plays for the offense.
"I think I'll definitely look at the Vikings offense from this past year and see what they did as he's installing his offense and plays," Manning said. "You like to look back and see why they worked, why they didn't work and just learn if there's some new concepts. It's really just about getting face to face with him and learning how he goes through reads and make sure we're on the same page."
When the 14-year veteran does look at the tape, he should like what he sees. The Vikings were 3-0 in games when their quarterback passed for 300+ yards. Their 43.5 percent conversion rate on third down was good for third in the league. Minnesota also dominated the clock. The team's 32:26 average time of possession ranked second.
"(I'm) just excited to see how he calls games, how he looks at defenses, how he wants to pick them apart and just seeing his insight to that and learn from it," Manning said. "So we can see things the same way, have great communication and figure out how to score some points."
Shurmur is widely respected around the NFL for his ability to develop quarterbacks. His resume includes guiding Donovan McNabb to three Pro Bowl trips and Sam Bradford to the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2010. Most recently, Shurmur drew praise for his development of Case Keenum during his breakout season in 2017.
A two-time Super Bowl MVP, Manning is the most accomplished quarterback Shurmur will have worked with. But as is his nature, Manning is taking the humble, roll-up-the-sleeves approach as he prepares for his 15th NFL season.
"I'm here to work," Manning said. "I'm here to learn and be studious and learn from him and just get the offense and the plays that he wants run and do it his way. That's the best way to have an offense be successful."
