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Eli Manning's best is yet to come, says Giants coach Tom Coughlin

By Ed Valentine

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Eli Manning surrounded by reporters
Eli Manning surrounded by reporters
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Eli Manning has two Super Bowl MVPs, three Pro Bowl appearances, four seasons of 4,000 or more passing yards and holds most of the New York Giants franchise passing records. Yet, head coach Tom Coughlin believes that the 34-year-old has yet to play his best football.

"He's gonna end up playing his best football here from this point forward, there's no doubt in my mind," Coughlin told hosts Bob Papa and David Diehl during a Thursday morning appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio.

Manning threw the ball exceptionally well all spring, surprising many with the strength of his arm. That has continued during training camp, with the sometimes interception-prone quarterback getting through the Giants' first five practices without throwing an interception.

"To have him and to have him start camp like he is and all the players around him realize they have to play a little bit higher level that's a good thing," Coughlin said.

Mike Sullivan, back with the Giants for his second tour of duty as Manning's quarterbacks coach, lauded the quarterback's work during an interview earlier this week.

"I don't think his arm has ever been stronger. He has a very live arm. He looks like he has a lot of zip on the football. He's worked hard to take care of his body, and work on the fundamentals, make sure he's able to do all the things necessary,'' said Sullivan. "He's off to the side practicing his footwork against air. ... He's a guy that has his experience — a two-time Super Bowl MVP and everything he's done — yet he has a mentality that he's a free agent trying to make the ballclub. That hasn't changed. If anything, he's even hungrier than before.''

Manning had one of the best statistical seasons of his career in 2014, his first in the offense installed by Ben McAdoo. The Giants need him to be as good or better this season.

Can Manning be better than ever at age 34? Your thoughts, Giants fans?

Here is Eli talking to the media Thursday morning.

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