News and Notes Out Of Big Blue's OTAs

This past Monday, The New York Giants held their third organized team activity, or OTA.

To the delight of Tom Coughlin, the only missing member of the 80-plus man roster was kicker Lawrence Tynes, who was attending his charity golf outing.

Outside of the spectacular attendance, there was much to be excited about surrounding Big Blue.

-    Osi Umenyiora is back and better than ever. Even more eye-popping than simply seeing Osi back on the field for New York was his massive new physique. Hopefully Osi can continue to follow in the steps of Michael Strahan, who returned from a season of injury in 2006 to have one of his best seasons as a pro in 2007.

-    Eli Manning, one of the most reserved men in professional sports, was happy about the full attendance at camp.

-    During an interview, Manning may have taken a shot at Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey by stating “Everybody’s the same, no one’s getting special treatment, special attention. I think we have a great group of guys here. They come in and work. No one has an ego about anything. We’re here to practice hard and have some fun also.”

In the past, Shockey and Burress would work out on their own in Miami rather than with the team at OTAs.

-    Mario Manningham looked impressive in the passing game.

-    Despite not having suited up during the loss to Philadelphia, Umenyiora can’t wait to get his shot at the Eagles. He stated:  "I was on the field, but I wasn't playing and I saw the way it ended. It was a team we should have beat and it was a team that, if the opportunity arises again, I think we will beat."

-    Manning is comfortable with his young receivers.