Mario Manningham's Early Exploits Have Giants Receiver Poised for Stardom

Perhaps it’s a little early to be crowning anyone the breakout star of the 2009-10 season, but if this were an election, Mario Manningham would be leading the primaries. The former Michigan Wolverine has provided a much-needed spark for the Giants' offense this season in more ways than one. 

After the departure of Plaxico Burress, the football world wondered who would step up for the Giants and capitalize on the opportunity to shine.

Apparently, that question has been answered.

Only two weeks into the season, Manningham has already shown fans that he is more than just another name on the roster; he’s a big-play athlete.

Even more fascinating than his ability to make big plays is his knack to immediately change the flow of the game.

During the Week One game against the Washington Redskins, Manningham was seemingly just another guy in the offensive package—that was before the eye-opener.

With the Giants struggling to put points on the board, Manningham took a seemingly short pass from Eli and turned it into his first highlight at the pro level. While he slipped defenders and avoided the sideline, Manningham danced his way into the end zone and gave the Giants a much-needed lift on the offensive end.  

This past week, Super Mario was at it again, this time showing fans—and the Cowboys defense—that he is more than just a one-play wonder.

With the Giants trailing 14-13 late in the second quarter, the combination of Manning to Manningham was at it again, this time for a 22-yard hookup that left people with their jaws on the floor. Super Mario somehow managed to make the grab after bobbling the catch and falling to the ground. 

But the duo wasn’t done there; the M&M boys hooked up 10 times for 150 yards, including two sensational passes down the field that later led to Giants scores.

"Emerging star" is probably the best category to put Manningham into for now. Should Mario continue to abuse corners and produce at the level he is now, the word "emerging" will disappear—along with any concerns over finding a Burress replacement.