Even prior to Sterling Shepard suffering a fractured thumb and Gold Tate being hit with a four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, wide receiver Cody Latimer figured to play an important role for the New York Giants offensively.
After years of under-performing, the veteran Latimer finally righted his own personal ship and has proven to be a valuable asset in the Giants’ locker-room. He’s also proven to be a valuable asset on the field.
With so many other receivers cycling in and out due to injury and suspension, Latimer has been the one constant for quarterback Eli Manning this summer, and that’s evident by their improved chemistry.
“Cody is probably one of our most veteran receivers. I think he shows that out there,” head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters on Sunday. “He knows how to practice. He knows how to compete. He has a unique ability to make a play down the field. I think he does a good job. . . there are times when he can get behind the (corner) and he’s open. But then there are other times when he’s in a contested situation where he can make a play on the ball. That’s hugely valuable when you’re a wideout.”
Manning hasn’t gone deep with too much frequency during training camp, but when he does, Latimer tends to be his target. Such was the case on Sunday — another dominant practice for Manning — as the two connected on the deep ball several times.
But the Manning-Latimer connection hasn’t just been limited to deep passes down the sideline — they’ve also developed a chemistry near the goal line.
If their practice performances are any indication, it could be a big year for the Manning-Latimer connection. The Giants need that tall outside guy, and Latimer seems to have stepped into that role, and unlike some receivers in the recent pass, Manning actually appears to trust him.
