New York Giants: Davis Webb following footsteps of different Manning
The New York Giants may have Eli Manning’s potential successor in Davis Webb, but the rookie should follow the lead of his QB1’s brother, Peyton
New York Giants‘ third-round pick Davis Webb’s dedication to the playbook has been nothing short of impressive since he donned No. 5 in Big Blue. The way Webb carries himself is fully expected from a rookie. However, we all know there are far too few who actually hold themselves to the standard he does.
Webb lucked out when he was drafted by the well respected Giants, but he also has the opportunity to learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Eli Manning comes into each season looking to better himself and those around him.
The best way to explain it is that all Mannings are wired this way, from Archie to Cooper and Peyton. Striving to be the best at any cost is just how the family functions. However, there is one brother who’s hard work and determination is taken to a level like no other: Peyton.
Peyton Manning lives and breathes football. At this moment, so does Webb. This is not to take any credit away from Eli here, as there is zero question to how dedicated he is to the game of football and the Giants. Yet, Webb’s view towards the game is different, eerily similar to that of Peyton’s.
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The moment that Peyton Manning arrived at Tennessee in 1994, he spent his summer watching tape of the previous season. It did not matter to Peyton that he would not be starting right off the bat. Manning loved the game and had such drive to play that he would do anything it took to master his role. Manning eventually became the starter for the Volunteers and his obsession for perfection only continued to grow. As per the New York Post, his coach Joe Harrington had to purchase a new VHS maker to keep up with Peyton’s film review habits.
Fast forward to 2017 and Davis Webb.
From the start of Giants rookie minicamp, Webb was determined to shine both on and off the field. Every night after practice, Webb and roommate Evan Engram would study the playbook using handmade flashcards and quizzes. In his own words (via the New York Post), Webb wanted (and still wants) to make the Giants’ playbook “like his baby,” and all signs point to him doing so.
While some rookies and New York Giant veterans chose to go on vacation immediately after mandatory minicamp, Webb was one of a handful who stood behind to further study and practice. He may be young, but he knows there is plenty to improve on (via ESPN.com):
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"“I’m a perfectionist,” he said. “I’m very hard on myself and very critical. So I can get better. There are a lot of things I need to improve on, even touchdowns. There is something with my footwork or different coverage where I could’ve went somewhere else and made an easier throw.”"
If technology had not matured the way it has, I would tell the Giants to bring in Peyton’s old VCR.
Similar to Peyton, Webb is like a sponge. He will take in any grain of information he can if it will improve his game. That attitude not only shows personal motivation but also a dedication to the team as a whole. Most importantly, it is highly contagious, as Pro Bowler Emmanuel Sanders can tell you based on his time spent with Peyton, per DenverBroncos.com:
"“Before I got here, I never really took notes,” Sanders said. “But Peyton has made me a better player because I sit right behind him, and I used to watch him, and he would take notes about everything that the coach said."
Webb has a huge chip on his shoulder. After all, he is Eli Manning’s successor. The task of setting a positive example for those around you comes with that responsibility, and if Webb continues to go above and beyond dedicating himself to the Giants, he can inadvertently become the leader of this team in the years to come.
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Peyton Manning’s dedication to the game made him one of the most respected athletes in the game. All Webb has to do is keep it up and he has the chance to eventually be in the likes of not one, but two Mannings.