Sep 8, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) celebrates after making a catch in the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
After last night’s massacre on Thursday Night Football, viewers were all left wondering the same thing. Who is Larry Donnell? Before the Redskins beat down in prime time last night, and sadly on their home turf, most people had never heard of Larry Donnell. But with an astonishing 3 TDs in the first half of the game, people have taken notice. QB Eli Manning gave a stellar performance, one that we all know he is very-well capable of yet haven’t seen in recent games, with Donnell supplying three of his four TD receptions.
Usual superstar WR Victor Cruz has not been doing many of his trademark salsa end zone dances as of late, with his first in Week 3 versus the Houston Texans since hitting a dry spell after Week 4 of last season. Butterfingers WR Rueben Randle is by no means a reliable target dropping more balls then he catches and a key factor to Eli Manning’s interception rate last season. With the final score last night of 45-14, and 18 of those points belonging to Donnell, suffice to say that the tight end has no trouble finding the end zone or dropping the ball and beating out coverage. Time for Donnell to start thinking of a clever trademark touchdown dance of his own.
After closing out the game last night with 7 receptions for 54 yds and 3 TDs, Larry Donnell might just be what the New York Giants need to revamp their offensive nightmare. Eli Manning needs a constant, reliable, unstoppable player who can help the team find their way again. Cruz can get the catches to lead the way, and Grambling State alum Donnell (who went undrafted in 2012) can serve in the end zone with his dominating 6-foot-6, 265-pound body.
When asked about his performance against the Redskins, the tight end said: “You set your goals high. I didn’t expect it to come so quick, but it has.” Well he sounds about right on that. Let’s see if he can keep it up in the coming weeks.