Post-Game Transcript: QB Eli Manning

QB Eli Manning

Postgame vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Oct. 8, 2017

Q: Have you ever seen a situation like that where you lost so many receivers in one game, and how did that impact the way you guys were calling plays?

A: No, it’s a tough situation when you lose four receivers in a game. I thought we did the best we could do. We had a scoring drive with a couple of them out. Without them, we had two receivers left. Evan Engram has played in the slot. So, we had to simplify the game plan a little bit when you can do. But then there at the end having three tight ends, one receiver on a two-minute drive, we were able to get a first down and do a couple things, but you know, it’s not the ideal situation.

Q: Can you describe the sack-forced fumble?

A: You know, can’t afford to do that. We were backed up, they were going in cover two, and didn’t have a chance to throw one on the sideline, but moving around in the pocket trying to buy a little time and got tackled and landed on the defender, so didn’t hit the ground and the ball popped up. So, I’ve got to get two hands on the ball right there and take the sack and move on. Can’t give them that field position right there.

Q: You had some overthrows in the first half to WR Odell Beckham Jr. Take us through that, was it timing or something else?

A: Yeah, just missed him. Missed him on a possible touchdown early in the first quarter. Yeah, just had a little bit too much on it, and you know, can’t afford to miss those. You get touchdowns, you’ve got to hit them.

Q: You were hit very hard late in the game, were you checked for a concussion?

A: No, no concussion.

Q: Are you feeling okay?

A: Yes, I’ll be fine.

Q: What were your emotions when WR Odell Beckham Jr. went down, and what did you say to him?

A: Obviously you never want to see any receiver go down, and it looked like he was in some pain. So, I just told him I’d be thinking about him and, obviously we don’t know the severity of it, but hopefully he’ll be okay.

Q: The touchdown to WR Roger Lewis, how tight of a throw was that?

A: They were just playing man-to-man, doubling the inside guys, so I had him one-on-one, so I just put it in a good spot, he made a good catch and got his feet down. So, big play right there, and a nice play by Roger.

Q: What do you see in RB Wayne Gallman’s running game?

A: I thought Wayne did a good job breaking some tackles, getting some big runs. I thought he ran the ball great. All day he had some nice runs, wish it had led to more points.

Q: How hard is it to keep having this same conversation every week, are you getting frustrated?

A: Yeah, I’m frustrated with losing, but the questions come with it. So, if you want to fix it, you’ve got to get a win. Obviously, it’s tough to have close games, and have leads, and not be able to make completions, and make mistakes that hurt the team. It’s tough to swallow, but you keep fighting back.

Q: How limited were you on that last drive?

A: I think everybody knew what they were supposed to run. Just trying to get guys lined up. Obviously, some guys were in some spots that they’re not used to being. Especially Evan [Engram], having him outside on a bunch, and he’s been out there before. But just having concepts, you know, it’s a tough situation to call plays. You want to call things and make sure guys have an idea of what they’re running.

Q: Have you ever been in a situation at any level where you lost so many receivers?

A: No. Not that I recall. To go into the final drive with just one receiver, it’s a tough situation.

Q: When Odell Beckham Jr. goes down, is that a bigger blow to the team’s psyche at all?

A: Well, when they all go down, when you lose players, it’s tough. You like when they can get off on their own and hope it’s not serious, but at the end of the game if you see your best player in pain, it can be a tough situation.

Q: Before the touchdown drive with WR Roger Lewis, Odell Beckham Jr. got the offense together, what was his message?

A: Just that we’ve got to turn it on, we’ve got to make something happen, we’ve got to get things going to go win this football game. So, just got the guys together to get emotions back up, and just show some intensity for the guys.

Q: Do you feel like you don’t have any answers for the guys being 0-5?

A: We’ve got to play better. That’s the only answer. That’s the only way. You know, there’s some good things, but there’s too many bad things, and not taking advantage of opportunities – that great field position in the first half, we couldn’t take advantage of it too many times. So, we’re just not playing well enough to win the games. It’s that simple.

Q: Talk about the touchdown to Odell Beckham Jr.

A: Yeah, he just gave a little fake and was able to step up and I thought I had the opportunity to hit Odell down the sideline. So, you know, good job by the receivers keeping the routes on, and just a little pump fake to avoid the rusher.

Q: Your team started 0-6 not long ago, is there anything you can take from that experience?

A: There’s not a secret formula to fix it, you’ve just got to play better. Keep grinding, keep swinging, keep finding ways to move the ball and finding ways to win. You can’t put yourself in bad situations, and in crucial situations in games in the fourth quarter, you’ve got to step up and make plays instead of making mistakes.