Friday Media Transcript: Quarterback Eli Manning

Quarterback Eli Manning

October 21, 2016

Q: Eli, how are you feeling?

A: Feel pretty good. Slept the whole plane ride and right now I'm feeling pretty good. We kind of hit the ground running today. We've been busy with meetings, a little walk-thru. It's good to get here, get moving, get running around a little bit. Probably get some good sleep this afternoon, tonight. Considering the circumstances, feel good.

Q: Did it help that you’ve made this trip before?

A: I guess so; it's been a while. Been 10 years almost, so. I think just knowing what I need and kind of preparing for it during the week. Just trying to get hydrated, just trying to get on this schedule a little bit knowing that I had to sleep on the plane. Hopefully that can help. But yeah, just trying to feel like I'm pretty on schedule with where I'd normally be at this time on a Friday. I think that's good and shouldn't be any different than a normal week.

Q: Was it the sleep on the plane or was it preparation?

A: I think it's a combination of both. Yes, I did sleep but your time clock can be a little off. Guys, they hopefully can get a nap this afternoon, get some sleep. Go to sleep at a normal hour tonight and be on a pretty good schedule.

Q: Your Miami game in 2007 here gave you Super Bowl luck. Are you hoping for some more luck with this game?

A: Well hoping we go out there and play well and get a win. Just take it one step at a time and hopefully this can be a good situation where you come into. A game where your schedule is off, your thrown off a little bit, things are going to be a little different and you got to adjust and you can't have any excuse; everybody is dealing with the same thing and we got to come out and make sure we're focused and ready to play our best football come Sunday.

Q: Are you hoping for a good rest of the season for the Giants?

A: Definitely. Hoping we make up some ground in the division. Teams are playing well and the NFC East is strong. We just have to take it one game at a time. We've got to worry about the Rams on Sunday and get ready because they're playing good football and just be prepared for that and do whatever it takes to get a win and go on from there.

Q: Josh Brown didn’t make this trip. Is that something that you would address the team about?

A: No, I don't feel the need to address the team. Coach McAdoo came around and was getting the word out yesterday afternoon that Josh wasn't going to make it on the trip. It's a tough situation but the Giants had to do what they had to do. Robbie Gould will come in, a veteran guy, and will step-up and kick for us and we expect him to go in there and do his job and make the extra points and make the field goals.

Q: What was your reaction when you heard or saw what happened with Josh Brown?

A: I saw some new information that was revealed. I didn't read into what exactly it was, so I'm probably not up to speed on everything. Right there, you support your teammates but also support the decision of the organization.

Q: You were a part of a domestic violence campaign. When you hear the articles say that Josh abused his wife, what's your reaction given that you were a part of that campaign?

A: Again, not aware of what ownership said or any of the announcements. My focus this week has been getting ready for the Rams. Obviously, I don't know what went on behind the scenes, all I can do is support my teammates and support the organization.

Q: Was this a distraction for you?

A: There's going to be distractions every week. Something is going on, you don't like when a teammate can't make a game. But, hey, we've got to do our job and that's getting ready to play this football game. I think everybody is excited about being here and understanding the circumstances and the of honor of playing over here in London and knowing it's a big game for us. I think the focus is being on this game and going out there and playing our best.

Q: American football is derivation of rugby, are you going to show the rugby fans at Twickenham what a game is really like?

A: We'll try. Those guys are athletes, and tough and hopefully I won't be taking as many hits as they take in a rugby game. I have a lot of respect for the game of rugby and I've enjoyed watching it a few times on TV. It's an honor just to be here and be able to play in their facility.

Q: What kind of challenge will you face against the Rams defensive line?

A: Aaron Donald, he's a heck of a player. We need to know where he is. A couple of guys on the defensive line do a good job getting pressure on the quarterback and so we got to have our guys upfront be prepared and try to get the ball out quickly. Can't sit back there on 7 step drops and holding on to it to look for your 3rd and 4th receiver. We'll have a good plan for it and their guys play well. But, we understand that he's going to make some plays, he's a good player. Hopefully it won't be destructive where it's going to lead into a bad place for us.

Q: On Justin Pugh.

A: Yeah, Justin Pugh has been playing well. I think the move to guard last year and he had to play some tackle in some games last year. It's been a smooth transition for him and he's been doing a good job in the run game and the pass game, being physical and making a lot of plays.

Q: Is Robbie Gould here with the team?

A: I don't know if he's here yet. He probably got a call yesterday saying, you got to go kick in London. I'm sure he had some things to handle. He did not travel with the team but I'm sure he'll be getting here soon.

Q: On Twickenham Stadium.

A: I have not seen the stadium, not been in it yet. We might have an opportunity to go over tomorrow afternoon. I don't know if I'll do that tonight or tomorrow, see how I'm feeling. Get there Sunday, walk around there a little bit on the field to see where everything is; the clocks, the play clocks, see how the grass is. I'm looking forward to being there and playing in a new stadium.

Q: About the Rams defense,

A: Always good defenses, always have good blitz packages. It can change from week to week. A team does a good job of each week having a different game plan, having new things that you haven't seen. You got to be kind of prepared for everything. It can go a lot of different personnels, different looks on defense so, it's a lot of preparation to get ready for it. We got to be sharp and he's going to try to confuse you, try to get running free. We got to do great communication and then obviously once you get communicated, everybody's got to do their assignment's well because you're going against good players.

Q: As someone that these kids might look up to, what’s your message to them?

A: Obviously a lot of kids were out there for the Play 60. Obviously, just promoting being outside and playing sports. When I was growing up, that was what I wanted to do. I just wanted to be outside, concentrating on sports and just being active. Playing all different activities. Running around, being with your friends and enjoying sports just for what they're about. It's about sportsmanship and gaining leadership skills and just enjoying being a kid and being outside and being active. It's great for their health and well-being and will set them up for a brighter future.

Q: Last time you played here you had a rushing touchdown. Will we see that again this year?

A: You never know. Outran Jason Taylor that time, that's the way I remember, he had a step on me. Just beat him to the corner, he might disagree. Whatever the calls are we will get the job done and get us in the end zone, we'll see what happens.

Q: Are you hoping for a little less London rain?

A: Hoping for a little less London rain, yes. The forecast looks good right now so hopefully it'll stay that way. Got a beautiful day today so hopefully it'll be like this.

Q: Would you say your receivers group is the best you’ve ever had?

A: It's tough to call out best. We've got a good group of receivers, tight ends, running backs, guys that can catch the ball. We like to spread it around and get everybody involved. Between Odell Beckham Jr, Victor Cruz, Sterling Shepard's done a great job coming in, Roger Lewis making plays last week. Larry Donnell, Will Tye, a lot of guys who can catch the ball, make plays for us and I have confidence in all of them. Makes my job easy when my first progression is getting open and in a lot of cases, those guys are, you trust them, balls getting out fast and hit them in stride and them make some big plays.

Q: Do you look at this as a challenge to come here and play games in a new surrounding?

A: I look at it as an opportunity for us to see what we're made of. The schedule's different, you got to see how guys respond to this. These guys got to make sure they'll handling their business, getting prepared, getting their rest, getting hydrated. Doing all the things that they need to do to go out there and be their best. Guys got to show how important it is to them, that they're going about their business, that they can handle this type of situation. There's no excuses, we've got to go out there and play our best football.

Q: Do you think there is more enthusiasm for football here now?

A: I wouldn't really have that information. I haven't been here since to see if it has grown. Hopefully it has. It'll be interesting to see the game. Last time here, nine years ago, the fans were sometimes cheering at odd times during the game so we'll see if the understanding has grown over these past nine years.

Q: What are your thoughts on a NFL franchise coming to London?

A: I don't know how that would work, but if that’s a way to grow the game and the owners and Commissioner think it's a good idea then we'll see what happens.