Post-Game Transcript: QB Eli Manning

QB Eli Manning

Postgame vs. Jaguars, September 9, 2018

Q: What was your take on the offense early on and did you feel as though the offense was starting to get some rhythm as the game went on?

A: I thought the offense got some rhythm during the second half and during halftime. Early on, we had four drives in the first half and two of them were trying to overcome penalties right off the bat. We had first and 25 or first and 20, it was just tough. Tough on the opening drive to start that way and start going backwards. After that, had some nice drives and got down there close. Couldn’t quite convert on third downs when we got near the red zone. Close couple plays in the end zone. Just little things. We didn’t execute everything perfectly that we needed to on those plays. We have to get back to work on those and start hitting them.

Q: How was your timing with Odell as the game went on?

A: I thought our timing was good. I don’t know how many catches he ended up with but I would say we were pretty accurate when I was going to him. A couple of pass interferences that could’ve been touchdowns or big plays, so that was smart on their part trying to hold him on those. Obviously, close on a couple of others that could’ve been touchdowns as well. I think our timing is good and the work has paid off. We just have to keep at it.

Q: Are you concerned about the blocking in front of you?

A: This might be the most talented defense and front four we go against all season. They’re good. Those guys coming out the first game, I thought things settled down in the second half and they did a good job. Picked up some of the blitzes and hit some nice plays, big plays. I am proud of the way those guys competed and played. We had a chance to win the game.

Q: Any early reflections on anything that happened today?

A: We will look at the film. There is obviously a few plays you wish you had back. Almost had Odell on the post route that just hit the tip of his hands. I could’ve put that in a better spot and gave him more of a shot. The last play, the route to Shep. I have to get that out there and have him run under that. There is always little things that are always almost there. Almost is not good enough. You have to make the plays and be perfect.

Q: Was your sight obscured on the interception?

A: Ball just got tipped. It got tipped at the line. It is unfortunate. You hate to let them get an easy one like that where it gets tipped at the line and it pops up. They had a pretty good fake blitz that put Ereck in a bind trying to block two guys. Tried to step up and get a shot to Saquon. It is just unfortunate when the ball gets tipped that high in the middle of the field. Bad things happen and sometimes you can’t control those things.

Q: First play of the half, you had some problems with your helmet?

A: Yes, my helmet just died. It just cut out. It died on me. I have to get a play called. Unfortunately, we had to use a timeout there. Really, I had some problems in the first half. I got a new helmet the next play and it was much clearer with the communication.

Q: Did you see enough from today that gives you confidence that almost there means that you can get there?

A: Definitely. There were some good things and some big plays. Obviously they got some interferences on some plays. We just didn’t make a few plays that could’ve been there. We have to come back and do what we have been doing. It is not a lack of preparation. Me putting it in a better spot, guys making a tough catch, having everything work out. It is a combination, not one person or one thing. It is just everyone doing their job a little bit better. That is part of football. It is a game of inches. Couple times we had a third or fourth down and we were just inches away and didn’t get the first. Unfortunately, we were not on that side of the inches today.

Q: Before the half, you had a third and goal and you decided to go for the field goal with seven seconds left. Was there any conversation of taking a shot one more time?

A: Tough right there whether you can get something up and down. You didn’t want to risk not getting points. You need to get points on a good drive. Had a chance on the second down. They went all out blitz. Should have had it protected but we didn’t pick that up right. Had to throw it away earlier than I wanted to. Tried to give Odell a shot to make a play but didn’t want to risk throwing a bad one there. Right there, coach was smart getting the points right there and not risking something bad happening.

Q: What Saquon can do, what does that mean to have that?

A: I think he played well and tough. He has that big play potential. You just have to learn to keep running hard, be patient and don’t expect it to happen every time. Teams know and the offensive line knows that when you give him a little daylight, he can make some special things happen.

Q: Does this game feel different for this team than it would have previously walking out of here with a tough loss? Why are you more encouraged about this team?

A: I’m encouraged just because I have seen the way we work and the men we have in this locker room. The talent that we have and guys taking care of each other. Just encouraged by the whole situation. We can get things going and we can play at a high level. We will make it work.