QB Eli Manning -- September 18, 2019
Q: How are you handling the change?
A: There’s no other option but just to handle it and do my job, support my teammates, support the Giants, and do what I can do to try and go help win some football games. Right now, that’s getting Daniel (Jones) prepared and helping him and supporting him.
Q: Do you wish you had a longer opportunity this year to show what you have?
A: You can wish all you want, that’s not the way it played out. In some ways, I signed up for this knowing when you draft a young quarterback this can happen. I’ve got to live with it and make the best of it.
Q: What was your initial reaction when Coach Shurmur told you yesterday?
A: I knew there was a possibility and I just said I’ll handle it, I’ll support Daniel, I’ll be a good teammate and do what I’m told.
Q: Just two games in, was there any element of surprise with the decision?
A: When you’re a football player, you do what you’re told and this is what I’ve been told and I’ll handle it.
Q: Do you anticipate being here for the whole season, doing what you’re told for the next 14-15 weeks?
A: Yeah, I mean I haven’t thought much past this week. So, just kind of taking it day by day and figuring that out.
Q: Do you think this was handled with respect?
A: Yeah, I think everybody that I talked to—it was handled as good as you can handle it.
Q: What have been your follow-up conversations—have you talked to John Mara or anyone else?
A: Yes, I talked to John Mara yesterday, so everything’s been good and as positive as it can be.
Q: You knew this was a possibility, but did you ever think it would be a possibility after two games?
A: I didn’t know how everything was going to shake out this year. You just know when you draft a young quarterback, there’s a possibility that they’re going to play him if things don’t go well. We didn’t start fast, and that’s the situation we’re in now.
Q: Would you have wanted to come back here if you knew it was only going to be a two-game trial?
A: Yeah, I think you give it a shot, and I’ve worked hard, competed, did everything I thought I could, and it just didn’t work out.
Q: How important is it to you to be the mentor now to Daniel?
A: In some ways, that was kind of part of the deal. I’ve been trying to help him in every which way I could throughout the preseason and training camp and what not, so now I’ll still do that. I’ll support him, answer his questions if he has any, don’t get him thinking too much, but just give him information that I’ve learned over 15 years that I think he could use.
Q: The way it was presented to you, how much of the decision was performance related?
A: I don’t think we have to get into that. Whatever Coach (Shurmur) said, I’ll let him answer those questions.
Q: What is your message to the fans in terms of embracing a new starting quarterback?
A: Be great fans and support the team and whoever’s in there. Daniel will do a great job, he’s worked hard and he’ll handle the situation well.
Q: Was there any level of frustration knowing that you had so many injuries to your receiving corps and this was such a small sample?
A: There’s always disappointment, and not winning games, not winning those first two games, but you’ve just got to move on past that and handle the new situation and make the best of it.
Q: How do you describe your emotions yesterday when it went down?
A: Obviously disappointed, not happy about it, but you accept it and make the best of it.
Q: What kind of honor has it been to represent this organization as the starting quarterback for parts of 16 seasons?
A: Yeah, and I still want to represent them, and it’s not over, the season’s not over, we’ve got a lot of football. So, I’m just going to go do my part, do my job, get Daniel ready to play, be ready to play if called upon and support my teammates and get everybody ready.
Q: Is this the end of Eli Manning or just another phase?
A: Who knows? Again, I’m not dying and the season’s not over, so there’s a lot to be positive about, a lot to be grateful for, so I’ve just got to accept my new role and make the best of it.
Q: Do you definitely want to stay here? Any thought to waiving your no-trade clause?
A: Just taking this day by day, so just trying to figure out how to run a scout team—that was my number one objective of today, and I thought I did pretty well.
Q: How does this move impact the way you think about your future?
A: Again, I’ll get into futures later on. Right now, my future is I’m the second-string quarterback of the Giants and I’ve got to get myself ready to play and do whatever I’m called upon and feel I need to do to help out the rest of my teammates.
Q: Based on the conversations you had this offseason with Dave Gettleman, Pat Shurmur, and John Mara, do you feel that you were misled at all with the fact that you only got two weeks?
A: Again, I’m not going to go into all that. I think it’s just one of those deals where this is the situation and you deal with it, and that’s what I’m doing.
Q: (Inaudible)
A: You handle them the same way you handle wins, losses, all of them. I think the only thing you can control is your attitude and the decisions you make and the mindset you have going into it. I think that’s all I can control.
Q: Was it weird running the scout team?
A: Yeah, it’s a little different, but you go about it and try to make good decisions and use good footwork and don’t get into bad habits.
Q: From what you see of Daniel, do you see a level of ability and grasping the system that you believe he will be ready?
A: Yeah, I think so. He’s done a good job, he’s worked extremely hard, he has talent, and he a has a good mindset, so I think he’ll handle everything well and I think he’ll be ready.
Q: Is it hard for you to prepare for this game, in this role?
A: I think you’ve got to handle it. A lot of guys have been backups, and you’ve got to prepare. You might not get every rep, but I think when you have a lot of reps under your belt and have played against a lot of types of systems and know the system well, I’ll be ready. I think when you’re helping someone else get prepared, it prepares you in that sense.
Q: You said you understood the situation and knew this was a possibility when you decided to come back here—did knowing that at all make it any easier?
A: I think just being somewhat prepared knowing that it could happen at some point, you’re still disappointed, but I think you’ve got to handle it and you’ve got to put the team first and make sure you’re not being a distraction or causing something to impact the team negatively.
Q: This year, there’s been a tremendous upheaval in the quarterback position with Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees—a lot of guys in, a lot of guys out. Have you monitored that, and is that something where if somebody wants you--
A: Monitored in the sense that I respect those guys and like them and I’m blessed that I’m still healthy, but nothing besides that.
Q: What were the last couple days like for you—starting with the end of the game, and then on Monday when Pat Shurmur kind of created some uncertainty? Did you walk into Tuesday maybe expecting that possibility?
A: I get hit in the head a lot, I can’t think that far back (laughter). Just take it day by day. I remember most of today, I know what’s in the game plan—that’s what my focus is on.
Q: Did what happened two years ago help in the sense that it was something similar?
A: Yeah, I think just knowing it’s a possibility and going into the season knowing if we didn’t get off to a good start, didn’t play well, that this would happen. So, you don’t want it, you don’t plan for it or expect it, but I think you’ve just got to be prepared for it, and not be surprised by it—it helps you handle it a little bit easier.
A: When you’re a football player, you do what you’re told and this is what I’ve been told and I’ll handle it.
The Giants have had numerous players in recent seasons that could learn from this example. That's why Eli is a champion twice over and the other guys have accomplished dick.
A: When you’re a football player, you do what you’re told and this is what I’ve been told and I’ll handle it.
The Giants have had numerous players in recent seasons that could learn from this example. That's why Eli is a champion twice over and the other guys have accomplished dick.
Not to mention that Eli has a higher football IQ than the guy(s) telling him "what to do." I'm sure he loves that part of it, too.
This organization is just the best.
A: In some ways, that was kind of part of the deal. I’ve been trying to help him in every which way I could throughout the preseason and training camp and what not, so now I’ll still do that. I’ll support him, answer his questions if he has any, don’t get him thinking too much, but just give him information that I’ve learned over 15 years that I think he could use.
Well, there are a LOT of things that separate him from so many others, but this is towards the top of the list. Compare this to dickhead Favre comments about mentoring Rodgers...
This organization is just the best.
Why do you always have to try to ruin things?
A: In some ways, that was kind of part of the deal. I’ve been trying to help him in every which way I could throughout the preseason and training camp and what not, so now I’ll still do that. I’ll support him, answer his questions if he has any, don’t get him thinking too much, but just give him information that I’ve learned over 15 years that I think he could use.
Well, there are a LOT of things that separate him from so many others, but this is towards the top of the list. Compare this to dickhead Favre comments about mentoring Rodgers...
Or Ben's comments about mentoring Rudolph.
Q: Do you wish you had a longer opportunity this year to show what you have?
A: You can wish all you want, that’s not the way it played out. In some ways, I signed up for this knowing when you draft a young quarterback this can happen. I’ve got to live with it and make the best of it.
I have a feeling the now infamous "low post" conversation that Gettleman and Eli had was regarding Eli actually being on this roster this year.
I really don't think NYG wanted Eli back. I think Mara and probably even Gettleman were aware of his legacy, and with Gettleman also the realization that this is not the QB capable of running the offense his hand-picked HC runs. In a way they wanted to save Eli from himself, and also move on.
I think Eli's motivation was two fold. Yes, like anyone would be he was partly motivated by the money. But honestly even more than that I think Eli is just different. I think he truly just likes competing. I don't think for a second Eli cares about his legacy, W/L record, HOF. I think he just wanted to be quarterback of the Giants as long as he could.
I think Eli taking DG to the low post and "winning" was convincing the organization not to release him. In return, I think the Giants told Eli there were going to be no guarantees in terms of roster building, taking a QB high, playing time, etc. I think management, especially Mara had an eye on Eli's W/L record this whole time, basically saving Eli from himself in not letting dip below .500. I don't think it's a coincidence that there was a 2 game leash which was the gap in evening his record, with no sign of being able to get it or keep it above that mark.
I feel like that's exactly how this went down.
A: In some ways, that was kind of part of the deal. I’ve been trying to help him in every which way I could throughout the preseason and training camp and what not, so now I’ll still do that. I’ll support him, answer his questions if he has any, don’t get him thinking too much, but just give him information that I’ve learned over 15 years that I think he could use.
Well, there are a LOT of things that separate him from so many others, but this is towards the top of the list. Compare this to dickhead Favre comments about mentoring Rodgers...
Or dickhead Roethlisberger who wanted no part of mentoring Mason Rudolph -- until a season-ending injury occurs, and suddenly he wants to play a front-and-center role as Mr. Magnanimous.
Quote:
In other words, Eli is the highest paid QB coach in the history of the NFL.
This organization is just the best.
Why do you always have to try to ruin things?
You already know the answer to that, Bill.
Quote:
In other words, Eli is the highest paid QB coach in the history of the NFL.
This organization is just the best.
Why do you always have to try to ruin things?
Ruin what?
This doesn't pique your interest that part of keeping Eli and paying him his salary was to be Jones's caddie?
Q: Do you wish you had a longer opportunity this year to show what you have?
A: You can wish all you want, that’s not the way it played out. In some ways, I signed up for this knowing when you draft a young quarterback this can happen. I’ve got to live with it and make the best of it.
I have a feeling the now infamous "low post" conversation that Gettleman and Eli had was regarding Eli actually being on this roster this year.
I really don't think NYG wanted Eli back. I think Mara and probably even Gettleman were aware of his legacy, and with Gettleman also the realization that this is not the QB capable of running the offense his hand-picked HC runs. In a way they wanted to save Eli from himself, and also move on.
I think Eli's motivation was two fold. Yes, like anyone would be he was partly motivated by the money. But honestly even more than that I think Eli is just different. I think he truly just likes competing. I don't think for a second Eli cares about his legacy, W/L record, HOF. I think he just wanted to be quarterback of the Giants as long as he could.
I think Eli taking DG to the low post and "winning" was convincing the organization not to release him. In return, I think the Giants told Eli there were going to be no guarantees in terms of roster building, taking a QB high, playing time, etc. I think management, especially Mara had an eye on Eli's W/L record this whole time, basically saving Eli from himself in not letting dip below .500. I don't think it's a coincidence that there was a 2 game leash which was the gap in evening his record, with no sign of being able to get it or keep it above that mark.
I feel like that's exactly how this went down.
Okay, I agree on one key piece here. That Jints Central was sensitive to Eli's record. I think that is spot on.
However, I don't think Eli going "low post" was some euphemism for begging for his job. No, I think Eli knew he had leverage. He knew Mara had his back; so he flexed some muscle to remind DG that he absolutely knows he can still play - see the last half of last season - and there is more in the tank if DG can simply build a better team.
I think this decision to take Eli out after only two games is two fold - preserving Eli's W/L record AND they could feel the disgust from the fans/media already. So they could kill two birds with one stone.
Preserve the record and give the fans a B12 shot with Jones getting a shot in the saddle...
Quote:
In other words, Eli is the highest paid QB coach in the history of the NFL.
This organization is just the best.
Why do you always have to try to ruin things?
Because he's a nutjob troll Redskins fan...??
I don't know how the series went, but T.J. Jones caught the TD pass.
That's my QB.
Daniel has some big shoes to fill; but I'll be pulling for him just as hard as I pulled for 23 year old Eli when he took the field against Atlanta in November of 2004.
a gift, to those who doubt this, just remember how Kurt Warner handled his transition and he was never the qb Eli was. I saw a lot of Kurt and his wife in St. louis and there were many reasons he was let go of there. He is no Eli.
Thank you Eli, from the U of Miss., two of the greatest, #42, Charlie Conerley to #10, Eli Manning. I have had a blessed fandom with these two great HOF’ers, regardless of the shortsighted, lack of memory, NY hating media.
Thanks PG
a gift, to those who doubt this, just remember how Kurt Warner handled his transition and he was never the qb Eli was. I saw a lot of Kurt and his wife in St. louis and there were many reasons he was let go of there. He is no Eli.
Thank you Eli, from the U of Miss., two of the greatest, #42, Charlie Conerley to #10, Eli Manning. I have had a blessed fandom with these two great HOF’ers, regardless of the shortsighted, lack of memory, NY hating media.
Steve, it is egregious that Conerly is not in the HOF. He’s been a finalist 7 times.
He may still have one last shot this year, hopefully not because of an injury to DJ.
Quote:
I think this answer is very telling...
Q: Do you wish you had a longer opportunity this year to show what you have?
A: You can wish all you want, that’s not the way it played out. In some ways, I signed up for this knowing when you draft a young quarterback this can happen. I’ve got to live with it and make the best of it.
I have a feeling the now infamous "low post" conversation that Gettleman and Eli had was regarding Eli actually being on this roster this year.
I really don't think NYG wanted Eli back. I think Mara and probably even Gettleman were aware of his legacy, and with Gettleman also the realization that this is not the QB capable of running the offense his hand-picked HC runs. In a way they wanted to save Eli from himself, and also move on.
I think Eli's motivation was two fold. Yes, like anyone would be he was partly motivated by the money. But honestly even more than that I think Eli is just different. I think he truly just likes competing. I don't think for a second Eli cares about his legacy, W/L record, HOF. I think he just wanted to be quarterback of the Giants as long as he could.
I think Eli taking DG to the low post and "winning" was convincing the organization not to release him. In return, I think the Giants told Eli there were going to be no guarantees in terms of roster building, taking a QB high, playing time, etc. I think management, especially Mara had an eye on Eli's W/L record this whole time, basically saving Eli from himself in not letting dip below .500. I don't think it's a coincidence that there was a 2 game leash which was the gap in evening his record, with no sign of being able to get it or keep it above that mark.
I feel like that's exactly how this went down.
Okay, I agree on one key piece here. That Jints Central was sensitive to Eli's record. I think that is spot on.
However, I don't think Eli going "low post" was some euphemism for begging for his job. No, I think Eli knew he had leverage. He knew Mara had his back; so he flexed some muscle to remind DG that he absolutely knows he can still play - see the last half of last season - and there is more in the tank if DG can simply build a better team.
I think this decision to take Eli out after only two games is two fold - preserving Eli's W/L record AND they could feel the disgust from the fans/media already. So they could kill two birds with one stone.
Preserve the record and give the fans a B12 shot with Jones getting a shot in the saddle...
I don’t think the “low post” comment had anything to do with that. Eli probably took him to the low post by explaining how the prior regime surrounded him with shit for 7 years and the new regime gave him a shit OL last year.
It seems like Eli is ready to get a shot somewhere else and I hope he gets one with a decent team.
One part that struck me that no one has mentioned..
Given the opportunity to blame someone else or throw someone else under the bus when asked about all the receiver injuries... Eli, for probably the millionth time in this career, took the high road once again and said nothing negative about the receiver group he had out there...
Truly amazing.
This organization is just the best.
Just stop.
A: I didn’t know how everything was going to shake out this year. You just know when you draft a young quarterback, there’s a possibility that they’re going to play him if things don’t go well. We didn’t start fast, and that’s the situation we’re in now.
Q: Would you have wanted to come back here if you knew it was only going to be a two-game trial?
A: Yeah, I think you give it a shot, and I’ve worked hard, competed, did everything I thought I could, and it just didn’t work out.
Lots of people talk about "leaving it all on the field", very few actually do so even when things don't go their way. Unlike the last administration I think both sides handled this transition pretty well. Just being a fly on the wall to how classily Eli has handled this will be a good experience for Jones (and ironically not dissimilar to how Kurt Warner handled things Eli's rookie year).
That's my QB.
Daniel has some big shoes to fill; but I'll be pulling for him just as hard as I pulled for 23 year old Eli when he took the field against Atlanta in November of 2004.
Amen. I feel lucky to have been at Eli’s first start against the Falcons. His first TD was to Shockey. That place went wild!
That's my QB.
Daniel has some big shoes to fill; but I'll be pulling for him just as hard as I pulled for 23 year old Eli when he took the field against Atlanta in November of 2004.
Amen. I feel lucky to have been at Eli’s first start against the Falcons. His first TD was to Shockey. That place went wild!
Ironically, TJ Jones who caught the TD vs Buffalo now wears 80. Crazy.
@SageRosenfels18
Any NFL player (non-kicker) that starts for 16 years for the same team, and doesn’t miss a start because of injury, should be in the Hall of Fame.
That shit is super human.