New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will reportedly start as long as Big Blue isn’t mathematically eliminated.
Ah, the new shiny toy. There’s nothing like it. It’s intriguing to get something new in your life, especially when you’re getting sick and tired of its predecessor.
That’s what many New York Giants fans are going through right now. They see what quarterback Daniel Jones did this preseason (88% completion percentage, 416 yards, two touchdowns, no picks) and start to ask “so when are we going to part ways with Eli Manning?” Well, Big Blue’s head coach Pat Shurmur doesn’t seem to be asking that very question. He actually looks to be confident in the longtime New York quarterback.
“I think (Manning’s) had an outstanding offseason,” Shurmur said, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. “I think he’s had, in my mind, an outstanding camp. He’s executed well the time he’s been in the game. He’s certainly a guy that’s got a lot of experience. When I look at him I just see a guy that’s much more comfortable in the system for a second year in a row, and I’m looking forward to him having a really good year.”
Manning only took 28 snaps this preseason, but there’s no chance you’re going to throw a 38-year-old quarterback in there for more than two possessions in a preseason game. The Giants need him to be healthy and rested enough for Week 1 in Dallas.
Yes, Manning will start and should start that initial regular-season game. No shot you throw Jones in that game, even with his preseason success. If time goes on with the Giants struggling, then the Giants could possibly make a decision.
Vacchiano writes “Privately, team officials have told SNY that Manning will be the starter ‘as long as we’re in the playoff race.'”
That’s an interesting tidbit. If the Giants go 2-6, then what happens? That record doesn’t lead to mathematical elimination, but do the Giants make a pre-planned decision right then and there? Fans will have to wait and see, but it should be an eyebrow-raising-type season for Big Blue.
