New York Giants rookie wideout Darius Slayton believes quarterback Eli Manning is still a team leader throughout the facility.
It’s officially a new era for the New York Giants. The team has replaced longtime quarterback Eli Manning with rookie Daniel Jones, and the so-called “Danny Dimes era” is in full swing after Sunday’s victory.
With Eli now standing on the sideline, watching what Jones and this offense can do, will he still be the leader he’s always been? Will the two-time Super Bowl MVP still be the mentor that young guys within this organization need? Despite that conversation being in question form, rookie wideout Darius Slayton isn’t questioning it at all.
“I think he’s been a real pro. Honestly, from the day they announced it until now, he’s been the same guy,” Slayton told TMZ. “He’s came in, I think he’s really tried to help [Daniel Jones] get ready week in, week out because obviously you can’t replace 16 years of experience.”
“There’s no way we can learn everything he knows in a matter of months,” he added. “He still plays a pivotal role in this team and it’s a blessing to have a guy like that around.”
Is it possible for Manning to feel bad about the success this offense has had without him? Well, we can’t exactly enter into Eli’s mind. We don’t know for sure what he’s thinking. However, on the surface, the longtime professional is surely acting, well, professional about it. The proof is in the pudding. That won’t change.
“He’s still a big leader around here,” Slayton said. “He’s still Eli Manning now. He’s got rings, he’s all over the facility. It’s really important for a guy like that to be involved and be part of the team. I don’t think he’ll be forgotten around here anytime soon.”Slayton had three receptions on five targets for 82 yards in his first career NFL game on Sunday, including a huge catch on the Giants’ final drive.
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