Giant Football Blog

Eli calls honeymoon audible

MVP stood for Married and Very Pleased on Sunday as Giants star Eli Manning and his bride, Abby McGrew, kicked off their honeymoon. The couple began their first full day as husband and wife having breakfast with many of the 60 guests who witnessed their Baja beach wedding Saturday.

But after saying goodbye to friends and loved ones, the newlyweds pulled a surprise. They had originally planned to stay at the Mexican resort for a few more days, but changed the play at the last minute like a quarterback calling an audible. Continue

Champion sparkplug

So captivating was the Giants' remarkable run to glory in Super Bowl XLII that the difficult road traversed to get them there is often overlooked or forgotten completely. Leave it to Eli Manning, as grounded and mature a 27-year-old as you're going to find, to remind everyone of the journey.

"You can't look at just the last four games and say, 'This is who we are,' " Manning said Friday after a workout at Giants Stadium. "You got to look at the whole season. Last year, if you look at some of the games, we were almost fortunate to make it into the playoffs in the first place. We got a lot to improve on." Continue

As it turns out, blockbuster 2004 trade for Eli Manning was Super one

One week after the 2004 draft, I conducted a survey of 17 GMs, coaches and personnel experts around the NFL and asked them who got the better of the Giants' franchise-altering trade with the Chargers for Eli Manning. An astounding 13 gave the edge to the Chargers.

Now that Manning is a Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP, that trade can no longer be questioned. He also has earned a grace period - for a couple of games, at least - if he reverts next season to how he played for most of his first four years. Continue

Eli Manning has perfect day

The moment - unlike the Patriots' season - was perfect. Eli Manning stood Tuesday as the Super Bowl MVP before a crazed New York crowd, the key to the greatest city in the world clutched firmly in his hand and the Vince Lombardi trophy nearby.

It was the scenario the aw-shucks southern boy envisioned when he forced his way into Big Apple on draft day 2004 - the biggest success, on the biggest stage in the sporting world. "I would not trade any moment for this moment right here," a beaming Manning said on the steps of City Hall, where the Giants quarterback and his teammates were cheered yet again for their upset of the now 18-1 Patriots. Continue

Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning reap sweet rewards following rocky times

It wasn't that long ago, actually mid-December, weeks before the Giants got on their world championship run, when it looked like Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning, after years of trying, just didn't have that special something it takes to make it in New York.

No coach and quarterback in the NFL had ever been ridiculed more than Coughlin and Manning. That's what made it even sweeter Monday that they were at the day-after news conference for the winning coach and Super Bowl MVP with a championship over the imperfect Patriots. The struggles were just part of the process. Continue

Eli named Super Bowl XLII MVP

So, do you think Eli Manning is going to get booed at home next year? Remember, it wasn't that long ago when Giants fans viewed Manning as a disappointment, maybe even a - gasp! - bust.

Now, that's suddenly a distant, distant memory.Last night, Manning cemented his place in franchise history with a drive that gave the Giants one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history - a 17-14 win over the previously undefeated New England Patriots. Minutes later, Manning was named Super Bowl XLII MVP, one year after his brother Peyton took home the MVP from the Colts' win over the Bears. Continue

Eli’s burning to bring home title

Eli Manning, clad in his white jersey, No. 10 in red, began walking away from the hype and the hoopla and the hysteria toward Super Sunday when a member of the New York media asked him this question: "If you had a chance of being a spokesman for any product, what would it be and why?"

"I have no idea," Manning said. He smiled. "Spokesman for the Giants." And from all indications, he is ready to speak loud and clear. Ready to beat Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and win the game that will make him one of our forever sports heroes. Unlike his big brother, Eli Manning is not the celebrity quarterback. And he will never be, no matter how many endorsements may be waiting for him down Madison Avenue. Continue

Ernie always believed in Eli

Not once. Not after a terrible four-interception flop against the Vikings or a dismal 35-incompletion outing against the Redskins or a five-fumble, two interception performance in Buffalo did Ernie Accorsi think "I might have made a mistake” in trading for Eli Manning Eli Manning . "I’ve never wavered on Manning,” Accorsi said yesterday.

It was Accorsi who famously (or infamously, depending on your perspective) made the blockbuster 2004 draft-day trade, acquiring Manning from the Chargers for Philip Rivers and three draft picks. Accorsi was adamant at the time that Manning was a better prospect than Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger, two quarterbacks he could have selected without a trade. Continue

Eli Manning moves ahead of brother Peyton with Super turnaround

Eli Manning outplayed the legendary Brett Favre, battled through the third-coldest game in history and now the Giants are in the Super Bowl with another shot at preventing the Patriots from completing their perfect season.

The Giants wanted the Patriots again after barely losing to them in the final game of the regular season at the Meadowlands. They get them in Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Ariz. "We know how good they are," Manning said. "But we also know what it takes to beat them. Hopefully we can make it happen this time." Continue

Eli Manning not ready to Pack it in yet

Eli Manning has beaten Jeff Garcia, the Giants killer, and Tony Romo, the Eli killer. Now he steps up in class Sunday and takes on the legendary Brett Favre, who is trying to write a fairy-tale ending to his career.

The Giants are 60 frozen minutes at historic Lambeau Field from the Super Bowl in Phoenix, which was not a likely destination when things got serious in September. Manning handled the huge stage in Dallas last week. Now the lights get even brighter, the stakes much higher, the exhilaration of winning much greater, the pain of losing much deeper. The Giants would like to think this is the first in a series of championship games for Manning, but how do you ever know? Continue

Giants' hopes riding on QB's arm

In the rarefied world of NFL quarterbacks, Eli Manning is often defined by what he's not. He's not a swaggerer like Brett Favre, whose Green Bay Packers the Giants face Sunday. He's not a dater of supermodels, like Tom Brady of the still unbeaten New England Patriots. He does not own a Super Bowl ring like his fiery older brother Peyton, whose Indianapolis Colts were eliminated from the playoffs two days ago. Still, after leading the Giants to two stunning playoff victories, he's the last Manning standing - and Big Blue's hopes of going all the way to the Super Bowl are riding on the right arm of their quiet quarterback. Continue

Little brother Eli comes up big

Maybe there was a time when the news would have hit Eli Manning Eli Manning harder, when his focus would have been pierced and his concentration altered. Maybe a year ago, or two, the news that greeted him when he walked into the locker room a few minutes before yesterday's playoff game with the Cowboys would have leveled him.

“Did the Colts win?" Eli asked as he walked to his locker. “No," he was told. “The Chargers beat them." And that was that. He would wait until later to feel sorry for his big brother, Peyton - after he would complete 12 of 18 passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, after he so masterfully managed this 21-17 upset of the Cowboys. Continue

Eli Manning must outplay Tony Romo for Giants to beat Cowboys

The last non-stop flight tonight from Dallas to Cabo San Lucas leaves about 30 minutes after the Giants plan on having the Cowboys eliminated from the playoffs.

It will be a bit of a rush job to get Tony Romo to the airport, but he could then cuddle with Jessica Simpson all week on the beach with his baseball cap turned backward and not have to worry about the NFC Championship Game Eli Manning will be playing in a week from today in Green Bay.If the Giants are going to advance in the playoffs and keep this season going or get past the Cowboys in the NFC East anytime in the near future, Manning is going to have to find a way to beat Romo. Continue

Eli Manning's accuracy propels Giants

Eli Manning's first career playoff win was more than a career-changing moment. It also may have served as a warning to the Dallas Cowboys. If you're going to dare Manning to beat you, you do so at your own risk. "Eli can beat you," said Giants running back Brandon Jacobs. "Eli can beat a team singlehandedly."

That's not exactly what happened in the Giants' 24-14 wild-card win over the Buccaneers, but it was clear the Bucs' NFC-best defense was far more worried about stopping the 6-4, 264-pound Jacobs than they were about the Giants' quarterback. They stacked the line of scrimmage and as a result, Jacobs struggled. But Manning made them pay. Continue

Eli Manning a cut above as he silences big-mouth Barbers with playoff win

Eli Manning is now two years ahead of his big brother by winning his first playoff game in his fourth season. His father? He played 15 years in the NFL and never even made the playoffs. Manning's career ultimately will be judged by whether he wins the Super Bowl, not by beating the Bucs, clearly the worst team in the playoffs, as the Giants did, 24-14, in the wild-card round. But he desperately needed to take the first step Sunday.

"I always say this playoff stuff is uncharted waters for me," dad Archie Manning said, standing outside the Giants' locker room. "I've got to believe when you go on the road and win a playoff game, the whole organization and players and coaches ought to feel mighty good." Now it's: How 'bout them Cowboys! The Giants go to Dallas on Sunday, and after he was completely outplayed by Tony Romo two months ago at Giants Stadium, this game will be a defining moment in Manning's career. Romo and the Cowboys already have beaten Manning and the Giants twice this season. Continue

Eli Manning earns a third chance to get one done before Peyton

Eli Manning admitted that his first playoff win would be a milestone moment in his so-far turbulent career. But no matter what happens in his third postseason game this Sunday, he will refuse to let it define him. "I am not trying to judge myself by playoff wins," the Giants' quarterback said. But everyone else probably will.

If there's one lesson Eli should have learned while growing up a Manning it's that nothing defines a quarterback more than postseason success. His father Archie is remembered less for his stellar, 13-year career than he is for the fact that he never played in the playoffs. And Eli's older brother Peyton, for all his Pro Bowls and records, was saddled with the "Can't Win the Big One" tag until he won the Super Bowl last February. Continue

Time for Eli Manning to take Giant step into second round of playoffs

The diapers are off and the training wheels have been tossed aside. It's time Eli Manning wins his first playoff game. A third straight wild-card loss, especially after the way he played lights-out against the undefeated Patriots, will be unacceptable.

Just where has the Manning who showed up Saturday night been all season? In Indianapolis? Did the Giants borrow his brother for one night? He was patient, decisive, instinctive, clever with pump fakes, accurate and a leader - basically all the things the Giants hoped they were getting when they made the big trade nearly four years ago. If he can play like that on such a big stage, he should be able to do it all the time. The Giants are praying it was not an aberration. Continue

Muscle needed for Eli-vation

Maybe when he takes the field at Raymond James Stadium in balmy Tampa for the Giants' playoff game, Eli Manning will reclaim his mojo and gain his first career postseason victory. After weeks of slogging and slinging and chattering and fumbling in the cold and wind and rain and snow, perhaps all slumping Eli needs - like so many Northeasterners this time of year - is a dose of Florida sunshine.

Sadly for the fourth-year quarterback, fans find it nearly inconceivable the Giants can count on him to provoke anything but heartache for however long the season is extended. So muted are expectations that whatever confidence Manning engendered the past few years has been replaced by a Win Despite Eli mantra that has even found its way into the coaching mindset. Continue

Eli Manning, Giants have much at stake

This is not the right time to be worrying about Eli Manning's right arm, his back leg, his loopy spirals, his invisible temper, his hot and cold performances. On Sunday, he'll be trying to put the Giants into the playoffs, and this is the scary news: He can't be trusted.

The Giants don't need a Tom Brady throw-alike to put away Buffalo and come home a playoff team for the third straight year under Tom (One and Out) Coughlin. The Giants need to win this one because their next and last chance is against the perfectly perfect Patriots. Continue

Eli Manning, Giants have much at stake

This is not the right time to be worrying about Eli Manning's right arm, his back leg, his loopy spirals, his invisible temper, his hot and cold performances. On Sunday, he'll be trying to put the Giants into the playoffs, and this is the scary news: He can't be trusted.

The Giants don't need a Tom Brady throw-alike to put away Buffalo and come home a playoff team for the third straight year under Tom (One and Out) Coughlin. The Giants need to win this one because their next and last chance is against the perfectly perfect Patriots.

The Bills, 7-7, aren't going anywhere. Not this year. But they don't play that way, don't go away quietly. (Must be the spicy buffalo wings.) They have an improving rookie quarterback, Trent Edwards, and a rookie running back, Marshawn Lynch, who is closing in on 1,000 yards. At the same time, the Bills aren't a scoring machine. They've managed to go beyond 20points in only three of their 14 games. Not good. Continue

Eli Manning struggling in cold weather

When the weather outside is frightful, lately Eli Manning has been, too. That could be a big problem when the Giants try to clinch a playoff spot on what is expected to be a chilly, windy, rainy and possibly snowy day in Buffalo this Sunday. The conditions, at best, could be similar to what they were at Giants Stadium last Sunday night.

"Maybe it's good," Manning said yesterday. "We had some practice this past weekend and got all the bad plays out of the way. Now we can get better." He certainly couldn't get much worse after completing 34.6% of his passes (18-for-52) in a 22-10 loss to the Washington Redskins. The Giants came out throwing in that game and never stopped, even though it was clear the winds - at 15-20mph and gusting higher - were blowing Manning's passes all over the field. Continue

Fresh off comeback win, Eli Manning gets blitz-happy Eagles

Eli Manning was already in the midst of one of the finest days of his career when he dropped back to pass late in overtime on Sept. 17, 2006. As usual, the Eagles were blitzing. Not surprisingly, within seconds, two defenders were in his face.

Manning saw it coming and had already adjusted the play, which set up a 31-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress that is symbolic of what the Giants' quarterback has done in his seven career games against the vaunted Philly blitz. He courageously stands in the pocket, and at times has taken a pounding. Continue

Eli Manning's performance will dictate playoff future for Giants

Eli Manning's ups and downs guarantee it's going to be wild ride to the wild card game in Tampa or Seattle for the Giants. Not only is it impossible to predict how Manning will play week to week, he's a different player from quarter to quarter, almost throw-to-throw.

The upside is when Tom Coughlin puts him in the high-tempo, no-huddle offense, as he did in the fourth quarter in Chicago, and Manning leads the Giants to two touchdowns to win the game. The downside is how he played the rest of the game. "I think the big thing about (Sunday) was that, as we talked earlier in the week, it is not that a man gets knocked down, it is what he does after he gets back up," Coughlin said. Continue

Eli Manning struggles early, steps up when Giants need him most

Eli Manning was so bad for so long Sunday he was even getting outplayed by Rex Grossman, which is the ultimate indictment of a quarterback.

Manning was up to his old stuff - killer interceptions, fumbles, balls in the dirt, overthrowing his receivers, passing behind his receivers. He was providing even more ammunition to those who wonder if he is ever going to be more than mediocre, which is not what the Giants thought they were buying when they traded for him. He was also throwing away the Giants' season and perhaps on the way to costing Tom Coughlin his job. The Giants needed this game. Manning needed it even more. Continue

Giants are stuck with Eli Manning at QB for long haul, like it or not

Eli Manning may not deserve it, but job security is not an issue through the 2009 season and probably beyond. The Giants are stuck. They have already invested $30.1 million in Manning, plus all the draft picks they traded for him. And even if they were willing to write that off as a costly mistake, there is no place to turn to upgrade the position.

There have been some bad games by Giants quarterbacks - unavoidable from guys such as Scott Brunner, Dave Brown, Kent Graham and Danny Kanell - but none faced the scrutiny and criticism Manning endured this week after three of his four interceptions against the Vikings were returned for TDs. Continue

The ice Mann

It looks as if Eli Manning cares, but not enough to quell the rage of the many fans appalled by the way he played in a desultory 41-17 loss to the Vikings and disgusted with the way the Giants quarterback sounded and reacted following a truly dreadful individual performance.

Manning following his four-interception horror show - three were run back for Minnesota touchdowns and another set up a short scoring run - offered up his usual bland analysis, appearing unhappy but far from distraught and certainly not castigating himself with an "it was all my fault" mea culpa. There's a feeling that if he is going to make the paying customers so miserable, the least Manning could do is show he's feeling as pained as they do. Continue

Eli Manning too calm, Tom Coughlin not

Eli Manning had just played one of the worst games ever for a Giants quarterback; it was even more embarrassing with big brother Peyton watching from a luxury box. When it finally came to an end after the Vikings nearly chased him right out of the stadium, he displayed no anger, no disgust, no passion. He didn't beat himself up. His coach did it for him. "You know, just disappointed," Manning said.

He's got to do better than that. Could we see some fire? Can he at least predict a sleepless night? Kids who lose video games get more upset. Four interceptions. Three returned for touchdowns, which had never happened to the Giants since they started playing in 1925. It was one short of the NFL record. Manning had one pick returned to the Giants' 8-yard line, setting up another touchdown. Continue

Eli's arm key to victory

THE Giants will try to run the ball today against the Vikings, and fail, because no one runs the ball on the Vikings. So today, the mandate for Eli Manning is one his famous older brother has honored forever for the Colts: go win the game with your arm.

This isn't any barometer game or statement game because, heavens knows, we already have burdened Manning with enough of them over the past three seasons. Sometimes it seems as if we invent new challenges for him, new obstacles for him to overcome, new mountains for him to climb, so he can validate for us exactly why the Giants mortgaged their future to make him their franchise quarterback. Continue

Eli Manning quietly passes a big test

Eli Manning had to wait before starting his postgame press conference because there was hardly anybody there to interview him. It was that kind of game for Manning. Barely anybody noticed him in a 16-10 win over the Lions at Ford Field Sunday. While Jon Kitna threw for nearly 400 yards, Manning quietly completed 28 of 39 passes for 283 yards and one touchdown. And while Manning and the Giants left points on the field with fumbles by Brandon Jacobs and Sinorice Moss in Lions territory, the quarterback played largely error-free football.

One week after he was outplayed by Dallas' Tony Romo, Manning rebounded by managing the Giants to a critical road win in the wild-card chase. While Manning didn't throw for multiple touchdowns or any pretty strikes like the 35-yard touchdown connection between Kitna and Calvin Johnson, the quarterback got his seventh win of the season against a defense that came in leading the league in takeaways. Continue

Eli Manning far from being what Giants hoped for

Eli Manning is much better than Dave Brown, not nearly as good as Phil Simms and so far about the same as Kerry Collins. So, where does that leave the Giants? It's clear after 48 regular-season starts and two more in the playoffs that Manning is not a top-five elite quarterback, which is what the Giants thought they were buying when they gave up all those draft picks to the Chargers, who wanted Philip Rivers anyway.

Manning's mediocre performance in last weeks crucial game against the Cowboys, in which he was outplayed by Tony Romo, who was not even drafted, has served notice to the Giants: This may be the best he's got. Where he ranks in the NFL has become a hot topic. Continue

Eli Manning not fazed by barrage of criticism

There are two things that should be crystal clear about the Giants by now. First, after a big loss, Eli Manning will get most of the blame, and every part of his game and personality will be torn apart. Second, and most importantly, Manning doesn't care.

"E's such an easygoing guy, none of that affects him," Giants running back Brandon Jacobs said yesterday. "Sometimes he can care less what's going on around him. That's the type of guy he is. E has handled all of it well. None of it has really bothered him. "So if people want to stop now they really can, because they're wasting their time." With that, the Giants hope they have put to rest the latest round of one of New York's favorite fall pastimes: Eli-bashing. The Giants' quarterback actually wasn't so bad in a 31-20 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday, completing 23 of 34 passes for 236 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Continue

John Mara: Giants sticking with Eli Manning

The debate over Eli Manning has been raging in New York for more than 3-1/2 years, since the day the Giants paid a hefty price to get him. Outside the Giants organization, that price will forever be a part of how he's measured.

However, inside the Giants front office, they base their measurement on only one thing. "The only thing we evaluate is 'Can we win with this guy?'" Giants co-owner John Mara said Tuesday. "That's the one thing. When we talk about any player at the end of the season, the No.1 question is 'Will he help us win?' And to take it one step further, 'Can we win a championship with this guy?'" Continue

Eli shrugs off 44.9 QB rating

Eli Manning could not have envisioned returning from his first European business trip having passed for a paltry 59 yards - lousy even with the exchange rate - and exhibiting greater prowess with his legs than his arm. Manning was 8 of 22 in Sunday's 13-10 victory over the winless Dolphins at Wembley Stadium. Despite a quarterback rating of 44.9, he was heartened that for the first time this season he did not throw an interception.

"I didn't play well," Manning said. "I had my share of bad throws and misses." He also knew he was not alone when it came to offensive ineptitude on the muddy grass field. "We kind of had a little bit of everything," Manning said yesterday morning before the Giants chartered back home. "I had some bad throws; guys were slipping down, we had some drops." Continue

Eli Manning struggles through worst game of year

The world got its first up-close look at Eli Manning, and it wasn't a pretty sight. In the NFL's first regular-season game overseas, a game that was broadcast to 216 countries, Manning endured his worst performance of this season yesterday, and one of the the worst of his career. Playing on a muddy field in a driving rain and throwing a wet football, he completed just 8 of 22 passes for 59yards as the Giants held on to beat the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium, 13-10.

The yardage total was his lowest since Dec. 12, 2004, when he got benched after completing just 4 of 18 passes for 27 yards at Baltimore in his fourth career start. "Well, we won, and that's the most important thing," Manning said. "We didn't have an interception. Had the one fumble. Couldn't do much about that. But we tried to play smart. I wish I could've had a few more completions, but winning the game is the most important thing." Continue

Invisible Mann

Sometimes silence is the most blissful of all Sunday noises, better than the steady roar of 78,912 people enjoying every bit of a 33-15 rout by the home team, better than the chants of “Oooo-siiii!" following one of the greatest bits of one-man-bandmanship you'll ever see, better even than the hum of thousands of car engines granted the chance to hit the Turnpike earlier than expected.

It was a fun day at Giants Stadium, in the midst of a fun and wholly unexpected football season. The Giants' thrashing of the 49ers was their fifth win in a row, making them the most scorching-hot team in the NFC as they prepare for their little jaunt across the pond next week, where the woeful Dolphins promise to do their best to help push the Giants a little farther along. Continue

Eli is mann of the hour

Ultimately,, it won't be Tom Coughlin turning into a player's coach that will save his job. It will be Eli Manning playing the way a franchise quarterback is supposed to play. Coughlin convinced ownership during their postseason summit that he was the right man to get Manning to take the next step, and look at the Giants now - 4-2, winners of four in a row, one game behind the Cowboys, on a fast track to 6-2 at the bye.

Notice was served last night that the Giants, 31-10 winners over the Falcons, do not always have to beat you with their Munch Bunch pass rush (four more sacks) feasting on quarterbacks. The Giants do not always have to beat you with Thunder & Enlightening, their Baby Bull tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward . . . and don't forget Reuben Droughns. They can beat you now with Eli Manning, too. Continue

Giants' coaches want Eli Manning to complete 60% of passes

The bar was set high for Eli Manning entering his third full season as the Giants' starting quarterback. His coaches wanted an end to his maddening inconsistency. They expected his completion percentage would top 60%.

More than a quarter of the way through the season, Manning's percentage is close (58.6), but also skewed by a fantastic opening-night performance when he completed 68.3% of his passes. He hasn't topped 60% in any of the last four games. And his percentage for the last two games is only 52.9 (27-for-51).

As he heads toward a Monday night game in Atlanta, Manning has completed only 54.5% of his career passes over nearly 3-1/2 seasons and 45 career starts. That's why Kevin Gilbride, the Giants' offensive coordinator and previously Manning's quarterbacks coach, was asked: Were the expectations too high? And is that all there is? Continue

Eli's able to answer call

ANYONE who saw Eli Manning pound his fist to the FedEx Field grass in frustration after throwing his second interception on an ill-conceived deep ball should realize even smart quarterbacks do dumb things. Manning, though, is so sharp that at times his teammates are taken aback, and that acumen more than anything else is the reason for great optimism with this still-young Giants franchise cornerstone.

Early in the fourth quarter Sunday, trailing 17-10, the Giants faced third-and-5 on the Redskins' 11-yard line. Manning had two plays to choose from: a pass to Derrick Ward, or a draw to Ward. At the line of scrimmage, Eli pulled a Peyton, waiting, waiting, gesturing, twice going with the hitch leg kick, scanning the Washington defense for a clue. The play clock was draining and his offensive linemen were glancing backward, wondering if Manning was ever going to call for the snap. Continue

Eli Manning likely to start for Giants vs. Packers

When Eli Manning injured his right shoulder last Sunday night in Dallas and went right back in to complete 4-of-4 passes including a perfect, 10-yard touchdown strike, his backup quarterback, Jared Lorenzen, was amazed by his toughness. Imagine, then, how amazed he's going to be today.

Because it looks like, just seven days after suffering a second-degree sprain of the AC joint in his right shoulder, Manning will take the field at some point in the Giants' home opener against the Green Bay Packers and might even start his 43rd consecutive game (including playoffs). His presence undoubtedly will be a huge lift to his teammates, still reeling from their opening-night loss to the Cowboys, and his display of toughness should ignite the Giants Stadium crowd. Continue

Eli Manning passes test, may play against Packers

Eli Manning returned to practice yesterday and took a huge step toward starting tomorrow's game. In fact, a lot of people in the Giants organization will be surprised if he doesn't.

Multiple team sources and several of Manning's teammates said yesterday they expect him to start in the Giants' home opener against the Green Bay Packers, although the final decision belongs to Tom Coughlin and it likely won't be made until just before kickoff. It also will depend on how Manning's injured right shoulder feels tomorrow morning. Yesterday, however, all the news about the quarterback seemed to be good. Continue

Manning to play

WFAN in NY is reporting that the NFL Network has reported that Eli will start on Sunday. I think that might be called hearsay but I am not a lawyer.

Eli Manning's 'light' tosses gives Giants heavy choice

Optimists can take what Eli Manning said yesterday and believe his shoulder is improving enough to give him a real chance of playing Sunday. But ... not so fast. As backup Jared Lorenzen continues his crash course on the Packers, Manning works only on the side, doing what offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride calls "light throwing" and making one think that such an early return may be a bit too ambitious.

The bottom line is there is still no definitive word on Manning's availability against the Packers, still no physical evidence he can play and still no clearance from the medical staff. Continue

Second opinion says Eli Manning can play with pain

A second opinion on Eli Manning's shoulder confirmed the initial diagnosis: If he can take the pain, he can play. Dr. James Andrews, the noted orthopedic surgeon from Birmingham, Ala., concurred with the Giants' doctors yesterday that the quarterback has nothing more than a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. He reviewed Manning's MRI results yesterday and confirmed no structural damage.

All the doctors seem to agree that Manning will not risk further damage by playing, even as early as this Sunday against the Packers. The only remaining issues are how much it hurts and how much pain he can take. Continue

Giants' season rests on Eli Manning's shoulder

Eli Manning was able to brush his teeth, open the door to his car and turn the key on the ignition yesterday, all with his right hand. But he said he decided it would not be a good idea to lift a bed, move a couch, carry anything over his head or throw a football. And there is no indication when he will throw a football, which is what anybody really cares about at the moment. "They really put it in my hands," he said. "It just all depends on how I feel."

It's all about Manning's tolerance for the pain, stiffness and soreness. Whenever a righthanded quarterback falls to the turf on his right shoulder, soon followed by a 257-pound linebacker falling on top of him, the fear is days can turn into weeks and weeks can turn into a month or more. Continue

ESPN says Manning is out a month

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has a slightly separated shoulder which is expected to keep him out at least a month, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Monday.

Doctors told the team that Manning does not need surgery, but the quarterback will get a second opinion from orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Manning and coach Tom Coughlin denied that the quarterback had a separated shoulder. Continue

MRI results on Giants QB Eli Manning reveal (mostly) good news

The MRI results on Eli Manning are in and the news was about as good as the Giants could have hoped for. He suffered only a sprained right shoulder, according to a league source. No structural damage was detected. Manning's status for the Giants' game against the Green Bay Packers is uncertain, but the hope is that if he does miss any time it will only be a week or two at most.

The length of his absence may all depend Manning's tolerance for pain and he how he progresses as the week goes along. He will likely be very limited in practice this week, and his status for the Packers game is not likely to be known until right before kickoff. (NY Daily News)

Eli Manning's injury ruins good performance

Eli Manning relied on his left hand to tighten the knot on his tie and then he carefully put his right arm into the sleeve of his sports jacket as he stood in front of his locker late last night at Texas Stadium.

He goes for an MRI today on his right shoulder. It was bruised when Cowboys rookie Anthony Spencer threw him to the turf and Manning landed on his shoulder on a failed two-point conversion attempt midway through the fourth quarter of the Giants' wild 45-35 season-opening loss. It forced him out of the game for the Giants' final drive with the game out of reach. Continue

Manning continues his strong play for Giants

This wasn't exactly a game-winning drive against an intimidating NFL defense. But Eli Manning did lead a scoring drive in his final series of the preseason, his only series in last night's game against the Patriots.

These were the Patriots of the final preseason game, which means their defense from the opening play was a collection of third-stringers and rookies. First-round pick Brandon Meriweather, a safety from Miami (Fla.), was the only player on the field for New England who expects to see significant time for Bill Belichick this season. Continue

Manning on target for Giants

The fans at training camp "ruined" Chris Palmer's favorite drill by cheering in all the wrong places. His quarterbacks ended up playing to the crowd like they were pro wrestlers whether their throw hit the correct target or not.

It couldn't have been completely ruined, though, because the new quarterback coach and his drills have had an obvious effect on Giants starter Eli Manning. Through the first three preseason games, his numbers have been outstanding. It's as if he rarely misses the target at all. Continue

Big Blue streak

Shaun O'Hara yesterday morning read with a hefty amount of shock and awe that Eli Manning laid into former Giants teammate Tiki Barber, and the veteran center had an immediate reaction. "Good for him," O'Hara said of Manning.

That was an overwhelming sentiment, as players, many others in the organization, and fans were pumped up after Manning for the first time in his four years as Giants quarterback used his words to stir the pot. "I guess I've always been kind of just even-keel, never really responded back, try to always make things smooth and easy, and that was probably the first time I just kind of fired back a little bit," Manning said the day after what some viewed as a coming-of-age moment. "Just one of those things I felt I needed to do." Continue

Eli fires back at Tiki

Did Tiki Barber inadvertently unleash dormant leadership qualities in Eli Manning that Barber accused Manning of lacking? Clearly determined to make a forceful point with more conviction than he has at any previous juncture of his Giants career, Manning yesterday shot back at critical comments lobbed in his direction over the weekend by Barber, a former teammate and record-breaking running back. At halftime of Sunday night's Giants-Ravens preseason game, Barber in his debut on NBC's "Football Night in America" openly questioned Manning's leadership ability, describing how late last season he requested that the quarterback deliver a motivational speech to the offense and how "he was very uncomfortable doing it. Sometimes it was almost comical the way he would say things."

Manning was briefed about those harsh words not long after the Giants defeated the Ravens 13-12, and upon his return to training camp yesterday took up the offensive. "I guess I'm just happy for Tiki that he's made a smooth transition into the media world," Manning said with more than a hint of sarcasm. "I'll be interested to see if he has anything to say [about other teams] besides the Giants and what his comments will be on that." Never one to venture into any controversial waters, Manning, in much the way he prepares for a game, took his shots at Barber in a precise, calm manner, referring to Barber's prolonged farewell tour preceding his retirement.

"It's one of those deals I'm not going to lose any sleep about what Tiki has to say," Manning said with more animation than usual. "I guess I could have questioned his leadership skills last year with calling out the coach and having articles about him retiring in the middle of the season, saying he's lost the heart. As a quarterback, you're reading that your running back's lost a little, the heart, him playing the game, and it's about the 10th week. I'm not going to get concerned, I'm going to go out and play ball." Continue

Eli's sharp effort impresses Giants' Coughlin

Eli Manning got plenty of action in his two quarters of work Sunday night, whether he was scrambling away from one of the Ravens defenders or making a dozen very accurate throws. It was a very strong performance for the Giants quarterback, except for a fumbled snap that turned into a Ravens field goal.

Manning completed 10 of 13 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, a 10-yarder to rookie Steve Smith through heavy traffic, in the Giants' 13-12 win. Manning's best throw was an across-the-field completion to Smith while linebacker Terrell Suggs was taking Manning down. Continue

Giants' Manning quietly shows more leadership

Tom Coughlin saves his best numbers for the best questions. In seasons past, he's been asked about Eli Manning's development on the field and as a leader; Coughlin would then say that this was the "4,973rd time" he's been asked that question, or some figure he pulled out of thin air.

Thanks to Michael Strahan's holdout, Coughlin is only counting the "Anything from Michael?" questions thus far. But Manning hasn't been immune. If anything, on top of Tiki Barber's retirement after last season, Strahan's absence has made Manning answer more questions about leadership than any about game-planning, video study or footwork. Continue

Making Eli into The Man

At first it seems kind of superficial to fault Eli Manning for his lack of swagger, for the fact that he comes off more like a laid-back barista at Starbucks than a starting NFL quarterback.

But with Michael Strahan threatening to follow Tiki Barber into retirement, the Giants are facing a burgeoning swagger-deficit crisis. The team needs Manning, who is entering his fourth season, to eat, breathe and sleep the role of the visible leader. So much so that the Giants are addressing even his body language.

Manning has been encouraged to stop slumping his shoulders and looking at the ground after something goes wrong on the field. Instead of looking like a mope, he is being coached to look downfield after a broken play. The idea is to both give Manning a few more seconds to get a handle on what is going on and to bolster the perception that he is actually getting a handle on what is going on. Continue

Eli has new QB coach seeing star

Chris Palmer has now had six months to study Eli Manning up close since being hired as the Giants' quarterbacks coach. They've spent 13 hours in the film room together and another two weeks or so working on the field. That's been enough, Palmer said, to convince him that Manning is still filled with potential. In fact, he's convinced that Manning is not only going to be a star in the NFL, but will lead the Giants to the Super Bowl someday.

"I think what I see from Eli is an excellent quarterback who'll be very, very good in this league," Palmer said yesterday at the Giants' training camp-opening barbecue, "and one who'll lead his team to the promised land." Continue

Manning lobs barb at Barber

Eli Manning has been criticized for not being enough of a vocal leader during his three seasons with the Giants. Yesterday, however, the usually soft-spoken quarterback didn't hold back when asked about what he thought life would be like without newly retired running back Tiki Barber. "I don't think we're concerned," Manning said. "We're excited by the players that we have who wanted to return for this season, and who wanted to be a part of the Giants and play."

Barber, who will be a correspondent this fall for NBC, had a sometimes contentious relationship with coach Tom Coughlin over the past two years. And when word of Barber's retirement leaked out during last season, many in the media questioned Barber's dedication to the team. Manning's parting shot, however, is the first time a teammate has openly criticized the Giants' all-time leading rusher. Continue

Manning upbeat about Giants' 2007 chances

Despite a late-season swoon in 2006 and an uneven minicamp last month, Eli Manning expressed confidence about his team and his status. The fourth-year quarterback, who was in Grand Central Terminal yesterday for a charity putt-off, said that despite his struggles, he expects to be more consistent and deemed himself a team leader.

Like Manning, the Giants got off to a hot start (6-2) last season, then fizzled down the stretch. They limped to an 8-8 record before being ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Eagles. During June minicamp, Manning threw six interceptions and struggled with accuracy. Continue

No-shows get pass from Eli

The Giants held their third team workout of the spring yesterday, but they are still waiting for Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress to participate in their first.

Both arrived in New Jersey several weeks ago, played a few days of catch with quarterback Eli Manning and promised to stay for even more. But neither has participated in any of the first three days of organized team activities. Even though the drills are voluntary, 84 of the 88 players on the roster attended yesterday's session. Shockey, Burress, defensive end Michael Strahan and fullback Jim Finn were the only ones who did not. Continue

Eli, Plax will reconnect soon

Eli Manning plans to begin throwing to receivers for the first time this offseason on Monday. At least one of his top two targets has promised he'll be there next week, too.

Plaxico Burress, who has spent past offseasons working out on his own in Miami, told the Giants' coaching staff he plans to finally join Manning and the rest of his teammates at the team's offseason program. It's unclear if tight end Jeremy Shockey will join them - offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said he was "kind of optimistic" - but getting even one of them, after several years of pleading, would be an unexpected surprise. "No question if they were here it would help," Gilbride said. (Daily News)

Eli, top targets still miles apart

Eli Manning has made previous pleas to Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress asking them to attend the Giants' offseason workout program, and they have always said "No." There's no reason for Manning to believe they have changed their minds. But it never hurts to ask, so he did. "Yeah, I've talked to both of them," Manning said yesterday. "I said, 'Hey, I probably won't start throwing until mid-April. That's when I'd like you here. Right now if you want to be training someplace else, that's fine with me.' I'll talk to them as that gets closer and see what everybody is planning."

At the moment, both Burress and Shockey are planning to spend most of the offseason training on their own in Miami, just as they have for several years. The offseason workout program is voluntary, but to their coaches and quarterback, the absence of Burress and Shockey has been a big deal. With those two out, and with Amani Toomer still recovering from a torn ACL, Manning won't be able to throw to any of his top three targets until the Giants' lone mandatory minicamp in mid-June. Continue

Eli gets 5-year extension

Giants fans have complained about the team's unwillingness to spend in the free-agent market, but the Giants have invested heavily in their own players this offseason. They not only re-signed center Shaun O'Hara to a five-year, $19-million deal hours before the free-agency signing period began March 2, but they also spent big money to make sure Eli Manning remains their quarterback for many years to come. Forget about Manning's inconsistency in his first three seasons; he's here to stay.

The Giants exercised a "buy-back" of Manning's contract earlier this month, a move that keeps the fourth-year quarterback under contract through the 2012 season, Newsday has learned. Had the Giants not made the move, Manning would have become a free agent after the 2007 season. The move wasn't cheap. According to league sources familiar with Manning's contract, the Giants gave him a $5-million buy-back bonus as well as a $3-million roster bonus. His base salary for the 2007 season will be $6.45 million. It increases to $8.45 million in 2008 and $8.95 million in 2009. Continue

Peyton: Eli can be super

As Sunday night was blending into Monday morning, Eli Manning was going at it with big b