Articles

Monday Morning Manning: Week 10

By: Marco Imperati

The New York Giants and New England Patriots play each other every year in the most meaningless preseason game, then a regular season game once every four years, and sometimes if we’re all lucky, a special meeting in the last game of the NFL year.

This is a special type of rivalry that is not easy on both fan bases. Tonight was no exception. The Giants lost another heartbreaking game this season, this time at home to the undefeated Patriots 27-26.  Eli Manning finished the game 24-44, 361 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 Interceptions.

Eli looked in control of the offense. Often, going to the line and changing plays. He hit Odell Beckham Jr. with a huge 87 yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. He made big throws to Dwayne Harris, Reuben Randle, and Miles White.

Eli plays his best in big time games, and none have been bigger then his games vs. the Patriots. I wish I could be a fly on the Patriots offensive meeting room walls when they discuss Manning. Unfortunately, like many 4 of the 5 losses this year, late game mental mistakes or missed opportunities have plagued this team.

This game will be diagnosed in depth throughout the week and probably more after. I think the message to Giants fans is this. This team is good enough to play with the best in the league. They’ve proven that on many occasions this year. The division is there for the taking for this Giants team and that’s all you could ask for 10 weeks into the season. Get healthy, learn from your mistakes, and let’s hope our best players continue to be great in this stretch run.

Keep your heads up, Giants fans.

Up next: The Giants will finally get to their much needed bye week. Hopefully in Week 12, we will see a rested team go into Washington and prepare for a stretch run that includes tough games and hopefully a division championship. Maybe, Victor Cruz?  

No, he is no out for the rest of season after announcing he is having surgery.  Good thing we have Harris on the field.