2008 Woodie Awards
Lesson Time For Eli
Jose Ortiz
Issue date: 12/2/04 Section: Sports
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The task couldn't have been harder for young Eli Manning. Just his second career NFL start, and his next dragon to slay would be the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles came into the game 9-1, one win away from clinching the NFC East division title for the fourth straight year. The Giants, however, were in a completely different situation. They went into Sunday 5-5 and were desperately needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The game started out not too badly for the Giants. The defense was able to maintain their composure for the first half, allowing the Eagles only a touchdown, run in by Donovan McNabb. The Giants offense was able to get two field goals, both times getting into the red zone, but unable to convert the TD. Manning was able to beat the rush and only got sacked once the entire first half. Manning also had two bombs to Jamaar Taylor along with a 30-yard pass to Jeremy Shockey. Manning's only downfall in the game was that he couldn't complete a touchdown pass. After the second huge pass of the game, to Taylor, the Giants had the football first and goal at the Eagles three-yard line. Manning went for the famous Shockey lob pass at the sideline, but threw the ball too short and what would have been a touchdown turned into an interception.
The one thing that can't be helped is Manning's lack of experience in the NFL. Plays like he made to Shockey or throws on one foot going backwards that ended up as interceptions are all a part of the learning process for young Manning. He is eating the horrible losses along with the rest of us, and he is only growing stronger with every bitter loss. Giants' fans are already starting to lose faith in the investment of Manning, but that is illogical thinking. One can't throw out the future because of a lousy present. Kurt Warner wasn't getting us to the playoffs any quicker, losing to both the Cardinals and the Bears. However, I feel when Manning does find his edge, he will be a respectable challenge for any team.
The game started out not too badly for the Giants. The defense was able to maintain their composure for the first half, allowing the Eagles only a touchdown, run in by Donovan McNabb. The Giants offense was able to get two field goals, both times getting into the red zone, but unable to convert the TD. Manning was able to beat the rush and only got sacked once the entire first half. Manning also had two bombs to Jamaar Taylor along with a 30-yard pass to Jeremy Shockey. Manning's only downfall in the game was that he couldn't complete a touchdown pass. After the second huge pass of the game, to Taylor, the Giants had the football first and goal at the Eagles three-yard line. Manning went for the famous Shockey lob pass at the sideline, but threw the ball too short and what would have been a touchdown turned into an interception.
The one thing that can't be helped is Manning's lack of experience in the NFL. Plays like he made to Shockey or throws on one foot going backwards that ended up as interceptions are all a part of the learning process for young Manning. He is eating the horrible losses along with the rest of us, and he is only growing stronger with every bitter loss. Giants' fans are already starting to lose faith in the investment of Manning, but that is illogical thinking. One can't throw out the future because of a lousy present. Kurt Warner wasn't getting us to the playoffs any quicker, losing to both the Cardinals and the Bears. However, I feel when Manning does find his edge, he will be a respectable challenge for any team.