New York Giants drop Eli Manning for Geno Smith against Oakland Raiders
Wednesday 29 November 2017 13:27, UK
The New York Giants are making a change at quarterback for the first time in more than 13 years, benching two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning.
The Giants have announced that Geno Smith will start in place of Manning when the 2-9 Giants (2-9) face the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
"Geno will start this week," head coach Ben McAdoo told the press. "Over the last five games, we will take a look at Geno, and we will also give Davis (Webb) an opportunity."
Former Jets QB Smith started 30 games during his time with the other team from New York, throwing a total 28 TDs and 36 interceptions, with a win-loss ratio of 12-18. Webb is a rookie third-round pick from Texas Tech.
Following the decision, an emotional Manning admitted after being told the news by McAdoo that it was one of the toughest days in his career.
"I will back [Geno Smith] up. I will be a good team-mate. I don't like it but that is part of football - you handle it. I am going to do my job," Manning told reporters.
"It is hard. It has been a hard day to handle this but, you know, I will hang in there and figure it out."
When asked if he believes he has started his last game for the Giants, Manning replied: "I don't know. I will take it one week at a time."
Manning has started 210 consecutive regular-season games, the second-longest streak by a quarterback in NFL history, behind Brett Favre's 297.
He has started every Giants game since November 21, 2004, when he took over for veteran Kurt Warner in the 10th game of his rookie season.
Manning was given the option of starting against the Raiders on Sunday to keep the streak alive, but declined.
His former Giants coach from 2004 to 2015, Tom Coughlin, who is now the executive vice president of football operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars, criticised the move.
"Surprised is not the word," Coughlin told radio station, WJXL-AM. "My sentiments are totally with Eli. I love the kid. I was very upset when I heard that.
"He is a class act; a two-time Super Bowl champion. He is the finest, most humblest young man in that locker room."
