New York Giants' benching of Eli Manning 'pathetic', says Philip Rivers
Thursday 30 November 2017 00:19, UK
Philip Rivers will have the NFL's longest active streak of consecutive starts by a quarterback after Eli Manning spends this Sunday on the bench with the New York Giants, not that he's happy about it.
"I thought it was pathetic, really," Rivers said, when asked about the Giants' decision to drop Manning.
The two prolific NFL passers were taken in the first four picks of the 2004 Draft, with the pair linked ever since Manning - who was taken No 1 overall - was traded to the Giants by the then San Diego Chargers, for Rivers.
"I just thought it was too bad, just the way it was handled," Rivers added. "As a fellow quarterback, it was tough to watch him yesterday. You can only imagine how he felt.
"The guy, he's been out there 210 straight games with no telling how many bumps and bruises and injuries for his team, won two Super Bowls, MVPs.
"The respect he's had in the locker room over the years, really the respect he's gained throughout the league, you feel like the guy has earned the opportunity - if they are deciding in fact to go another direction - to finish off these last five weeks.
"But he handled it like a pro, like he's handled everything."
Manning's streak of 210 consecutive regular-season starts is expected to end on Sunday when former New York Jets QB Geno Smith starts for the Giants against the Oakland Raiders. Rivers will start his 196th straight game for the Chargers against the winless Cleveland Browns.
Manning's regular-season streak is the second-longest in NFL history, trailing only Brett Favre (297), with his brother Peyton third with 208.
Despite facing criticism over the benching of Eli, Giants head coach Ben McAdoo was unapologetic over the more when he facing reporters, saying he was "at peace" with the decision.
"It's obviously emotional," he said. "I understand the emotions. I understand the responses. It's been a tough couple days, but I feel we have to put our emotions aside and make the best decision for the New York Giants. I'm at peace with the decision.
"Eli's a pro. He's a Hall of Famer. A tremendous teammate, competitor. He continues to show up to do everything he can do to help the other quarterbacks and the offense of the team to get better and have a chance to win on Sunday."
While McAdoo may well be unapologetic over the decision, New York co-owner John Mara has hinted his head coach's job could be in jeopardy before the season ends.
When asked by reporters if McAdoo's job is safe for the remainder of the season, Mara replied, "there's no guarantees in life." He added that the Giants "obviously have some decisions to make this offseason."
Pressed further on McAdoo's performance this season, Mara said, "we're 2-9. We're 2-9, OK? I'm embarrassed about that. Nobody's doing a good job."
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