It has been a tough year for Eli Manning and the New York Giants. Manning was the Giants’ starting quarterback at the beginning of the season. However, he was replaced by rookie quarterback Daniel Jones when the season was just two weeks young.
Jones, however, is currently out with an injury. Thus, Manning has gotten to play the last two weeks. On Sunday, Manning played what could be the final game of his career against the Miami Dolphins. While Manning wasn’t great, he wasn’t bad either. In the second half, he was solid as he completed 12 of 14 passes for 167 yards. In total, he completed 20 of 28 passes for 283 yards, threw two touchdown passes and had three interceptions as the Giants beat the Dolphins, 36-20. The win brings Manning’s regular-season record to 117-117.
After the game, Manning was asked about starting another game.
“Of course I’d like to,’’ he said. “I know Daniel’s getting close to getting ready and getting better. We’ll see what his status is. I get it either way. I know they want to get him back and get him more experience. Whatever I’m asked to do, I’ll do it.’’
He added, “I don’t know what the future is, I don’t know what lies next week let alone down the road. The support and the fans and their ovation, chanting my name, from the first snap to the end I appreciate that. I appreciate them always. Special day, special win and one I’ll remember.’’
During the game, chants of “Eli Manning” came from the crowd. Manning was still being honored on Monday as New York papers showed him on their covers.
Here's our @nydnsports back page. @giants @MiamiDolphins #elimanning @nfl @nflnetwork @APSE_sportmedia https://t.co/eaGnmNMBkE pic.twitter.com/Fx7c8W7Qeb
— Back Page Guy NYDN (@BackPageGuyNYDN) December 16, 2019
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) December 16, 2019
The back page: Eli Manning's perfect farewell https://t.co/ylkTb23Bbs pic.twitter.com/nblmV7TnRT
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 16, 2019
All of this is what Manning deserves. He has been the face of the Giants for many years. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, a Super Bowl MVP, and a future Hall of Famer. In recent years, his play has declined and the Giants thought it would be best if Jones took over this year. It would have been unfair if Manning didn’t get a proper farewell. While Manning may still play again, depending on Jones’s health, if he doesn’t, at least he won his final game and got the farewell that he deserves.
