New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gave his view about the decision of the New York Giants to bench quarterback, Eli Manning, after 210 consecutive starts and two Super Bowl titles. In an interview with Jim Gray, for Westwood One Sports radio, Brady said Manning’s benching was a pretty unfortunate situation, saying his rival quarterback has provided the Giants everything they want in an NFL player. “I mean, I have nothing but the most respect for him and everything he's achieved and accomplished in his career," said Brady, who lost twice to Manning and the Giants in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.
Brady also expressed respect for Manning for his dependability, consistency and his toughness on the field.
After they dropped to 2-9, Giants head coach Ben McAdoo made the decision to replace the 36-year-old Manning with backup Geno Smith when they take on the Oakland Raiders Sunday. Rookie Davis Webb will back up Smith. Explaining his decision, McAdoo said replacing Manning as starting quarterback is the best action for the organization moving forward. This season, Manning completed 247-of-395 passes for 2,411 yards and 14 touchdowns, with seven picks. During his tenure with the Giants, Manning has thrown for 50,625 yards and 334 touchdowns, with 222 interceptions.
Big Ben, Rivers also speak out
Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said Manning’s benching could be a potential sign of gloomy things to come. “It sparks the reality that that could be me," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday. "They could do that to me next year or whenever, who knows?” Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, for his part, called Manning’s benching pathetic, saying the Giants should have given him the chance to start the last five weeks.
Manning, Roethlisberger, and Rivers were all taken in the top 10 of the 2004 draft. That year, the Chargers made Manning the top overall pick, but he asked to be traded to the Giants for Rivers.
Hall of Famer disappointed
Hall of Fame defensive end Michael Strahan added his name to the list of NFL personalities who criticized the Giants’ move to bench Manning as starting quarterback.
Strahan, who won a Super Bowl ring alongside Manning in 2007, said he was disappointed with the Giants decision to remove Manning as starter, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. “With four games to go that aren't going to change the season one way or another ... this is just not right,” said Strahan.
