Giants great Eli Manning drops optimistic take on Daniel Jones after QB's Week 1 struggles
New York Giants icon Eli Manning shared his thoughts on Daniel Jones, who couldn't get things going in a Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. The six-year quarterback struggled against the Vikings and was outplayed by Sam Darnold. Jones attempted 42 passes and completed 22 for 186 yards and two interceptions, including an interception returned for a touchdown.
Manning joined "The Dan Patrick Show" on Thursday, where he had the chance to discuss where the Giants are heading after Sunday's subpar performance. The two-time Super Bowl champion refused to throw shade at Jones and reminded people that he struggled during his playing days, too.
"After Week 1, you know, understanding, I've been in this situation, I've had a bad Week 1 before. I've thrown three interceptions in Week 1; we've had losses, we've started 0-2 and in a Super Bowl year, we've started 0-2, and had to go down to Washington and down at halftime and had a comeback win to get on a little winning streak.
"I also know it can change quickly, you can get your confidence back, you can get on a winning streak. I'm always optimistic and I'm a fan of the Giants, I'm a fan of the coaches, I know them personally, I see how hard the work. I'm a fan of Daniel Jones. I'm rooting for him to do and I'm going to be optimistic in that," Manning said. (9:49)
Eli Manning was referring to the 2007 season when the Giants lost to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, 45-35. They lost to the Green Bay Packers the next week, 35-13, before going to Washington where they won, 24-17. As Eli said, they were down at halftime before scoring 21 unanswered points to take the game, which turned into a four-game winning streak.
Eli Manning says Tom Brady is still bitter over 2008 Super Bowl loss
Speaking about that magical season, Eli Manning said that he feels Tom Brady is still unhappy about losing to the Giants, despite entering the Super Bowl with 16 wins and no losses under his belt. Appearing on the "Roommates Show" podcast, Manning said that Brady is still hurt by that loss because he always brings it up.
He was the first quarterback to beat Brady in a Super Bowl in 2008, and again in 2012 after another dramatic Giants-Patriots Super Bowl, he would win again. Quarterback Nick Foles joined him in 2017 when the Philadelphia Eagles beat Brady and the Patriots, 41-33.