Giants QB Eli Manning: 'I Think We're Close'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Giants are "close" to being Super Bowl contenders again under new coach Ben McAdoo, quarterback Eli Manning says.
Manning told reporters he believes a Giants turnaround is within reach following back-to-back 6-10 seasons, which led to the departure of coach Tom Coughlin.
"I think we're close," Manning said in his first public comments since McAdoo was hired earlier this month, the New York Daily News reported. "We have some pieces in place that I'm excited about. All it needs is some new people. ... (There are) some areas where we need some help."
There is some supporting evidence to suggest the Giants might be closer to being a playoff team than their recent records indicate. Six of New York's 10 losses in 2015 came in the final 75 seconds of regulation or in overtime.
Big Blue replaced Coughlin with McAdoo, the team's offensive coordinator the past two seasons. Manning publicly endorsed McAdoo for the job, and it's no wonder why: The QB enjoyed two of his best statistical seasons under McAdoo, and the Giants' offense has finished ranked sixth and eighth in the league the past two years.
"I think Coach McAdoo will do a great job," said Manning, who is playing in Sunday's Pro Bowl. "He really does a wonderful job of holding court in the offensive meetings and getting his point across. I'm excited for that. I think he's ready."
