Eli Manning Joins Francesa, Previews Meeting With 49ers
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Eli Manning joined Mike Francesa on Monday evening to discuss the Giants' victory over the Cleveland Browns and looked forward to a highly-anticipated match-up with the San Francisco 49ers.
Listen: Eli Chats With Mike On Monday
The Giants were successful through the air and on the ground against the Browns. Manning threw for 29 passing yards and Ahmad Bradshaw, David Wilson combined for 244 rushing yards.
Francesa asked Manning about the Giants' successfully balancing the pass and the run.
"That's what teams always want, that's the goal. Sometimes the game does not allow you to do that," Manning responded. "If you can have success throwing the ball, it should open the run. If you can run the ball, it should open up play-action and get you some more man-coverage."
"An offense is going to be at its best when the run and the pass are both working hand-in-hand," Manning stated.
Manning found Victor Cruz for three touchdown passes even though Cruz was the focus of the Browns' coverage.
"He does a great job of reading the coverages and finding ways to get open. We're not forcing it to one guy. We're throwing to the tight end, Hixon and Randle. Everybody has to do their part," Manning said.
The Giants' star quarterback is impressed by his team's depth at receiver. 7 different Giants made receptions on Sunday.
"We have great confidence in all our our receivers. We've had some guys get hurt and banged-up. New guys are stepping in and playing well," he said.
Manning credited his offensive line, who did a terrific job at opening running lanes for Bradshaw and Wilson and gave Manning the time needed to be successful through the air.
"When your offensive line can truly control the line of scrimmage like they did yesterday, it makes everybody's job a lot easier," Manning stated.
"It should be a great match-up, they're playing great football. Their defense has played outstanding all year. Their offense is getting hot. Alex Smith is playing well. They're really clicking now," Manning said.
It will be up to Manning and the Giants' offense to keep pace with the 49ers.
"Offensively, we need to be well-prepared. You can't turn the ball over, you can't make it any easier for their offense than it has to be," Manning commented.
Manning believes the 49ers have a loaded roster.
"They're talented, they've got good players all over the field. It's going to be one of those days where ever has got to be done correctly. If you get a little lazy or do something incorrectly -- they'll take advantage of it," he revealed.
Eli believes his teammates will be "fired-up" on the occasion.
"I think guys look forward to going into a challenge. Hey, this is one of the best defenses in the NFL right now. As an offensive guy, we get excited for that," Manning explained.
The Giants and 49ers will meet at Candelstick Park on Sunday at 4 p.m. EST.
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