Eli On WFAN: Giants' New Offense Is 'Not Going To Be Perfect Right Away'
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The last thing the Giants need is to start this season like they did last season.
Monday night's effort in Detroit didn't exactly calm many nerves on that front.
In the midst of trying to learn a new offense and dealing with an influx of new players, the Giants lack chemistry and identity right now. Quarterback Eli Manning, Big Blue's undisputed leader, is mindful of the lack of patience fans have and spoke about the opening game disappointment during the first of his weekly spots this season with WFAN's Mike Francesa on Tuesday.
Manning, who was powerless to stop an 0-6 start to last season, which ended up being the worst statistically of his 11-year career, went 18-of-33 for just 163 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions in the Giants' 35-14 loss to the Lions. Unveiling new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo's version of the West Coast offense, Big Blue managed just 197 total yards, this after the first team offense managed just one touchdown in five preseason games.
"It's just a work in progress and we got to figure out what will be our best concepts and our skill sets, what do guys do the best," Manning told Francesa. "It's not going to be perfect right away. I knew there would be some growing pains, as there always is with a brand new offense, but that doesn't mean we can't go out there and be successful and make big plays and score a lot of points."
Part of the problem is the Giants have a patchwork offensive line that's been thrown into the fire and they don't have their full complement of skill position players due to an injury to first round pick Odell Beckham Jr., a game breaking-type wide receiver out of LSU.
Also, a big part of McAdoo's offense is predicated on the screen game, something he implemented successfully while with the Green Bay Packers. The Giants had very few opportunities to get that aspect of their offense working on Monday.
But as Manning pointed out, the Giants should eventually be able to move the football efficiently with receivers Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle and Jerrel Jernigan, plus bruising running backs Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams.
"You lose a game you are disappointed. I was disappointed in myself for the two turnovers. Those are things I can't afford to do," Manning said. "But I saw glimpses. I saw some good things. We just have to keep working. You only have success if everybody puts in great effort and is totally committed. We've done a good job doing that but we have to keep it going. We just have to keep fighting and find ways to improve."
Manning spoke about other aspects of the season opener and touched on this week's opponent, the Arizona Cardinals. To hear his complete interview, please click on the audio link below:
Eli Manning
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