Eli On WFAN: We Won't Stop Working Until The Season Is Over
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Every game matters.
That's the message Eli Manning sent Monday to all of his Giants teammates and the legions of fans that are frustrated by a third consecutive season without a playoff berth.
Coming off a decisive 36-7 win at Tennessee on Sunday, the Giants (4-9) are gearing up for a final stretch of games against visiting Washington, at St. Louis and at home against Philadelphia that will do a lot more than simply determine what position they'll occupy in next spring's draft.
Speaking to WFAN's Mike Francesa on Monday, Manning said the Giants will put their professional pride on the line as they try to close a lost season on a high note.
"I'm going to play like it does. I'm going to assume, definitely, that it will have an impact on what occurs next year for everybody -- for myself, other players, coaches. That's the mentality. We have a job to do. You know that and you learn that early as football players that each game, each season not only effects yourself but it effects a lot of people around you, and people's livelihood, so you want to do your job not only for yourself but for your fans and your coaches. It has an impact," Manning said.
The most obvious person to be impacted over the final three weeks figures to be head coach Tom Coughlin. Those monitoring his job status will be eager to see how hard the team plays for him during what will be meaningless games in the standings. Manning said it won't be a problem.
"We still bust our tails all week, watching film, putting in long hours, having practices and running around. You get to the end of the season it's even more tough. Your body is sore; your mind is tired, but we are fighting through it. Guys are treating it like every other week. Every game is important. You want to go out there and do your job well and be rewarded with a win," Manning said.
Manning dismissed any notions that he's not pleased with the offense installed by new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, telling Francesa he has liked working with the former quarterback guru for the Green Bay Packers.
"I've enjoyed this offense," Manning said. "We've been good offensively. I feel like I'm throwing the ball well."
Manning said even though the team's record doesn't show it, he has seen progress throughout the season, adding that the problem for the Giants -- a relatively young group with a lot of new faces compared to the team that won the Super Bowl following the 2011 season -- has been their inability to finish what they've started. Manning believes Sunday's effort in Tennessee could be a clear sign of maturation.
"Look at these last four or five games, going back to Seattle; we were right there in every game until the fourth quarter and let that one slip away. We've had leads or opportunities to take leads late in games," Manning said. "You always want an opportunity to win the game in the fourth quarter. We have been in those positions. You have to figure out a way to win those games. The good teams find a way.
"We have to go try and get these wins, build off what we've been doing. Hopefully we'll get to the point where we're playing our best football. We've definitely grown up over the last few weeks and doing a lot of good things, but we definitely know we can get better," he added.
Manning spoke about several other topics, including the continued stellar play of rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. To hear the veteran quarterback's complete interview with Francesa, please click on the audio link below.
Eli Manning
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
