Eli Manning Headed Back Home
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Having grown up in New Orleans, Eli Manning always looks forward to any return trip to his hometown.
This time, however, the New York Giants quarterback isn't turning the journey into a holiday family reunion.
"It's always a special place," Manning said Wednesday on a conference call. "I grew up going to a lot of Saints games there. But I'm really treating it like it's any other away game. I'm going in like it's a business trip. There will be no time to see family and friends or go sightseeing. I have to make sure our team plays the best it can play. It's a very big game."
Manning, whose father, Archie, was a longtime quarterback for the Saints, went to Isidore Newman School in New Orleans and led his high school team to an 11-1 record. He was the Louisiana Player of the Year in 1998 before heading off to the University of Mississippi.
Manning's first trip to the Superdome as a player was not a memorable one. On Oct. 18, 2009, he completed only 14 of 31 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 48-27 loss to the Saints, while counterpart Drew Brees threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns.
That game marked the Giants' first loss after winning their first five games of 2009 and started a downward spiral that ended with an 8-8 record. The Saints went on to win the Super Bowl that season.
The Giants (6-4) head to New Orleans for the Monday night showdown in a similar downward trend. They've lost two straight, to San Francisco and Philadelphia, and have the undefeated Green Bay Packers waiting after the game against the Saints.
Manning knows it won't be easy going in the Big Easy, especially with the 7-3 Saints now clicking on all cylinders, having won two straight and three of four.
"We have to concentrate on our game plan and keep our focus," said Manning, who had a tough time in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Eagles, getting sacked three times and turning the ball over twice on an interception, then a key fumble late in the game.
"The Saints have a very talented offense and our defense has to be up to the challenge," Manning said. "We can't worry about other factors, like the crowd noise. I know it's not easy playing there. It's a loud stadium and we have to try to do our best to concentrate well. We have to try not to let the crowd get into the game. We have to start fast and then not allow them to get big plays."
Manning said that he has not lost any faith in his offensive line, which has been maligned since the loss to the Eagles.
"They're working extremely hard," Manning said. "I know they have a lot of confidence in themselves. I expect them to play at a high level (Monday). They're committed to football."
Manning said he wouldn't mind if the Giants tried different approaches to buy him more time to pass. Manning was hit a total of 10 times, including the three sacks, on Sunday night.
"Whatever they feel is the best way to get first downs and move the ball, I'm all for it," Manning said. "It's not that easy to say that you can go to three-step drops and sprint-outs. We just have to be more solid all around and play better football."
Giants coach Tom Coughlin knows there are other ways to give Manning more time.
"You can always adjust your protections, go to more three-steps," Coughlin said. "There are a number of things you can do. It's definitely important to get first downs. If you get first downs, it keeps the momentum going for your team."
Coughlin said he also has faith that his offensive line will rebound and play better against New Orleans.
"There's a lot of pride in that unit," Coughlin said. "It's not natural for them to play the way they did (against Philadelphia). I don't want to go into great detail about what happened last week. It's over. They know they didn't play well the other night and they have to get back to work now and make sure it doesn't happen again."
The Giants managed only 29 yards rushing against the Eagles. That total probably has to increase for them to have a shot at defeating New Orleans in the Superdome, where the Saints are 4-0 this season and have not lost since Dec. 27 to Tampa Bay.
"They're a talented team who plays very well at their place," Coughlin said. "They're an outstanding team with all kinds of statistics. They spread the ball around well. What you have to do, both there and anywhere on the road, is play well. Their crowd is good and they rally when they're playing well. We have to have poise in the noise. That's important. We have to do the things to keep the crowd out of it."
The Giants did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday. They plan to get together on Thanksgiving and will hold regular workouts Friday in preparation for the Saints.
Coughlin did not know anything further about the status of linebacker Michael Boley (hamstring), running back Ahmad Bradshaw (recovering from a broken bone in his foot) or tight end Jake Ballard (elbow).
"Progress is being made, but it's yet to be determined," Coughlin said about all three players. "We'll go based on what we see day-to-day."
