Eli Manning is New York City’s best quarterback
ST. LOUIS – It was more an instinct play than anything, but it demonstrated just how cool a customer Eli Manning has become in the pocket.
As the pocket collapsed around Manning, Rams defensive end James Hall moved in for the kill. He wrapped Manning up, trapping the quarterback’s right (throwing) arm to his side. Manning slyly shifted the ball over to his left hand and flicked a pass to running back Brandon Jacobs for a two-yard gain before Hall could fling him to the ground for the sack.
That move saved the Giants about 10 yards and helped set up a 33-yard field goal by kicker John Carney, allowing the Giants to take a 13-6 lead into the locker room at halftime.
“I didn’t want to take a sack on that play because we were in good position for a field goal,” said Manning, who practices throwing lefty during warmups when his right arm gets tired.
That is the kind of awareness on the field that should offer proof to anyone who still doubts whether Manning is the real deal and the best quarterback in New York right now.
The city has gone goofy over Brett Favre since he unretired and came to the Jets. He is a feel-good story for a star-crossed franchise like the Jets. But Manning is the man in New York. He is the leader of the defending champions, a team that, starting with its quarterback, played with championship confidence as it swatted the Rams, 41-13, at the Edward Jones Dome Sunday.
nydailynews.com
8/15/08
