Eli On WFAN: Giants' New Offense Is 'Moving In The Right Direction'
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- With the Giants in the midst of another slow start to a season, quarterback Eli Manning says he sees progress.
That might be hard to believe considering the manner in which Big Blue lost on Sunday, but the two-time Super Bowl MVP told Mike Francesa on Monday during his weekly spot on WFAN that despite their 0-2 record, the Giants aren't as far away from turning the season around as many think.
After struggling mightily on offense during their 35-14 loss to the Detroit Lions to open the season, the Giants were in position to beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. However, they were outscored 15-0 during the fourth quarter, highlighted by Ted Ginn's 71-yard punt return for touchdown.
Though the Giants did turn the ball over four times, including a pair of Manning interceptions, the 11-year veteran also went 26-for-39 for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Rashad Jennings added 64 yards on 18 carries. In all, the Giants gained 341 total yards in their new West Coast offense, as opposed to just 197 in Week 1.
"I thought I saw some good things yesterday. To be able to run a lot of our base plays, things we've been working a lot on these last week and months. It was effective. We still have to figure out how to get the running game going a little bit, so we get some momentum, some better down and distance," Manning said. "We did a good job finding some completions, moving the ball, getting the ball out quick and then also taking some shots down field and hot some big plays in the passing game. We just have to keep making strides, get the feel for the timing of the offense, for the rhythm, all the check, the communication. There's still some plays that we're leaving out there. I'm going to get more comfortable. I'm going to keep growing. I think we're definitely moving in the right direction."
Manning continued his fine rapport with Larry Donnell, hooking up with his new tight end seven times. Donnell has 12 receptions and 137 yards in two games. Manning also rediscovered wide receiver Victor Cruz, targeting him 10 times. Cruz finished with five receptions for 60 yards on Sunday.
Next up for the Giants are the surprising Houston Texans (2-0) this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Manning told Francesa he needs to see his team take the next step in its maturation.
"We just got to keep grinding. We gotta be committed, make a decision as team, as a group that we're not going to deal with this anymore. We're not going to accept mediocre play," Manning said. "There will be no quit in this team. We need to keep making improvements, but we also have to find ways to win."
Manning spoke about other aspects of Sunday's loss and discussed other topics with Francesa. To hear his full interview, please click on the audio link below.
Eli Manning
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