The only QB that’s never lost to Brady in a Super Bowl has started 210 consecutive regular-season games for the Giants. You could make the case the he’s the best/worst QB of all time but for Eli his magic number is 119.
After Ben Macadoo stated that they will start former 2nd round pick Geno Smith this Sunday vs Oakland making Smith, the first black quarterback to ever start in Giants history in the Super Bowl era.
The decision came after a discussion with Head Coach Ben Macadoo in which Eli Manning was given the option to start but instead Eli elected to sit. Eli states via ESPN.
“Coach McAdoo told me I could continue to start while Geno and Davis are given an opportunity to play,” Manning said. “My feeling is that if you are going to play the other guys, play them. Starting just to keep the streak going and knowing you won’t finish the game and have a chance to win it is pointless to me, and it tarnishes the streak. Like I always have, I will be ready to play if and when I am needed. I will help Geno and Davis prepare to play as well as they possibly can.”
Eli’s decision, will end his illustrious streak of 210 games. Eli’s first start came Nov. 21, 2004. 10 years ago against the Atlanta Falcons.
Eli Manning fight back tears. Almost crying, tough to see #Giants pic.twitter.com/cHRTZYEXK4
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) November 28, 2017
With Eli’s streak somewhat over, the Giants are now facing LA Chargers QB Phillip Rivers, the same guy who the Giants traded for Eli on draft day back in 04′. Who he’s never beaten (0-4). Lots of irony cake for everyone in this story.
Not to mention that the Giants are 2-9 recording one of their worst seasons in franchise history. But to be fair the team has been plagued with injuries up and down the depth chart, so maybe a streak isn’t top of the GM’s priority list at the moment.
With the off-season looming evaluating every position moving forward is key, with just 5 games remaining perhaps sitting Eli could benefit him in the long run.
With that said could this be Eli’s last season as a Giant? I wouldn’t be surprised if it was. His time in New York will definitely be evaluated on a Hall of fame status no question, but what could be next for the 2X Brady killer?
Another Manning’s return to Mile High is not totally out the question.
I mean the Broncos aren’t necessarily having a Super Bowl type season either with a record of 3-8 and currently on an eight game losing streak. I’m pretty sure they won’t completely rule out the 36-year-old vet who not to mention, is a 2X Brady Slayer.
Come Sunday we’ll see if this decision prevents chalking up another L in loss column.
