It was inevitable that Eli Manning would eventually have to pass his starting job on to rookie quarterback Daniel Jones as the Giants struggled throughout the 2019 season, but due to a combination of factors, the transition was a bit messy.
The Giants surprised the NFL world by benching Manning just two games in to his final season in the league – but the two-time Super Bowl champion would return as a starter midseason after Jones suffered an ankle injury. Once Jones healed in time for a Week 16 game, Manning had to cede the starting position once again.
Manning announced his retirement in January after 16 seasons with the Giants, and the team will enter Week 1 with a starting quarterback not named Manning for the first time since 2004. According to Manning, his absence will only help Jones’ development.
In an appearance on SiriusXM Radio, Manning said that Jones had to endure an “awkward” year competing with Manning for the job, but that he should have an easier time in 2020 as the clear No. 1 for the Giants.
Via the New York Post:
“I think it will be easier this year for him to kinda step up as that leader. Last year was probably awkward for him, me being there, me being in meeting rooms and just kinda the whole dynamic. Me being gone and hey, he is the quarterback, he is the guy, for him to have that control and the authority over receivers and offensive line.
I think he’s proven to be tough and works hard, he’s done all the right things, he has gone in with that approach of keeping his head down and not saying more than he has to, working hard and earning the respect from the teammates. Now he can elevate that where now he’s in charge. The questions are coming to him from the coordinator, he’s gonna have to give his voice and his opinion on things.”
