Eli Manning discusses Daniel Jones in interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio
The Giants said goodbye to one of the franchise's all-time greats in January. Quarterback Eli Manning retired after 16 years with the team. In his final season, Manning started just four games while spending most of the year mentoring rookie Daniel Jones on what it takes to be a successful professional quarterback.
Now that Manning is officially a Giants alum, the keys to the offense have been handed over to Jones. The 38-year-old Manning joined SiriusXM NFL Radio on Monday to discuss several topics surrounding the team, including Jones.
"I think it will be easier this year for him to kind of step up as that leader,'' Manning said. "Last year was probably awkward for him, me being there, me being in meeting rooms and just kind of 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 going to have to give his voice and his opinion on things.''
View photos of every roster addition made by the Giants this offseason.
On Jones adapting to the new coaching staff: "He's got to learn a new offense, and get total control of that and earn the respect of a new coaching staff. I think he'll do a great job. They'll figure out how to play and how to win football games in the NFL, the style, and I think he's got the respect of the team and he'll go out and have a great year.''
On new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett: "I have competed against Coach Garrett and his teams most of my career and have a great respect for him and as an offensive mind and a Jersey guy. I think he'll do a wonderful job. And Coach Judge will get the team going back in the right direction. I think they're headed in the right way.''
On the team having to conduct the offseason program remotely: "I know this has got to be, it's obviously tough on a lot of people, but in the sports world, to try to put a team together when you can't be with them. It's got to be hard not to be able to practice and have a spring, especially with a new coach and new systems going in.''
On Jones' handling of the remote offseason program: "He said it's going well, but it is a little different. Hopefully, they'll get back real soon and be able to get back to work.''
Giants App
Download the Giants' official app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices