Statistics back critics over Manning struggles.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning insists that he doesn’t think he has been “playing lousy” after facing recent criticism.
Giants coach Tom Coughlin called Manning’s three fourth-quarter interceptions and three intentional grounding penalties “demoralising”, while the statistics also stack up against the 32-year-old.
In the wake of the 36-21 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Manning now leads the NFL with 12 interceptions while his completion percentage has dropped every week from the season high of 64.3 in the opener against Dallas to 46.2 on Sunday.
Despite Coughlin’s harsh words he also revealed that he had spoken to Manning privately and tried to encourage him to turn things round.
“Nope. That’s the thing. I don’t think I’m playing lousy,” Manning said according to ESPN.
“I think I’m seeing the defenses well. I think I’m throwing the ball accurately. So I feel like I’m in sync, my fundamentals are good, everything’s kind of in place. It’s just a matter of getting in some bad predicaments and not catching many breaks and just getting in some tough spots.”
Couglin also went on to emphasise the fact that the Giants’ 0-5 record so far this season isn’t all down to his quarterback, and the team in general must start to improve moving forward.
Meanwhile, Manning also told the media that he didn’t take his coach’s words to heart after the game on Sunday, and reiterated that he has a fantastic relationship with him.
However, both men share the same disappointment over the Giant’s start to the season, and they will be hoping that they can snap the losing streak sooner rather than later.
That quest for a first win of the season will see them travel to Chicago on Thursday night to take on the Bears. who are looking to get back to winning ways after losing their last two.
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