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Eli Manning Is Right; New York Giants Need To ‘Grow Up’

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By @AnthonyBeers

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was uncharacteristically critical of the team’s performance against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. Manning claimed that the Giants need to “grow up,” and while he took some blame for the loss he criticized the offensive line, the receivers and the running backs.

While Manning has always been the quiet, accountable leader the Giants have come to love, this could not be a more appropriate time for Manning to be more vocal. The Giants were completely embarrassed in Philadelphia, and many young players got wrapped up in the hype and were left stunned.

The tragic injury to Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz left the team stunned. Immediately following it, the Eagles marched down the field against a Giants defense in disarray. When the Giants should have come together for Cruz, they fell apart.

Defensive veteran Mathias Kiwanuka was in agreement with Manning as well when he spoke to the media. “Every season is different. Every team is different. It is a growing phase, especially when you have a lot of new guys coming together…I think this is a turning point in the season. This is something we are going to have to grow up from real quick and make sure we get the ship right. The story about the season has not been written yet, and I feel like as long as we come back out this week ready, prepared and enthusiastic about getting a win, then we will change that perception of us.”

Kiwanuka could not be more right. While Giants fans will never forget the debacle in Philly, a win in Dallas could numb the wounds and turn the season in the right direction. In order to do that, the Giants need to go back to the mentality they’ve had in years past: Talk is cheap. Play the game.

Tom Coughlin used to preach those words and he needs to bring that memo back to the team as soon as possible. The banged up Giants are playing against a very talented team in the Dallas Cowboys. The offensive line for the Cowboys has only given up 10 sacks this season and only seven in the past five games. If the Giants want to rattle Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, they have no choice but to blitz.

The Giants have been very dependent on the talent in their secondary in recent weeks defensively, but the amount of injuries on the roster has the depth running thin. As far as the game plan is concerned, the Giants have to get to Romo by any means necessary and that could even mean giving up the big play. On offense, the Giants have to line up faster so Manning can make the proper adjustments.

But most importantly, this Giants team needs to come together as a family. The Eagles game proved this team is still fighting for its identity. Manning and Kiwanuka have vocalized their concerns and their leadership. If the Giants can grow up, come together and win one in Jerry-land, it can change a lot of momentum in the NFC East. A lot of questions will be answered in Dallas this Sunday afternoon and a lot of character will be revealed.

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