The New York Giants have unceremoniously benched Eli Manning, and fellow veteran quarterback Matt Ryan is disappointed at the development.
While on PFT Live, the Atlanta Falcons signal-caller shared that he texted Manning on Tuesday to pass along well-wishes and said:
“I feel for him. I really do. For how consistent he’s been in his career, for what he’s done for that city, for that organization, it’s hard. I really feel for him.”
Ryan added that he’s known Manning for a long time, complimenting the Giants quarterback for his competitiveness.
Even a day later, the news that New York has decided to start Geno Smith over Manning is still a bit of a stunner.
Kurt Warner, the most recent quarterback not named “Manning” to start for the franchise, said the Giants deserve to be shamed. The NFL world also expressed disappointment while taking digs at New York.
For the last 210 games, Manning opened the game behind center. That streak — the second-longest run in NFL history — dates back to Nov. 21, 2004. Ryan ranks No. 5 in that category with 126 consecutive starts for the Falcons, and Manning’s benching makes it the second-longest active streak behind only Phillip Rivers.
The day will come for Ryan’s streak to end, but he’ll deserve a better conclusion than the one the Giants are giving Manning.