Giants QB Eli Manning was relatively stoic while speaking to reporters for roughly six minutes on Wednesday morning -- one day after being replaced as the starter by Daniel Jones.
Here are the takeaways...
On his reaction to the news and how things ended up:
"You can wish all you want. That's not the way it played out. In some ways, I signed up for this knowing when you draft a young quarterback, this can happen. ... Knew it was a possibility. Just said, 'hey I'll handle it. I'll support Daniel,' do what I'm told. ... When you're a football player, you do what your told."
Manning said yes when asked if he felt the situation was handled with respect and that he spoke with John Mara on Tuesday.
Would he have still come back if he knew he was going to be replaced this soon?
"I didn't know how everything was going to shake out this year. ... You got a young quarterback. Yeah, it's a possibility if things don't go well. We didn't start fast, and that's the situation we're in now. ... We gave it a shot, worked hard, competed. Did everything I thought I could and it just didn't work out."
On how important it is to be a mentor to Jones:
"In some ways, that was kind of part of the deal. I've been trying to help him every which way I could throughout preseason and in training camp and whatnot. Now, still do that. Support him, answer his questions if he has any. ... give him information I've learned over 15 years that I think he can use."
On the decision and the direction of the franchise, Manning deferred to Pat Shurmur.
Is he frustrated?
"There's always disappointment in not winning games -- not winning those first two games. But you've just gotta move on past that and handle this situation and make the best of it."
The emotion of everything and the honor of being a Giant:
"Obviously disappointed. Not happy about it. You accept it and make the best of it. ... Still gonna represent 'em. It's not over. The season is not over. We've got a lot of football. I'm just gonna do my part, do my job, get Daniel ready to play. ... I'm not dying and the season is not over. There's a lot to be positive about, a lot to be grateful for. Just gonna accept my new role and make the best of it."
