Eli Manning is regarded as one of the most storied QBs in New York Giants history, and yet, he was once benched during the season in favor of the Giants’ opposing QB tonight, Geno Smith. NFL benchings happen from time to time, but rarely when the QB has led you to multiple Super Bowl appearances.
Not only was Manning a legend in New York, but the Giants QB was sitting on a 210-game starting streak, a mark he and the New York fanbase cherished and embraced. At the time of the benching, Manning’s mark was second on the all-time list behind Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre. The benching was shocking to Manning and the New York media outlets.
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Why Did the Giants Bench Eli Manning?
To be fair to the Giants organization and then-head coach Ben McAdoo, New York was not playing its best football in 2017. Manning was having one of his worst seasons as a professional QB. In his previous seven starts, Manning was sacked 14 times and only generated more than 225 passing yards once.
Daniel Jones v. Geno Smith in the Eli Manning got benched for you Bowl pic.twitter.com/2FW1UDLJrQ
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) October 26, 2022
Did the Giants offense need a lift? No one would argue against the sentiment, but to bench a QB who has led you to two Super Bowl titles didn’t seem to be the answer, and the fanbase let the ownership have it. Manning was also frustrated with the demotion but took it like a professional and did his best to help prepare Smith to start.
MORE: New York Giants Depth Chart
At the time, Smith was viewed as the journeyman of all journeymen. Smith flamed out for the “other” New York team, as his tenure as the Jets starting QB was a complete disaster. Why did McAdoo think Smith would give the Giants a lift? To this day, no one knows.
How Long Did Smith Start for the Giants?
Not long. Following Smith’s only start, the Giants front office cleaned house. GM Jerry Reese and McAdoo were fired, and Smith was demoted to backup. Manning started the remainder of the season and all of 2018.
In his one season with the New York Giants, QB Geno Smith made some history.
-First black quarterback to start for the Giants.
-First quarterback to start for both the Giants and the Jets.
-First Giant not named Manning to start a game at QB in 210 consecutive starts… pic.twitter.com/oPFgV1iGzT
— Tommy (@TommyG105) September 28, 2023
Smith has found himself in Seattle, where he has become the QB many thought he could be when drafted in the second round by the Jets. Smith never replaced the legend in New York, and he never should have been asked to in the first place.
