Eli Manning says he plans to play in 2018, doesn't want Ben McAdoo fired

Heather Tucker | USA TODAY

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After Geno Smith — the quarterback he was benched for — struggled in his start in the New York Giants' 24-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders, Eli Manning said he is planning to play in 2018.

We just don't know where.

Manning, who was benched this week after New York got off to a 2-9 start, could be seen holding a clipboard and interacting on the sideline as Smith went 21-for-34 for 212 yards and a touchdown.

Sunday marked the first time he hadn't started for the Giants since 2004, a string of 210 regular-season starts.

Manning's father, Archie, said earlier Sunday he wouldn't be surprised if Manning decided to step away from the game after his 14th season. After saying his son was "not bitter" but would move on from the benching earlier this week, Archie told NFL.com:

"There's no sense speculating. If he's still there, we don't know what their future plans are, if other people are there. And you have no idea what other teams will think of a 37-year-old quarterback. You don't have any idea. "Eli might say, 'I've had enough. I'm feeling good, I've got a beautiful wife, three little girls, I'm healthy. And that's it.' So there's no sense speculating."

More: Are Giants on verge of firing coach Ben McAdoo? Sure feels that way

More: Geno Smith blasts 'coward' Rex Ryan after game

The two-time Super Bowl MVP seems to be leaning toward staying around. After Sunday's loss, the 36-year-old told reporters, at two different times during the interview:

"I plan on playing next season."

And as for coach Ben McAdoo, who many expect to be fired, Manning said:

"... I don't want that. I don't want anybody to get fired. When a coach gets fired, it's usually because the team, the players and myself haven't performed up to our duties."

Meanwhile, Manning said he "was going to be a good teammate here and do my part.

"I'm not mad at anybody. ... I don't blame anybody for the way (my benching) was handled. I think Coach McAdoo tried to do right by me but knowing I was going to come out of the game, I couldn't play that way."

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