The inconvenient truth for the Giants, after Thursday night's 34-13 drubbing by the Eagles at MetLife Stadium, is that there is nothing left to gain from playing quarterback Eli Manning.

Ten games remain in the 2018 season, and who knows how many more Manning will actually start, but this feels like a slow death march to the end of a potential Hall of Fame career.

There's no polite way of saying this: Manning did not look like a starting NFL quarterback on Thursday night. If we're being honest, he's played like one only sporadically through the first six weeks of this season.

Coach Pat Shurmur said he wasn't concerned about Manning. Then he's probably alone on that island.

Against the Eagles, Manning only completed 24-of-43 passing attempts for 281 yards and one interception, 222 of those yards coming in the first three quarters.

Rookie running back Saquon Barkley accounted for 99 of those yards.

On 24 passes to wide receivers and tight ends Thursday night, Manning's yards per attempt was a meager 5.29.

The Giants don't know whether fourth-round draft choice Kyle Lauletta can be a legitimate NFL quarterback. I'll be honest: Neither do I. He was available on the third day of the draft for a reason.

But Shurmur and general manager Dave Gettleman owe it to the organization to avoid the catastrophic misstep of the previous regime, which failed to get Davis Webb a single regular-season snap.

It helps that at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Lauletta fits the stature of quarterbacks that Shurmur covets, as well as his solid production during his career at Richmond in which he passed for 10,465 yards with 73 touchdowns and 35 interceptions in 40 career games.

Here's what Shurmur said last month when the decision was made to move on from 2017 third-round pick Davis Webb, in favor of keeping Lauletta as the third quarterback.

"I like the fact that he'll decide what he's looking at, see it, and pull the trigger," Shurmur said. "He's decisive in what he does. He's a gamer, of sorts. We're looking forward to working with that."

Be honest with yourself.

Has Manning looked decisive?

Has he pulled the trigger quickly?

Let me help with the second question ... according to ESPN, Manning has held onto the ball longer this season than last, averaging 2.65 seconds compared to 2.35 seconds in 2017.

Manning looked every minute of 37 years old on Thursday night. Even when given a free play due to an Eagles penalty, Manning appeared to have suffered such whiplash from playing behind this offensive line the past two years, that he was content to throw the ball into the turf rather than even take a shot deep.

For the Giants, Manning cascading to rock bottom came at an ideal time, with 10 days between Thursday night's debacle and a Monday night game in Atlanta against a wounded Falcons team that has seen its defense decimated by injuries.

Now is the time to rip off the band aid, turn the page, and see what Lauletta can do.

Lauletta has been in every offensive meeting, every discussion in the quarterbacks room. If the Giants turn to Lauletta next Monday night, he would also have the benefit of three extra days to study the game plan, and even have input about which routes and play concepts he is most comfortable with.

Playing Lauletta against the Falcons also gives the added benefit of allowing the rookie to make his debut away from what could have the chance to be the hostile confines of MetLife Stadium when Manning eventually winds up getting benched.

The Falcons' passing defense is ranked No. 24 in the league, ceding an average of 277 yards per game.

Following next Monday night, the Giants have a home game against Washington, then a bye week and a trip to San Francisco.

Frustrations appear to be growing within the locker room, and high-ranking members of the Giants organization are at least curious -- and some optimistic -- about Lauletta's prospects in the NFL.

Playing Lauletta sooner rather than later might just ignite an offense that has been held back from reaching its full potential with Manning behind center.

Manning's place in the history of this franchise is indelible, his legacy will live on in the form of the pair of Vince Lombardi Trophies that he won, but just like those Super Bowls, his best days are in the past.

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MLombardo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardoNFL