The Giants have had a contemptible, humiliating season, with much blame to go around. But on Tuesday afternoon, the team seemed to abruptly lay many of its problems at the feet of its best player of this century, Eli Manning.

Manning has been the franchise’s template for a leader, role model and big-game performer for the last 14 years.

His benching, however, seemed to reveal a directionless and dysfunctional organization.

The Giants’ record is 2-9. They have placed nearly 20 players on injured reserve since the season began, including stars like Odell Beckham Jr., Manning’s favorite target.

There have been games when it looked as though the entire defense — 11 players in unison — had no interest whatsoever in being on the field. The offense regularly looks overmatched, confused and wholly inept.