If this is Eli Manning's last go-around, he deserves nothing but love from Giants fans

John Rowe | Staff Writer

Show Caption Hide Caption Video: Eli Manning reacts to Monday's 23-17 overtime loss to the Eagles Abby Manning had stopped coming to watch games her husband Eli's Giants were playing in Philadelphia a few years back. She was in the building Monday.

EAST RUTHERFORD - Any Giants fan worth their No. 10 jersey needs to give Eli Manning a long standing ovation when he’s introduced on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Give him a send-off he’ll always remember.

He deserves nothing less. For 16 years, he’s been the face of the franchise. He’s been the Super Bowl MVP twice and led the team to a pair of Super Bowl victories against New England.

And just as importantly, Manning has steered clear of controversy. If you don’t think that’s a big deal, you weren’t following the Janoris “Jackrabbit” Jenkins fiasco that led to him being waived/injured on Friday.

What you see in Eli is what you get. He’s soft spoken, rarely emotional, and works hard at his craft, whether he’s preparing for a Super Bowl or a scout team assignment. His confidence was shaken when he was benched after two games, but he’s back to being Eli, after he threw for two touchdowns Monday night in the overtime loss to the Eagles, his first start since rookie starter Daniel Jones suffered a high ankle sprain in the Green Bay game.

“I’m good,” Manning said Friday as he quickly tied his shoe in front of his clubhouse area as a media horde was descending on him. “Nothing has changed since Wednesday (the last time he talked to the media). See you Sunday.”

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How many more Sundays will there be for Manning? After the Dolphins, the Giants play at Washington, and host Philadelphia in their final game of the season. Head coach Pat Shurmur insists he, and only he, will make the decision on when Jones will start again.

That’s why Sunday is so important. It possibly could be Manning’s last chance to play. If Jones is ready, he’ll play against Washington and Philadelphia. It’s highly unlikely the Giants will bring back Manning for another season, so that means Eli either signs with another team or retires.

Since retirement is a distinct possibility, it’s time for Giants fans, pro or anti-Eli, to appreciate Manning one last time and let him know his career was appreciated.

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As for Jones, he’s the future. For now, he’s trying to get on the field.

“He’s a fast healer,” said Shurmur. “He’s made progress. Last week he was in a boot. This week he was out here (the practice field). Obviously, people recover at their own rate. In Daniel’s case, we have to save him from himself. We have to be smart about putting him out there. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Saquon Barkley does. He suffered a high ankle sprain earlier in the season and needed three weeks of rest, plus a bye week, before he could return. He expects Jones to wrestle with the same mental aspects he’s encountered.

“I feel really good. Probably feel better, to be honest with you, than a lot of people in the league,” Barkley said. “I was banged up earlier in the year so I’m getting better and better each week. It’s not so much the injury that I guess you could say, is holding me back. Even though physically you feel like you’re back, really you might be killing yourself that you’re back, but you watch yourself on film and you see the way that you’re running and you’re protecting yourself.

“You don’t really think you’re doing it, but mentally it’s just happening. But I think I’m getting better and better each week. Trying to finish the season strong.”

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So is Manning.

“Eli is going to stay in the moment,” said Shurmur. “He’s done that his whole career.”

And why stop now?

Manning should treat this as his thanks for everything game and turn into a gunslinger, throwing the ball all around the field. Forget about when Jones reclaims the job. This is Eli’s three hours to go out his way.

Remember that Giants fans. Your assignment is to give the quarterback who brought you so many memories a send-off worthy of his achievements. The pressure is on you now.