Eli Manning never wanted to be a mentor.

The Giants quarterback said so much several times in recent years.

However, Manning has been thrust into that role ever since head coach Pat Shurmur made the overdue switch from the veteran to No. 6 overall pick Daniel Jones prior to last week’s thrilling 32-31 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sitting on the sideline wearing a baseball cap and earpiece for only the second time since taking over as the Giants’ starter in 2004, Manning was frequently spotted giving Jones advice during his first game as a backup.

Long before Sunday, Manning has helped impart his wisdom from 16 seasons as a starter onto Jones.

“He’s very supportive of me and I can’t say enough about who he is as a person, as a teammate, and he’s been that way since I’ve gotten here,” Jones said last week. “His help through the preparation, is certainly very valuable to me. In terms of general advice, I think his support and his confidence in me gives me the confidence.”

Giants offensive coordinator Mike Shula said the Giants’ quarterback room of Jones, Manning and Alex Tanney is the smartest that he’s been around in his career.

Despite what could potentially be an awkward situation, with a two-time Super Bowl MVP benched, Shula saw the collaborative dynamic of the Giants’ quarterback room translate to the field during Jones’ debut.

“They are great individuals, they are really smart quarterbacks,” Shula said Thursday. “Because of that, I think our team benefits. They can help our quarterback coach, help make any little tweaks, or changes, or recommendations to Pat during the course of the game that can help us make a play.”

Jones flashed pinpoint accuracy on a touchdown pass to Sterling Shepard in the corner of the end zone, the functional mobility not just to extend plays, but rush for two touchdowns, including the game-winner, as well as a calm and confident demeanor in the game’s biggest moments during his first start.

While there is ample reason to question the Giants carrying Tanney on the roster, with injuries and needs at running back, wide receiver and inside linebacker, Shurmur values the eight-year veteran’s steady presence in the quarterback room and as an influence on Jones.

“Everybody’s in the room a few hours early,” Tanney told NJ Advance Media. “Whether it’s going over today’s script, stuff on the install, or going over protections, we really have a good group of guys who are willing to communicate and get done what we need to get done.”

Beyond breaking down game film or refining techniques in the meeting room, Tanney and Jones have frequently spent extra time after practice running routes with the receivers the past two weeks.

“It’s all about building chemistry,” Tanney said. “The more work you’re able to get in with the guy running routes for you, it’s easier to see how he sees things or let him know how you see things and make sure that everyone’s on the same page. It’s great to do that, especially with a young quarterback.”

The payoff for Manning and Tanney was watching Jones orchestrate an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to put the Giants ahead for good on Sunday.

“That was just exciting to watch,” Tanney said. “You kind of turn into a fan at that point. Guys were making plays. Coach had some great calls against some good looks, and guys were executing and making plays, was great to see that and get a win at the same time.”

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