Vintage Manning Leads the Giants to a Win Over the 49ers

The New York Giants defeated San Francisco 49ers in the Monday Night Football, with Eli Manning playing one of those games. The veteran QB showed us that he still has what it takes to decide the game.

Now, that was the Eli Manning we know. One of the best quarterbacks since 2000, decided to remind us that he is a two-time Super Bowl champion and a guy who can produce amazing things on a regular basis.

Giants won after his winning drive, which resulted in Sterling Shepard’s touchdown with some 53 seconds to go.

“It doesn’t get old,” Manning said. “It’s fun. It’s fun playing in those games, and having a two-minute drive to win it. Those are the situations you want to be in. You want to have a chance. Obviously, you’d love to have a two-score lead with a little time and run it out or whatnot, but you prepare and practice and for those two-minute drives to go win football games.”

The 49ers were up 23-20 with two minutes to go in the fourth quarter.First, Manning found Evan Engram for 31 yards. Then he threw to Saquon Barkley for 23. He was 6 of 6 for 69 yards in that drive, showing the fans at Levi’s stadium what is perfection all about.

He finished this game with 188 yards and 19 of 31, for three touchdown passes. This was his 36th career winning drive. The only two active players with a higher number in that category are Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger with 40 each.

Another guy reminded us what he could do when having enough inspiration. Odell Beckham Junior had 4 catches for 73 yards and two touchdowns. He was excited after the game, with both his and Manning’s performance.

“[Told him] the same thing I always tell him. ‘Take me home 10,'” he repeated in front of the media.

 

This is a huge boost for the Giants, who missed many chances to win this season. Five of their seven losses came with seven or fewer points, and their red zone conversion was just 40% before the game in San Francisco.

Meanwhile, the 49ers had their chances to close this one, but failed to use them. Nick Mullens, the No.3 quarterback, who is currently in the starting lineup after Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury, threw the pass from Giants 21, but there was nobody in the end zone to collect it.

“That was a moment of truth, and I didn’t get the job done. I have to play better in those moments of truth. We all have to play better.” Mullens said.

He finished the game with 250 yards, one touchdown and 2 interceptions, having 27 competitions from 39 attempts. His best weapon was Matt Breida who ran for 101 yards getting one TD, and also received 31 yards for another score.

49ers were hoping to post their second win in a row, which would help them to jump over Cardinals in the third place of the NFC West, and preserve some hopes for the playoffs. They travel to Tampa in two weeks time to meet the Buccaneers and whichever team loses here, can say goodbye to the offseason. If by any chance San Francisco wins, their next task would be in Seattle, against the Seahawks.

For the Giants, who regained a little bit of confidence with this triumph next game is also with the Buccaneers, but they will play with Dirk Koetter’s boys in New York. After that one comes their moment of truth. They travel to Philadelphia to meet the division rival and the champions Eagles. These two wins would launch them back into the race for the offseason, and with positive energy accumulated from last night’s win, anything is possible for the Giants.

The pressure on Manning is eased a little bit and he can be a bit more relaxed in the upcoming period. After being criticized and questioned, the 37-year old felt some good vibes finally.

“You wanna go out there and play football. That’s what I wanna do. I wanna be with my team and prepare and practice and go play football.”