The outlook for the 2011 New York Giants is not one of optimism. The injury bug bit the G-men before the regular season began when they lost two cornerbacks for the season to torn ACLs. They have lost starting middle linebacker Jonathan Goff for the season and they’re hoping to get Justin Tuck back this weekend. Osi Umenyiora looks as if he may miss another game.
As a result of injuries and sub-par offensive line play, many people are wondering if the Giants can survive the difficult slate in the NFC East. A loss to the Redskins over the weekend did nothing to put that talk to rest. However, Eli Manning has not heard many of the critics. That’s because he watches football on mute.
“It’s gotten to the point now where, when I watch football . . . I just mute the television,” Manning said according to Bob Glauber of Newsday via Pro Football Talk. “It’s just more enjoyable for me, just because I like to watch and make my own opinions. It makes me more mad when the guy’s saying something and he’s totally wrong.”
Eli also added that it’s “not going to help the cause” to listen to critics and analysts on TV and in the newspapers. He’s right, but do we believe that players actually do this? And if they do, doesn’t that imply that their confidence is a bit fragile? Regardless of what the mean men on television say, Manning and the Giants need to find a way to overcome their injuries — and fast.
