Will Eli Have A Happy Homecoming?
Photograph of Eli Manning by Frank Franklin II/AP
The game marks a homecoming for Eli Manning, who grew up in the area, but has never played in the Superdome. It will also be the first meeting between the Giants and their former star, Jeremy Shockey. Shockey has always been an emotional player and you can expect him to be really amped up on Sunday.
For the Giants, stopping Shockey and Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be a real challenge. Aaron Ross is still out and while Terrell Thomas has played well in his absence, this will be a big challenge. On offense, Eli Manning will have to overcome his nemesis, Darren Sharper. Sharper has owned Manning in their previous matchups with Manning admitting this week, “It seems like I am keeping him in the Pro Bowl every year.” If Sharper continues his pattern of intercepting Manning, it will be a long afternoon for the Giants.
New York showed that they can compete in a tough road game with their Week 2 win at Dallas. But, the Cowboys handed that game to them with mistakes and the Saints do not seem to be as mistake-prone. New York keeps it close, but New Orleans earns the “w” in the end.
