As people around the league tried to figure out why the fire has gone out of the Giants’ passing game over the last month, one suggestion offered up by Greg Cosell of NFL Films was that Manning is dealing with a tired arm.
Manning had another dreadful day against the Bengals on Sunday, finishing 29-of-46 for 215 yards and two interceptions, which led to questions about that speculation after the game. Manning said he knows that he has to play better, but doesn’t think that the problem is his arm.
“I don’t think so. I don’t feel like it’s tired,” Manning said, via Bob Glauber of Newsday.
Coach Tom Coughlin also said that he doesn’t think the problem with Manning’s play derives from any physical malady, which leaves him all the more confused about why the team can’t seem to get on track offensively right now. Manning didn’t play well and didn’t throw the ball deep all that much, but it was hard to tell during the broadcast of the game whether that was because of the way the Bengals defended the Giants or because Manning was passing on plays when he’d really need to drive the ball down the field.
What’s clear is that the Giants could really use the bye they have coming their way right now. The team looked tired, arms and all, against the Bengals and they need to find their footing if they’re going to end this year close to the way they started it.