Eli Manning criticizes Tiki Barber

GiantRutgersFan · Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 895

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/2007/07/12/2007-07-12_manning_lobs_barb_at_barber.html

Eli Manning has been criticized for not being enough of a vocal leader during his three seasons with the Giants. Yesterday, however, the usually soft-spoken quarterback didn't hold back when asked about what he thought life would be like without newly retired running back Tiki Barber. "I don't think we're concerned," Manning said. "We're excited by the players that we have who wanted to return for this season, and who wanted to be a part of the Giants and play."

Barber, who will be a correspondent this fall for NBC, had a sometimes contentious relationship with coach Tom Coughlin over the past two years. And when word of Barber's retirement leaked out during last season, many in the media questioned Barber's dedication to the team. Manning's parting shot, however, is the first time a teammate has openly criticized the Giants' all-time leading rusher.

Manning was at Grand Central Terminal yesterday, competing in a putting contest as part of a promotion for next week's Women's World Match Play Championship at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle. Despite any lingering hard feelings, the fourth-year QB said he was looking forward to filling the leadership void left by Barber.

"You lose Tiki and someone has to step into the role of leader on offense, and I'm excited about the opportunity," he said. "You want to be a leader, even when things are going good or going bad. I want to be the guy to step up, make plays and lead the team."

Manning is 20-19 with Big Blue and 0-2 in the playoffs. Last season, when the Giants went 8-8, he threw for 3,244 yards with 24 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. "As far as leadership," Manning said, "it's something you earn, the respect of your teammates. You play well, prepare for every game and when things get tough . . . you step up."

Asked if thought he had already earned that respect, Manning added: "I think so. We've won enough games, they know how I prepare, how I work and study and get mentally ready."

Good for him. Something needed to be said imo. As much as I liked Tiki, he did a terrible job regarding handling his retirement. He became a loudmouth and simply wasnt a team player. He should have told management and his teammates before the season imo.

But good for Eli. He already leads by example, but I think him becoming more vocal can only be a good thing. Seems like he realizes that he is the man now.

#1CARDSFAN · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 23284

Time for him to put the critics to rest now.If he cuts down on the mental mistakes, he has a chance.I doubt they miss Tiki as much as everyone seems to think.The Giants are going to be an interesting team who may be the underdogs all year long and it will be fun to see how they handle the underdog label.

panthersfo'life · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:06 pm Post subject:

I like how Lil' Manning is growing and being more of a vocal leader. He is going to be good this year i can feel it.
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Irish 11 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 8114 Location: Steelers Nation

Let's move this to the News forum.
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jetsfan4life51 · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 30489 Location: lawn guy land

I'm sure Peyton or Archie put him up to this. Very Happy

We'll have to wait until the season to see if he's grown at all.
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dtwizzy2k5 · Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 3302 Location: potomac, maryland

This is the year that Eli needs to step up, be a leader, and play the quarterback position like a true Manning should.
If he disappoints again, he will be gone and out of New York City.
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Nopussycat · Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Posts: 1194 Location: Reno,NV

I don't think he was punking Tiki as much as he was telling the truth. Tiki is gone and you can't whine about him being gone.
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dbtb135 · Joined: 22 Oct 2005 Posts: 3832

*Yawn*, usual NY rag-job. Wake me when he actually takes a verbal jab at Tiki. These writers are always trying too hard to stir something up...

tml_gogo · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 11710 Location: Montréal

Eli Manning is actually not good at football
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limentani39 · Joined: 17 Jan 2007 Posts: 1120 Location: Charlotte, NC

BoYz2tHeBoWl · Joined: 07 Jan 2005 Posts: 16528

hovito213 · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 513

I don't see how that's taking a shot at Tiki. He told the truth. Typical case of the media trying to make it into something bigger than it is.
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davlar · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 1678 Location: Dublin, Ireland

If Manning doesn't step up and assume his leadership role, no-one will, and it could be a very long season for the Giants. I'm not fully confident Manning can be the leader they need, but it's up to him to prove me wrong.
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Barnett56 · Joined: 04 Feb 2006 Posts: 12626 Location: Gone

Manning isn't a leader. He won't be this year either, and he shouldn't be talking bad about the single reason the Giants went to the playoffs last year.

mlv · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 1432

[quote="Barnett56"]Manning isn't a leader. [/quote]

Care to back that statement up?