The Giants had a rocky debut to the 2018 season Sunday, falling at home to the Jaguars, 20-15.
Eli Manning had a decent first half, but struggled in the second half. Manning finished the game 23 of 37 with 224 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. The Giants quarterback joined WFAN's Mike Francesa Monday to discuss the rough season debut.
"I thought we played tough and hung in there and stay close and unfortunately just didn't make the plays. Too many negative plays, too many third and longs. There's definitely some good things, some nice plays, some opportunities. When you have new players, new coach, each week you're going to learn a ton. We'll definitely get better.
"I thought the playcalling was good, the design was good...penalties hurt us. To live in that world, it just makes it hard on yourself. I thought we had a lot of opportunities for some big plays. Too many times, we're stuck in 3rd and 16s and 3rd and 17s, and it's hard to convert those."
Manning was impressed with rookie running back Saquan Barkley, who had a 62-yard touchdown run.
"I thought he ran hard," Manning said. "He's going to get better each and every week. He's still figuring out this NFL game. He had the long run, which was impressive and hope to see some more of those. He's also just learning how to run each and every play. Sometimes you got to go and get three yards and that's all there is. It's a different speed. The hits are bigger. Everyone is fast. He'll learn just about making those one cuts and getting what you can get on certain things. He has some big play potential, which we knew about."
Manning will join Francesa in his usual weekly spot. Listen to the entire interview above.