Eli Manning returns to form as New York Giants thrash Green Bay Packers, 38-10 – NFL Recap
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning rubbished all the speculations regarding his tired arm as he scored three touchdowns to help his side to a victory against Green Bay Packers in Week 12 game on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at MetLife Stadium.
The win ended the Giants’ two-game losing streak and strengthened their position in National Football Conference (NFC) East. They are leading the division at 7-4, while Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys are behind them at 5-6 each.
On the other hand, the loss ended Packers’ five-game winning streak. At 7-4, Packers are placed at second spot in NFC North behind Chicago Bears (8-3).
After two defeats during which the Giants struggled on offence as well as defence, they displayed a spectacular show against the Packers, outclassing the opponents in all aspects of the game.
Packers were not able to score freely, while their defence also could not contain Manning.
Manning finished the game completing 16 of his 30 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns. He was only sacked once.
On the other hand, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 14 of 25 for 219 yards and got one touchdown and an interception. Rodgers was sacked five times for the loss of 29 yards.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy was clearly disappointed with the outcome of the game. He said after the defeat:
“When your quarterback is under pressure like that, it affected me tonight. You have to protect your quarterback. It’s the offense’s No. 1 responsibility.”
He also took the responsibility for the loss and commented:
“We were thoroughly beat this evening. We were beat in every facet. It starts with me. When a team is beat like that, it starts with the coach.”
During the past few weeks, a lot had been said and written on Manning’s tired arm, but this game showed that the quarterback had no problem with his arm. He said after the game:
"I never thought my arm was tired, never felt like it. After a week off, you come back to practice, it felt good, alive, balls coming out with a little pop on it.”
He continued:
"After 10 weeks, it definitely needed a little rest."
Giants controlled the game right from the start. In the first quarter Andre Brown ran for two yards to get a touchdown, which was followed by Rodgers’ touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson.
Later in the same quarter, Manning and Rueben Randle connected for a touchdown that was followed by a field goal from the Giants.
Manning found Victor Cruz in the second quarter and scored a touchdown. Packers replied with a field goal, but Giants added more pressure on the opponents by scoring a touchdown.
In the third quarter, Manning and Hakeem Nicks connected for a touchdown after which no scoring move was made.
Giants will now take on Washington Redskins, while Packers will face Minnesota Vikings.
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