The New Giants were coming off a disastrous 4-13 campaign heading into the 2022 season. With new head coach Brian Daboll at the helm, not only did the Giants win nine games but they made the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

From a player standpoint, quarterback Daniel Jones was the key component as he saw career highs in passing yards (3,205), completion percentage (67.2), and QBR (60.8) whole also registering his lowest interception total (5).

When it comes to the Giants, no quarterback is more revered than Eli Manning who won two Super Bowls for the franchise, both at the expense of future Hall of Famer Tom Brady. So he knows all too well about what it takes to play with the pressure of the New York media on your back, and he praised how Jones has done the same on Monday.

"I think Daniel's handle it so well," said Manning on NFL Network's Good Morning Football. "It's hard. It's hard in New York. Every game, you can come in and throw four touchdowns and they're saying you're the greatest player and you're the MVP and the next week you throw two interceptions and they're saying you're a bust and a big mistake. You gotta deal with that, you gotta handle that.

"I think that he's handled it so well these four years. Each year he's made improvements. He's seen things he needs to work on, he's fixed them. He comes out last year, plays his best year, makes it to the playoffs, wins a playoff game, played phenomenal in that playoff game. It was maybe his best game of the whole season so he can rise to the occasion, he can win the big games."

Jones did it with his arm and his legs for the Giants in their playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings last season. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns and sprinkled in another 78 yards rushing. 

Getting it done once is cool, but Jones has to show now that he's not just a one-hit wonder so to speak in the playoffs. Well, Manning, who Jones learned under during his rookie campaign, doesn't think 2022 was a fluke.

"I think we'll just continue to see him grow. Take more of that leadership role," Manning said. "I think he's more comfortable in that position just how to deal with New York. He knows he can rise to the occasion, he's a tough kid. I think he'll just continue to get better and better." 

It'll take more than Manning's confidence in Jones for the Giants to get back to the playoffs. He needs to make sure his play keeps trending up, or the New York media and the Giants fan base will eat him alive. 

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Feature image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports