Running back Rashad Jennings' public apology to quarterback Eli Manning has completed the Giants' circle of trust, showing that the organization is one of the most functional in the NFL, based on the support everyone showed for each other.
Except that Jennings really didn't have to apologize.
Eli Manning Says He Informed Giants Coaches He Didn't Want Rashad Jennings To Score
The running back created headlines and headaches for Manning and New York when he revealed that Manning told him not to score late in the Giants' Sunday night game against the Cowboys that would've given the visitors a two-possession lead with less than two minutes left.
Ultimately, the Giants settled for a field goal that left Dallas behind only by six, and the Cowboys marched down the field for the game-winning touchdown with seven seconds left to capture a 27-26 victory.
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Jennings wrote his apology in a weekly column for the New York Post. Jennings broke the "code of the locker room" by telling on Manning, New York Daily News columnist Gary Myers said.
Meyers, however, goes on to talk about how Manning -- he of the recent, four-year, $84 million contract extension -- might have needed being exposed.
"Even so, why didn't Manning have confidence that the Giants could hold a double-digit lead with less than two minutes left?" Meyers wondered. "Tony Romo moved with ease on what became the winning drive, but if they were down 10, the Cowboys would have needed to recover the onside kick and get into position for a tying field goal or winning touchdown. That was a long shot considering only seven seconds remained when the 'Boys scored.
"...Manning has thrown some stupid interceptions in his Giants career, some resembling rookie mistakes even after he had 10 years in the league, but against the Cowboys it was the first time his football IQ failed him in such a big situation."
When such a veteran quarterback -- whose $84 million contract reflects more expensive ticket, concession and souvenir prices -- makes such a controversial decision, fans have a right to know.
Even if the Cowboys had only one timeout instead of two as Manning thought, his strategy of intentionally not scoring is pertinent to Giants fans.
Manning is a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback; he can handle the scrutiny. Any running back would feel a sense of betrayal if he were told not to score.
Manning and coach Tom Coughlin owned up to their miscalculated strategy. If Jennings made a mistake, it was not telling Manning at that moment that he was going to ignore his quarterback's instructions and score.
The Giants' surprising candor was refreshing for a league dealing (not very well) with domestic violence issues, deflated footballs and concussions. It was a welcome change that in the long run could repair trust between the league and its fans.
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