Quarterback Eli Manning has taken some deserved heat for bailing at the first sign of pressure, which happens often behind this porous offensive line. But after seeing the vicious hit Manning took while completing a desperation third-down pass to keep a drive alive in the fourth quarter of Monday's game, it's no wonder the quarterback chooses self-preservation at times.
Aside from one play in the second quarter when Manning went down on a phantom sack by Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah, the veteran quarterback did a much better job of standing tall in the pocket. He stepped up to avoid pressure and deliver a 38-yard strike to tight end Jerell Adams in the third quarter and he climbed the pocket to find tight end Evan Engram for a potential touchdown late, but the rookie couldn't hold on as he took a big hit at the goal line.