COMMENTARY | With the white-hot Washington Redskins and Robert Griffin III next on the docket, how well do you think New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell is sleeping these days?
Griffin has thrown four touchdown passes in each of his last two games, as the Redskins have scored 69 points in back-to-back NFC East wins against the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. That's enough to keep any defensive coordinator up at night. However, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has no such worries, knowing the unflappable Eli Manning is at the controls of Big Blue's offense.
The charismatic Griffin has taken the National Football League by storm, but Manning has weathered plenty of storms in his career. Look back no further than week seven, when the Giants defeated the Redskins, 27-23, at MetLife Stadium. Griffin threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, including a go-ahead, 30-yard laser to Santana Moss late in the fourth quarter. But Manning quickly and calmly responded with a 77-yard, game winning strike to Victor Cruz with 1:13 left in the game.
''With our offense and Eli at the helm, we're never too worried,'' Cruz told the Associated Press after the game. ''No matter what situation we're in, no matter how many points we need or a field goal we need, we have the confidence we can do it."
In his career, Manning is 11-5 against the Redskins. Some of those wins haven't been pretty, but Big Blue's quarterback finds ways to get the job done. The cold-blooded Manning delivers in the clutch, just like he did with his Cruz missile back in week seven, just like he's done in so many fourth quarters and the Super Bowl. That's why Giants fans will tell you, "In Manning we trust."
In time, Redskins fans may feel the same way about RG3. Heck, they may already feel that way. Blessed with a rocket arm and track star speed, the dynamic quarterback can do almost anything on the football field. He's going drive Giants fans crazy for years to come. However, as long as Manning is around, they have nothing to fear. Yes, Griffin can take your breath away, but Manning will rip your heart out.
That's why Manning is the man.
Adam Martini is a freelance sports writer who grew up in Queens, N.Y. rooting for the Giants despite being surrounded by Jets fans. He proudly wears his Rodney Hampton jersey on Sundays during the football season. Adam follows back Giants fans on Twitter @PegCitySports.
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