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Eli Manning says he's ready to make the best of his new backup role on Giants

Since Nov. 21, 2004, the New York Giants have started one game with someone other than Eli Manning at quarterback.

We all remember that game. Ben McAdoo benched Manning for Geno Smith. It was handled poorly. It’s what McAdoo will be remembered for. He was fired at the end of the season.

This time around, it’s different. The Giants are moving on, with rookie first-round pick Daniel Jones as the new starter. Manning has had since April to get used to the idea of Jones taking his place.

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And Manning seemed at peace with it all.

Eli Manning ready to support his teammates

Manning handled the demotion with class when he spoke to the media on Wednesday.

There won’t be a massive controversy this time around. Jones was the sixth pick of the draft and played very well in the preseason. Coach Pat Shurmur handled the situation better than McAdoo too, saying Manning exemplified what it means to be a Giant.

It’s still a strange day and it has to be tough on Manning, but he’s making an awkward situation a little easier for everyone involved.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be the team's backup on Sunday. (AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be the team's backup on Sunday. (AP)

Giants ready to move on with Daniel Jones

The Giants had to make the move at some point this season. No. 6 overall picks don’t sit for full seasons anymore. The Giants are 0-2. The offense struggled last week. Manning has had a great run in New York, but he’s 38 years old.

Time marches on. Manning will still make his $11.5 million base salary this season, and he pocketed a $5 million roster bonus in March. No matter what else happens, he’ll be beloved by Giants fans for the two Super Bowl wins.

He’ll be in a new role for the rest of this season, as a mentor to Jones and his backup. It will be strange, but not as rough as the last time.

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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab

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