Might Eli Manning go through the entire preseason without throwing a touchdown pass?
If so, might anyone care?
Given that tonight’s preseason game with the Bears is 12 days before the regular-season opener against the Cowboys, figure it will be Manning’s last extensive playing time before the real thing. Manning and most of the starters might sit entirely or at most make cameo appearances on Wednesday night in a preseason finale that will have the Giants and Patriots no doubt featuring a cast of backups.
Thus far this preseason, Manning has completed 11 of 22 passes for 122 yards, one interception and no touchdowns for a quarterback rating of 47.9. The meager numbers are of little consequence, but Manning would like to finish up on a positive note.
“Going against the Bears, they always have a great defense, good players, good scheme, so it’ll be a good challenge for us,’’ Manning said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to go out there, execute, run our game plan very well, and see if we can get a couple of touchdowns.”
* Four starters definitely won’t play for the Giants: defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (back spasms), linebacker Michael Boley (hamstring), left tackle Will Beatty (back) and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot).
Keith Rivers once again will start for Boley, who hasn’t played a down in the preseason, leaving doubt about whether he will be back in time for the Sept. 5 opener. If not, Rivers — a former Bengals first-round pick — would get the call at weak side linebacker.
“I’d feel pretty comfortable [if I had to play],” Rivers said. “I’ve been playing with the guys for the last two weeks, getting more and more comfortable every day. I think I would be alright.”
* When 11-year veteran Rocky Bernard re-signed with the Giants this summer he again expected to fill a backup role at defensive tackle, but he finds himself starting alongside Linval Joseph because of a rash of injuries at the position. Bernard could find himself starting once the season begins.
“I’m definitely excited about it,’’ Bernard said. “Obviously when I signed back I didn’t think this would be it but hey, I’m truly excited about it.’’
* Manning has signed a multi-year agreement for a weekly appearance on WFAN with Mike Francesa Manning was previously heard on a weekly spot on ESPN New York. WFAN is the flagship station of the Giants. Manning will be heard , at 5:05 p.m. (subject to change) the day after Giants games throughout the season. … Kickoff for the Aug. 29 preseason finale against the Patriots has been moved up one-half hour to 7 p.m. to accommodate WNBC’s coverage of the Republican National Convention.
“I look forward to joining the conversation with Mike and speaking directly with our fans on our flagship radio station,” Manning said.