Eli Manning downplays age factor as Giants open camp

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Don’t bother talking to Eli Manning about his age.

Entering his 14th season, the 36year-old New York Giants quarterback just smiled Friday when asked about the number and comments by general manager Jerry Reese that the two-time Super Bowl MVP will be on somewhat of a pitch count in training camp.

The goal seemingly is to limit the wear and tear on the “old guy’s” arm heading into a season when the Giants have high hopes following their first playoff berth since winning the Lombardi Trophy in February 2012.

“I know how old I am,” Manning said after the Giants held their first training camp workout. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being 36. I’m proud of it. Hey, I feel good. I can still make all the throws. I can still run around when I need to. So, it is what it is. But I don’t see myself slowing down at all and I feel like I still got great football ahead of me.”

Giants agrees.

“He shows no signs to me of slowing down,” Mara said. “He is highly motivated to win another championship. To me, he looks as good as he ever had, so we are excited about him.”

The Giants’ offense did not have a good season in 2016 despite making the playoffs. The unit was ranked 25th overall, with the run game at No. 29 and the passing game at No. 17.

Manning hit 377 of 598 passes for 4,027 yards, 26 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 86.0 percent was in the lower third of the league.

One of the major problems was the offensive line. There was no running game and Manning was knocked down more than the Giants wanted, getting sacked 21 times and punished by hits much more than that. co-owner John Mara