5 questions for... Phil Simms
Former Giants quarterback and current analyst on CBS’ “The NFL Today” studio show Phil Simms talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about Eli Manning, Sam Darnold’s Meadowlands moment, and the unstoppable Patrick Mahomes.
Q: Has Sam Darnold surpassed your expectations so far?
A: He’s already playing more disciplined in the pros than he did in college. So far, he’s exceeded my expectations. He got his first taste of the Meadowlands winds last weekend. You become a meteorologist about Thursday to figure out what Sunday is going to be like. Welcome to the club, Sam. This isn’t Southern California, that’s for sure. I think he’s done really well; you just hope he keeps developing. He’s on the right track and I don’t see anything derailing anything this year.
Q: What did you do to deal with the wind?
A: You get used to it, so you adapt as time goes on. I didn’t even really care about it late in my career. But the beginning I have to admit it unnerved me a little bit and couldn’t control the football the way I wanted it to because it was a little bit harder to grip. If you didn’t throw it perfect the wind would make it really look bad.
Q: Can you explain Pat Mahomes being this good, this soon?
A: He has a great feel for how to play the position. The physical part is here to stay and it’s going to be here for a while. The movement, the calmness, ability to throw the football is as good as anybody in the NFL. His talent is so evident that it would put anyone at ease. The top-five offensive line, Kareem Hunt, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce also don’t hurt.
Q: Is Amari Cooper the answer for the Cowboys?
A: I would say no. In the past, they had success as a power run team and the bootleg off it. Teams couldn’t handle it because they had to put all their attention and efforts to stopping the run game. It’s still good, but teams have caught on a little bit and you have to keep evolving in the NFL. I just don’t think Cooper changes that.
Q: Is there a good way for the Gi- ants to end the Eli Manning era? A: I don’t like talking about it. I played quarterback for the Giants and it will play itself out. We’ll see what happens. I thought this talk could all end if they just beat the Falcons then the Redskins. It didn’t seem unreasonable. I don’t look at Washington and go, “Oh my God, they are one of the superpowers in the league.” I like them but I don’t look at them and see a big difference between them and the Giants. I don’t see it, maybe I am blind and biased. … It’s hard to say what my long-range thoughts are about the Giants, try to keep playing, keep evolving, fix what’s wrong and hopefully they’ll start winning some games. There’s no All-Pros sitting on the waiver wire. You got what you got and now you have to deal with it. That’s what the league is.