Archie Manning says son won't be affected by benching: 'Eli's a big boy'

Eli Manning's benching drew criticism and skepticism across league circles Tuesday, but his father, Archie, doesn't appear all too concerned.

Manning's streak of 210 starts will come to an end Sunday when Geno Smith takes over for the New York Giants against the Oakland Raiders.

Although the elder Manning doesn't agree with the decision, he's confident his son will be alright.

"Eli's a big boy, he's played a lot. He's a very tough guy, and I'm very confident he'll handle it," Manning said to Tyler Cleveland of The Clarion-Ledger.

Archie Manning noted the Giants are undergoing a nightmare season, ridden by injuries, inconsistency, and team-issued suspensions.

Manning said he spoke to his son and they'll continue to present a unified front as the season reaches its merciless end.

"I'm proud of Eli," Manning said. "They were going to keep starting him for the (consecutive games) record, and that just wasn't a good taste to him, but he's fine. It's like he told me, he said 'I'll handle it. I don't like it, but I'll handle it.'"

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