Eli Benched, and the Owner's Famous Niece Isn't Happy

The big news from the NFL this week isn't about anthems or playoff races: It's the benching of Eli Manning. The 36-year-old QB has started 210 straight games for the New York Giants, but that streak dating back to 2004 ends on Sunday, reports ESPN. The reason is the team's awful 2-9 record, but the decision by coach Ben McAdoo is still a stunner. One high-profile reaction comes from actress Kate Mara, who tweeted "ELI" and a broken heart, per the Daily News. It's of note because Mara just happens to be the niece of Giants owner John Mara, who was presumably clued in on the decision. New York Post columnist Kevin Kernan complains that the Giants' transition from being "the classiest of franchises" to the "most clueless of franchises" is complete with the move he sees as disloyal and pointless.

McAdoo offered Manning the chance to start to retain his streak, but knowing that he'd be replaced by backup Geno Smith. Manning declined. "My feeling is that if you are going to play the other guys, play them," he said. "Starting just to keep the streak going and knowing you won't finish the game and have a chance to win it is pointless to me, and it tarnishes the streak." For the pros and cons, see Peter King of Sports Illustrated, who argues that the benching is a smart move for the team, or Vincent Frank at Forbes, who writes that Manning isn't to blame for the team's woes this season. One thing they agree on: McAdoo should play rookie Davis Webb, not Smith. (More Eli Manning stories.)