Eli knew he might be benched, puts support behind Jones

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning spoke to the media on Wednesday for the first time since head coach Pat Shurmur made the decision to bench him for rookie Daniel Jones. For his part, Eli said the change didn't come as a shock.

"I knew there was a possibility ... I said I'd handle it and support Daniel and be a good teammate," Manning told reporters.

Manning was characteristically emotionless when speaking about Jones' ascension to starter status, although he did express disappointment about losing his job. He also gave the No. 6 overall pick some lighthearted advice.

"Throw it to the guy wearing the same jersey you are," the veteran joked, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.

However, Manning repeatedly dodged questions about whether he intends to finish out the season with the Giants.

"I'm just taking it day by day and figuring out how to run the scout team, that was my goal for today," Manning said. "I'll get into the futures later on. Right now I'm the second-string quarterback of the Giants."

Overall, Eli tried to put a positive spin on losing his job as Giants starter for the first time in 15 years.

"I'm not dying and the season's not over," he said. "There's a lot to be positive about, a lot to be grateful for. I just have to accept my new role and make the best of it."