NY Giants QB Eli Manning Not Taking Dallas Cowboys Lightly

Is Monday night's New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys contest really all that different than any other regular season contest? Just ask quarterback Eli Manning.

"It's obviously a big game for us and a very important one," Manning said on Thursday. "Our first game in the division, playing at Dallas. We know what kind of atmosphere to expect there, it's going to be wild. They'll be fired up and the crowd will be into it, and we know how talented they are. We have to have a good week of practice, our preparation has to be outstanding, and we have to go out there and play great football if we expect to win."

The Cowboys are currently the most disappointing football team in the NFL, as many experts predicted Dallas would finish the regular season with twelve or more wins. Manning and the Giants still believe Dallas is a very dangerous team. "They're a talented team," Manning explained. "They have playmakers on both sides of the ball, guys you have to pay special attention to that can change the game. They've lost some close games, and every game has come down to the fourth quarter. If they get a play here, play there, if they get a bounce, their record can easily be reversed. They could have four or five wins. We have to go in there and play great football."

Manning also talked about running back Ahmad Bradshaw on Thursday, stating that Bradshaw is becoming a "full running back." Manning also said that the 2010 offense "probably" has the most talent he has seen since the joining the team.

Lastly, Manning commented on the "helmet to helmet hits" topic that's been widely discussed this week. "Obviously, as an offensive player and a quarterback, anything that protects us, you are always a fan for," Manning said. "We have to hear what he says, and honestly there will probably be mixed feelings. The commissioner and the league is worried about protecting the players and keeping guys healthy, and that's very important."

Make no mistake about it, Giants fans. The team isn't looking past the Cowboys in the slightest. Expect Big Blue to head into this game as if both teams were competing for first place in the NFC East on Monday night.

All quotes via the New York Giants Communications Office

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