NY Giants QB Eli Manning Talks Seattle Seahawks Defense

The Seattle Seahawks were humbled by the Oakland Raiders this past Sunday. That doesn't mean New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is taking Seattle lightly heading into this weekend's showdown.

"(Seattle's) a talented team," Manning stated on Wednesday. "They play great defense, and they do a great job, especially at home, of getting turnovers. They get sacks, they're talented, they're 3-0 at home. We know going in there that they're a tough team and we have to be ready to play."

The Seahawks are known for playing in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL. The Giants are quite familiar with that particular stadium, as they haven't had much luck playing there since Manning joined the team. Manning spoke about the noise factor, saying "It's a great challenge for us, and we've played out there before. We've played in loud places before so we know what to expect and how we have to prepare this week to get ready."

Seattle was less-than-stellar against Oakland last week, but the Seahawks have had a tough red zone defense throughout the 2010 NFL season. Manning and the coaching staff are well aware of this fact. "They have sacks down there and they have some turnovers I've seen," Manning said. "Any time that you get down to the red zone, everything has to be perfect. You have to block things up, the routes have to be very precise, the throws have to be on the money, so we have to make sure everything is run and done exactly the way we practice it, and have a great plan for it."

New York's wide receivers have been called out during this season for numerous tipped and dropped passes, many of which landed in the waiting hands of a defensive player. Manning refused to bury his teammates, saying "we have to make sure we are watching everything and not running before we catch the ball or looking at the defenders. You know that part of it is on me. I have to make sure the ball is down low and I'm not leading them into headaches or throwing things high where there is a possibility of getting tipped up. All of us can work on trying to eliminate those possible plays that might turn into an interception."

The last time these two teams met (in 2008), the Giants embarrassed Seattle 44-6. That game was played in New Jersey. This Sunday's match-up won't be nearly as easy for Big Blue, as the Seahawks will be looking to bounce back after last week's disappointing performance and stay at the top of the division. Manning was superb against Seattle two years ago, completing 19 of 25 attempts for 267 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. The New York quarterback would definitely take similar numbers this weekend.

All quotes via New York Giants Communications Office