By WFAN.com
Pat Shurmur joined Mike's On during Tuesday afternoon as the Giants prepare to improve during the bye week.
The biggest question that remains about the 1-7 Giants is the long-term future of quarterback Eli Manning.
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Shurmur backed Manning throughout the interview. Manning has thrown for 2,377 yards this season on 315 attempts. He has recorded eight touchdowns, while being intercepted six times. His completion percentage is 68.3.
"When I look at the game the other night -- Eli threw a nice pass on 4th and 4 that was dropped." Shurmur said. "There's things that happen in the game that are just not all Eli. Are there things that he needs to do better? Absolutely. Is there areas that the whole team and the especially -- the offense need to improve? Absolutely."
Shurmur addressed the outcry for the Giants to give Kyle Lauletta an opportunity. The backup quarterback was arrested Tuesday morning in Weehawken, New Jersey. Lauletta is accused of failing to obey a police officer's directions while driving to the Giants' practice facility and coming close to striking the officer with his vehicle.
Giants QB Lauletta Arrested, Accused Of Nearly Striking Cop With Car
"That being said, I know everybody wants to call for this guy to be gone and let's put this guy in," Shurmur said. "We're aware of all that. We're aware of what it's going to take to number one -- win a game, number two -- win a stretch of games and then obviously, what's going to happen a year from now. We're aware of all that."
The 53-year-old coach praised Manning for his professionalism and example.
"The thing that I appreciate as a coach is what Eli brings behind the scenes," Shurmur said. "He's a pro. He works at it. He does all the things behind the scenes as good as anybody. (Eli) doesn't point fingers, takes the blame, deflects the praise. He does the things that you want in a professional football player, especially somebody that's the quarterback."
Listen to Francesa's entire interview with Shurmur below:
