Eli Manning has stunning admission after Eagles fans invade Giants' stadium

Eli Manning's offensive linemen couldn't hear him during the game's most pivotal moments.

At home.

The Giants didn't just lose the game to the Eagles on Sunday. They lost their stadium, too. Philly fans made the short drive up I-95 and invaded MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford to make their presence felt in the Eagles' 34-29 triumph, especially in the game's waning moments as the Giants pushed for a game-winning score and a colossal upset.

The Eagles fans in attendance made so much noise, the Giants' offense had a hard time hearing Manning call for the ball to be snapped.

"It's unfortunate we had the false start. It's a tough situation. I don't blame Bobby (Hart) at home. It's just loud," Manning said, referring to the right tackle's false start that pushed the Giants back to the Philly 11-yard line, which is where their final drive ended after a turnover on downs.


The NFC-leading Eagles improved to 12-2 and secured a first-round bye in the conference playoffs with their win. The Giants fell to 2-12 and 0-10 in the conference with the loss. It showed in the stands. There were plenty of empty seats, and more Eagles fans than Giants fans in the ones that were occupied.

There were more scalpers than usual Sunday morning on the service road off Route 3 East leading into the stadium complex - a sign a robust secondary market demand was expected as disgusted and disinterested Giants fans looked to dump their tickets. It appears that came to fruition. Eagles fans were loud all game, chanting the team name and "Defense!" throughout the day and consistently making noise.

"They're loud. They're crazy," Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills said. "We had a great group out there."

It wasn't the first time this has happened to the Giants this season. Opposing fans have had a blast so far at MetLife Stadium, where the Giants are now 1-6 this year. It was the first time the Giants have had to combat opposing fans in a close game, though. Most Giants players sidestepped the matter when asked after the game, but Manning made it clear he didn't like the fact Eagles fans drowned his offense out at the end.

He doesn't blame Giants fans, though. He blames the Giants.

"It bothers me in the sense that that's the way this season has turned out," Manning said. "We didn't do our part to be playing late in the year [for] a spot in the playoffs. It bothers me from that sense."
