Eli and the Giants have something in common

What was Eli Manning thinking?

That's what I need to start out with.

This imbecile says he doesn't want to play for the San Diego Chargers, a team in which he could have greatly helped.

San Diego's offensive line could have secured Manning from opposing D-Linemen better than the Giants.

Plus, he takes a money hit in New York as he'll get paid less money as he moves down three spots to number four.

Also, in New York, the spotlight will be on him to perform.

Hey Manning, New York is one of the biggest cities in the country and that means the media is larger there than anywhere else, including San Diego. T

he pressure will be on you to perform at a very high level, something San Diego fans might not expect the first year or so.

Manning surely needs to learn from his mistakes.

But is it really that bad in New York?

Well, Tom Coughlin, a pretty well known guy around the league, is the new coach in New York.

The Giants do have Tiki Barber, but compared to LaDanian Tomlinson in San Diego, this guy is a sub-mediocre guy, with or without a great line.

If Manning starts in '04, bet on a miserable season for the Ole Miss grad, not to mention the Giants.

Which would you prefer?

A better line and the best back in the league, or an aging wide receiver and an extremely talented tight end who doesn't know when to shut his mouth

Now, if you're like me, you would probably choose the first one -- a good running game takes the pressure off a bit from a rookie QB and a better O-Line insures protection on mostly every play for the newbie.

Seriously, I think Manning made a mistake.

The Chargers weren't the happiest team in the world when they heard him say he didn't want to be drafted by them, but after the draft, they walked away with two first-round picks in 2005, two fifth-rounders in that same year and was able to pocket a third rounder from Day one in 2004.

They also got Philip Rivers, who will get paid as the No. 1 pick.

So who walks away from the table here happy?

Now, let's do another this or that.

Which would you prefer?

Eli Manning or Philip Rivers, a first- and fifth-round pick in 2005 and an extra evening selection on Saturday, April 24, 2004

Unless you really think Manning is that much ahead of Rivers, which I don't, you'd go with the second part of that deal no question, even if you were the dumbest GM in the game.

What I'm trying to say is basically the New York Giants and Manning both screwed up on Draft Day '04.

Manning gets less money and plays in a more pressure-filled environment and the Giants gave up way to much to get Peyton's baby brother.

When the Giants are picking third in the 2005 draft, they will definitely regret their decision to trade that pick away.

San Diego will get another stud, and still pick in the mid-teens.

Congratulations San Diego Chargers.

With two top three picks in two years, and the second one being after a winning season, you should be destined for success soon.