OMNISPORT

New York Giants coach Ben McAdoo explained his decision to drop quarterback Eli Manning in favour of Geno Smith.

According to McAdoo, it was not his decision alone and it was a "hard, tough choice".

In his Tuesday news conference, McAdoo further explained why he decided to play Smith over Manning and what he hopes to accomplish.

"We're confident that we can put a plan together to put Geno in a position to be successful and go win the game," he said ahead of facing the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

"We have five games left to play. We have three quarterbacks on the roster. We have two that we have yet to see in significant game action for us and we want to go take a look at both of those players."

McAdoo revealed he spoke to both team ownership and general manager Jerry Reese and all agreed with the decision.

Despite Manning's streak of 210 consecutive regular-season starts coming to an end, McAdoo believes the quarterback still has a future in New York.

"Well, I have a lot of confidence in Eli as a player, as a quarterback," he said.

"But at this point, it's my responsibility for the organisation to make sure we take a look at Geno and, at some point, take a look at Davis [Webb] and give them the opportunity to show what they can do heading into next year."

McAdoo added: "The streak obviously is very important to Eli. I have a lot of respect for everything that Eli has done in this league and for this organisation and a lot of respect for the streak.

"I see what he goes through each and every week to get ready to play and how consistent he is and I don't want to speak for Eli, but I don't believe he would want to tarnish the record and I'll leave it at that."