Last week I put too much responsibility for the Giants' fate on Eli Manning's shoulders, and I now realize that was mistake. Eli's doing the best he can under the circumstances. I know he missed a wide open Plaxico Burress for a would-be touchdown a couple times, but you have to feel for Eli. He was under enormous pressure to go into the family business even though his real dream was to be an accountant or a clerk at a supermarket. Eli was close to hanging it up late last year, but then his brother starting doing those commericials mocking supermarket checkout guys by cheering for them in an absurd manner. That sent the message to Eli that he must honor the family legacy rather than follow his dream. Eli would be tremendous at a desk job, and he would really shine during office flag-football games if he gets his mechanics right and learns not to overthrow open receivers 12 yards down the field.

Eli, I apologize for being so hard on you. Now go quit football, and pursue your real dream. Your family might have difficulty accepting it at first, but you'll save yourself and Giants fans a lot of grief.