Eli Manning Replaces Kurt Warner

The AP is reporting that Eli Manning has replaced Kurt Warner as the New York Giants' starting quarterback.

Coach Tom Coughlin made the move Monday after Warner and the offense struggled for the second consecutive week in a 17-14 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Giants (5-4) have lost three of the last four games after a 4-1 start.

Manning, the top pick in this year's draft and the brother of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Giants Stadium.

"He is the future of the New York Giants, it just starts now," Coughlin said of Manning, who lost a close training camp competition with Warner for the starting job. "I really felt the last four games we haven't been playing well offensively. We just need to make a change."

Coughlin told both players on Monday.

``Kurt is a competitor, a fighter,'' Coughlin said. ``He is not happy, but he is a class guy.''

Manning obviously was thrilled.

``He is excited about the opportunity to compete and lead,'' Coughlin said