NFL
Giants tab Warner as starter
By The Source
Aug 29, 2004

East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) - The New York Giants put an end to any possible quarterback controversy as Kurt Warner was named the starter over rookie Eli Manning for the season opener.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, who earlier this weekend indicated that a decision would not be made until after this week's final exhibition game, made the announcement on Sunday.

Warner, a two-time NFL MVP, had a solid outing against the New York Jets during Friday's 17-10 setback. He completed 9-of-11 passes for 104 yards in a starting effort, leading the Giants on their only touchdown drive of contest. Another potential scoring threat engineered by Warner ended in a Tim Carter fumble inside the Jets' 10-yard line.

Manning struggled on the evening, as he ended 4-of-14 for just 20 yards. The NFL's No. 1 draft pick threw two interceptions and also lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, looking more timid then Warner.

The Giants open Week 1 of the 2004 season on the road against the defending NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles and their intimidating defense. That alone might have swayed Coughlin to start the veteran over the rookie.