Eli Manning’s steadiness impresses

Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.

Chris Snee took a couple of quick stabs at how much Eli Manning has changed since the two came into the NFL as rookies with the New York Giants in 2004.

“He’s got some hair on his chin now,” Snee deadpanned, before letting a smile spread across his face. Then he pointed out that Manning was older.

The two-time Pro Bowl guard finally gave up.

“Honestly, the guy has been a cool customer ever since was a rookie in the same huddle as me,” Snee said. “He is not fazed by any situation or rattled. He is the best prepared as any guy I have ever been around.”

Unflappable Eli. Elite Eli. Take your pick.

There’s also: Super Eli — maybe for a second time.

Manning and the Giants (11-7) take on the San Francisco 49ers (14-3) in the NFC title game on Sunday with the winner advancing to Indianapolis for a Super Bowl showdown against either the Patriots or Ravens.

Whatever happens, Manning isn’t going to change. That’s what teammates love about the quarterback who comes from a family of quarterbacks.

There is no ego. Just a desire to work hard and win. Nothing upsets the 30-year-old.

“I don’t think you are supposed to change,” Manning said Friday. “I think the reason I had success whether in high school or in college and some success here in the NFL, is because you don’t change your personality.

“You don’t change whether you are having success or tough times. You try to work hard and stay confident and support your teammates and be a good teammate, and play the game the way it should be played.”

Manning, who threw for a career-best 4,933 yards and 29 touchdowns this season, is a creature of habit. He shows up every morning at the Giants’ headquarters around 7 a.m., wears the same clothes at most practices and leaves nine hours later after taking almost every snap in practices.

He’s a prankster, too. He loves to take teammates’ phones and change the language to anything other than English.

“He has gotten me plenty of times,” long snapper Zak DeOssie said. “I don’t even remember the last language. He just switches it. It took me an hour to figure it out.”

When it comes time to work, Manning doesn’t fool around. He comes in Tuesdays — his day off — to break down the film on the upcoming opponents, while familiarizing himself with the game plan.

On Fridays, he holds a meeting with his receivers and shows clips of what they should expect on game days.

“He understands based on coverage where we would like the ball to go,” offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said. “He’s not going to be overwhelmed by what’s going on. He’s been through it enough times. We’ve had enough success with it that he plays very confidently. I don’t think the situation overwhelms him and I think he has a very profound understanding of what we’re trying to do offensively.”

He is nothing like his brother, Peyton, who is more outgoing and doesn’t hide his emotions on the field.