EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - With the New York Giants off to a 6-2 start and holding a big lead in the NFC East, two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning was a legit MVP candidate.

Not anymore. After two straight losses and some pathetic offensive play, Manning is now hearing the other side of the equation from fans and critics.

His golden arm looks tired and his play is reminiscent of his rookie season when teams like the Ravens made him look like a deer caught in a car's high beams.

It's the price of playing in New York and Manning actually smiled when reminded of his so-called downfall as the Giants (6-4) headed into their bye week Monday, coming off a dreadful performance in a 31-13 loss to the Bengals in Cincinnati.

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