Courtesy Giants.com

Giants quarterback Eli Manning is mad at former teammate Tiki Barber.

Barber, who retired at the end of last season to pursue a TV career as an NFL analyst, criticized Manning's leadership abilities, during a broadcast last week.

Manning could have and should have ignored the commentary.

Sure, it was a cheap shot by Barber, who was likely making a weak attempt at being objective by attacking a former teammate, but Manning should be used to it.

After all, Peyton's younger brother has given NFL pundits plenty of room to criticize him. He's been decent at best, with a career quarterback rating of 73 and 35 interceptions in two full seasons.

Quarterbacks are under the microscope. Being criticized is part of the job.

Even though Barber took a cheap shot, Manning needs to shut up and concentrate on being better. This could be a make-or-break season for the fourth-year passer. He's got solid talent around him, and his coach is on the hot seat.

eli manning needs a big year.

Then, Tiki Barber needs to recant.