Giants’ Manning still attempts to find rhythm

Eli Manning’s first “Monday Night Football” game won’t exactly be the way he envisioned it, if he had such thoughts.

His New York Giants will face the New Orleans Saints in a nationally televised game that will serve as a fund-raiser for Manning’s decimated hometown of New Orleans, where the game was supposed to be played.

There are 17,000 unsold tickets, ensuring that Giants Stadium – adorned as it will be with Saints logos and such – will not be full.

“It really doesn’t matter what night it is, or when you play,” Manning said. “You have to treat it like any other game.”

If that’s the case, Manning has some work to do. He got help from the Giants’ defense and special teams against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday, which compensated for a so-so performance.

After missing the final two preseason games with a sprained elbow, Manning was indecisive about where he should be in the pocket. He spent Tuesday working by himself to get his footwork and throwing stride down.

“It’s just getting used to the pocket, a live rush and moving around,” he said. “It’s something I have to practice and work on my own. Taking those three weeks off probably hurt me. But I’m starting to feel more comfortable getting back into my rhythm.”

Manning started making a good connection with Plaxico Burress, who caught five of Manning’s 10 completions Sunday.

The Cardinals did not double-cover Burress much, and the Giants clearly believe that Burress is the preferred passing option in man-to-man.

The Saints have aggressive cornerbacks, though, and far more talented ones than the Cardinals have.

Strahan may miss Monday’s game

Giants defensive end Michael Strahan missed practice with back spasms and was listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Saints.

Strahan had the spasms Friday night and Saturday morning and was treated by a chiropractor, the team said. He was replaced during practice by rookie Justin Tuck.

Strahan has experienced back spasms in previous years, but they never have caused him to miss a game. He missed the last eight games of the 2004 season with a torn pectoral muscle.

Steelers file suit against contractors

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have filed suit against five contractors and suppliers, alleging systemic failure of the expansion joints installed throughout the $281 million Heinz Field.

Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said he could not comment on the lawsuit, but said, “We feel the stadium is safe for all of our fans.”