East Rutherford, NJ

The Giants hope a win over the Steelers will provide respite to Hurricane Sandy's victims.

Eli Manning, who saw the devastation Hurricane Katrina wrought in 2005 growing up in New Orleans, knows that sports may create a temporary distraction.

"Whether they can come to the game or find a TV, for a few hours they can have a little break and cheer for their home team," said Manning. "And hopefully we can give them a little joy and after the game they can go back to building their lives back."

The players themselves suffered in the aftermath of the hurricane. The New York apartment near the Hudson River of tight end Martellus Bennett lost power, forcing him and his wife to stay with teammate Kevin Boothe.

Bennett felt fortunate to make it through the night.

"When I woke up in the morning I did what I could to help out. Branches, cars ... there are cars floating in the parking garage," he relayed.

Manning ended up moving his family to a hotel Tuesday.

"Once I got to the hotel, (I) finally got power and saw some images and pictures and news about some of the tragic events and the deaths and fires and loss of homes," Manning said. "Whether New York and New Jersey, all over, some terrible stories."

Meanwhile, the Giants have resumed their preparation for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers more motivated than usual. They want to give Sandy's victims something to cheer about.

 

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