Eli Manning’s honest admission about Ed Reed will instantly grab Ravens fans' attention

Eli Manning spent 16 seasons facing some of the NFL's most dangerous defensive players, but Baltimore Ravens legend Ed Reed clearly left a lasting impression.

The former New York Giants quarterback recently opened up about the difficulties of preparing to face the Hall of Fame safety, revealing that Reed was even more dangerous than his game footage suggested.

Speaking on The Colin Cowherd Podcast, Manning explained how watching Reed on film sometimes created the impression that the safety was making mistakes.

However, Manning quickly discovered that Reed was operating on a different level.

“You kind of saw it on film that he was smooth, {but} you're kind of watching it and you're like, ‘well, I don't think Ed's doing the right thing here. Maybe that was a bust and we can take advantage of it,'” Manning said.

“Then you realize he's just smarter. He just knew how to read eyes, and he was just such a natural, attracted to the ball. He was like the scariest person.

Manning admitted that he eventually became reluctant to throw anywhere near the former Ravens star.

The Giants quarterback's encounter with Reed in December 2004 remains particularly memorable. Facing Baltimore, Manning completed just four of 18 passes for 27 yards and threw two interceptions. Reed secured one of those turnovers as the Ravens delivered a convincing 37-14 victory.

Manning was eventually benched in the second half, making the afternoon even more difficult for the young quarterback.

Reed , meanwhile, was enjoying one of the finest seasons of his career.

The former Miami Hurricanes standout finished 2004 with nine interceptions for 358 return yards, earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. It was also the first of five First-Team All-Pro selections during his remarkable career.

Ed Reed's criticism adds another layer to Ravens frustration

Manning's comments are particularly interesting given the recent frustrations surrounding Reed's former team.

Following Baltimore's disappointing 35-13 defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 25, the Ravens legend publicly questioned the coaching decisions being made by the organization.

Reed posted a blunt reaction on social media, writing: "Wow, terrible coaching decisions week in week out crazy!"

Baltimore had entered halftime with a 13-0 advantage but completely lost control after the break. Cincinnati scored five second-half touchdowns, while quarterback Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes to complete the comeback.

The Ravens struggled to respond offensively, too. Zay Flowers had enjoyed an impressive first half, but Baltimore couldn't maintain that production. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley also struggled to find consistent solutions against Cincinnati's adjustments.

Running back Derrick Henry's difficulties in short-yardage situations added to the frustration, with questionable offensive decisions becoming another talking point.

Although Reed didn't identify specific plays or coaches in his criticism, his reaction showed the growing concerns surrounding Baltimore's inability to protect halftime advantages.

Manning's admission offers another reminder to Ravens fans of just how special Reed was. His ability to anticipate plays, recognize opportunities and punish quarterbacks made him an extraordinary defensive presence.