For the first time since November 2004, Eli Manning did not start the game in favor of Geno Smith in a moved that was universally panned by the football community. Present and former teammates, opponents, fans, executives, TV and radio show hosts quickly came to Manning's defense. It was also the first time a Manning did not start in an NFL game since Week 17 of the 1997 NFL season. An attempted comeback fell short dropping the Giants to 2-10, their worst record since 1976. Geno completed 21-34 passes for 212 yards and 1 touchdown and lost 2 redzone fumbles. The following day, the Giants announced that Head Coach Ben McAdoo and General Manager Jerry Reese had been relieved of their duties.

Answer this question based on the article: Who started the game?
Smith