Here’s something interesting: Eli Manning ranked 8th in passing attempts this season behind Patty Mahomes (7) and league leader Big Ben. He ranked 21st in overall passer rating, which is what that horrible farting sound you hear whenever someone says Manning comes from. Objectively, he did not suck as nearly as bad as people are saying he did provided you take into account the limited play of Beckham and the expected ‘sophomore’ slump of Shepard. In fact, what he did is exactly in line with what he has always done in the first year adjusting to a new offense. In fact, he is primed to have a legitimate top 10 QB season this coming fall.
Yeah, I’m saying Eli still has game left.
Not a lot. The man is 37 and scared, but continued improvements along the line, a better schedule of matchups, and a clearer understanding of the nuances of the offense will move him towards a successful season that may be his last. This is a significant change from my previous position on the issue. I say this now because I ran the numbers. I listened to the coach. I watched the tape. Turns out Eli ain’t quite done.
That doesn’t mean we should pass on a QB this draft. I watched Murray’s tape too, and the kid could be exactly the kind of player NY needs. The fact that he isn’t a stand out vocal leader in the mold of The Browns new leader is not an issue. More of an issue is the leadership already in place and how the coach can reign in Beckham or, at least, direct that energy towards more positive means. Facts are facts and the fact in this is that Beckham struggles with emotional control. The fact that goes right with that is his emotional energy helps the team win games, and if they are winning they are likely to keep winning.
I think the Giants have a recipe for goodness in the coming season.