Heading into the upcoming NFL season, many fans of the New York Giants believe that quarterback Eli Manning has an excellent opportunity to be an MVP candidate in 2016.
The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is coming off the best statistical season of his career. Last season, the former Ole Miss signal caller threw for a career-high 35 touchdowns to only 14 interceptions. Not only that, but Manning is also heading into his third season under new head coach Ben McAdoo’s offensive system with an improved roster that should allow him to put forth another stellar season.
2016 Could Be an MVP Season for Eli Manning
One of the key players to the Giants improved roster is the return of wide receiver Victor Cruz, who happens to be one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets. The last time Manning and the Giants had Cruz on the football field was in Week six of the 2014 season. In three-and-a-half seasons, Cruz has nearly 4,000 yards receiving to go along with 24 touchdowns while averaging 15.0 yards per reception. Having Cruz back to go along with Odell Beckhman Jr. should provide Manning with one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL.
Even though the Giants roster is slightly improved on offense, many critics still believe it’s a bit of a stretch that Manning can compete for the league MVP. For all the success that Manning has had, which includes two Super Bowl titles and two Super Bowl MVP’s, he has never received a single MVP vote in his entire NFL career. Manning has proven to be an elite quarterback despite the fact that the Giants seem to underperform year in and year out. He’s also never been able to put up the big statistical numbers that are needed to win this award.
Quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Tom Brady and even even his brother Peyton Manning have all proven that they could put up such numbers, while winning at least thirteen games during the regular season.
It’s no secret to football fans that Eli has never been a great regular season quarterback. In fact, Eli has led the NFL in interceptions on three separate occasions. He also has never thrown less than ten picks in any season. So for Eli Manning to even be considered, the New York Giants would need to have a huge season, matching their win total from the past two seasons combined.
Eli does have the weaponry to help him surpass his season from a season ago. The Giants are set up to have a much better season than last year’s lackluster campaign. But Eli Manning’s chances of winning the MVP award remains a long shot at best; 13 of the past 14 winners of the MVP award have all been part of teams that have gone at least 12-4 or better. That would be quite a feat for a Giants team who are coming off back-to-back 6-10 seasons.
