Do not hit the panic button just yet! The New York Giants may be 2-3 and as week six approaches, all eyes are now on Eli Manning. It is safe to say that any wins and close losses can be credited more to the Giants’ defense then Manning and supporting cast. While the off-season conversation was focused on how much money the Giants spent on the defensive side of the ball, there was also a lot of hype around the receiving corps. With Odell Beckham, Jr., Victor Cruz, and Sterling Shepard as starting receivers, how could the Giants’ offense not be putting up huge numbers each week?
Eli Manning Struggles: Why He’s Not Done Yet
While there have been some dropped balls, a large part of the blame has to fall to Eli Manning. Manning and his receivers still do not seem like they are on the same page. When watching the interceptions, overthrown balls, and just poor passing, it is impossible to think these players are in sync with one another. Manning through five games, has five touchdowns, four interceptions, and five fumbles. Not only does this mean Manning is not finding his receivers, but he is also turning the ball over immensely.
The Giants have not had a winning season since 2012, and enjoyed a Super Bowl victory just one season prior to that. Through five games in the 2011 season, Manning had actually thrown five interceptions. The difference was, he also threw for ten touchdowns. In 2012, he threw for another ten touchdowns in his first five appearances, but only two interceptions. The following three seasons, although all losing campaigns, Manning still threw for more touchdowns than the current season. When looking at Manning’s completion percentage, they are comparable to previous seasons. The problem is he is not leading his team to touchdown scoring drives. Through three quarters against the Packers, Eli led the Giants’ to three field goals, and far too many punts. This put the defense back on the field for a huge chunk of the game.
Is it Time for Manning to Hang it Up?
Manning seems to play better with quick passes, but when he needs to remain patient in the pocket or make a decision when defenders come his way, he does not seem to make the best decisions. This tends to lead to interceptions, fumbles, or just plain bad throws. If Manning and the Giants’ do not turn things around soon, the focus on Manning will only increase. Manning is 35 years old, and while a two time Super Bowl champ, the “what have you done for me lately” idea is getting closer and closer, as it did with Tom Coughlin just one season ago.
Eli Manning is in his 13th season with the Giants and, as is seen throughout the league, this is when the questions come. As quarterbacks reach their mid to late 30s, teams often start thinking about who to bring in next and how much that player really has left in them to lead the team. While Manning’s brother retired from the league at 39, he could not help but deal with his share of criticism during the last few seasons of his career. Drew Brees and Tom Brady are both over the age of 35, but seem to have a lot left in the tank and still put up impressive passing yards and show their ability to make plays. While this is the case, retirement will likely not be on the table.
There is Still Time
Manning shows glimpses of being on the right track, and he has even led the Giants to two game winning drives. With the help of his talented offense, Manning has connected on some impressive passes. The Giants, however, need more consistency from him. I believe through watching film and continuing to work with his supporting cast, Manning can still turn things around. The time is now and Manning does not want to be the headliner for a disappointing season on a team that analysts and fans were so optimistic and certain would be the leading the NFC East right about now.
