Last season was incredibly hard to watch (thank you, Ben McAdoo and Ereck Flowers). The team was disappointing and finished a sorry 3-13. Most of the blame can’t be shouldered on Eli Manning, but there are legitimate questions concerning his longevity in this league. To prove to me that he’s capable of another title run, Eli must do three things.
Keep Avoiding Interceptions
Eli seems to get intercepted every other drive these days, and while sometimes it’s not his fault, he has received a reputation as a careless quarterback. Eli needs to throw fewer interceptions. I’m not asking for perfection, just less than what we’ve become accustomed to. Last year, Manning threw 13 picks.
This goal might be made easier with the addition of RBs Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Stewart to solidify the run game. Allowing the offense to get one or two extra drives instead of throwing a pick and giving up momentum is huge for this Giants squad. Considering the defense’s struggles last season, this has to be focused on even more.
Fewer Sacks
Last season, Eli Manning was sacked 31 times. Part of this was a terrible offensive line, but the other part was due to his unwillingness to get rid of the ball. Eli, you don’t have to hold the ball or chuck it deep. There are check-downs you can make. No excuses now that the offense has fewer holes, especially in the offensive line after adding LT Nate Solder and LG Patrick Omameh. This season will show whether it was really the offensive line’s fault, or Eli’s for holding the ball too long. Sacks kill drives, and Eli needs to avoid getting hit so much.
Leadership in the Clutch
After having lead 14 fourth-quarter comebacks in the last six years, Eli had none in 2017. That must change for the Giants this year. Eli’s clutch gene needs to re-appear and steal at least one game from an opponent. In a tight division, every game will matter. This is possibly the most important thing Eli will need to do. He’s surrounded by talent, but can he step up in the clutch? This will determine whether the Giants return to mediocrity or have a massive bounce back.
Can Eli return to his old ways and lead the G-Men on another Super Bowl run, or will the Giants be looking for a new franchise QB?