Does Eli Manning Have Anything Left in the Tank?
I know it’s hard for Giants fans to think of the possibility of Eli Manning not being under center, but it seems the reality of it happening could be very soon. I know he has won two Super Bowls for the franchise and he started in 210 straight games (former head coach Ben McAdoo had to end it to play Geno Smith). Sometimes you just have to know when it’s time to break up with someone, no matter how hard it may be.
Manning could also retire this offseason, making the break-up easier on the Giants’ part. There’s been no indication this will happen, though, so it will be interesting to see what happens. The bottom line is, Manning isn’t the same QB he was when he was winning the Giants Super Bowls.
Since 2013, he’s thrown 85 interceptions and hasn’t shown any signs of improving in that area. It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I’m not going to bash Manning or put him down, but he doesn’t look like he anything left to give at this point of his career.
Whether people believe he deserves it or not, he will likely find himself in Canton someday sporting a gold jacket. That’s one heck of a career in a league that is unfortunately ended short for tons of guys, due to injury. Like many say, one of the best abilities in football is availability. Manning definitely withstood the test of physicality the NFL brings.
Just watching the Cowboys game made me think that there’s a possibility we don’t see Manning in the Giants blue next season. You can’t blame the organization if they move on either.
It seems like the perfect time to do so, especially with young stars in running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. You don’t want to waste any time with players like that on your roster.
There’s of course a certain level of respect from the organization. But at the end of the day, they need results. Manning just hasn’t been able to produce the results they have needed for years now. I understand the offensive line play is poor, but they aren’t the only reason he’s under throwing guys or overthrowing Beckham constantly down the field. He isn’t able to feel the pressure as good anymore. Once he sees any pressure forming, he falls on the ground, taking a sack.
He’s just not as talented anymore at the age of 37. Which isn’t a knock on Manning, it’s just that father time is undefeated (unless you are Tom Brady) in the NFL. As tough as it may be for people in New York, it begs you to ask the question: Does Eli have anything left in the tank?
