At age 38, Eli Manning is nearing the end of his career in the NFL (National Football League). Growing up in New Jersey I was surrounded by Giants fans. Eli has made all Giants fans both the happiest and the most disappointed. The helmet catch and beating the “GOAT,” Tom Brady, twice brought Giants fans the best of times, while his constant interceptions and finishing last in the NFC (National Football Conference) East multiple times has brought Giants fans the worst of times. His lack of consistency, especially in recent years, has everyone calling into question his future in the NFL.
After Manning’s two Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011, his career was on a fast decline. Post 2011, Manning and the Giants performed at a less than elite level. They missed the playoffs the next four years which led to head coach, Tom Coughlin, leaving the Giants at the end of the 2015 season.
In 2016, Ben McAdoo, was named head coach and got the Giants back on track – or so we thought. That year the Giants finished 2nd in the NFC East with an 11-5 record. Manning finished the season with 4,027 yards and 26 touchdowns, similar statistics from his championship years. That 2016 season, the Giants reached the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in 2011, however they were defeated by the Green Bay Packers, 38-13, in the wildcard round. The following year, Eli posted some of the worst records of his career finishing with only 3,468 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Manning was benched week 13 ending his 210 consecutive start streak. The Giants finished the year last in the NFC East with a measly 3-13 record. 2018 was not any better for Manning, the Giants missed the playoffs and finished the year 4th in their division at five wins, 11 losses.
With all that being said, it leaves the Giants and their fans asking, what is our future (or lack thereof) with Manning? In 2015, Manning signed a four year contract extension with the Giants worth $84 million. Nearing the end of his contract, the Giants have a lot to think about.
In the 2019 draft, the Giants selected quarterback, Daniel Jones, from Duke 6th overall to many’s surprise. Jones run at Duke was somewhat inconsistent. His sophomore year in 2017, he finished with 14 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. In 2018, he finished with 22 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. In 2019, he played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl and was named MVP finishing 8 for 11 with passes, 115 yards, and one touchdown.
Bottom line – despite Manning’s inconsistency and the addition of Daniel Jones from Duke, the Giants extend Manning’s contract through 2020. Why? Despite his age, Manning still has something left in the tank. Last season, at 38 years old, he completed 66% of his passes for 4,299 yards, 21 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. Not too shabby for a veteran quarterback in this league.
To help Eli out, the Giants buffed up their offensive line this off season by resigning center, Jon Halapio, and trading for Kevin Zeitler from Cleveland. Zeitler is one of the best guards in the NFL currently. Last season, Zeitler was ranked the number sixth guard in the league and had the best pass blocking grade, 91.7%. Not to mention, the Giants still have Saquon Barkley to give Manning a break. Barkley set franchise rookie records for the Giants in 2018-2019, he finished with 1,307 yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and four passing touchdowns while also being named The Associated Press’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. This also gives time for rookie, Daniel Jones, to learn behind Manning and hopefully groom him to become his successor.
BELLE OF THE (FOOT)BALL 