Eli Manning 101
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by Ssj3alucard
As Seen on 3rdstringsafety.blogspot.com
Eli Manning’s four interception horror against the Vikings barely created confidence in the young quarterback’s ability to carry the New York Giants to playoff victory. In fact, some at the game where calling for back up Jared Lorenzen.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Are we serious?
There are a number of things that the younger Manning has done wrong over his still blossoming career. Last Sunday was one of them, as he looked scared of a Viking defense that is hardly anything special. The relatively simple cover-2 scheme that Minnesota ran seemed to confuse the Giants quarterback as he frequently threw into the arms of linebackers and safeties. To make the situation worse, three of his four interceptions were returned for touchdowns.
However, reading the defense isn’t Eli’s only problem. It was the lack of his starting running back that killed him. Without Brandon Jacobs, he felt the need to win the game all by himself. That led to him making throws that he normally thinks twice about making. He barely had time to think at all due to heavy inside pressure from Minnesota as the Giants offensive line has by far its worst day of the year.
What people like to forget is that there are a lot of good things that Manning has done over the last two years. First off, there are four teams that have made the playoffs each of the last two years: The Colts, Patriots, Seahawks and Giants. While it’s hard to take solace in that after such a disgusting loss, it’s a daunting achievement. Those three teams have been amongst the NFL’s most consistent, and it’s been along time since the Giants have been able to call themselves consistent. Need we bring back memories of the up-and-down Jim Fassel era?
Another strong point is Eli’s knack for simply winning games. Sure, he may not win them singlehandedly by throwing the ball 40 times a game, but he does win. Since the beginning of 2005, when he was named the full time starter, he is 26-17.
For those who say that Manning is not the reason that the team has succeeded, it’s clear that he is a vital part of it. Over the last three years, the embattled quarterback has posted a plus-14 touchdown-to-interception ratio. That means that he’s put the ball in the end zone 14 times more than he’s put it into the hands of the defense.
The issue for New York fans is the unmanageable expectations that are put on Manning. Part of that is his fault. The trade demand on draft day will haunt him for the rest of the career, and unless he is the second coming of his brother, he will always have his detractors.
However, ESPN always brings up the draft picks that San Diego received for Manning and the Pro Bowl players that they became. Well, Former general manager Ernie Accorsi couldn’t have known that Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding would be the Chargers picks, let alone be so great. Comparing value with those players to Manning is like saying we could have prevented Britney Spears’ comeback by having her killed five years ago. Hindsight is always 20/20.
The other problem is that Eli is at his best when he is boring. That’s right; Eli is a very talented game manager. He has the talent to win an occasional game by himself, but is always at his best with a strong running game and a good defense helping him out. When Eli can play action pass, he is a different quarterback and his completion percentage and quarterback rating jump into the atmosphere. When you can give him the ball in opponent’s territory, he will convert it into points.
There is no doubt that Manning’s Thanksgiving Week Disaster is somewhat worrisome. However, it would be silly to think that Eli isn’t prepared to lead the Giants into the playoffs. He’s already done it twice before.
