Say Goodbye To Eli.

By: Parnell Saint-Preux

New York Giants fans are not pleased with the performance from their franchise quarterback, Eli Manning. Neither from his teammates, primarily wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. In an interview with ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Beckham discusses Manning’s recent play.

“I don’t know,” Beckham said when he was asked if there was an issue at quarterback. “Like I said, I feel like he’s not going to get out the pocket. He’s not — we know Eli’s not running it. But is it a matter of time issue? Can he still throw it, yeah, but it’s been pretty safe and it’s been, you know … cool catching shallow [routes] and trying to take it to the house. But I’m, you know, I want to go over the top of somebody.”

In the Giants 34-13 loss against the reigning Super Bowl Champions Philadelphia Eagles, Manning completed 24/43 for 281 yards and one INT. Manning reached an all-time low in the QBR category with a 3.2.

After the game, Manning acknowledged he needs to improve his game and that his confidence hasn’t changed.

“Confidence is always the same,” Manning said. “I know I can play better. I didn’t play well [Thursday] night. I have to make better decisions and just get back to doing my job, not trying to force things, find completions, move the ball and try to score more points.”

Giants Head Coach was asked about whether or not Manning would still be the starting quarterback for the Giants.

“No. We believe in Eli,” Shurmur said last Friday.

Shurmur was also asked about the Giants made a mistake by drafting Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick than Sam Darnold.

“The idea that Saquon Barkley was a mistake? I don’t see the logic in that, and I just told you that I believe in Eli,” Shurmur said.

The fact of the matter is Manning is not himself. Since Manning helped the Giants win the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots in February 2012, the Giants have been to the playoffs once in the last six years.

Manning, 37, has shown a huge decline in his play. Obviously, Manning is not known for mobility or athleticism, however, he was known for pulling off remarkable 4th quarter comebacks. Nowadays, he looks terrified in the pocket, refusing to throw the football down the field, and relying on his skilled players to make spectacular plays after the catch.

Moving forward, Giants need to consider drafting a quarterback. Potentially, if they have a top three pick in the draft, they should consider drafting Oregon QB, Justin Herbert.

According to most draft experts, Herbert is considered the best quarterback prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft. Although Herbert is not the best overall prospect in the draft, nonetheless, it is a huge necessity for the Giants to draft a quarterback.

Herbert has great size, listed at 6’6 235 lbs with athleticism and a excellent arm talent. Some of the comparisons Herbert has received are Andrew Luck and Carson Wentz.

Sports Illustrated NFL reporter Albert Breer has heard great reports from NFL executives about Herbert’s talent.

“He has all the tools, all the traits,” says one AFC exec. “He’s a bigger [Marcus] Mariota to me. He could use another year in school, another year of maturing. But I could definitely see him going high, just based on talent and traits, if he came out.”

“He’s got size, arm strength, better touch than people think, he’s athletic for a big man, he can really throw on the run,” says an NFC exec. “And he’s a great kid, has off-the-charts intangibles, wants to be a doctor, he has it all squared away. He wasn’t raised to be a quarterback, but he’s from a football family. … He’s only 21, so he could use an extra year. But if he’s a Top 5 pick, he has to consider going.”

Hands down, Manning is no longer the best quarterback in the NFC East division.  Truth be told, he’s not ranked 2nd or even 3rd. In actuality, Manning is dead last in the division. Let’s face reality, Manning has been terrible.

To Manning’s defense, has he had enough support and protection from his offensive line, recently? Absolutely not.  In the past six games of the season, Manning has been sacked 20 times. If you look at the picture below, this would perfectly explain Manning’s mindset behind the Giants offensive line.

However, when you are perceived as the beloved franchise quarterback, there are obligations that you must fulfill. Indisputably, that is not the case for Manning.

We all know once Manning retires, he will start his new chapter in life. After he decides to hang up his cleats for good, the unvarnished question is will Manning enroll to Canton and become a member of the Pro Football in Hall of Fame?

Some will make the argument that Manning had great moments and captured 2 Super Bowls and Super Bowl MVP’s by defeating the New England Patriots. Others will argue throughout his career Manning has missed the playoffs as well as leading the lead in interceptions multiple times.

That remains to be answered. All Giants fans know that it’s time for a new quarterback to step in and contribute. Sure, they’ll respect and admire the things that Manning has done. In the end, Manning and the Giants know it’s business.