Eli Manning Should Bounce Back Versus Dallas Cowboys
By Justin Groc
Before suffering a 27-0 loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning had an efficient string of games between weeks three through five versus the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins, and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. He completed just over 70-percent of his passes, with 245 passing yards-per-game, and an 8:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio (not including one score which came via rushing).
The Eagles held the entire Giants team in-check last week, when Manning was only able to muster 151 yards through the air. The question is whether or not Big Blue can regain their recent winning-ways. Manning is an integral component for any chance of that.
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For his entire career during the regular season, Manning has posted a 10-9 record against “Big D” with just over 60% completion, nearly 257 passing yards-per-game, and a 19:11 TD-to-INT ratio. He also has a victory over the Dallas Cowboys during the 2007-08 NFC Divisional Playoffs making it safe to say that Manning has accomplished success during these NFC East rivalry games.
After starting this season on a losing note to the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys have ripped off five-straight victories with their most recent one being earned while visiting the defending-champion Seattle Seahawks. The Cowboys defense was very impressive when they held quarterback Russell Wilson to only 126 yards through the air with one interception. Running back Marshawn Lynch was held to just 61 yards on only 10 carries which goes to show just how good their run-stopping abilities are.
The Seahawks, at their best, are a very physical run-first team but they were only limited to 18 rushing attempts. While the amount of attempts is small, credit must be given to the entire Cowboys team for winning the battle of possession (37:39 vs. 22:21). Manning must regain his form while also being cerebral in regards to having his drives not just result in scores, but make the Cowboys margin for error as miniscule as possible.
Manning and the Giants may not need to win the battle of possession, given that their offense is now based on short, quick passes. However, if the Giants want to win this weekend, it may need to come from their ability to protect the football and make every one of their drives put pressure on the Cowboys offense to be aggressive and take chances.
The Cowboys are 12th-best in pass defense, giving up 228 yards-per-game in the air. It is more impressive when considering that Dallas is 5-1 overall. They have had a lot of chances to defend against the pass since opposing teams resort to their tactic when playing from behind. Rod Marinelli has earned defensive coordinator responsibilities this year for the Cowboys while Monte Kiffin was demoted to more of a consulting position, after holding the same position last season. The move is paying off so far for the organization.
Losing Victor Cruz is a real back-breaker for this offense. The bigger question is whether another wide receiver can fill that void. Rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. already has two games under his belt after returning from a hamstring injury during training camp and the earlier portion of this season. However, fellow receiver Preston Parker has already assumed the slot role during practices but makes it clear that it will be a group effort.
"“We all have confidence in ourselves within the receiver group, to hold Vic up,” Parker said. “We don’t lack confidence, we’re strong-minded guys and that’s how you gotta be in this league.[snip]“All the receivers, when he suggests something, we go out there and try do what he asks of us,” Parker said. “It’s a rhythm, each game it gets better with the communication, what are the signals, what he wants to do on this [route]. Every time we get a different [defensive] look, or a new look, we just come together and talk…” (Nick Powell, NJ.com)"
Whether Manning bounces back is largely dependent on whether that slot receiver going forward is in rhythm with the signal-caller.
Does Manning bounce back? Also, who assumes the slot role going forward? Let G-Men HQ know about your thoughts below.