May 4, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Giants quarterback
Eli Manningand Denver Broncos quarterback
Peyton Manningwatch the game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
When the football team you cover contains a Manning brother, there’s always NFL news. Granted, the news may not have anything to do with football, but there’s always something out there when you type Manning into Google news. Especially on a Sunday.
For instance now, if you type in Eli Manning, you might find this link, titled: New York Giants’ Ben McAdoo on 2013 Turnover Issues: “It Will Be Fixed” Here in 2014. Prompting Giants 101 writer, Den Benton to end with this conclusion:
"Early on, a lot of time has been spent with Manning focusing on fundamentals and adjustments to his footwork, but that’s only one small piece to the puzzle. In order to do a 180 on their turnovers in 2014, the team still needs health and consistency along the offensive line, a running game that allows them to mix things up and, perhaps most importantly of all, continuity between Manning and his receivers — and that includes limiting the number of tipped passes and dropped balls.It’s going to be a total team effort and a lot to chew for McAdoo in his first season with the Giants."
In order to do a 180 on turnovers, the New York Football Giants need to simply… not turn the ball over. Practicing fundamentals and decision making skills should help, but a number of factors determine turnovers — the size, speed and strength of the players on the field, the speed and velocity of the thrown football, weather and even field conditions. Factors, factors and more factors for the GIANT fear that is turnovers turning up in 2014.
At B/R, Lead NFL Writer Ty Schalter pondered, How Eli Manning Can Rejoin NFL’s Quarterback Elite. Here’s a quote:
"Scheme and FitMcAdoo has a tall task ahead of him, but it’s a doable one. Manning has had single-season interception rates as low as 2.1 percent in his career; he can cut down on the picks without losing aggressiveness. The key might be rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr.Veteran Victor Cruz, on whom Manning relies, works best as a slot receiver working inside to outside. Randle has the tools of a playmaker, but he and Manning haven’t quite clicked yet. Jacobson/Associated Press Beckham should quickly grow into the “X” receiver role for the Giants and be deployed much the same way as the Packers use spark plug Randall Cobb. Beckham’s slightly bigger than Cobb and even more explosive. He may not be as physical, but Beckham can work the sideline just the way Eli likes.With Cruz and Randle in route packages, or the three of them in bunches and trips, McAdoo should be able to get receivers Manning can rely on open quickly—without resorting to the kinds of short timing routes Manning doesn’t throw well.All Up to HimIn the end, Manning’s still in full control of his legacy."
This articles from Ty is full of excellent breakdowns and GIF analysis, be sure to check it out. Obviously, the Jints need players like OBJ to come up huge and develop a chemistry with Eli Manning. Yes, Ty is right in saying that various weapons need to step up; but ultimately it’s on Manning. No matter the offensive coordinator, if Eli Manning can’t curb his interception rate, the Giants win total will suffer the consequences.
At CBS, writer Pat Kirwan put out this list titled: NFL coaches: 10 most compelling storylines for 2014. Where did Tom Coughlin rank in? At number five:
"5. Tom Coughlin, Giants: He has rebounded before from questionable seasons (the Giants were 7-9 in 2013), and GM Jerry Reece gave Coughlin a few veteran players to right the ship. Coughlin took a chance switching offense and hiring a new offensive coordinator in Ben McAdoo. Will Eli Manning benefit from the new offensive subtleties? If the Giants don’t improve the 29th-ranked rushing offense, will Coughlin return in 2015?"
The ever present question, “Will Coughlin return in _____?” Pick your season. While being ranked at number five is quaint, the endless question of Tom’s job security is redundant. The man’s won two Super Bowl rings, the only way he’s leaving the New York Football Giants is retirement.
Regardless of Tom’s job security, Pat Kirwan has a point: if the Giants don’t improve their rushing efficiency from the bottom of the NFL, they may seriously struggle to put forth a more balanced offense. No matter who is calling the plays, once training camp rolls around we’ll have a much better idea of which coaches will have the most compelling story lines — instead of offseason rankings. For Giants Nation, that list’s surely going to feature Tom Coughlin towards the top.