New York Giants: 3 Reasons They Will Finish 9-7
By Eric Mollo
Dec 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
3. Eli Manning
I don’t think Eli will ever get the credit he deserves for being a franchise quarterback, but he is absolutely the reason for this franchise’s success over the years. He has a couple of Pro Bowls, the Super Bowl MVP’s, but what gets me about Eli is every year this team is consistently competing, minus 2014.
I think we’re a little spoiled as Giants fans. Yes, Eli’s inconsistent–I get that. But you just don’t play .500 ball or better for eight straight seasons, and, well, win two Super Bowls and think it’s all luck–or all defense, which really isn’t true.
Some want to argue that Eli had his best season, last year, when the team had their worst record since 2004. It’s a good point, but remember, he kept the Giants in a lot of games last season when the team was injured and the defense was playing poorly. Their last four losses were by 10 points or less, so he certainly kept them close.
If Eli plays well, the team’s chances of winning will significantly increase. It’s just how it works in a quarterback driven league. And running a second year under Ben McAdoo, I do believe Eli will put together a second-straight solid campaign.
Next: NFC East: GMEN HQ's All NFC East Team