NJ.com: Eli Manning Will Throw Fewer Than 10 INTs In 2016
Eli Manning’s Achilles heel with the New York Giants has been his interceptions. James Kratch of NJ.com believes Manning will throw fewer than 10 INTs in 2016.
Eli Manning, for all of his strengths as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants, has had a tendency to throw interceptions. During his twelve years in the NFL, Manning has thrown 199 picks averaging just over 16.5 per season.
That 16.5 INT per season average seems paltry compared to the 2013 season when Manning threw a league-leading 27 picks. Under Ben McAdoo, however, Manning has kept his INTs down throwing just 14 in each of the last two seasons.
James Kratch of NJ.com believes that this year that total will go down even further. Kratch’s “bold prediction” for Manning this season is that his interception total will be in the single digits.
“In his third season running McAdoo’s offense, and with several offensive weapons at his disposal… Manning will finish with fewer than 10 interceptions for the first time since his rookie year, setting a new career best for interceptions over a full season.”
Eli has had his two best statistical seasons under McAdoo, but is there any reason to expect his interception total to go that low? Manning had 10 picks in 2008, which was his lowest for a full season of play. Eli did finish his rookie season with his picks in the single digits, but those 9 interceptions he threw came in just 7 starts after he took over for Kurt Warner.
Manning could have arguably the best weapons he’s ever had since he came to the NFL. Odell Beckham Jr. has been remarkable in his first two NFL seasons and barring injury shows no sign of stopping. Victor Cruz claims he is finally healthy and, should he produce at 80% of his former self, that duo could be one of the best in football. Manning has only had six quarters with that tandem on the field together.
Add rookie Sterling Shepard, an emerging Will Tye and Shane Vereen as a safety valve on third down and Manning has a receiving corps unlike any he’s had since he entered the NFL.
The Giants have however been flirting with the idea of throwing the deep ball more often this season which would signal a break from the McAdoo offense we’ve seen over the past two seasons.
Manning’s average depth of throw in 2015 was a full two yards shorter than his horrific 27 INT 2013 season. After analyzing Manning’s deep ball statistics, CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin concluded that, obviously, Eli is more efficient throwing short balls than launching the ball down the field.
Introducing more deep passes to the offense could negatively affect Manning’s production and may lead to more interceptions. So, while limiting Eli’s interceptions would certainly be ideal for the Giants and lead to an even more potent offense, it’s unlikely Manning can trim seven picks off his average if McAdoo intends to push the ball down the field in 2016.