New York Giants: 3 reasons for, against Eli Manning’s return
By Henry Buggy
#3 – Manning’s Immobility Hinders Offense
It’s clear Manning is not the problem in New York’s offense. But what is clear is New York’s offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL. The Giants have lost their two best offensive linemen, Justin Push and Weston Richburg, to season-ending injuries and Big Blue’s offensive tackles have been atrocious from start to finish.
Manning has been forced to get the ball out quickly on almost every passing snap, but in most instances, the 14-year veteran is unable to escape pass rushers when under pressure. There are very few quarterbacks that could survive behind Big Blue’s offensive line, but at 36-years-old, Manning needs protection to make plays downfield.
While Manning still has the talent and the arm strength to succeed in the NFL, mobility at the quarterback position could help nullify some of New York’s offensive line flaws. The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys both visibly have offensive lines light years ahead of New York, but there is no questioning their young quarterbacks’ abilities to escape pressure and make plays downfield.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson may be the best example of this, as he has posted six consecutive winning seasons despite a dreadful offensive line. Of course, players like Wilson don’t grow on trees and Seattle’s defense has been key to their success. But that also doesn’t diminish what Wilson brings to an offense.
Whether the Giants draft Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, or Josh Allen, most of the quarterbacks in this year’s class will have more mobility than Manning.