New York Giants: 3 reasons for, against Eli Manning’s return

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants greets members of the military prior to their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants greets members of the military prior to their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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#1 – Start The New Era Now

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins and Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans meet on the field after a 28-23 Trojan win at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins and Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans meet on the field after a 28-23 Trojan win at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The Tom Coughlin era has come and gone. The Jerry Reese era has come and gone. And as much as it pains many Giants fans, it’s arguably time to say the Manning era is over.

There’s no questioning what Manning has brought to this franchise. Toughness, class, helping others, and clutch plays define No. 10’s legacy with Big Blue, but all good things must come to an end.

Manning’s older brother, Peyton, and Hall of Famer Joe Montana were forced to finish their careers elsewhere. And while they had great runs with both Denver and Kansas City respectively, both will forever be remembered for their times in Indianapolis and San Francisco.

Just like the Giants pulled the cord on Reese and McAdoo this season, Big Blue needs to move toward the future. The Giants can focus their rebuild around their next franchise quarterback, and while there will surely be some growing pains, it likely will only benefit the organization in the long-run.

The G-Men are likely to struggle with Davis Webb or a rookie quarterback under center in 2018, but the experience can potentially lead to growth under the right head coach. The decision could also potentially set up Big Blue for another high draft selection in 2019, allowing their front office to build around their young quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses based on his first year of play.