New York Giants: 3 reasons for, against Eli Manning’s return
By Henry Buggy
#1 – Big Blue Can Go From Worst To First
Over the past three seasons, the team that has finished in last place in the NFC East has gone on to win the division the next year. The Redskins in 2015, the Cowboys in 2016, and now the Eagles have all gone from worst to first, so is it so far-fetched to think Big Blue could do the same?
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert pointed out at the end of November that the G-Men are one of six franchises to have their season derailed by injuries. The loss of Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, and Janoris Jenkins has visibly impacted Big Blue’s play this season. But of course, the team’s issues are bigger than just injuries.
The Giants had the NFL’s second ranked defense in terms of points allowed in 2016, and Manning showed in Week 15 that the Giants can still put up points even without their top offensive weapons.
Ideally for the Giants to go from worst to first in the division, they would need to get a game-changer at running back and add a cornerstone left tackle either in free agency or the draft.
The return of Beckham and a healthy defense partnered with an upgraded offensive line and a playmaker in the backfield would surely elevate Big Blue’s chances to succeed next season. It’s no secret, Manning is at his best when the Giants can sell the run, something the team has not been able to do since 2012.
New York’s next general manager will first have to decide whether he believes Manning has enough in the tank to lead the team on another postseason run. And that decision, in turn, will outline the franchise’s strategy both in free agency and in the draft.