The inference of opportunity and potential attached to a first-down proved non-existent in even the composed eyes of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in 2017.
Big Blue’s two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback was barely afforded enough time to contemplate his pocket process before bearing the brunt of his crumbling offensive line last season.
Tarnishing his frail protection further was a depleted corps of receiving options. It made for arguably Manning’s most torrid season with the New York Giants.
An unyielding professionalism and optimism in the face of the New York beast went as far as admirably withstanding the public criticism of his flawed head coach. His sharp ball release saved the likes of tackles Ereck Flowers and Bobby Hart from the grimace-evoking pressures allowed figures on paper that their performances deserved.
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For extensive periods of the season, Manning was left to feed an underperforming offense. It was largely rescued from total irrelevance by statistically respectable years from receiver Sterling Shepard and rookie tight end Evan Engram.
With no Odell Beckham and a short-lived union with Brandon Marshall, the Giants’ QB found himself throwing to unreliable hands far too often.
Manning withstood the most dropped catches for a quarterback last season with 43, according to Pro Football Focus.
Derek Carr had eight fewer with 35 in an underwhelming season for the Oakland Raiders. Veteran Philip Rivers matched Carr with a Los Angeles Chargers side that made wise use of running back Melvin Gordon.
No quarterback had to deal with more dropped passes than Eli Manning in 2017. pic.twitter.com/Kkhai8pv21
— PFF (@PFF) May 17, 2018
The veteran was still able to muster 352 completed passes from 571 attempts, tied for sixth with Joe Flacco. Flacco attempted 549 passes with 61.6 percentage completion rate.
New York Giants helping hand
Injury issues paved the way for Roger Lewis to stake his claim as an adequate backup, which he offered mere glimpses of doing so. He finished the year with 36 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular grab in the win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The athleticism and playmaking ability demonstrated on that play failed to materialize into any sense of consistency. He managed just a 50 percent catch-rate.
Meanwhile, the efforts of Tavarres King and Travis Rudolph failed to account for any progression. King was released, and Rudolph didn’t saw his playing time drop.
Whilst Engram enjoyed an encouraging first year, his 11 dropped passes requires improvement in 2018. Such figures might have been more glaring had he not been burdened with a lack of assistance around him.
Even Beckham let four slip between his usually-reliable hands prior to his injury. Shepard had only a quartet of drops in more playing time than OBJ.
‘New’ New York Giants Optimism
Head coach Pat Shurmur has lauded over the professionalism of his offensive leader since landing in East Rutherford. Shurmur has tamped down doubts over Manning’s arm strength and accuracy at the age of 37.
The prospect of bold and creative play-calling is glossed by a restructured offensive line. This new dynamic will undoubtedly help Manning in the pocket.
Beckham’s expected return to health and the projected development of both Shepard and Engram similarly teases vast improvement to Manning’s productivity.
The likelihood of Shurmur’s system heavily employing the blocking expertise of tight end Rhett Ellison also works to aid a quarterback the organisation still strongly believes can lead a Super Bowl charge.
Discussing Manning’s hopes in 2018 cannot be done without considering the impact of No. 2 selection running back Saquon Barkley.
A man of his athleticism promises to be given his fair share of hand-offs.
Barkley’s prominence could gift Manning more rest between plays. If this happens, it may allow the team to implement the no-huddle approach that has worked well in the past.
It is also necessary to note Barkley’s versatility as a capable pass-catcher to position on Manning’s radar. An improved offense means the New York Giants will require a better catch rate in 2018.