NY Giants Quarterbacks 2019 Review
Going into 2019, it was no secret Eli Manning’s days were numbered as the long-term starting quarterback for New York. Many experts expected to see Dave Gettleman finally take a quarterback in the Draft to replace New York’s two time Super Bowl Champion and MVP.
When Jones was drafted 6th overall, it was the beginning of the end for Manning’s ironman streak as the NY Giants unquestioned starter at the game’s most important position. It was simply a matter of when not if regarding Jones taking over Eli’s starting gig at QB.
It was still going to be Eli’s team one last time to give one last shot at competing for another playoff race as the Giants are desperate to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. It was expected that Shurmur would keep Eli as the starter and team captain, Jones would be the rookie backup and first off the bench, and Alex Tanney was the third quarterback to give Jones another coach-like presence in the meeting rooms and film sessions.
Unfortunately, the team started the season 0-2 with Eli. It was obvious his arm strength and ability wasn’t where it once was, the line was giving Eli no chance to succeed, and the skill players around him didn’t make enough plays to validate Manning remaining in the fold.
It was a tough but necessary decision to bench Eli in Week 3. It was simply time. Jones came in and brought rejuvenated energy and excitement to the offense and sparked an impressive comeback and game-winning drive in his first-ever NFL start.
From there, Jones stayed in the starting job up until week 13. He injured his ankle in the Meadowlands’ snow and it provided a unique opportunity for Eli Manning to get some snaps and starts to end his career on the right note amidst another disappointing losing season for the Giants.
Eli came back into the starting role in Week 14 in Philly on TNF. It was Manning’s one last chance to deliver a signature game on a national stage. Eli impressed and connected with Darius Slayton on two long touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough and the Giants’ nightmares continued at Lincoln Financial Field as they lost in overtime.
Fortunately for Eli, he got a second start at home against a woeful Dolphins team. Eli connected with Golden Tate for his first touchdown and ended the game with his final career touchdown pass back to Darius Slayton.
One of the few things Shurmur did right with New York was taking Eli out on the game’s final drive to jog off the field to loud cheers and applause from the Big Blue faithful. It was a special and emotional moment for all Giants fans involved and a moment I certainly won’t forget.
Jones returned for the final two weeks and finished 1-1 doing so. In his return, Jones threw five touchdowns in Washington for a win in OT. Looking ahead to 2020, there is much work to be done and improvements needed to bring the Giants back to respectability.