New York Giants: It’s time to prepare for a future without Eli Manning

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning struggled in a 34-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Big Blue dropped to 1-5 in what’s shaping up as a lost season.

We can criticize New York Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr. for his sideline outbursts, but he’s right in questioning quarterback Eli Manning’s ability in the pocket.

Last week, in an interview with ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Beckham expressed his frustrations with the passing attack.

The wide receiver said the following:

"Like I said, I feel like he’s not going to get out the pocket. He’s not — we know Eli’s not running it. But is it a matter of time issue? Can he still throw it, yeah, but it’s been pretty safe and it’s been, you know … cool catching shallow [routes] and trying to take it to the house. But I’m, you know, I want to go over the top of somebody."

Manning threw a pass into coverage on the second play of Thursday’s game with the Philadelphia Eagles, and linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill picked off the throw intended for tight end Scott Simonson:

At 1-4, in a position of desperation, Big Blue laid a big egg in front of their home crowd in a 34-13 loss. Manning’s ineffectiveness in the pocket stood out like a bright red flag on the field.

Sure, the offensive line could’ve done a better job in pass protection, but the 37-year-old quarterback didn’t look sharp when he had time to dissect the Eagles defense. A majority of his throws went short to receivers who needed to do the heavy lifting in yards after the catch.

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Running back Saquon Barkley racked up 229 yards from scrimmage, hurdling, spinning and bouncing off defenders all night. He made Manning look great on a few plays. However, the Giants couldn’t threaten the defense over the top, which restricted their ability to mount a comeback after falling behind 24-6 in the first half.

General manager Dave Gettleman can’t take back his decision to select Barkley over a quarterback in April, but it’s a must in the next draft. Even with the rookie running back’s tremendous performance, Big Blue lost in embarrassing fashion.

We’re past time to initiate the Manning succession plan. It’s not ideal to use the term tanking, but the Giants should become sellers at the trade deadline to add volume to their draft capital. Cornerback Eli Apple comes to mind as a potential asset to move in exchange for a middle-round pick. The third-year cornerback struggled over the last two outings, but he’s 23 years old with upside.

Barring a Kyle Lauletta takeover, the Giants will probably use their first-round pick on a quarterback then fill some voids on the offensive line and secondary. As the team moves forward, it’s important to identify draft targets as Manning’s replacement and talents to protect him, particularly on the right side.

For now, New York lists two games behind Philadelphia in the NFC East standings and don’t own the tiebreaker. Regardless of outcomes in the next few weeks, the front office must have a realistic conversation with Manning. In his age-37 season, he’s holding the Giants back more than helping them win games.

The Giants have too many dynamic weapons to average 19.5 points per contest with a passing attack that’s vertically challenged.

Thank Manning for two Super Bowls and his 15 years with the franchise then let him know the organization intends to move in a new direction at quarterback. It’s nothing personal — just business.