New York Giants: The case for Eli Manning in 2019

All things considered, the New York Giants keeping quarterback Eli Manning under center for 2019 isn’t the worst-case scenario.

The massive groan you heard from the New York City/New Jersey region on the final Thursday of November probably came from fans of the New York Giants upon learning about and/or reading the report from SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano claiming the Giants could, realistically, bring quarterback Eli Manning back for the 2019 campaign, not just as a backup but as the team’s starter.

Despite what some would lead you to believe, Manning has not been the worst quarterback in the NFL this fall, nor has he resembled Blake Bortles. The two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP turned the clock back in a victory over the Houston Texans.

He would have produced a game-winning touchdown pass versus the Carolina Panthers if not for a miraculous walk-off 63-yard field goal. Manning was a missed connection with rookie running back Saquon Barkley away from going a perfect 18-for-18 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 37-year old in the twilight of his career has spent the majority of the past two seasons playing behind a historically-bad offensive line, a sieve-like rotation of would-be starters who generate headlines when they come together for an average performance. A common opinion voiced by observers, particularly by those quick to defend the greatest QB in Giants history, is that few, if any, tasked with playing behind this line would enjoy success.

That’s all well and good, but it also ignores what has been in front of everybody’s eyes since August. Manning’s arm strength isn’t what it was even a few years ago. The fastball has lost MPH. He’s routinely missed throws average quarterbacks would, and should, complete.

The interception Manning tossed late in the first half of the Week 12 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles was an unforgivable error, a horrible throw coupled with an inexcusable decision when Barkley was open and ready to run the ball closer toward the goal posts for an easier field goal:

Why bring Eli back at all, then?

To begin with, there aren’t a plethora of stellar alternatives. Sure, the Giants could use a first-round selection on Justin Herbert or any other quarterback worthy of such a draft pick. Take a look at the products from what is allegedly a deep 2018 NFL Draf class. Other than Baker Mayfield, every one of them taken before the 32nd pick should have sat longer. Lamar Jackson has been a mixed bag as of the opening weekend of December, but he hasn’t brought visions of Brett Favre or Steve Young to mind while filling in for the injured Joe Flacco.

In this scenario, Manning is little more than a bridge quarterback. That’s no different from what he’s been since the start of the 2017 campaign. Had the New York defense held the Eagles in the fourth quarter, nobody would be discussing the 2019 NFL Draft or next year’s free agency class as it pertains to replacing Manning.

The 4-7 Giants would be preparing to host a Chicago Bears side that will probably be without starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Big Blue fans would be dreaming of their beloved team making a real run toward at least a .500 record.

As of the typing of this sentence, Teddy Bridgewater, currently with the New Orleans Saints, is scheduled to be the gem quarterback of next March’s free agency class. That could change if Drew Brees wins a Super Bowl and rides off into the sunset a champion, or if he decides he’s given the Saints and the sport all he can.

There’s no guarantee Bridgewater will sign with the Giants if he becomes available, as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders both could give him opportunities to start while not having to replace a franchise icon who will have his jersey number retired not too long down the road.

Manning will likely have to accept a pay cut or restructured contract to decrease the salary cap hit attached to his deal to remain with the Giants. He’s done so before. Odds are he’ll be a better mentor for a first-round pick than Ben Roethlisberger or Tom Brady. Unless fourth-round quarterback Kyle Lauletta shocks the football community with his play over the final four games of this lost season, keeping Manning through the expiration of his contract may be what’s best for the future of the franchise. It’s not ideal, but it’s where the Giants sit this holiday season.