in Year 16...
"They've been doing some losing lately, and he doesn't like it and he wants to turn that around," Archie Manning said. "Eli realizes the situation. They drafted a young quarterback. They've got to win some games. He knows that. But he's attacking it full speed. Eli has a great mindset to be a quarterback and a football player. He knows he can play at a high level, and he thinks he can lead his team so we're pulling hard for him."
Manning expects giant strides, especially since it'll be his second season in offensive coordinator Mike Shula's system.
It'll be the first time since 2013 Manning won't have fellow Newman alum Odell Beckham Jr. to throw to. Beckham was traded to the Cleveland Browns, one of several major moves the Giants made.
"We've been aggressive in the offseason and made some change," Manning said. "We brought in some new linemen, brought in (receiver) Golden Tate and also made some defensive moves as well. I'm excited about the way the spring worked and having guys to fit the offense and fit this style. It's going to be fun."
Those close to Eli know just how determined he is to help the Giants turn things around. They know what drives him.
A lot of times people ask guys 'What are you going to do with the money you made?' Peyton Manning said. "Instead of saying, 'I'm going to buy this or buy that,' they should say 'l'm going to try to earn it.' Go earn it, and I think that's what Eli feels."
Eli says his motivation is simple.
Winning football games is what he says drives him.
"It's such a great feeling in that locker room when you win games," Eli said. "You want everybody to experience that. You want those guys who haven't won a championship to get that feeling also. That means so much to your family and everybody who has been a part of your football career, from your high school coaches to your college coaches. When you win a championship, everybody wins."
So Manning wants to stick around as long as he can.
He laughed at the notion of playing another eight or nine years, which would allow him to possibly play with his nephew Arch, Cooper's son and a freshman at Newman. Eli knows he's probably closer to joining big brother Peyton in retirement than he is of playing against Lil Arch.
But he's not looking that far ahead either.
"I'm not rushing into retirement, and Peyton's not telling me to rush into it," Eli said. "I still love being around the guys and the teammates and playing this game. I'm going to play it for as long as I think I can hang with these guys."
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Here's the thing. One of the reasons why I have defended Eli so much in the last 6 years is because I think his O-Line and for the most part his skill positions were below NFL standard, especially the OL. Yes he had OBJ, and he had SB last year. And SS has flashed. But its really never come together with the offesne because we either have been so weak on the OL or the supporting cast around OBJ havent been a threat.
I think the OL is going to much improve. So if they give Eli time and the ability to make throws down the field and he fails - then I have no problem seeing what Jones has. But if he is going to be sacked 50 times, many of which before the WRs can even finish their routes, and pressured another 50 - its still going to be tough to judge on what he can do (any type of struggle this year makes the point moot since he will be replaced.)
I think its unfair to look at what a person makes, and then determine if he is worth the value when he is surrounded with sub par teammates. I fully admit there have been a lot of games where Eli could have played better since 2013. But sometimes its tough to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.
But I do believe we are on the right path. Better OL, great RB, viable WRs, game changing TE. Its time for Eli to prove he still has it. But everyone still needs to perform around him.
It has yet to be determined if Eli given time to perform will overcome his nervousness in the pocket. Many good QB's have failed to overcome the fear which becomes manifest by the will to survive and desire to avoid injury. Physically he has demonstrated the ability to perform at a high level. Eli can still make all the NFL throws necessary to be successful NFL QB but can he again retain the composure necessary to allow the plays to develop downfield to take advantage of the opportunity to make the big play.
I think that the presence of Daniel Jones along with the rebuilt OL may motivate Eli to conquer his nervousness regaining his prowess as an elite NFL QB.
Shurmur likes to play a team game where the ball gets spread around and everybody run blocks and keeps their mouth shut.
I took Manning's comments as a subtle dig at OBJ. Tate isn't as talented as OBJ but he's a selfless, tough-minded, team-first WR who blocks, has great hands, makes tough catches and will be accountable to his teammates.
You don't need a Ferrari at WR - you need a group of guys who fit well together and complement eachother.