Once upon a time, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. were considered one of the best offensive combinations in the NFL, but with OBJ now in Cleveland, that perception has changed.
With targets like Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard, Saquon Barkley and Evan Engram still in tow, one would think a quarterback-receiver combination from the Giants would still rank somewhat high.
No way, says Barry Werner of Touchdown Wire.
In ranking the NFL’s best QB-receiver combos for all 32 teams, Werner has Manning and Tate in the bottom half of the league, just barely edging out Sam Darnold and Robby Anderson (New York Jets) for No. 24 overall.
24. Eli Manning-Golden Tate
Wily veterans figure to find a good beat and rhythm in New York. The key will be if Manning remains the Giants’ No. 1 quarterback. It will be a challenge if they turn the team over to Daniel Jones for all receivers. And that is simply because he is a rookie, no insult.
It’s not difficult to understand why Manning and Tate are ranked so low out of the gate. However, don’t be surprised to see that change as the year moves along.
Not only does Tate provide Manning with a unique slot option, he comes with sure hands and the ability to break tackles unlike anyone else in the league — a valuable commodity for the aging quarterback.
Beyond that, unlike Manning’s relationship with Beckham, Tate has made a concentrated effort to work with Manning one-on-one this offseason and to develop a bond, which he believes will help their on-field chemistry on the field.
“His understanding of the game,” Tate told NJ Advance Media. “As a savvy receiver — specific to my situation, I play in the slot a lot — you want to have a guy who is really good at reading coverages so he doesn’t throw you into any headaches. Eli’s knowledge of the game is great.”
Tate added that the two have bonded over golf and Manning’s impressive sense of humor. Hopefully that can translate to some big numbers on the field.
