NFL Network recently named New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones the No. 1 rookie entering Week 1 of the preseason. However, on the exact opposite side of that coin, they believe Eli Manning is among the league’s very worst.
In their pre-Week 1 QB Index, NFL.com has Manning right near the very bottom, just barely edging out Ryan Fitzpatrick (Miami Dolphins) and Case Keenum (Washington Redskins) for spot No. 30.
No. 30 – Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants
Individual rank: AB (30) | TB (27) | GF (30) | DP (30)
2018 stats: 16 games | 66.0 pct | 4,299 pass yds | 7.5 ypa | 21 pass TD | 11 INT | 20 rush yds | 1 rush TD
Parr: Daniel Jones’ scorching preseason performance turns up the heat even more on Eli heading into his age-38 season. It seems like it’s just a matter of months (or weeks?) before the sixth overall pick out of Duke gets his shot, because Manning, even if he continues to play efficient ball, is working with declining skills and a diminished supporting cast. Not exactly a recipe for a renaissance.
The argument could be made that Manning’s new selfless supporting cast will actually benefit him greatly, but that reality isn’t as flashy and doesn’t lead to as many clicks. And while it’s obvious that Manning’s skills are declining — as all aging quarterbacks experience — he has turned back the clock a bit this year and is throwing the ball harder and more accurately than ever.
The mainstream media will continue to push for Daniel Jones after months of ripping him as a “wasted pick,” but the reality is, the Giants are confident in Manning and he’ll be given a longer leash than some might desire.
