Ex-Teammates: Eli Manning's prime was wasted by Giants
Did the New York Giants do Eli Manning wrong?
It’s not like Manning hasn’t had a productive career in the Big Apple, winning two Super Bowl championships and being named MVP in both of them.
Many would argue that he’s the best quarterback in the history of Big Blue.
But could it have been better?
Two of Manning’s former teammates think so, and they blame the team’s front office.
Even though New York has surrounded Manning with talented wide receivers like Odell Beckham, Jr. and Victor Cruz, former center Sean O’Hara says the team didn’t provide the quarterback with enough weapons.
“They’ve wasted the last few years of Eli’s career, they’ve wasted his prime,” O’Hara said Saturday at a charity softball game, per SB Nation’s Big Blue View.”It’s been hard to sit and watch that happen. I’m glad to see that they found a way to correct it, but Eli can still play the game.”
O’Hara wasn’t the only person to feel that way.
Former Giants defensive end Justin Tuck had Manning’s back as well.
“I agree with him,” Tuck said of O’Hara’s remarks. “We all know what Eli can do when he is healthy and when he has comparable athletes around him. I don’t think he had those. Anything other than that, you are just lying to yourself.”
New general manager Dave Gettleman has made it a point to bring in more talent on the offensive side of the ball, drafting all-everything running back Saquon Barkley out of Penn State and signing former Patriot Nate Solder to play left tackle.
Despite last year’s disaster — including being benched in favor of Geno Smith — O’Hara says Manning is going to open some eyes this season.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he has one of his best years ever. Look at the offense and playmakers around him. This might be the most explosive offense group he’s ever had,” O’Hara told the New York Daily News earlier this month.
Over the past two seasons, Manning has struggled, throwing a total of 45 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.
At 37 years old, it’s clear that number 10 has reached a crossroads in his career.
The Giants picked Barkley instead of a quarterback in the draft, and their backup, Davis Webb, has yet to throw a pass in an NFL game.
In other words, New York had better hope O’Hara and Tuck are right about Manning.
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