Articles

Monday Morning Manning: Week 15

By: Marco Imperati

The Giants beat the visiting Detroit Lions 17-6 in their final home game of the season. Contrary to past years, the Giants were home warriors this year at 7-1 when playing at Metlife. The win is big in many areas because it wins the tiebreaker with the Lions, who came into this game with the same record as the Giants. The Giants (10-4) now control their own playoff destiny as they prepare for a short week and go to Philadelphia Thursday Night.

If they win on TNF, the Giants are back in the postseason dance for the first time since 2011. Offensively, Eli and the boys could not have come out any sharper. Manning threw his first incompletion with just over 2 minutes remaining in the half. Up to that point, he was 11 for 11. He finished with a stat line of 20-28, 201 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. Although the offense hit a lull midway through the game, they continue to pound at being consistent. Ben McAdoo has discussed in many interviews about getting more offensive plays. He’s not always concerned about the run/pass ratio. The running game slowly improves and so does Eli Manning and the passing attack. Going forward, with Odell Beckham Jr., there is always a way and a chance to put up points.

Keep an eye on: How the Giants manage their roster in these next two regular season games. Obviously, the objective is to beat Philadelphia and get into the playoffs. Everything after that can be worked out. In the past, Tom Coughlin always decided to keep his foot on the gas pedal heading into the playoffs. For an inconsistent group like this 2016 Giants team, can Mcadoo afford to slow down and rest?

Up Next: The 10-4 Giants will travel to rival Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. The Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention this past weekend but would love to offset the dreams and aspirations of this ascending Giants team. Two years ago, in Philly, Victor Cruz tore up his knee and has never been the same. He returns this Thursday night. Giants are thinking win first, but would be nice to get Cruz in the end zone.