Eli Manning threw another interception yesterday, giving him a career-worst 25 on the season. But his shaky season hasn’t shaken the organization’s faith in their $106.9 million star. At least it hasn’t shaken John Mara’s faith, because just after throwing his support behind embattled head coach Tom Coughlin, Mara threw his support behind his embattled head coach, too. “Obviously it wasn’t his best year,†Mara said. “But he had a lot of tipped ball and we were playing with I don’t know how many combinations on the offensive line and how many combinations at receiver. So I don’t think we need to kill him for all the interceptions. He’s our guy going forward. He’s won before and we think he’ll win again.†Manning completed 17 of 29 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown yesterday, completing his second consecutive 4,000-yard season (4,002). His touchdown pass was his 31st - - also a career high. Source: New York Daily News
He also threw a crap-load of TD passes and he didn't always have his top receivers to throw to either. It's tough to win big games down the stretch when your starting WRs aren't on the field. I'd like to see them find a steady #4 WR so that if the injury bug should strike again, someone more reliable will be on the roster to go to.
I like to see Derek Hagan return into that role next season. He proved this season that he can step up when called upon. With Steve Smith now a free agent.....it'll be interesting to see what will transpire in the next few months. But with his knee injury.....we could re-sign him at a reduced rate. Probably a two-year deal with a chance of a lucrative long-term deal if he can stay healthy and have a bounce back season in 2011. But Manningham had a chance to shine as a starter with injuries to Nicks and Smith. He finished second on the Giants in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns (60, 944, 9). He also led Big Blue in yards after the catch with 15.7 We could let Smith go if a deal can't be worked out and we shouldn't skip a beat.....provided that we can a chain-mover to replace him. Ramses Barden or Derek Hagan could get a look. Or we could find one in the first few rounds in the draft.....
Hope he retires a Giant at a ripe old age and never wears another teams colors. LOVE all the excuses folks make for him year after year.
We all know Spagnuolo and the Defensive Line were the ones who won that game. But lets be honest here, there will always be support for Manning from the franchise because of the amount invested in him and what they've achieved with him at QB. I just don't buy the WR excuse for him having a bad year, Nicks and Manningham are still a very good combination.
