Eli Manning Is the New York Giants X-Factor vs. the Seattle Seahawks 1
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in action against the Seattle Seahawks on December 15, 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Seahawks defeated the Giants 23-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last week against the Denver Broncos, Eli Manning completed 11 out of 19 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he did not have one turnover as the Giants picked up their first victory of the season. He’ll be the man to spotlight against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7.

Eli Manning, the New York Giants and all your fans welcome the quarterback we know and love back. Manning’s 95.9 quarterback rating during last week’s tussle with the Denver Broncos was his second highest of the season.

His numbers were pedestrian since the Giants’ game plan was to primarily run the ball. But when you consider he didn’t have Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard to throw to, Manning was efficient, especially considering he was facing the number one-ranked defense in the NFL.

A repeat of this stellar performance is exactly what the Giants will need as they face the (3-2) Seattle Seahawks on their home turf.

The Seahawks defense may not as dominant as it has been in years past. But they’re still an opportunistic defense that has forced nine turnovers so far this season.

They have at least one interception against four of the five quarterbacks they’ve faced this season so it is absolutely imperative that Manning does not turn the ball over.

The Giants have too many injuries and the Seahawks are too good of a team to win the turnover differential.

The Seahawks are coming off their bye week, so they’ve had plenty of time to watch tapes and know Manning’s tendencies. He needs to take what Seattle’s defense gives him, and not try to force something that could result in an easy turnover.

Just stick to the game plan from last week and let the running game with Orleans Darkwa and Wayne Gallman be the focal point of the Giants’ offensive attack. Not just that, but look to tight end Evan Engram especially when he’s matched against a linebacker or safety Kam Chancellor.

A plus for Manning is that he may get one of his weapons back on Sunday, as Sterling Shepard is now listed as questionable with regarding his recent ankle injury.

Having Shepard back even if he’s not close to 100 percent will make things easier for Manning as he’ll have a familiar target back on the field of play.

Whether Manning has Shepard to throw to or not, he must play efficiently, complete a high percentage of his passes and, most importantly, protect the ball at all costs.

If he can do that, the Giants stand a good chance of winning. If he makes poor decisions and turns the ball over, the Giants have no chance of taking their second victory of the season.

Jason's first love was football while growing up in northern New Jersey. For the past three years, he has covered the New York Giants, as well as several boxing events along the East Coast.