Eli Manning
(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Pro Football Focus ranks New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning as the 28th best quarterback in the NFL.

Per Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, Eli Manning is ranked as the 28th best quarterback heading into the 2018 season. This puts Eli at a lower spot than 2017 when he was ranked 22nd.

Whether fans agree or disagree with the ranking, PFF definitely retained their reasons for either side. Eli posted his second-lowest percentage of big-time throws since his 2006 campaign. Big-time throws are known to PFF as “valuable” pass plays.

On the other hand, Manning posted his best turnover-worthy percentage since 2011. However, that stat for Eli in 2017 was only good for 27th in the NFL. The two-time Super Bowl MVP was also fourth in the NFL in 2017 for tight-window accuracy.

Although it’s definitely a bad look for Eli on paper, there is a unique meaning behind the overall situations that’s deeper than statistics.

Manning was without his top receiver Odell Beckham Jr. nearly the entire year. Beckham suffered an ankle injury week five that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. From then on, the receiving core was make-shift, to say the least, including individuals such as Tavarres King and Travis Rudolph.

Manning worked with a below-average offensive line as well. The injury-plagued five-man front ranked as the 25th best offensive line in the NFL going into 2018. However, with new additions to the line including Nate Solder and Will Hernandez, Manning should be able to perform better with more time to operate in the pocket.

The Giants open up the regular season at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 9. A newly-improved offensive line is in place, along with rookie running back Saquon Barkley and the return of receiver Beckham.

With these weapons, Eli Manning should be able to prove he’s better than a 28th ranked spot.

Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.