Former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora believes Eli Manning can still win another Super Bowl with Big Blue.
Former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora has spoken up about the situation regarding quarterback Eli Manning. Should they keep him? Is it time to move on? All in all, Umenyiora believes in the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
“They’re not too far way from getting back to the Super Bowl,” Umenyiora told Matt Lombardo of nj.com. “Things can turn around quick. Look what the Rams just did. It took them two years, but they still got here. I don’t think the Giants are that far away at all.”
This offseason will be the first offseason where the Giants’ front office will likely be seriously searching for the successor to Eli Manning. Whether that’s in the draft or through free agency, the Giants believe they’re close to moving on from Manning.
Big Blue hasn’t won a playoff game since defeating the Patriots in Super Bowl 46 almost seven years ago. However, Umenyiora is confident that Eli still has some left in the tank.
“Eli still has it,” Umenyiora said. “Eli’s the man. As long as you can protect him, as long as you give him a good running game, he has the receivers, he has the good arm-strength. I think Eli’s going to be fine.”
“[Odell Beckham Jr., Saquon Barkley and Evan Engram] are probably the best weapons in the league, right there,” Umenyiora said. “Eli’s got the players around him, I think he can be successful.”
Umenyiora does have a great point. In his 15th NFL season this past year, Manning posted a 66 percent completion rate. It’s the highest season-wide percentage he’s put up through his entire career. He also threw for 4299 yards and although his 21 touchdowns are not all that much, Eli was very careful with the ball. He only threw 11 interceptions, his lowest amount since the 2008 season.
