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Where does Eli Manning rank among NFL quarterbacks? That has always been and will always be part of the discussion with Manning, whose two brilliant post-season runs have been paired with too much pedestrian, or worse, regular-season play.
Writing for 'The Sideline View,' former Chicago Bears' general manager Jerry Angelo has rated all NFL quarterbacks from the 2013 season on a nine-point scale. Manning earned a 7.0 from Angelo, which put him in the fourth tier of quarterbacks graded, 20th overall. Obviously, not what the New York Giants hoped for, or need going forward, from the two-time Super Bowl MVP.
Angelo puts Manning is the 7.4 - 7.0 grouping. In that group are Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals), Carson Palmer (Arizona Cardinals) and Joe Flacoo (Baltimore Ravens). Here is how Angelo defines that group:
Solid traits but limited. Can "win with him" but need a good supporting cast and quality coaching. Shown to be a consistent performer, but not a top one.
Ouch! Not exactly high praise for a guy with two Super Bowl MVPs.
Here is what Angelo said specifically about the Giants' Manning:
He showed this year, as he did when he lost Plaxico Burris [sic], he's only as good as the sum of the parts around him. He lost his confidence and poise this year. A veteran quarterback with his pedigree, that should not have happened regardless of injuries, etc.
Valentine's View: Is Angelo being too harsh on Manning after his 27-interception debacle in 2013? In all honesty, I don't think so. You could make an argument based on Angelo's rating scale that Manning belongs in the 7.9 - 7.5 category. That group consists of Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys), Jay Culter (Chicago Bears) and Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions). It is defined as follows:
Talented, has good history of play, but had a subpar year. Lack of durability, deficiency in an intangible area, poor cast around him or coaching. Any of these reasons may have kept him from playing to his potential. May be a descending player.
Is Manning really "only as good as the sum of the parts around him"? There have been times when Manning has lifted the Giants, but that has not been the case during the last two playoff-less seasons. I have made the statement in the past that I thought Manning succumbed to the struggles around him in 2013. Great quarterbacks make the players around them better, and you can argue that it has been a long time since Manning has done that -- if he ever actually has done that.
Angelo is right on target when he says Manning "lost his confidence and poise this year. A veteran quarterback with his pedigree, that should not have happened regardless of injuries, etc."
Much of this is why I believe strongly that the presence of a new offensive coordinator and new quarterbacks coach, and the institution of a completely new offensive system, is the best thing that could happen to Manning at this point in his career.
Your thoughts, Giants' fans?
