NFC East Blog: Is Manning Really All Better Now?

by Bill Young

Early in his career, New York Giants QB Eli Manning was criticized by people like former RB Tiki Barber for not being a leader and not being as confident as NFL QB needs to be to win games. While Manning's stitches may have been removed recently, the effects of hits like the one Manning sustained in his first preseason game can linger throughout the upcoming season and potentially the rest of his career.

Former Texans QB David Carr was once a highly touted QB coming out of college. He took a few vicious hits during his first few seasons and never was the same QB. Because of these hits, he has been relegated to being a backup for the rest of his NFL career.

I'm not saying that Eli Manning has taken the beating that Carr has. However, if the Giants line can't protect him during the first few games of the season, Eli's career as a starting QB could very much be in jeopardy. For the Giants who hope Manning will be their franchise QB for years to come, further injury is unacceptable.

Given that Eli Manning is banged up, the running game and defense will have to step up. If for some reason there are 3rd and longs, running the ball or throwing screen passes isn't the end of the world. Defense has ultimately been the calling card of the NFC East for the past few years. Its time for the Giants to be more conservative and limit the amount of hits Manning takes during regular and preseason games.