Dallas Cowboys

New York Giants: Eli Manning Has A Strong History Of Responding

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:18 p.m. ET

Fansided, Peter Vitella/FanSided via GMEN HQ

It’s a slump, not a demise for New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. He has a strong history of responding to adversity.

The New York Giants are 9-4 and the NFC’s five seed and first wild card. Sunday Night, the Giants defeated the Cowboys for the second time this season. The Giants won the game 10-7. It was a defensive struggle and the Giants’ defense came up huge.

Usually Giants fans are used to seeing the team win because of Eli Manning—not in spite of him. Manning had three turnovers against the Cowboys and threw for under 200 yards for a third straight week.

The offensive line continues to be awful for Manning. Ereck Flowers has regressed as a pro. Yet, the Giants still came out on top thanks to the defense and one big throw: Manning to Odell Beckham Jr. for 61 yards.

As bad as Manning played, he made the big throw when it counted like he has so many times before.

Nothing Phases Eli

When you play in New York and you’re an older player, any little slump can be the beginning of the end—according to the tabloids. Manning has never been phased by the talk or the bright lights or the negative headlines.

Manning was asked about his struggles in an Associated Press article and feels confident he can get back to last year or earlier this year’s form.

“I have to play better,” he said. “I know that. I have to find completions and protect the ball better. I have to find completions, score points and hopefully win. I know we have to clean some things up.”

Thankfully, there’s a precedent.

He’s Done it Before

Eli Manning was doubted in 2007. Many people questioned if he would ever live up to being the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NFL draft. People questioned if he could lead, including former running back Tiki Barber.

Manning proved his critics wrong by beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers on the road in the playoffs. He would then beat the 18-0 Patriots—perhaps the NFL’s best team ever.

For his efforts, Manning was named Super Bowl MVP.

In 2011 Manning was mocked for calling himself an elite quarterback. By the end of the year, no one was questioning that he was. Manning led the Giants on another playoff run.

He was named Super Bowl MVP again after besting the Patriots by a score of 21-17.

He Needs Some Help

Odell Beckham Jr is having another great season and Sterling Shepard has been an excellent No. 2 option. The Giants’ run game has been very inconsistent, however, and that’s hurting Manning.

Against the Cowboys, New York rushed for 61 yards in the second half alone—a step in the right direction. Paul Perkins continues to improve, Rashad Jennings is becoming more consistent, and Shane Vereen could soon return from his latest injury.

Victor Cruz and Roger Lewis have gone missing of late and the Giants need them to work themselves back into the offense. Justin Pugh should return Sunday against the Detroit Lions, which would provide needed boost to the offensive line.

The offensive line was terrible against the Cowboys. The offense has not been the same since Pugh went down.

The Defense is Super Bowl Caliber

If the defense keeps playing like this, they can easily win the next three games. 3-0 and 2-1 makes the Giants playoff locks. 1-2 and they probably still make the playoffs.

Olivier Vernon has the second most quarterback hits in the NFL, next to Von Miller. Vernon has been an elite pass rusher for the Giants.

Janoris Jenkins has been an All-Pro level cornerback. In two games against the Cowboys, he held Dez Bryant to two total catches.

Eli Apple is coming into his own and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie keeps making clutch plays. The longer the season goes, perhaps Jason Peirre Paul can return. Snacks Harrison has been a premier run stopper. Jonathan Casillas continues to be the Giants’ captain and leader.

The defense is rolling, but if Manning starts rolling, the Giants can win the Super Bowl.

Elite Eli Manning needs to show up.