Eli Manning’s Iron Man Streak in Jeopardy
Eli Manning currently has the longest consecutive game streak among any active player in the NFL with 152 games. However; that streak was in jeopardy in the final game of the 2013-14 season when Eli suffered an ankle injury against the Washington Redskins.
Fast forward into the 2014-15 season, the New York Giants and particularly GM Jerry Reese failed to provide Eli Manning (there franchised QB) an OL that would provide the protection and prevention of putting him in arms way.
Reese failed to draft an OL in the early rounds in the recent draft and only signed 1 starting OL in Geoff Schwartz in the off-season. The result’s is an opening day OL of Will Beatty, Rookie Weston Richburg, J.D Walton, John Jerry and Justin Pugh.
These 5 linemen were totally outplayed against the Detroit Lions DL in the season’s opener; which allowed 2 sacks, 9 knockdowns and countless pressure on Eli Manning throughout the game. We could very well be seeing Eli Manning’s iron man streak coming to an end this season based on the performance of the OL in-game 1.
LT: Will Beatty: looked over matched against the Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah. Other DE’s that Beatty will be facing this season could be: JJ Watts, Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Chris Clemons, Chris Long and Robert Quinn.
LG: Weston Richburg: Played all 60 snaps on offense and although provided adequate pass protection, provided no run blocking.
C: J. D Walton: Wasn’t impressed with his overall play and decision-making. Once Geoff Schwartz returns, expect Richburg to see more snaps at the center position and take over as the #1 center.
RG: John Jerry: Had no push against the Lions interior linemen and looked over matched on pass protection.
RT: Justin Pugh: Played well enough against the Lions and prevented serious pressure on Eli. Despite his success thus far as a RT. The Giants should move him to guard and get a Tackle moving forward.
Overall, the biggest problem I see with the Giants current OL is their inability to control the line of scrimmage. The Giants OL 1st unit has been outplayed not only on opening day against the Lions, but also during the pre-season.
Unless, this unit does a complete 360 turn around and perform better, Eli Manning will be under constant pressure and unfortunately more vulnerable to injury this season.
If that is the case and Manning does suffer an injury that could sideline him for a long period of time; the Giants season would be over and they will be in line for a top 3 pick in the next draft.
Posted by Michael Stewart | Contributor