Three New York Giants Who Need to Improve in Week 3

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 18: Eli Manning (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

QB Eli Manning

Yes, the offensive line has to block better. Yes, the wide receivers need to get open more. However, when you make over $20 million a year and are the highest paid player on the team, you have to be able to make plays.

Eli Manning was decent on Monday night as Pro Football Focus gave him a 74.0 overall grade. He was under pressure all night, constantly getting hit and was sacked five times. Eli is tough, I’ll give him that. He took a beating against Detroit but was not the reason they lost.

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He did, however, miss Evan Engram on a crossing route that turned into a tipped ball interception, which was one play after the New York Giants forced a turnover with a Jason Pierre-Paul strip sack.

Manning has been playing skittish, which is understandable considering the state of his offensive line, but if this offense is going to improve, that needs to change.

Everyone is calling for changes along the offensive front. Yes, changes need to be made on the offensive line, but there’s not much Big Blue can do there.

Assuming the same starting five will be lining up to protect Eli Manning this week, he will need to be the change the Giants offense needs.

Manning needs to make quick, sharp throws to avoid the pass rush and get his receivers the ball in space. He needs to set his feet and fire the ball instead of bracing for contact.

I know that’s easy for me to say from my couch but New York has to find a way to win games with their current offensive line. They won 11 games last year with this same starting five linemen.

Perhaps a new offensive play-caller can help fix things but either way, Eli Manning needs to step up in Week 3.

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