The New York Giants are 4-9. Eli Manning has 20 total turnovers (13 interceptions, seven fumbles). The team has posted back-to-back losing seasons. So what's in store for this team going forward? Perhaps major changes.
There have been conflicting reports about whether or not head coach Tom Coughlin will be back next season. What hasn't been debated as much is whether Eli Manning will, and should, remain New York's starting quarterback.
"Manning has to do the same cold-eyed assessment of himself," ESPN's Johnette Howard wrote. "Making the playoffs only once in six seasons robs a man of excuses. It makes Manning, not just Coughlin, the constant in a very bad pattern instead.
"Manning and the Giants negotiated his last extension the summer before his deal expired. And there are reasons to think this time around could get messy."
Manning, who finished last season with an injured ankle that required surgery, looks especially jumpy in the pocket this year. No, the Giants' offensive line has not provided him with the protection the team needs to succeed. But Manning hasn't done himself any favors by bailing on throws early to avoid any and all hits.
Both Coughlin and team owner John Mara have expressed their frustration with Manning in the media this season. Is that a sign of things to come?
"It's hard to see the Giants jettisoning Manning completely," Howard wrote. "But the fact is, Manning will be 34 when his current contract expires. His next deal will come him to age 38 or 39. Though he was having an OK year before his five-interception meltdown a few weeks ago, his expectations of seeing his salary rank as one of the highest cap hits or annual payouts in the league has to be - and better be - over as the Giants rebuild."
Right now, the only other quarterback on the roster is 2013 fourth-rounder Ryan Nassib. It's doubtful that anyone in the Giants organization would feel comfortable handing over the keys to him. But if the draft were held tomorrow, New York would have the seventh overall pick. Is it possible that Florida State's Jameis Winston could be wearing a Giants jersey next year?
Manning will undoubtedly be New York's starter on opening day next year. But it's clear that the clock is ticking on his time as the franchise quarterback for the Giants.
