Fansided

Predicting 10 best NFL quarterbacks in 2016

By Andrew Garda

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) greets Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) shake hands after the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) greets Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) shake hands after the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 11
Next
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-26. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-26. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Eli Manning. 5. player. 31. . QB. New York Giants

I’m not generally of the mindset that New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is an ‘elite’ quarterback (in part because I hate the term) but I think in offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offensive scheme, he could look like one.

The installation of a Green Bay Packers-West Coast Offense type of offense wasn’t smooth and was hampered by offensive line issues and injuries at wide receiver. This season, the offensive line seems healthy and the receivers are just about there as well and I expect the offense to improve in a much smoother fashion.

Which leads us to 2016, when everything should be firing on all cylinders. By then, Manning—who is the type of quarterback who needs to know every piece of minutiae of his offense—will have mastered the offensive scheme and be performing at top speed.

It’s an offense which should fit Manning well, despite being about as mobile as an elephant. The quick release, the timing, the short slanting passes to get the ball into his receivers’ hands—all are things which Manning is capable of.

And he has the weapons to excel at it. Hopefully Victor Cruz will be back to 100 percent by 2016, and Odell Beckham Jr. will be just starting to peak and the backfield will be settled (right now it’s an interesting combination of Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, Shane Vereen).

Year three of this offense—which will be 2016—will be the year everything clicks and Manning will benefit from that. He’s usually a pretty solid bet to produce a good season—2016 could be one of his best yet.

Next: Drew Brees

Home/NFL