On Sunday in New York a familiar face will line up behind center, and the team with the incumbent starter will be the Giants. When Eli Manning takes the field in his 15th season many New Yorkers will roll their eyes and prepare for the worst. Eli is not a much-loved personality for Big Blue, not unlike another highly drafted QB here in Tampa.
The opinion of many Giants fans echoes those of many Bucs fans when they think of Winston. This in turn shows how divided opinions can be in football. Manning has never been a popular choice in the Big Apple despite what he has delivered to the franchise. Manning has 4 Pro Bowl appearances, 2 Super Bowl rings and (currently) a winning record.
Right now the story on Jameis is very different. Frustrating even. But looking at the career of Eli, it could have been so different. After 4 seasons in New York many fans were left lamenting the trade of Phillip Rivers as the other Manning was increasing his turnovers each season. Sound familiar yet?
Fans were fed up with the regression from their QB. The story between Eli Manning and Jameis Winston diverges when you consider the offensive and defensive talent around Manning in New York. A consistent coaching staff provided a steady environment for the young quarterback. With the talented supporting cast came winning seasons, which certainly helped fan relations. NFC East playoffs are never guaranteed but, to date, Manning has played in 12 post season games.
Season 5 came for Manning, and suddenly everything clicked. The turnovers halved, and the completion percentage went up as Eli led the Giants to a 12-4 season and the playoffs. Still not every fan was satisfied with their number 10.
Could it be that Winston is due his own awakening? Maybe this is the watershed moment for Jameis, and once stability is brought to this defense the Bucs will become a winning franchise.
How would fans feel if Jameis’ career mirrored that of Eli Manning’s?
