New York Giants: Is Eli Manning Ready for Another Postseason Run?

It's third down and five on the New York Giants forty-four yard line. The New England Patriots pass rush quickly attacks Eli Manning after the snap, as he rushes around the pocket looking for an open receiver. Manning breaks free of three defenders who have clear shots at him, while two others also grasp him by the jersey. With time running out, Manning throws the ball towards the middle of the field, where wide-out David Tyree and Patriots safety Rodney Harrison are fighting for position. Tyree out-jumps Harrison and makes the helmet catch that is now so famous. This play would lead the Giants to score the winning touchdown and win Super Bowl XLII. 

That was 2008. Since then, the New York Giants haven't played at the same level.

Despite the Giants missing the playoffs in 2009 and 2010, Manning threw for 4,021 and 4,002 yards and 27 and 31 touchdowns, respectively. He has remained above 60 percent in complete percentage, and had a career-high of 339 completions in 2010. However, he did throw a career-high and league-leading 25 interceptions last season.

The question that should be asked is whether or not the Giants as a whole are ready for a playoff run, rather than single out Eli Manning himself. Sure, fewer interceptions thrown would help the cause. But, with how steadily Manning has played throughout his career and posting career-high numbers, the problem for the Giants run much deeper.

I believe Manning is ready for another playoff run, and he's probably yearning and itching for another chance at a Super Bowl. However, the Giants have many problems that need to be addressed before they can be the serious contender that they proved to be back in 2007.

Eli Manning is an integral part of the Giants organization and has been playing well. Only time will tell if he can help the Giants get back to championship form.