Yes, Eli Manning has arrived. 

But what has helped him arrive in these last 3 playoff games, as well as the NFC Championship game against Green Bay, is the balanced offensive attack that offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has instilled into this offensive unit, especially the offensive line.

What we have seen this last 3 games, is a team average over 120 yards rushing, and close to 200 yards passing. 

Along with this, is there have been no turnovers by the offense.  In particular no interceptions by Eli Manning.  That is extremly correct, no picks by Eli Manning.

Go figure, Brady throws 3 picks in one game against the Chargers, of which he never throws picks in the playoffs, and Eli has zero, nada, zilch, el zippo.  Now folks, that is an oxy-moron.  Kind of like Roc saying a hockey players name correctly and properly.  Nah, would never happen.

But when you have a solid runnnig game with a HUGE back like Brandon Jacobs, and a home run hitter in Bradshaw, you don’t have to rely on Eli to go and win a game for you.

Eli is also getting the ball to at least 7 different receivers during these last 3 playoff games.    Throwing to his tight ends and running backs out of the backfield, has kept the linebackers in check, and allowing the receivers to find holes in the zones for marginal gains.  What all of this does, is keeps the chains moving, and keeps potent offenses on the sidelines, and never allows them to get into any kind of rythm.

The Giants first 2 scoring drives were over 7 minutes and 30 seconds.  That’s a long time for Brett Farve and the Packers home run hitting offense to stay on the sidelines and get colder.

Ofensive balance eats up the clock, keeps top offenses on the sidelines and cooled down.  It  helps in your 3rd down conversion ratio, of which the Giants are right around 40%, which is above the league average, and MOST importantly give your defense a much need break and keeps them fresh.  Oh ya, as I recall the Giants defense has dominated the second half of Tampa, Dallas and the Packers game.  ALL because of the fine balance, and clock chewing New Your Football Giants offense.

 Have a great week off, and remember, keep your balance, in life that is.

Here in Phoenix/Glendale, it’s the lull before the storm.

Manuch

written by Manuch