2007 Outlook

While Manning did not take the next step up last year, he held onto roughly the same production as 2004. His 24 touchdowns tied for fourth best in the league last year but his yardage total dropped to only 3244 from 3762 in 2005 despite completing a career high 301 pass attempts. That dropped his yards per catch from 12.8 down to 10.7 last year. This reflected what the Giants already knew – they had no deep threat and drafting Sinorice Moss did not resolve that problem.

Even more puzzling was the drop that Manning had during the season. In the first four games, he averaged 287 yards with 2.3 touchdowns and appeared to be taking the final step up but for the rest of the season he only managed 175 yards per game with 1.5 touchdowns. Those final twelve games only had three efforts exceed 200 yards – hardly the level of an elite quarterback. This season Manning won’t have Tiki Barber there to turn in his usual 390 or so touches per game so this year is all on Manning with Brandon Jacobs taking his first starting role. On the plus side, the Giants have an easier schedule this year and one of the softer ones in the NFL. On the negative – Can Manning step up in this offense playing in blustery New York even if he indeed has the skills?

Manning’s level of play presents too much risk to consider him a fantasy starter this year but he does make a very solid fantasy back-up. There’s no change to the passing game other than the rookie Steve Smith and the fact that Amani Toomer is yet another year older. The loss of Barber may result in a bigger need to pass but so far Manning has lacked the consistency to suggest he will be able to take advantage of it. It is also troublesome that the Giants have failed to resolve their problems at the critical left offensive tackle position.

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