Eli Manning believes the New York Giants offense will be alright despite losing star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason. In fact, the veteran quarterback thinks they can get even better without OBJ.
“I think we can be productive and score more points and be a better offense this year,” Manning said per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
Manning points to the development of running back Saquon Barkley in his second season, along with a trio of playmaking receivers, as reasons for why the Giants offense won’t miss Beckham as much as others might believe.
“Odell obviously has that tremendous playmaking ability, he can catch a slant and turn it into a touchdown at any moment,” Manning said. “But I think Saquon, in his second year, the way he came on — he played great in the first half but that second half he was coming on and doing everything. Running the ball, catching the ball, we learned how to use him.
“I think Sterling Shepard, getting him going, getting Evan Engram playing to his potential, and then Golden Tate, a run-after-catch guy, a playmaker.”
Obviously, Manning’s proclamation will be much easier said than done. Moreover, his play will have a huge bearing on how the Giants’ offense performs.
Manning’s performance has been in decline for a few seasons now, and at age 38, it remains to be seen if he can play at a high enough level to make up for Beckham’s absence despite having capable playmakers at his disposal.
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