How many times did we witness Eli Manning toss up a 50/50 ball to Odell Beckham Jr. in triple coverage with players wide open in the flat? Too many. This is not to denounce the impact Beckham had on the New York Giants, but rather the attention he drew for being such a talented player. He even forced Eli to resort to him when all else was failing.
Now, the Giants are down one generational talent and up one yards-after-catch specialist. General manager Dave Gettleman added former Detroit Lion and Philadelphia Eagles pass-catcher, Golden Tate. The Eagles didn’t utilize the talented receiver well.
If Golden Tate had stayed with Detroit and kept his production at the same rate he would’ve ended up with:
101 catches 1182 yards 7 TD
His numbers dropped once he was traded to Philly and ended up with:
74 catches 795 yards 4 TD
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) May 29, 2019
The Giants can utilize Tate to his potential, something head coach Pat Shurmur has effectively executed with players like Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Manning will have the luxury of spreading the ball around the field and not feeling obligated to throw in the direction of one specific option.
Additionally, the rebuilding of the offensive line will give Manning more time to move through his progressions. One of the biggest concerns with Eli so far this offseason has been his arm strength. If you are feeling wary, check out this clip.
I love Goooollld ? @ShowtimeTate | #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/PlCTLZYUPP
— New York Giants (@Giants) June 6, 2019
Manning throws this pass on a rope to Tate, running a deep post route, something we are going to see a ton of with Golden acting as the primary possession receiver alongside Sterling Shepard.
Additionally, one of the concerns with Tate was the contract he was signed to. The deal set up with the Giants was stellar, as there’s an out after the second year with a $5 million dead-cap hit. Therefore, if the Giants feel they don’t need the trustworthy pass-catcher anymore, they can simply release him for a minimal loss. A well-worked deal that benefits the Giants in the short terms and can provide value down the road as well if they elect to keep him.