Terrell Owens has played for rival teams, but the former Eagles and Cowboys receiver has some things to say about the New York Giants and their quarterback situation. The take is definitely a bit controversial for Giants fans. Owens went as far as to tell TMZ that Eli Manning isn’t a legend, which almost everyone will disagree with. But he also said some things that are similar to what most fans currently think.
“I mean, if it was anybody else, any other quarterback, he would have already been replaced. So, at this point, give someone else an opportunity,” Owens said, which may or may not be true. Manning hasn’t been bad enough this season to be considered a replacement level quarterback, but at the same time, the Giants passing attack isn’t helping very much to win games.
Owens did defend Odell Beckham Jr., who is still doing everything he can despite the bad play from the quarterback, offensive line, or both depending on how you look at the situation. “Odell can’t perform because the quarterback is not performing. So, they should basically replace the quarterback.”
Something that Owens didn’t mention, however, is the fact that replacing the quarterback isn’t so easy. The Giants will have their shot during the NFL Draft next year, but until then, their options are Kyle Lauletta and Alex Tanney. The rookie, Lauletta, likely won’t get playing time very soon after he was recently arrested for dangerous driving and evading police officers.
But while Owens did have some more outlandish takes such as replacing the quarterback mid-season being a good idea, and Manning not being a legendary player despite winning two Super Bowls, he had one that lines up with what a lot of Giants fans have been saying.
“You have special players that are behind those not so great lines that can make something out of nothing. Eli’s not one of those types of quarterbacks. He needs protection.”
Manning’s lack of mobility has been criticized from the start of the season until now and will continue to be a talking point unless the Giants offensive line has a miracle recovery going into the last stretch. It’s become a big enough talking point that even analysts and fans that don’t follow the Giants specifically are starting to take notice of it.
But for better or worse, the Giants have Manning for the rest of the season. Even if many would prefer to move on as soon as possible.