Giants 2019 NFL preview: Saquon and the passing of the torch

It’s all up to Eli Manning whether or not his final season with the New York Giants will end with him riding off into the sunset, or on the bench. 

 

The 38-year-old veteran quarterback, entering his 16th season in the NFL, has been the face of the franchise since he took over for Kurt Warner in the middle of the 2004 season. 

 

Now, it’s Daniel Jones lurking offstage, ready to step in when called upon. 

 

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For Manning, he’s on his last legs as a pro, but a newly-bolstered offensive line should give him more time in the pocket compared to year’s past. 

 

Will he take advantage of it? That remains to be seen. But the ol’ slinger’s spot under center is on shaky ground. 

 

Regardless of who is under center — and Jones made a strong case to start in an impressive preseason outing — the Giants offense is going to run through second-year phenom running back Saquon Barkley. 

 

Largely hailed as one of the top rushers in the league, Barkley is expected to get upwards of 360 touches this season as an explosive back and reliable receiver. 

 

With a less-than-impressive group of wide receivers, especially with Golden Tate’s four-game suspension to start the season, the Giants’ aerial game will rely heavily on Barkley, slot receiver Sterling Shepard and tight end Evan Engram. 

 

Engram has shown hints of breaking out into a star and he’ll get plenty of chances to do so this season.