On Tuesday, ESPN announced the latest portion of their divisional All-Decade Team, this time focusing on the NFC East which houses the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles.
Unsurprisingly, quarterback Eli Manning was named the Giants’ best player of the decade. He also drew the honor of leading the NFC East All-Decade Team at quarterback over the likes of Tony Romo, Nick Foles and Carson Wentz.
Years with team: 2004-19
Manning played the entire decade and earned a Super Bowl MVP during that time. How many other Giants have that on their résumé? Answer: None. The end of the decade — and Manning’s career — wasn’t pretty, but the first few years of the 2010s were the best of his professional life. Manning’s 8.4 yards per attempt in 2011 were by far the best of his career. So were his 308.3 yards per game. He made three of his four Pro Bowls during this 10-year span and was the unequivocal face of the franchise. A pretty easy selection considering the accomplishments.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. earned an “honorable mention” as the Giants’ best player and also earned a spot on the NFC East All-Decade Team.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, 2014-2018. His first three seasons were off the charts. He was among the two or three best players in the NFL at his position during that time, and nobody had more touchdown receptions (35). The only problem was that it didn’t last longer, in large part because of injuries and drama.
Other Giants to make the team including defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and safety Landon Collins. Tom Coughlin also drew an “honorable mention” as the head coach, but that honor ultimately went to Doug Pederson of the Eagles.
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