Prior to the football season, Eli Manning was asked by the media if he considered himself and elite QB in the same class as Tom Brady and others. First, it's a stupid question because how is Eli supposed to answer this? There is only one answer he can give and that is to say that he does believe it. I suppose he could downplay the question and give some type of B.S. generic answer back but he said that he did believe he was elite. That answer gained national attention and caused several debates among the "pundits."
I will say this. I never thought a whole lot of Eli prior to the season. He was a solid QB but didn't seem like anything spectacular. However, watching him play this season, I do really believe he has proven that he is elite. Obviously, he had big accomplishments this season but watching him on the field, it seems like he has matured and has supreme confidence in his abilities and understanding the game. He is the unequivocal leader on that team and kudos to him for stepping out from Peyton's shadow. Frankly, at this point who would you rather have and who has had the better career, Peyton or Eli?
As a Skins fan, I still don't like the Giants or Eli but I will say that I have gotten a lot more respect for Eli and do believe he has proven that he a top QB in this league. Good job, Elisha!
4 comments:
Mark Rypien's amazing 1991 season comes to mind when this topic comes up. Yes, we had the Posse and the Hogs, and two pro-bowl running backs, but Rypien's level of play was the reason why it all came together that year. Eli took it to an even higher level as he was able to carry the offense while the running game was struggling to establish itself during the middle of the season. That takes exceptional talent, but I'm still skeptical. He had an elite season, but until he shows some consistency across multiple seasons, I'm not ready to say he's there yet. He's definitely making a case for himself though.
I think Eli Manning is an elite qb. He has not missed a game since like 2004. Also he throws more than 21 td every year, and more than 3200 yards year in year out. He had an MVP caliber year this year which was overshadowed by Rodgers, Brees, Brady. I think he is humble and rather quiet. More over he has been overshadowed by his older brother which is why many dont even think of him when thinking of the great ones. After this superbowl in which he knocked off Peyton's nemesis for the second time in the superbowl, people should bring up his name more often when talking about the great ones. I understand that football is a team sport and it depends on who is around you in regards to whether you win a championship. That is why I have to still say that Peyton Manning in his prime was a better QB than todays Eli, but if Eli keeps this pace up, there is no question that at the end of Eli's career, he will be considered the better choice.
I don't find any comparison b/t Eli and Rypien. Rypien was okay and he had a great year that we won the Super Bowl but he never seemed like the unequivocal leader of the team. There were plenty of strong veterans with personalities and they all came together. Rypien fit the system and the team at that time but he was never an elite type of player.
Conversely, Eli has had good seasons in the past but there is no question he took strides this season. More importantly than having better numbers, he is showing that he is clutch as he has had a number of big comebacks. Also, it seems clear that his demeanor on the field is one of true confidence. He looks like the leader out there and looks like the guy that has everything under control. This is what the great ones have. It's like Brady or Jordan or any other great athlete when in times of pressure, everyone on the field and watching the game knows who is going to get the ball and despite everything the opposition tries to do, you can't stop them. Eli is getting into that category.
The guy has won two Super Bowls and is a winner. I'm not saying I like him but he has shown me a lot this season and I have come to respect his play.
I did say Eli's taken it to another level beyond what Rypien did for the Skins. Eli's proven to be a more consistent player who can carry his team when necessary. But like Rypien, Eli has a very strong supporting cast (good running backs and receivers...good to great o-line and defense). This is why it's hard for me to put him in the elite category just yet. Show me another year or two of near 5000 yards passing and I'll be a believer.
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