Time to Give Credit Where Credit is Due

I told my two friends who happen to be Giants fans that if New York were to take Green Bay this past weekend that they would get to write an article on what ever they wanted on my site. No censorship. Nolan Stewart took it upon himself to praise the hell out of Eli, not really a surprise. What transpired though was very interesting.

It is time for everyone in the sports world to get off of the back of Eli Manning. As a member of footballs most famous family and a former number one draft pick, Eli has been under constant criticism for nearly his entire career. This post season, however, has been the coming out party for Peyton’s little brother. Critics knock him for his tendency to turn the ball over and his lack of emotion on the field. In the last three weeks he has grown into seemingly an entirely different person. Eli has played nearly mistake free football and is the highest rated passer thus far in the postseason. This past Sunday night, Manning out played NFL legend Brett Favre. It was also evident that Eli played with more emotion. He simply wanted it more. Manning has confidently led a Giants team, which has yet to turn the ball over on offense all post season, to a NFC Championship and a Super Bowl XLII berth.

You can criticize Eli for his inconsistent play in the regular season all you want, but the bottom line is that this kid wins football games. In his first three complete seasons as a starting NFL quarterback, the Giants are a combined 29-19 with three postseason bids. Older Brother Peyton led the Colts to a combined 26-22 record and two playoff appearances during his first three years as a NFL regular. Next, take a look at the numbers that he has compiled over the last few seasons. They are not at all shabby for a young quarterback. In his first three complete seasons as a NFL starter Manning has thrown 77 touchdown passes. Compare this to the 69 recent single season record setter Tom Brady threw in his first three complete season.  

The media bashing of Eli Manning has got to finally come to an end. This year he has played on a team that has dropped the most passes in the NFL. He has been blamed for losses that were results of team mates mistakes and that he had no control over. Every time the Giants lost a game this season his name always appeared. Six weeks ago I was listening to a sports talk radio show. One caller suggested that the Giants trade Eli and draft a quarterback in the first round of the upcoming draft. I am confident in saying that this caller has definitely now changed his mind. Eli is not Peyton Manning and he never will be. He will not be a record breaking quarterback in the NFL, but he will continue to win football games for many years to come. I am confident that Manning’s play will carry over into next year and beyond. He has matured at exactly the right time. It may not come this February 3^rd, but at some point in his career, Eli, just like Peyton, will be a Superbowl champion.

Comments

[zack]

I want to here what Tiki Barber has to say about the Giants going to the Super Bowl. He did critize Eli for not being a leader. Hopefully Tiki will just shut up for now on.