This age old question has once again been brought to the forefront thanks to Gregg Rosenthal’s take on Eli Manning and last nights action against the Cowboys where Eli put up some impressive numbers against a top rated defense. Rosenthal asks, is Eli Mannig an elite QB and who would he rather have on his team than Peyton’s younger brother?
"One of the most disappointing aspects of the 2009 Giants was that the defense wasted Manning’s best season. Mentioned on Sports Illustrated’s Most overrated list, we’d make the case it’s the opposite for the younger Manning at this stage of his career.His accuracy has consistently improved (65% this year), his yards-per-attempt are up, and he’s far more consistent on a week-to-week basis. With Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, and Mario Manningham, the Giants are far more dangerous on offense then when they won the Super Bowl.While listening to Gruden and Ron Jaworksi last night, I started to think: What quarterbacks would I rather have than Eli Manning?Two years ago, a healthy Tony Romo would have made the list. He wouldn’t now, even before his clavicle injury. Here’s my list of guys I’d rather have running my offense over Eli Manning for this season only. Tell me where you disagree:Peyton ManningTom BradyDrew BreesPhilip RiversBen RoethlisbergerAaron Rodgers…I don’t know what the definition of an “elite” quarterback is, but the No. 7 quarterback in the league sounds pretty close. Maybe it will take another Super Bowl appearance for Manning to get that sort of recognition. (The Giants certainly have a shot in this balanced NFC.) This much I know: Eli Manning is a better player than when he got his ring."
Remember earlier this year when I asked if Tony Romo would consider Eli Manning an elite QB? It drew a lot of attention, but it doesn’t define the term elite acceptably for everyone.
My feeling is that if ELITE means the top 2 or 3 and nothing else, then no. But if that top tier is reserved for “ultra-elite” players like Brady, Peyton, and perhaps Brees… and you feel “elite” encompasses the top 10 QB’s in the league, then yes… Eli is elite.
In the end, I whole-heartedly agree with Rosenthal’s conclusion, Eli is much better now and capable of much more than he was in 2007 when they won the Superbowl.