Eli Manning Vs. Tony Romo: An Historic Rivalry

Feb 3, 2008; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarter back Eli Manning (10) and wide receiver David Tyree (85) celebrate with the rest of the New York Giants after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Listen To The Super Bowl Rings Talk

The great ACDC song says that money talks, but in this argument it is Manning’s two Super Bowl rings that talk the loudest. When you talk about legacy in the NFL, especially for the quarterbacks, it ultimately boils down to winning the Super Bowl. In this category Manning has Romo beat 2-0.

Manning is a two-time Super Bowl MVP and he is known for his remarkable clutch plays in the waning moments of both Super Bowls against the New England Patriots. While Manning’s pass may have been rather lucky to stay in the hands of David Tyree (who incredibly pinned the football against his helmet) Manning had to fight off being sacked by heavy pass rush, just to get the pass off. He launched a prayer, and Tyree answered it down the field. Manning still had to orchestrate the rest of that historic drive to give the Patriots their only loss of the 2007 NFL season.

According to Pro-Football-Reference, Manning has 26 fourth quarter comebacks and 31 game winning drives to his resume. Clutch is what Manning does. To be fair Romo has 24 fourth quarter comebacks and 28 game winning drives to his resume. Romo however is known for collapsing in the biggest moment, throwing untimely interceptions is a big blemish on Romo’s reputation. Manning is the more consistent winner and therefore has experienced a very impressive 8-3 playoff record, while Romo has just two playoff wins with the Cowboys.

Manning is one of the more impressive playoff quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. In both Super Bowl runs the Giants had to do it the hard way, playing in the wild card rounds both times. Manning has won 5 road playoff games in his incredible career. The QB position boils down to success in the playoffs and Super Bowl rings. Manning clearly wins round one.

Next: What Do The Stats Say?