New York Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning was nothing short of amazing last Sunday. He carved up the New Orleans Saints’ defense for 350 yards and six touchdowns. Manning completed 73.2 percent of his passes that game as well. Those are some pretty great numbers for someone who some consider not to be considered elite.
Among all quarterbacks, Manning ranks seventh in passing yards, fourth in touchdown passes, and still has interceptions in single digits. As most Giants’ fans know for all too long, the words “Eli Manning” and “single digit interceptions” don’t go together very often. Manning has clearly changed his play for the better.
In the process, he already broke two records this year, passing Joe Montana in the all time passing yards and touchdowns lists. He’s clearly in elite company on those lists and no analyst can take that away from him. If he keeps this up, he’s on pace for having a career year. Who says that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
What is very strange is that not one major sports network this year has given Manning proper credit. Andy Dalton has received credit for his resurgence and so has Carson Palmer. Everyone was so high on Sam Bradford going into the year. Even though that quickly fizzled out, analysts were already saying he could be among the elite. Cam Newton is getting very high praise for the work he’s doing with the Carolina Panthers as well.
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Nothing should be taken away from any of these great players, but credit is due where it is due. One could argue that the Giants are .500, but in reality how much of it is really Manning’s fault? Almost none to be exact. If anything, he’s been keeping the team in games every week. Manning can’t be scolded for his game against the Saints because he showed what kind of firepower he has. The Giants’ defense totally collapsed.
Manning is carrying the Giants right now and hopefully by the end of the season he will get his credit for leading the Giants to the playoffs once again. By the way things seem, if Manning gets a third ring by the end of his career their will still be analysts saying he’s not elite. So it will most likely never stop.