An Eli Manning-John Elway debate is certainly an intriguing one, centering on a contemporary and an all-time great who is often thought of as a top 10, even top 5 quarterback of all-time.
Manning’s recent ascension into this discussion mostly revolves around his climbing of numerous career statistical categories, most notably passing touchdowns and passing yards. At the conclusion of the 2015 season, Manning had vaulted into the top 10 in career passing touchdowns with 294, one place behind Elway, and 11th in passing yards, behind the Wally Pipp of the NFL, Drew Bledsoe.
Eli needs only seven more touchdown passes to pass Elway and is a little more than 7,200 passing yards from surpassing John. For his career, Eli already has a higher passer rating than the Duke of Denver. Manning would also need to average about 3-4 game winning drives per season over the next four years and two fourth quarter comebacks per season over the next four years to catch #7.
Undoubtedly, his career statistics, not to mention a pair of Super Bowl MVPs, validate his place in a debate over the top ten quarterbacks of all-time. But, in a discussion over who is “better”, a truly subjective and ambiguous term, John Elway holds the upper hand over Eli Manning at this point in his career. Another Super Bowl appearance, or even another deep playoff run would solidify Eli’s place in a discussion for top quarterbacks of all-time. Until that time comes, or if it ever happens, John Elway will hold the upper hand, at least over Eli Manning.
With the First Pick
Personally, I view John Elway as a top 5 all-time quarterback, and for argument’s sake, I include him in a group that includes Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Tom Brady and Dan Marino. And as of right now, I would put Eli in a class, or even two below this group, a top 20 quarterback of all-time for sure.
But, looking at Eli’s success over the duration of his career, regardless of supporting cast or offensive scheme, he has been largely underwhelming. Aside from the two Super Bowl runs, his teams have been one and done in the three other seasons they have made the playoffs, including a dismal performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2008-09 playoffs. Eli’s offense mustered only 3 field goals after a 12-4 regular season and a first round bye.
Elway’s teams, meanwhile, made the playoffs in 10 of his 16 seasons, reaching the Super Bowl 5 times and winning seven division titles. Up to this point in his career, Eli has led the Giants to 3 division titles, and a substantially lower win-loss record. His regular season success, statistics notwithstanding, is vastly inferior to that of Elway and many all-time great quarterbacks.
Elway averaged more than nine wins per season while Eli has averaged a little over eight per season. Elway’s eight seasons of double-digit wins doubles Eli’s total, and Elway led the Broncos to six seasons of 11 or more wins while Eli has only managed two seasons of such success.
Eli has put up the stats to generate a discussion to his historical place in the NFL, and as he continues his iron man streak, he will continue to put up numbers, especially with the direction of the league. But Elway’s sustained success, notably the 5 Super Bowl appearances and numerous winning seasons, grants him the title of “better.”
Manning will end his career with nearly every Giants passing record, and a place near the top of most passing statistical categories. But, when judging Eli against John Elway, the sustained success of each is the differing factor regardless of statistical accomplishments, and until Eli can show a sustained habit of winning, he cannot be held in the same light as other all-time greats.