New York Giants: Is Eli Manning Worthy Of The Hall of Fame?
4. Postseason Success
Eli Manning is 8-4 in the playoffs. He’s a two-time Super Bowl Champion, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, and a perfect 2-0 in the Super Bowl.
Damn. Now, if these aren’t the stats of a Hall of Famer, I don’t know what are.
When it comes to the playoffs, Manning turns on another gear. God only knows how he does it, but he looks like one of the best quarterbacks to ever grace the field once the postseason begins.
In the past decade, Manning’s increased level of play is expected from Giants fans and feared by other teams. I had multiple conversations before the playoffs began this year that went something like this:
"Panthers Fan: “Who do you think is going to the big show this year?” I like the Steelers.” Patriots Fan: “I mean, the Pats are obviously going to win. The only thing I’m worried about is Playoff Eli.” Panthers Fan: “Good call. Playoff Eli is terrifying”"
Obviously this is an abridged version, but the content is pretty much the same. Everyone fears Playoff Eli, even Pats fans. Actually, I should say especially Pats fans.
Everyone remembers when Manning took down the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII and won Super Bowl MVP. It’s a part of sports history that will never be forgotten.
When talking about Brady’s legacy, that game will be brought up every time. That game and, of course, Super Bowl XLVI, when Manning beat the Patriots again.
Two Super Bowl MVPs is nothing to sneeze at, especially when they were against arguably the most dominant dynasty in NFL history. The list of quarterbacks who have won two or more Super Bowl MVPs is pretty short: Tom Brady, Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, and Manning.
Three out of those five players are in the Hall of Fame. Tom Brady is the best of the bunch and will surely be in the Hall of Fame. The one question mark is Manning.
If the other players with these postseason accolades are Hall of Famers, shouldn’t Manning be one of them, too?