There sure is a lot of Eli Manning Hall of Fame talk going on now that he’s won his second Super Bowl for the Giants and been named MVP of the Big Dance twice. That’s what engineering two, game-winning drives on sports largest stage will do for you. There’s no denying he’s cemented himself as a clutch, top-tier QB and an all-time Giants great. But an all-time NFL great? I think the jury’s still out. Let’s say he plays 4-5 more years, has average stats, leads his team the playoffs 2 or 3 more times but never gets another ring. Chances are his lifetime stats by then will be formidable enough and the two rings shiny enough that he’d get in to the HOF at some point. I guess deservedly so. Could you say the same thing about Big Ben who has two rings as well? I’m reminded of guys like Tarkenton and Marino – no doubt two greats of the game – that are ringless who many people would argue are better QBs than Eli. They were game changers – the first one with his legs and the latter with his arm. Of course, they are in Canton. But neither a champion. Today, the younger Manning has two championships to his brother’s one. Yet his brother, Peyton, is a HOFer if he never played another down and a top 5 QB of all-time. The HOF talk for Eli is valid. But even with two rings, I don’t feel his body of work is complete for enshrinement. Not just yet.
-Kranny, http://www.wornbutnotforgotten.net
Hi Kranny:
Eli is a quiet leader who never throws anybody under the bus. I think he will play another 6-8 years. Perhaps the most amazing thing about him is that he has played every single down since he was inserted into the lineup back in his rookie year. Not sure the Giants can keep the offense solid around him, but this season was the first time Manning ever had three WR’s to throw to. He had a bunch of also ran TE’s, and a running game which lacked a real top tier guy, although when healthy Bradshaw was farily solid.
I will say this. Of the QB’s who were drafted Eli’s year, Id take Manning over Rivers and Big Ben… He’s the total package, without the drama! In this era, character counts for somethin!
Take care bud,
Joel
I agree, Joel. Eli is a stand-up, class-act guy just like his brother. Takes the blame when it’s not his fault. Deflects the praise too. They’re both old-school athletes that truly are a chip off the old block. Archie raised them well. Eli’s really stepped up late in games and of course, on the big stage. At times, the bad-Eli still shows up. But far less often. I may be a Philly fan. But I try to be objective.