Before this season the above question would have caused even the staunchest New York Giants fan to chuckle. Eli Manning wasn’t even mentioned as a top 5 quarterback by most NFL experts, but now after leading his team to the win in Super Bowl XLVI some have him at or near the top of that list.
Eli joined a pretty exclusive list of multiple Super Bowl MVPs. Before this season would you have ever uttered the younger Manning’s name with these four? Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, and Tom Brady. Three current Pro Football Hall of Fame members and a 4th that will be a fist ballot inductee.
With his second SB MVP in as many tries, the 31 year old 2 time Pro Bowler has a shot to put up the numbers that will get him to Canton. Some believe he may have already done enough to enter the Hall.
Eli not only put together the best season of his career, but he showed a flair for the dramatic with multiple 4th quarter game winning drives. Six in the regular season and two more in the post season. His cool under fire was unequaled in 2011, including his outstanding Super Bowl performance of 12 of 14 passing while being pressured for a 105.4 QB rating. His overall stat line was 30/40 for 296 yards and a TD.
If you were to start a team tomorrow, you’d have to consider Eli Manning for the #1 overall pick.