Has Eli Manning earned your respect yet?

[Ness]

He's been bashed for the last few years. Ever since that trade on his draft day. But he's played his tail off the last several games and really hooked up the Giants. Has he earned your respect?

[krowleey]

he always had mine, he is young but comming into his own.

[Gnihsif]

yeah he has become a road warrior

[FightForEveryTD]

he has mine, but the defense has way more, shutting down favre n grant

but seriously after the reg season eli had, i didnt expect this

[DEEVO_619]

Yes. Id take him over Philip the crybaby anyday.

[SBbound49ers]

Hes been good for a couple years now. Not quite this good but he got overly criticized.

[Khari]

still don't like him :laugh:

[sandiegojoe]

Don't like him as a person, but he's been playing good lately. Not the most exciting QB to watch though.

[Trap_Star]

Cooper>>>Eli.

[ninerlicious]

yeah, sure he has. he led his team to the superbowl... sure the defense has played superb, but there are a lot of other QBs in this leagu that wouldn't have gotten this far.

[ozzcows]

With this win, yes he has deserved my accolades. I have busted the Giant's balls about being a waste of a playoff spot, and finally Manning has stepped up to the plate and delivered. Now only if he can beat the Cheatriots.

[DraconisRex]

He's been bashed for the last few years. Ever since that trade on his draft day. But he's played his tail off the last several games and really hooked up the Giants. Has he earned your respect?

:cough: Doug Williams :cough:

[montana2taylor]

This MB in week 3 of last year:

Alex smith > Eli Manning :falldownlaugh:

[BrentJones84]

He's been bashed for the last few years. Ever since that trade on his draft day. But he's played his tail off the last several games and really hooked up the Giants. Has he earned your respect?

Yes.

He'd played very well today.

Threading the ball down the side line so only Toomer could catch it just in bounds over and over again was pretty incedible. He didn't toss floaters to get picked off, or throw dumb passes

He's slowly become a real QB, and worth a top 10 pick.

Now if he was still worth trading the sheer volume of draft picks NY gave up for him, or worth being the undisputed #1 overall, I wouldn't quite go that far, but he was worth drafting.

[Rice80_Taylor82]

Yes

[montana2taylor]

alex > eli according to this MB.

[KingOfTheHill]

i havent been down on eli like most people. i thought hes shown a lot of good things each season, and he doesnt get flustered when the game is on the line.

replace plax with darrel jackson and cut about .5 seconds off of his protection and hes probably not that much better than alex smith.

[oz2185]

He's been bashed for the last few years. Ever since that trade on his draft day. But he's played his tail off the last several games and really hooked up the Giants. Has he earned your respect?

I've always been a fan of Eli and Peyton. I was very happy for Peyton to get his ring last season and I'm very happy to see Eli step out of his brother's shadow and take his team to the Superbowl this season. Eli doesn't nearly have the supporting cast that Peyton does, yet he wins three consecutive road playoff games and is on his way to Arizona. Hats off to Eli and if he doesn't have everyone's respect by now maybe they should watch his last 3 games again. :hatwave:

[Montana_Magic]

He had my respect since TC the first year. Very humble to the coaches, and seemed like he was having fun out there.

[49ers 4 Life]

Never liked Eli Manning and never will

[jmichura]

Let's look at the crap he has to put up with:

1) Being Peyton's brother has got to be really annoying at times. And oddly enough it took him less time to get to his first Super Bowl than it did Peyton.

2) Backstabbing ex-teammates and their twin brothers who can't keep their mouths shut.

3) The New York media. Man, could you imagine how much harder it would be if he was black (joke, btw, I hate McNabb)?

4) The fact that he is compare to not only Rivers, but Rivers, Merriman and Kaeding. Also, people forget that Elway also escaped from his original team.

The guy is playing well and is starting to show why he was drafted so high. In a way it kinda gives me some hope for Alex. Some guys simply take longer than other for it to click.

[arch]

he'll have my respect if he beats the Pats. come on Eli, make the next game the game of your life :yes:

[Sac-King_916]

I never doubted or bashed Eli, I always knew what he was capable of.

[gnoix]

I prefer him over Rivers since Eli doesnt talk pooh. Eli earned my respect earlier in the season. Hopefully they beat the Patriots.

[ckly]

yeah, sure he has. he led his team to the superbowl... sure the defense has played superb, but there are a lot of other QBs in this leagu that wouldn't have gotten this far.

trent dilfer did...and no eli hasn't earned my respect, his defense really earned my respect

[ninerlicious]

trent dilfer did...and no eli hasn't earned my respect, his defense really earned my respect

that baltimore defense was WAY better than the giants current defense is, and even when trent was in his prime, if that's what you want to call it, i highly doubt he would be playing like eli is. i've never been a big fan of the guy, but i'm going to give him some credit... he's been playing pretty well lately.

[PrideofdaNiners]

trent dilfer did...and no eli hasn't earned my respect, his defense really earned my respect

Yes because the defense is throwing his passes for him.

:rolleyes2:

[RedskinsFan86]

Hes been good for a couple years now. Not quite this good but he got overly criticized. Good for a couple of years now? Haha, what? Not at all.

His mechanics have been awful, he's made a career of throwing off his back foot while making stupid decisions and weak throws, then shrugging his shoulders as his team trots off the field because he just threw a pick. Only just recently has he started to play any bit like a real starting QB who means business.

The Giants beat an overrated Bucs team, a Dallas team that was both unfocused and backed into the playoffs after a stretch of mediocre to bad play, and a Packers team that came out real flat at home in the defensive department (I'm looking at the run defense and Al Harris who just got completely owned by Plaxico) and didn't get any favors by Brett Favre reverting back to his total gunslinger mentality.

No, the defense and the running game have carried the Giants this far, Eli's just been good at managing the game and not making his usual dumb mistakes. For him to have turned the corner, he'll have to really step it up in the Super Bowl along with play well next year to prove the last couple games weren't a fluke.

[bsy]

The Giants beat an overrated Bucs team, a Dallas team that was both unfocused and backed into the playoffs after a stretch of mediocre to bad play, and a Packers team that came out real flat at home in the defensive department

Sheesh! That's still 3 quality teams in the playoffs on the road. You're right the defense has been huge in the postseason but I think Eli did a little more than not just losing those games.

[Monster49er]

see it takes a while for a young QB to start playing to his potential.

SO GIVE ALEX A BREAK!!!

Like a broken shoulder?? :pirate2:

[fabie]

Like a broken shoulder?? :pirate2:broken heart!:hoppy:

[mahimahi23]

The Giants beat an overrated Bucs team, a Dallas team that was both unfocused and backed into the playoffs after a stretch of mediocre to bad play, and a Packers team that came out real flat at home in the defensive department (I'm looking at the run defense and Al Harris who just got completely owned by Plaxico) and didn't get any favors by Brett Favre reverting back to his total gunslinger mentality.

This post is just ridiculous. The Giants are 10-1 on the road this season, including three straight road playoff wins, two against the "big dogs" of the NFC, both Green Bay and Dallas. Dallas may have backed in, but they are still hard to beat IN Dallas, and Green Bay KILLED the Seahawks, they were playing GREAT defense coming into this game, so dont use this "they came out flat on defense" excuse. Using that excuse is like me saying the only reason the Patriots are 18-0 is because every team they played came out flat on defense. You know why they came out flat? Because Eli and company played great, better than Green Bays defense. You are a Skins fan so of course you have a hard time giving the Giants credit, but what they have done is **** impressive, and your post just seems like sour grapes because the Skins didnt make it and the Giants did.

And as for the original question, yes, Eli has earned my respect. I dont see him as a top 5 QB yet, but what he has done this year, especially in the playoffs, is REALLY impressive.

[jackacid]

I respect the way he's playing now, but keep in mind the only reason the Giants are winning is because they're playing mistake-free football. I think if Eli gives up a turnover in EITHER game with Dallas or Green Bay, they lose.

Manning will earn my respect if they beat New England. Until then, I still consider them lucky.

[Bdogg]

Well since I totally expected She-li to choke on a donkey **** (you fill in the blank) yesterday, I can say he played a very good game. As long as he continues to play a clean game, they actually have a chance to make noise. For the record, I am still not sold on him just yet, but he is opening my eyes a tad.

[SBbound49ers]

Good for a couple of years now? Haha, what? Not at all.

His mechanics have been awful, he's made a career of throwing off his back foot while making stupid decisions and weak throws, then shrugging his shoulders as his team trots off the field because he just threw a pick. Only just recently has he started to play any bit like a real starting QB who means business.

The Giants beat an overrated Bucs team, a Dallas team that was both unfocused and backed into the playoffs after a stretch of mediocre to bad play, and a Packers team that came out real flat at home in the defensive department (I'm looking at the run defense and Al Harris who just got completely owned by Plaxico) and didn't get any favors by Brett Favre reverting back to his total gunslinger mentality.

No, the defense and the running game have carried the Giants this far, Eli's just been good at managing the game and not making his usual dumb mistakes. For him to have turned the corner, he'll have to really step it up in the Super Bowl along with play well next year to prove the last couple games weren't a fluke.

Hes thrown 71 TD passes in the last 3 years......

[fabie]

I respect the way he's playing now, but keep in mind the only reason the Giants are winning is because they're playing mistake-free football. I think if Eli gives up a turnover in EITHER game with Dallas or Green Bay, they lose.

Manning will earn my respect if they beat New England. Until then, I still consider them lucky.You are minimalizing what the they've done. True that "mistake-free football" will get you somewhere, but winning a lot of games and on streaks and AWAY games is much more than just "mistake free football".

Their Offensive and Defensive Line have been potent....their O-line protecting Eli and have been consistent while the D-line harassing opponents. They are also playing as a team.

Their team approach is winning them games and have been flawless.

[PrideofdaNiners]

Good for a couple of years now? Haha, what? Not at all.

His mechanics have been awful, he's made a career of throwing off his back foot while making stupid decisions and weak throws, then shrugging his shoulders as his team trots off the field because he just threw a pick. Only just recently has he started to play any bit like a real starting QB who means business.

The Giants beat an overrated Bucs team, a Dallas team that was both unfocused and backed into the playoffs after a stretch of mediocre to bad play, and a Packers team that came out real flat at home in the defensive department (I'm looking at the run defense and Al Harris who just got completely owned by Plaxico) and didn't get any favors by Brett Favre reverting back to his total gunslinger mentality.

No, the defense and the running game have carried the Giants this far, Eli's just been good at managing the game and not making his usual dumb mistakes. For him to have turned the corner, he'll have to really step it up in the Super Bowl along with play well next year to prove the last couple games weren't a fluke.

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER.

[krnbanguboi]

Eli Manning....



UNSTOPPABLE!

[DallasNiner]

Hes thrown 71 TD passes in the last 3 years......

But Alex has thrown 19 he's better. :laugh:

[SBbound49ers]

But Alex has thrown 19 he's better. :laugh:

Be patient, Alex is young.

[RedskinsFan86]

Hes thrown 71 TD passes in the last 3 years...... Yeah, along with 55 picks and 11 lost fumbles to go along with them. And that amazing career QB rating of 73.4 and 54.7% completion percentage. He's been very mediocre since he took over the starting job, he's just been a gunslinger who usually forces passes too much, usually for a really stupid interception.

He benefited greatly from Tiki playing out of his mind the last couple years he was in the league, and this year his down games usually came when Jacobs wasn't healthy and they were struggling to find a good running game. Now with the balance of Jacobs being fully healthy and Bradshaw finding his groove, the pressure's again of Eli with a good running attack. Not to mention Steve Spagnuolo has that defense playing really, really well at the moment.

The NFC was pretty soft this year (big surprise though), and the playoff teams weren't that good for the most part. The Bucs were a joke going into the playoffs, I don't care what defensive ranking they had or anything, it should've surprised nobody that they lost at home to a more talented and hotter Giants team. Dallas was a bit of an upset by the Giants but at the same time Romo hasn't proven clutch in big games yet, Wade Phillips has never won a playoff game, and Dallas hasn't won a playoff game in years, and they've been playing shaky for the last month or so. I think Dallas was the more talented team but they just absolutely suck when it comes down to crunch time, and in a division rivalry game between two good teams like that who knows what's going to happen. As for the Green Bay game, congratulations to Eli for that, I'll applaud him there for going into Lambeau and playing mistake-free in those weather conditions, but Brett Favre also did him a pretty good favor by going back to 2005 Brett Favre where he's just throwing the ball everywhere, including a crucial pick to decide the game in overtime.

As a whole, Eli's basically managed the game in the playoffs, not making his usual dumb turnovers off his back foot, but he hasn't been making huge clutch drives down field to win games. So if game management is now Eli "earning my respect" compared to what he normally does, that's pretty sad. Like I said, he wasn't even having a real good season until the New England game where he played pretty well, otherwise it was usual Eli suck-fest for about a month straight. He loves playing up and down football, he'll go through a stretch where it looks like he's finally putting it together before melting down again, and this could easily be the same thing again. We'll see how he performs in the Super Bowl, and then more importantly, how he performs next year. Until then, no, there's no reason to really be impressed by Eli yet, he's not carrying the team on his back or anything remotely close, he's just functioning well as a smart and careful QB.

[DallasNiner]

Be patient, Alex is young.

He has small hands. Hell Alex will be lucky if he throws 71 TD's in his career. I say that because after this year he's going back up for someone else.

[SBbound49ers]

Yeah, along with 55 picks and 11 lost fumbles to go along with them. And that amazing career QB rating of 73.4 and 54.7% completion percentage. He's been very mediocre since he took over the starting job, he's just been a gunslinger who usually forces passes too much, usually for a really stupid interception.

He benefited greatly from Tiki playing out of his mind the last couple years he was in the league, and this year his down games usually came when Jacobs wasn't healthy and they were struggling to find a good running game. Now with the balance of Jacobs being fully healthy and Bradshaw finding his groove, the pressure's again of Eli with a good running attack. Not to mention Steve Spagnuolo has that defense playing really, really well at the moment.

The NFC was pretty soft this year (big surprise though), and the playoff teams weren't that good for the most part. The Bucs were a joke going into the playoffs, I don't care what defensive ranking they had or anything, it should've surprised nobody that they lost at home to a more talented and hotter Giants team. Dallas was a bit of an upset by the Giants but at the same time Romo hasn't proven clutch in big games yet, Wade Phillips has never won a playoff game, and Dallas hasn't won a playoff game in years, and they've been playing shaky for the last month or so. I think Dallas was the more talented team but they just absolutely suck when it comes down to crunch time, and in a division rivalry game between two good teams like that who knows what's going to happen. As for the Green Bay game, congratulations to Eli for that, I'll applaud him there for going into Lambeau and playing mistake-free in those weather conditions, but Brett Favre also did him a pretty good favor by going back to 2005 Brett Favre where he's just throwing the ball everywhere, including a crucial pick to decide the game in overtime.

As a whole, Eli's basically managed the game in the playoffs, not making his usual dumb turnovers off his back foot, but he hasn't been making huge clutch drives down field to win games. So if game management is now Eli "earning my respect" compared to what he normally does, that's pretty sad. Like I said, he wasn't even having a real good season until the New England game where he played pretty well, otherwise it was usual Eli suck-fest for about a month straight. He loves playing up and down football, he'll go through a stretch where it looks like he's finally putting it together before melting down again, and this could easily be the same thing again. We'll see how he performs in the Super Bowl, and then more importantly, how he performs next year. Until then, no, there's no reason to really be impressed by Eli yet, he's not carrying the team on his back or anything remotely close, he's just functioning well as a smart and careful QB.

Seeing most Giants games, I agree with most of this. However, even my anti-Giant bias hasnt blinded me.

He hasnt been great but hes been pretty solid for a couple years now. He still hasnt shown he was worthy of being the #1 pick + being worth all that they gave up for him.

However, with guys like VY, Leinart, Boller, Akili Smith, Carr, etc. being picked at the top of drafts, its hard to say Eli has dissapointed. He also seems to find guys in the endzone and although he makes silly throws, off his back off like you noted, he also shows a strong pocket presence and reads D pretty well. His biggest problem is that he gets sloppy, physcially and mentally. His mechanics can break down and he'll force alot of throws, mostly to Shockey and Burress.

He has only managed games in the playoffs but the entire team has fed off of him and hes made plays when they've needed them. They've won an NFL record 10 straight road games and your offensive general has to recieve some credit for that. One drive that really sticks out is the drive right before halftime to counter the Cowboys 8 or 9 minute drive that almost killed the entire clock. Eli got them downfield and took the momentum right before halftime. He nearly pulled the same thing yesterday, had it not been for Burress' drop at the 3, the Giants would have gone into halftime with another quick pre-halftime score. He goes through his streakes but when hes on, hes hitting guys in stride with rocket throws.

It annoys me that the Cowboys and Packers played so poorly but the Giants are what they are - NFC Champions.

[Captain America]

he has mine, but the defense has way more, shutting down favre n grant

but seriously after the reg season eli had, i didnt expect this

I dont find it any wonder that they shut down Grant. I think he is overrated. He had the luxury, last week, of playing a seahawks defense that is only as good as their speed. You take that away, and that defense is not good. The snow did that for them and the Packers took advantage.

As far as shutting down Favre, the D did an excellent job with that. Their front 7 is VERY good and kept him on his heels.

Finally, Eli Manning. I couldnt stand the guy for what he pulled on draft day on top of his dopey characteristics. However, he definitely has earned my respect and I am rooting for him and the Giants in the big game. I dont think they will pull it off, but I am hoping they pull the biggest upset in the history of the NFL.

[Hobbes2d]

Yeah, along with 55 picks and 11 lost fumbles to go along with them. And that amazing career QB rating of 73.4 and 54.7% completion percentage. He's been very mediocre since he took over the starting job, he's just been a gunslinger who usually forces passes too much, usually for a really stupid interception.



Its funny how often we forget....

Eli's first 3 seasons as a starter, 05-07:

10,342 yards, 55% completion rate, 71 TD's, 55 INT

Peyton's first 3 seasons 98-00:

12,287 yards, 60% completion rate, 85 TD's, 58 INT

Obviously Peyton was better, but he also got to play in Indy with far lower expectations, and got to throw to a HOF WR, and a HOF RB in his prime as a rookie.

And Eli has always started the season pretty well, but then has always seemed to hit some sort of wall and start playing terribly after about week 9 or 10. This season is the first time he finally got out of the funk before the playoffs started. His first year as a starter was awful in that regard. He looked worse then a HS QB in that playoff loss against Carolina.

Its ok though Eli will lose everyone's respect again after the Pats trounce them. People do realize Belichick has 2 weeks to prepare for Eli Manning. That does not bode well for the Giants. :laugh:

[flohtingPoint]

It takes alot more than a couple decent games to change my opinion. Lets see an actual good full year from the guy.

[jackacid]

You are minimalizing what the they've done. True that "mistake-free football" will get you somewhere, but winning a lot of games and on streaks and AWAY games is much more than just "mistake free football".

Their Offensive and Defensive Line have been potent....their O-line protecting Eli and have been consistent while the D-line harassing opponents. They are also playing as a team.

Their team approach is winning them games and have been flawless.

I'm not taking anything away from what the Giants have done....they've gone on the road for 3 straight games and taken out both the #1 and #2 seeds, which is highly impressive. They have been playing at the top of their game, no question.

My comments were geared towards Eli. Yes, he's playing mistake free and managing the game well....BUT, the question was if he had yet earned my respect and until he plays this consistently over the course of a season and has the Giants in the hunt year in and year out, I'm not sold. A Super Bowl berth doesn't ultimately boil down to a "come into his own" QB. Just ask Grossman.

The reality, in my mind, is that Manning isn't a huge difference maker. Jeff Hostetler did the same thing with the same NYG in 1990. Any QB who can play mistake free will be in a position to win.

[Hobbes2d]

I'm not taking anything away from what the Giants have done....they've gone on the road for 3 straight games and taken out both the #1 and #2 seeds, which is highly impressive. They have been playing at the top of their game, no question.

My comments were geared towards Eli. Yes, he's playing mistake free and managing the game well....BUT, the question was if he had yet earned my respect and until he plays this consistently over the course of a season and has the Giants in the hunt year in and year out, I'm not sold.

The reality, in my mind, is that Manning isn't a huge difference maker. Jeff Hostetler did the same thing with the same NYG in 1990. Any QB who can play mistake free will be in a position to win.

The sad thing is any one of us just wants Alex to play mistake free, and he can't even do that. :thud:

[jackacid]

The sad thing is any one of us just wants Alex to play mistake free, and he can't even do that. :thud:

Well he's had mistake-free games, but with little help. Smith has been mis-coached as long as he's been here. Of course Smith deserves some fault for his lack of success, but let's not pretend he's had the best foundation to build on.

[Hobbes2d]

Well he's had mistake-free games, but with little help. Smith has been mis-coached as long as he's been here. Of course Smith deserves some fault for his lack of success, but let's not pretend he's had the best foundation to build on.

Oh definitely he hasn't. But like you said he deserves blame as well.

[NyNinerFan]

I'm not taking anything away from what the Giants have done....they've gone on the road for 3 straight games and taken out both the #1 and #2 seeds, which is highly impressive. They have been playing at the top of their game, no question.

My comments were geared towards Eli. Yes, he's playing mistake free and managing the game well....BUT, the question was if he had yet earned my respect and until he plays this consistently over the course of a season and has the Giants in the hunt year in and year out, I'm not sold. A Super Bowl berth doesn't ultimately boil down to a "come into his own" QB. Just ask Grossman.

The reality, in my mind, is that Manning isn't a huge difference maker. Jeff Hostetler did the same thing with the same NYG in 1990. Any QB who can play mistake free will be in a position to win.

He's started 3 years and they've made the playoffs all 3 years. Does that not qualify as "having your team in the hunt year in and year out"? How can you do better than 3 for 3? :laugh:

[jackacid]

He's started 3 years and they've made the playoffs all 3 years. Does that not qualify as "having your team in the hunt year in and year out"? How can you do better than 3 for 3? :laugh:

Actually I think they missed them one year, didn't they? Even if not, this is the first year they've been competitive in the postseason. One year they went in at 8-8 and were one and done. Point being, the Giants are playing GREAT ball right now, but I still don't think they're the best team in the NFC. They're PLAYING the best in the NFC, when it counts, just like the Bucs did in 2002.

Let's not forget how many opportunities GB blew yesterday, most notably stopping the Giants TWICE on 3rd down, only to have penalties that gave the Giants first downs that lead to a TD.

If the Giants beat the Pats, I'll be highly impressed. But as of right now, they look nothing more than a sacrificial lamb, not unlike the 1994 Chargers.

PS - Hilarious sig...

[NyNinerFan]

Actually I think they missed them one year, didn't they? Even if not, this is the first year they've been competitive in the postseason. One year they went in at 8-8 and were one and done. Point being, the Giants are playing GREAT ball right now, but I still don't think they're the best team in the NFC. They're PLAYING the best in the NFC, when it counts, just like the Bucs did in 2002.

Let's not forget how many opportunities GB blew yesterday, most notably stopping the Giants TWICE on 3rd down, only to have penalties that gave the Giants first downs that lead to a TD.

If the Giants beat the Pats, I'll be highly impressed. But as of right now, they look nothing more than a sacrificial lamb, not unlike the 1994 Chargers.

PS - Hilarious sig...

Well, you can say that.. They're playing the best, or they're not really the best team, etc etc.. I mean.. I'm not sure what that proves or not, but the history books are gonna tell us that the Giants are in the Super Bowl regardless of how they got there.. They won 10 straight games on the road! If that's not impressive than I don't know what is. For perspective, I'm pretty sure we haven't won 10 road games TOTAL over the last 6 years combined! (maybe more)

But in any case, his first year starting was '05, and they made it at 11-5.. hosted a wild card game and got shutout against Carolina .. a horrific game by Eli and everyone else included.. (a lovely day for me personally :clapping: )

'06 was the loss last year in the wild card at Philly, and if u go back to that game, Eli actually played very well.. They may have lost, but it wasn't like Eli didn't have them looking competitive like they did the year before.

And then this year they win 10 games.. Played up and down all season.. had some pathetic losses, but also some very convincing wins in key spots..

And yes.. GB did blow many chances yesterday, but they also were given GIFTS by the Giants all throughout the game.. blown coverage on Driver, the penalty by Madison, and the fumbled INT by McQuarters. Green Bay looked so inept throughtout this game on EVERY level..

We all know the old cliche "sometimes the best team doesn't win in football.. it's the team who plays the best that day", etc etc.. so we can say what we will that the Giants aren't the best team in the NFC, however it would be very hard to say that they're NOT after looking at who they've beaten and what they've done

[jackacid]

Well, you can say that.. They're playing the best, or they're not really the best team, etc etc.. I mean.. I'm not sure what that proves or not, but the history books are gonna tell us that the Giants are in the Super Bowl regardless of how they got there.. They won 10 straight games on the road! If that's not impressive than I don't know what is. For perspective, I'm pretty sure we haven't won 10 road games TOTAL over the last 6 years combined! (maybe more)

But in any case, his first year starting was '05, and they made it at 11-5.. hosted a wild card game and got shutout against Carolina .. a horrific game by Eli and everyone else included.. (a lovely day for me personally :clapping: )

'06 was the loss last year in the wild card at Philly, and if u go back to that game, Eli actually played very well.. They may have lost, but it wasn't like Eli didn't have them looking competitive like they did the year before.

And then this year they win 10 games.. Played up and down all season.. had some pathetic losses, but also some very convincing wins in key spots..

And yes.. GB did blow many chances yesterday, but they also were given GIFTS by the Giants all throughout the game.. blown coverage on Driver, the penalty by Madison, and the fumbled INT by McQuarters. Green Bay looked so inept throughtout this game on EVERY level..

We all know the old cliche "sometimes the best team doesn't win in football.. it's the team who plays the best that day", etc etc.. so we can say what we will that the Giants aren't the best team in the NFC, however it would be very hard to say that they're NOT after looking at who they've beaten and what they've done

While I don't think the Giants are the best team in the NFC, they DO deserve to be in the Big Dance, yes.

[SB49er4life]

Ya, I respect him in thinking that he is a legitimate starting NFL QB, but I still don't think he is a franchise QB that can carry his team on his back; he's good, but I don't think he'll ever be "great".

He is still skiddish when facing pressure, and it's not like he had an offensive explosion for his teams to beat Dallas and GB.

[montana2taylor]

was someone actually implying the Giants got to the super bowl by luck? :laugh:

[queensbury49er]

Yes, he's earned my respect he got to the big dance, and showed vast improvement in doing so.

[Texicali blue]

He played at his best when his team needed it most.

That alone is deserving of respect.

Doing it while playing in NY where the media wants you to fail makes it a bigger accomplishment.

so, yes, I respect the kid more today than I did at this point last year.

He earned it, he's got it.

[Idol # 80]

He has matured quite a bit over these past four years. He has demonstrated his ability to handle pressures and things. I used to not like him for his stint with the draft, but I respect him quite a bit now. Hope he wins the superbowl.

[bilwit]

He doesn't seem to attempt an irish-jig in the pocket with his feet like how his big brother does all the time.

/respect

[Ness]

Ya, I respect him in thinking that he is a legitimate starting NFL QB, but I still don't think he is a franchise QB that can carry his team on his back; he's good, but I don't think he'll ever be "great".

He is still skiddish when facing pressure, and it's not like he had an offensive explosion for his teams to beat Dallas and GB.

Well, he doesn't appear to be just a game manager either. I think he's capable of some late drives for the winning touchdown and such. He may not be able to perform those kind of heroics the entire season, but teams that usually depend on several individuals to bail them out time and time again usually don't go far in the playoffs. The team really needs to be capable of winning in all three phases of the game to win a championship in my opinion.

[fabie]

Actually, I am impressed with his poise...his demeanor and leadership. He didn't panic and no interceptions.

[NJNiner]

ive been backing him his entire career, yes, hes a really classy guy too who gets overshadowed by shockeys ME ME personality and tries to force it to shockey too much....the ny media has it out for him too..like any qb on the giants or jets though....
eli has a huge upside, a great arm, youth, and class....you cant say the potentials not there

[BrentJones84]

The real question:

Is Eli significantly better than Rivers?

:stirthepot:

[49erTool]

At this point you would have to say he is better than Rivers.