Eli Deserves More Respect

Eli Manning finally proved that he is more than justtake the lead. Everyone in the world thought the
Peyton's little brother. He led his team to thegame was over (whether they will admit it or
biggest upset in Super Bowl history. Sure, thenot), except for the Giants. Who would have bet
spread was bigger when the Patriots upset thethat the heavily criticized Manning would be able to
Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, but the spread isout-duel the Super Bowl poster child?
just a number. This year's Pats were supposed toThe Giants start their drive from their own 17.
be the first team since the '72 Dolphins to goThey started moving down the field slowly but
undefeated. The Giants weren't supposed tosurely - nothing too exciting if it wasn't the Super
make the playoffs.Bowl. Then it happened, the greatest play I have
Yet even after winning Super Bowl MVP honors,ever seen. Third and five from the Giants' 44
Eli is still being overlooked. Everyone is still talkingyard line. Eli drops back, he's under pressure, he's
about Tom Brady and the Patriots. Who says nocompletely surrounded by Patriots, Adalius
one remembers the loser? This may be the yearThomas grabs his jersey and... he somehow
that no one remembers the winner.escapes, throws it down field to David Tyree
If a quarterback is measured by how hewho comes up with The Catch Part II. Four plays
performs in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl,later, Eli hits Plaxico Burress in the endzone with
then Eli was definitely the best quarterback this35 seconds remaining.
season. Let's not forget that he also led his teamEli did it, he out-dueled Brady. He led his team
past Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Green Bay withoutdown the field for a touchdown in 12 plays just
throwing a sing interception to get to the Superlike Brady, but he went three yards further, with
Bowl. That's a feat in itself. Then after throwingless time on the clock, and most importantly for
his first pick in the playoffs against the Patriots,the win. Eli may never live up to the unrealistic
he showed what he is made of. Manyexpectations that come with being a Manning, but
quarterbacks in his position may have just folded,he did something that can never be taken away
but Eli led his team on a game winning drive in thefrom him - win a Super Bowl. And that's not an
biggest upset in Super Bowl history.easy thing to do. Just ask Jim Kelly, or Dan
His game winning drive was legendary. Calling itMarino, or Archie Manning.
anything less would be insulting. Brady had just ledfor football news and articles 24 hours a day, 7
his team 80 yards down the field in 12 plays todays a week, 365 days a year.