USA Today has listed New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning as one of their greatest Super Bowl players of all time.
On Tuesday, Nate Davis of USA Today released his list of the greatest Super Bowl performers of all time. The list includes 53 players, focusing on their performances in the big game as well as the sustainability of their excellence.
And on that list, at No. 8, is New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
“We’re not suggesting he’s better than big brother Peyton,” writes Davis. “But Eli is definitely more deserving of a spot on this list given his heroics in twice winning Super Bowl MVP honors for the New York Giants with some truly miraculous plays in upsets of the Patriots.”
Eli has shown his greatness in the Super Bowl, obviously not once, but twice.
The now 15-year man led the Giants during the 2007 season to defeat the then-undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl 42. Big Blue finished the regular season that year as the fifth seed in the NFC with a record of 10-6.
Manning completed 19-34 passes in that game, gaining 255 yards through the air with two touchdowns. Scores were to former Giants receivers, David Tyree and Plaxico Burress. Big Blue eventually pulled off the near-improbable win and defeated New England 17-14. Eli, of course, was selected MVP for the game.
Then again during the 2011 season, Manning and the Giants did it again. They came into Super Bowl 46 as the fourth seed in the NFC with a regular season record of 9-7. The Patriots were coming in as the top seed in the AFC, finishing the regular season at 13-3.
Eli threw for 296 yards on 30 of 40 passing. He threw for a touchdown in the first quarter to former Giants receiver Victor Cruz. The Giants won the game 21-17, with Manning receiving MVP honors for the second time.
So if you disagree with Manning being ranked in the top ten, consider this: he defeated the greatest NFL dynasty of all-time twice in the big game.
Only one other organization has been able to defeat the Patriots in the Super Bowl, but we won’t speak on that.
