Manning vs. Manning

Its hard to make a completely direct comparison between Peyton and Eli's successes and failures in the NFL because they don't play for the same teams and they don't play in the same systems. Nevertheless, so-called "experts" are constantly comparing the two. The highly touted first game of the 2006-07 regular season even received the appellation of "the Manning Bowl." All week leading up to that game and even after the game, these "experts" tried to break down the game and figure out who was the better QB.

Manning v. Manning is yet another addition to the long list of overhyped NFL games. This list includes, but is not limited to: Manning vs. Manning, Randy Moss vs. Chad Johnson, Roethlisberger vs. Brady. None of these matchups make any sense. A Manning is never on the field at the same time as his brother. A Manning will never intercept another Manning's throw, or force his brother to fumble. With the strange exception of Chad Johnson playing some cornerback during the Pro Bowl, all of these people play offense, meaning that they never play against each other. So why do the networks still insist on labeling the matchups like it is a boxing match? It is not like we're talking Ali vs. Frazier or Tyson vs. Holyfield here. Football is a team game and you would never see a one-on-one matchup the way they implicitly advertise. Let's just call these "matchups" what they are: two prime-time players that have a chance to prove they are just awesome in the spotlight.

With that said, here's my "expert" analysis...

Drafted #1 overall. Great NFL pedigree with a franchise-favorite quarterback for a father. Dominated at all levels of play before arriving at the NFL. Prototypical QB size of around 6'4, 225 lbs. Laser rocket arms. Skilled teammates on offense and a respectable, sometimes dominating defense. The Mannings seem to have alot in common, but what separates Peyton and Eli? The answer? Playmakers.

For years, Peyton has had the blessing of being joined on offense by a talented running back (Edgerrin James), one of the best wide receivers in the NFL (Marvin Harrison), and one of the best #2 WRs around (Reggie Wayne). For years, these three playmakers were the reason why Peyton Manning was so successful. When you watched Marvin Harrison run a skinny post route off of a play-action to Edgerrin James, you knew it would be a touchdown or guaranteed big play. You also can't forget the Indy offensive line who happen to be some of the best at their position (Tarik Glenn, Jeff Saturday, Ryan Lilja, etc.). The whole offensive system is just genius and to top it all off, Peyton has the confidence and trust of his coach to audible and pick his plays when he gets to the line. His leadership and command of the huddle is unparalleled throughout the NFL. He wills his teams to win. Give him one minute on the clock and he will drive down to set up the game winning field goal or touchdown.

Then we have Eli, a player who has experienced both growing pains and flashing moments of greatness. Unfortunately, Eli is limited by the lack of talent around him and his own lack of focus. Yes, Amani Toomer owns many franchise records for his position at an historic franchise. Sure, Jeremy Shockey is one of the top TEs of the league, and Tiki Barber owns many franchise records in his own right. But its Eli's lack of focus and confidence in himself as a QB and as a leader that is his downfall. He cannot control or even guide the volatile Shockey or Burress. He doesn't get on them for dropped passes, even though they have been dropping them like hot cakes all game. When Eli threw a game-winning TD in overtime against the division-rival Eagles this season, he was just stunned. He could have had the same expression on his face if he had thrown an INT returned for a TD in overtime. Eli has the potential to be a great QB. We've seen his talent (especially in the 2005 Rams game), but he won't make it there until the Giants bring in a proven #1 guy that is a force on the field. Only then will Eli be able to build his confidence and really begin to thrive like his big brother. Until then, he will always have that scared little puppy face. But then again, we've seen that face quite a few times from Peyton in the playoffs...