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Comparing Super Bowl Units: Quarterback

by Rich Resch on January 27th, 2012 at 8:00 am

Giants

Where to begin with Eli Manning? The guy has been this team’s MVP, hands down, and his development from just one season ago is incredible. He set the NFL record with 15 fourth quarter touchdowns, and has carried his offense with his clutch play. What has become Manning’s calling card is his ability to extend plays by sliding around in the pocket, avoiding sacks and finding an open receiver. Whereas in past seasons, fans would cringe when Eli flicked a dump off pass to a running back while in the clutches of an opposing lineman, now it’s just one of many ways that Eli has raised his game. He may never truly be in a class with Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady, but there’s no shame in that. He’s the best quarterback this franchise has ever seen, and that’s pretty damn special.

David Carr is the backup, but if he steps foot onto the field, the Giants are in big trouble. Luckily Eli Manning is made of stainless steel.

Patriots

Somehow, Tom Brady has fallen out of favor, with Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and even Eli Manning seemingly being talked about more in mainstream media this season. No big deal for Brady, who has put up yet another fantastic statistical season, passing for the second most yards in NFL history (5,235), 39 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. For what it’s worth, ESPN’s new QBR ranks him as the #3 quarterback this season (it also ranks Manning as the #13 quarterback behind guys like Carson Palmer and Matt Hasselbeck, so take it with a grain of salt).

Bill Simmons thinks that Patriots’ backup Brian Hoyer is a better quarterback than Sam Bradford. Simmons is a huge Patriots fan, so don’t just take that ridiculous comment with a grain of salt; forget he said it altogether.

Advantage

I admire Eli Manning as much as the next guy, but if you expect me to give the Giants the edge at quarterback, I’m sorry to disappoint…it’s Tom Frickin’ Brady. You know, the guy who will go down in history as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play in this league?

That is not to say he can’t be rattled; the Giants did it in Super Bowl 42, and they have the pieces to pressure him like they did then. But don’t for a second think the Giants have the advantage at quarterback. Eli may very well be a Hall of Famer when all is said and done. Brady is already there.

Using an ultra accurate mathematical formula, I have come to the conclusion that Tom Brady rates a 9.7 to Eli Manning’s 9.1.

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About Rich Resch

Rich is a graduate of University of Maryland and is currently the senior editor of Giants Football Blog. He is a former contributor to Hot Foot Blog, and a former featured columnist on Bleacher Report. Hear him live on "Giants Rush," Wednesday nights at 9 on Blog Talk Radio. Follow him @RichResch View all posts by Rich Resch →
  • jose

    I was thinking the same thing… but on second thought, thinking only of how they are playing now, in the postseason, and putting history behind, I think this position is even.  Yes, Brady’s stats are slightly better, but its negligible.  Going into the SB, this seems like a dead heat, with no real, tangible edge to either team.

    • Rich Resch

      Fair point, Eli is playing better right now. But with two weeks off, I’m hesitant to give him much of an edge based on just his recent play. In just one game, I have to defer to overall talent and how well they’ve played all season, and Brady is still a cut above.