Eli Manning elite? Not according to former Giants quarterback Phil Simms, who questioned just how good the two-time Super Bowl MVP winner is Monday on “NFL Monday Quarterback” on CBS Sports Network.
“No, he is not one of the elites. Because when I hear the word ‘elite’, I’m thinking about guys that can make unbelievable plays on the field by themselves,” the Super Bowl XXI MVP, Simms said.
“There are very few quarterbacks in that category. Yes, Eli has been a tremendous team player. He has been MVP of the Super Bowl twice. I know that. But the way I look at it, the answer is no.”
Manning made headlines before the 2011 season when he was asked if he viewed himself as an elite quarterback, and said yes, putting himself in the same class as Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. He backed that up by winning his second Super Bowl — and Super Bowl MVP — in five years with the Giants, beating the Patriots both times.
Manning was an early MVP favorite after the first five games this season, but since then, he has thrown two touchdowns and six interceptions. He also has no touchdown passes in his past three games.
As the Giants’ annual November collapse has commenced, so have the debates on Manning’s ability.
But Manning had a supporter on the show, Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts, who disagreed with Simms’ assessment.
“You can’t spell ‘elite’ without ‘Eli’,” the former Chargers quarterback said. “The pressure situations that Eli has thrived in over his short career in my mind make him an elite quarterback.
“Because that is when you’re judged. How well you do when the pressure is on, when you’ve got to win the game. And all you have to do is look back at his two Super Bowl wins and the way he beat the Patriots.”
Manning had an NFL-record 15 fourth-quarter touchdowns last season and led the Giants on eight game-winning drives. This season, he has had three fourth-quarter comebacks.
“I have to give him a nod and say Eli is elite,” Fouts said.