The Giants have absolutely no buyers’ remorse, as Manning has delivered two shiny silver Lombardi Trophies, 100 percent professionalism and zero percent distraction, controversy or wonder where his head is at. Eli is not the best quarterback in the NFL, but no one calls him overpaid.
Romo, well that’s a different deal. The six-year contract extension signed off on by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was either logical or laughable, depending on the polarizing way you want to view Romo. He has started 93 games and won only one game in the playoffs. Statistically, he throws more touchdowns, fewer interceptions and completes a higher percentage of passes than Manning. Romo’s career quarterback rating is 95.6. Eli’s is 82.7. Romo plays with the elusiveness of someone bathed in WD-40, slippery and mobile. Eli is smart enough to know the angles of the pocket and that he has to be one step ahead to survive, based on his, to be kind, sparse running ability.
The much-awaited season-opener won’t be a referendum on either player but it will be yet another head-to-head battle between Eli and the anti-Eli. Or, if you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, a battle between Romo and the anti-Romo. Winner vs. loser is a bit harsh — Romo is 55-38 as a starter. More like guy who wins the big one versus guy who doesn’t.
There was a time when Romo always beat the Giants, winning his first four starts. But in his past seven starts he’s 1-6 against the Giants, plus a big, big home playoff loss as heavy favorite following the 2007 season.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, “We believe, I believe’’ and “I don’t have any problem making that kind of commitment’’ back in April when Romo’s mega-deal — he got more guaranteed money ($55 million) than Super Bowl champion Joe Flacco ($52 million) — was announced. Meanwhile, Manning went through an unimpressive summer, waiting for Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks to round into form behind a rotating offensive line.
As always, the Giants revolve around Eli’s smarts and right arm. He’s not impervious to pressure but he chooses to shrug it away.
“I know I’ve got to play well if this offense is going to move the ball and, from throwing the ball to making good decisions, scoring touchdowns,’’ Manning said. “I’m excited about that. That’s what you want as a quarterback. You want the ball to be in your hands and whether you’re winning or losing games, to have it be on how you perform.’’
Oh, it’s on how he performs. Manning is 32, coming off a down season and hasn’t made the playoffs three of the past four years. Entering his 10th season, he has more behind him than he does ahead of him. The Giants consider every buck they’ve given him money well spent. Sunday night, the Cowboys for the first time get to see what their new $108 million man is worth.