Saints quarterback Drew Brees knows a thing or two about being an elite NFL quarterback, and he says that Giants QB Eli Manning is in that class.
“I absolutely do think he’s elite,” Brees told The Post. “I have a lot of respect for Eli. He plays in a tough market and handles himself with a lot of class.”
Brees, a former Super Bowl MVP (XLIV), also told the Post that Manning’s ability to lead this Giants team within a win of the Lombardi trophy also puts him among the league’s best.
“[Manning] has overcome a lot of adversity,” Brees said. “Now he is leading this team to a second Super Bowl in a four-year span. It’s very hard to get there twice.”
The Saints, who were eliminated by the 49ers in the Divisional round, played the Giants in Week 12. Brees threw four touchdown passes in New Orleans’ 49-24 win.
Brees said that the Giants team that will be playing for the Lombardi Trophy tomorrow night is a different one than his Saints faced in November.
“[The Giants] are playing with a lot of confidence and are healthier on offense and defense,” Brees said. “Now they are at a different stage of the season. We caught them during their four-game losing streak and were playing against some tough teams.
“It’s amazing how you need a couple of good things to happen and all of a sudden you catch some breaks and you start winning.”
Brees also talked about how the Patriots can stop the Giants’ vaunted pass-rush, featuring Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka. The Giants did not sack Brees one time in the Week 12 loss.
“If you do not stop that pass-rush, you are in for a long day,” Brees said. “To neutralize [the pass-rush] you need to switch your linemen often, create a tempo and wear them down. You also need to run the ball to create diversity and keep them guessing.”
The NFL’s single-season leader in passing yards (5,476), Brees admitted he would “much rather be playing in the game,” but has enjoyed himself while in Indianapolis.
“It’s been a great week, it’s a good city and venue,” Brees said. “I’m excited for the people because this is the premier event in sports and a great way to showcase the city. I went to Purdue University which is about 45 minutes away so I am familiar with the area.”
Brees has spent the week in Indianapolis promoting Vicks, who recently signed the quarterback to become the first ever VapoDad in the company’s 100-year history. Brees was recently featured in the company’s VapoRub commercial with his son Baylen.
“It’s a thrill to be working with [Vicks] because they are a family brand. It’s great to be part of this company and organization,” Brees said. “It’s a tremendous honor being the VapoDad. [Vicks] has never had a father; it’s always been a mother.”
Brees did say that the weather in Indianapolis was cold and rainy today, but it wouldn’t put a damper on the festivities.
“The weather has been nice here the past few days, but today it’s been raining. I’ve been helping to promote DayQuil and NyQuil because that stuff helps during the cold and rainy season. It’s what keeps [players] on the field because there are no sick days in the NFL.”
I think come tomorrow, everyone will be feeling Super.
Giants QB Eli Manning got a boost from Saints’ (and former Super Bowl MVP) Drew Brees, who called him “elite”. (REUTERS)