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January 29, 2008

Patriots respect Eli Manning

Throughout his entire career, Giants quarterback Eli Manning has been perceived by many NFL experts as a bust.

He grew up in the long shadows of his father Archie and his older brother Peyton and he hasn’t lived up to many of the expectations that were put on him after he refused to play for San Diego, who drafted him with the first pick in the 2004 Draft, and was then traded to New York for Philip Rivers (the fourth pick), a 2004 third-round pick, and a 2005 first and fifth round selection.

Manning was winless in the playoffs prior to this season. But he has been nearly flawless this postseason.

After throwing 20 interceptions in the regular season, Manning has yet to throw a pick in the postseason and he has completed 62.4 percent of his passes along with four TDs and 599 yards for a 99.1 quarterback rating.

The Patriots certainly respect his turnaround.

“He’s playing very well,” Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel said. “Starting from the last game we played them, he’s just been outstanding. We’ve got to go out there and rattle him a little bit so he can’t be at the best that he’s at right now.”

“He is playing great,” Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel said. “…This is a young guy that still has a lot to prove. He has been playing under the shadows of his brother for a lot of years, and now it is his time and we are going to have to play well.”

“I think he’s a guy that doesn’t get rattled easily,” Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour said. “He’s an elite player. He’s shown that he can lead his football team…From a mental standpoint, I think he’s on the right page. I think he has the right mentality to play in the league, especially at that position.

When the Patriots played the Giants in the final game of the regular season, Manning torched New England’s secondary for 251 yards and four touchdowns. He only threw 10 incompletions (22-for-32, 68.8 percent) in that game.

"Eli Manning is a guy that if given the opportunity, he can put points on the board," Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi said.

Posted by Rob Lee  at 4:51 PM | Permalink