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NFL: Eli Bandwagon Filling Up Fast |
By: Dustin Hockensmith | Jan. 21, 2008 - New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning deserves some recognition. He's transformed his game, been unaffected by playoff pressure and led the Giants to Super Bowl XLII. Gone are the days of killer fumbles and interceptions, and in are the days of managing the offense and playing with efficiency. |
But, the Giants' trip to Super Bowl XLII has been secure for less than 24 hours, and media are praising Manning ad nauseum. It hammers home the widely recognized fact that both praise and criticism are unfairly heaped on quarterback and head coach. Manning has been in both boats.
But how about some discussion about New York's defensive effort? The one that held Green Bay to 264 yards and 13 first downs. Or running backs Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, who combined for 130 yards and two touchdowns? Or head coach Tom Coughlin, who turned a Week 17 loss to New England into all this playoff momentum?
And in the passing game, Plaxico Burress abused All-Pro cornerback Al Harris with 11 catches for 154 yards. Manning maintained his focus through some frigid weather, but so did Burress, who accounted for more receiving yardage than the rest of New York's six pass catchers combined.
Eli has done plenty to earn the media's latest change of heart, and he has already earned a pass, should he falter in the Super Bowl. But, a dismal performance in Green Bay, and he would have been criticized the same way he was all season.
Praise Manning now because he has certainly earned it, but also recognize the other important parts of the Giants team. Manning has played his role to perfection, but Coughlin, Michael Strahan, Jacobs, Bradshaw, Burress and a host of others have done their jobs pretty well, too.
Fantasy
Watch owners jump on Manning after this playoff performance. And it's for good reason. If he can continue making big plays AND cut down on his massive amount of turnovers (20 interceptions, 7 lost fumbles), he'll be fantasy gold. Something has clicked, and it can only benefit his fantasy game, which had seen no improvements since his rookie season. |
