When it comes to football families, there is no bigger name than the Mannings. Archie, the father, was an All-Pro quarterback, best known for his years with the Saints from 1971 through 1982. Peyton, the top pick in the 1998 NFL draft, is in the conversation for the greatest quarterback of all the time. Eli, the top pick in the 2004 NFL draft, has two Super Bowl titles.
Peyton, Eli and a Manning Super Bowl
Which Manning are you taking?
Andy Lyons
The Broncos and Giants aren’t on each other’s schedule this year, only a Super Bowl matchup would see them face off against each other. But if that did happen, who would win? And comparing the two, which one is playing better football right now? Are you taking Peyton or Eli?
For those answers, we look to John Bena of Mile High Report for the Peyton perspective and Ed Valentine of Big Blue View for the Eli perspective.
Is this the year we have a Manning vs. Manning Super Bowl?
BBV: Anything is possible, and you are starting to hear some of that talk. I just think it's way too early to determine whether either of these teams is going to be playing championship-caliber football two or three months from now. Right now I'm not sold on either team, to be honest. If it is ever going to happen, though, this could be the year.
MHR: It certainly is a possibility, though I personally feel the Broncos will be in a better spot to make a Super Bowl run next season. While Peyton – and by extension the Broncos – are much further along than even I thought they would be, the Broncos roster is still lacking in certain areas. With John Elway and Peyton Manning, the Broncos will become a destination for free agents once again, and Elway has proven in the last two drafts that he has an eye for talent.
Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE
Which Manning is more deserving of the MVP this year?
BBV: If you had asked me this question two or three weeks ago I would have said you could make a case for either. Right now it is Peyton, hands down. First of all, he has changed that franchise in Denver. Second of all -- and this coming from a guy writes about the Giants -- Peyton has always been the better player.
Look at the numbers this year.
Eli: 12 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 61 percent completion percentage and a 85.5 passer rating.
Peyton: 20 touchdowns, six interceptions, 69.5 percent completion percentage, 108.6 passer rating.
Giants' fans love Manning and, I don't care what the stats say, with the game on the line there is no one better than Eli. But statistically the MVP race isn't close.
MHR: For me the choice is simple. Peyton Manning should be the NFL MVP over Eli Manning and anyone else. Think about it. Eight months ago Peyton couldn’t even grip a football let alone sling it in the NFL at a high level. Statistically, Peyton is having one of his best seasons, currently leading the NFL in QB rating, completion percentage and yards per attempt. Even more valuable perhaps is the epic rescue of the franchise from what could have been the ultimate disaster if Tim Tebow had hung around. You could argue that Manning’s value to the Broncos is perhaps greater than any player ever for those reasons.
Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE
Who wins in a game played tomorrow -- Peyton's Broncos or Eli's Giants?
BBV: Well, the Giants are coming off a stinker against Pittsburgh -- and, truthfully, haven't played well for a couple of weeks. That said in a big game, big spot, big moment I will never, ever bet against Eli. I'd take the Giants just because of that.
MHR: It sure would be fun to watch, the two brothers going after it on the same field. I’ll go with the Broncos, but not just because I am a Broncos blogger. Both defenses would do a solid job stopping the running game. Where I like the Broncos is in the secondary. The Giants continue to deal with all kinds of injuries while the Broncos have Champ Bailey – and a core of solid young guys at corner, like Tony Carter and Chris Harris, and Rahim Moore at safety. That could give the Broncos the advantage, along with the fact there is simply no one better at making adjustments at the line of scrimmage than Peyton Manning. Even Eli would have to admit that!
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