Why 2nd Super Bowl Ring Would Rank Eli Manning Ahead of Brother Peyton

When a player or coach retires in the NFL—or any other sport for that matter—we don't measure them by stats first. We measure them by wins, both regular season and postseason, and by championships more than anything.

Had we strictly measured by stats and stats alone, former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino would arguably be considered the greatest player in the history of pro football. Unfortunately, Marino only made it to one Super Bowl and he lost.

Well, the same goes for the 21st century of pro football, and although Peyton Manning has played in two Super Bowls and won one of them, no matter how much better his stats are than Tom Brady's, Brady will always be considered the better quarterback.

And rightfully so, because Brady has three rings while playing in four Super Bowls, and has a shot this year to play in a fifth and win a fourth.

Which brings us to Peyton's younger brother, Eli Manning.

Having a Super Bowl ring like his older brother, Eli has an opportunity to play in and win another Lombardi Trophy for his New York Giants. And if he does manage to bring home the jewelry once again, he'll surpass Peyton as the better quarterback.

Before we even talk rings and wins, look at the longevity of the receiving targets Peyton Manning has had the luxury of throwing to throughout his career.

Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are all potential future Hall of Famers, whereas Eli has not had players like that for more than a couple of seasons at a time.

Sure, Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer were an excellent receiving duo, however Toomer only played with Eli for five seasons, and Plaxico for only four.

From 1998 through 2008, Peyton had Marvin Harrison lined up out wide, and Reggie Wayne paired with him from 2001 through 2008. Then include tight end Dallas Clark from 2003 to the present. Who's been Eli's tight end?

Well, can we really compare Jeremy Shockey, Kevin Boss and Jake Ballard to the reliability of Dallas Clark? No.

All are solid, but nowhere near the level that Clark has been for older brother Peyton. And perhaps the 2011 regular season really proved that Eli can match Peyton in stats.

This season was Eli's third consecutive year of over 4,000 passing yards, and he finished just under 5,000, with 4,933 yards. That yardage total is more than Peyton has ever thrown for (his best is 4,700 in 2010), and Eli did it while surrounded by an array of injuries.

With the statistically worst rushing game backing him (averaged 89.2 yards per game), the New York Giants had no choice but to throw the rock for a chance at winning. Not to mention, Eli had to do it with a non-established receiver in Victor Cruz (who's now established) and a new tight end (Ballard).

Add in the Giants' awful defense that ranked No. 29 against the pass, No. 19 against the rush and allowed a total of 376 yards per game, and still, Eli basically carried the Giants through the regular season.

All that being said, include a second Super Bowl ring in as many trips, and Eli Manning becomes the better quarterback. He's proven to be just as good, if not better, with less talent surrounding him throughout his career.

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