Super Bowl 2012: Eli Manning Would Cement Himself as Elite QB with 2nd Ring

In my book, there are three truly elite quarterbacks in the NFL today: Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.

A healthy Peyton Manning is the fourth elite quarterback, though who knows what his future holds.

Well, other than Rob Lowe.

After that, you have a second tier of really good quarterbacks that definitely includes Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Matthew Stafford. Depending on who you ask, it might also include players such as Michael Vick, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Jay Cutler and Matt Schaub.

But I believe a second Super Bowl victory would launch Eli Manning into the top tier.

Now let me explain why.

When the Giants won the Super Bowl XLII in 2008, there was the sense that Eli Manning made a few big plays along the way but ultimately that title was the result of the Giants' excellent running game—they averaged 134.2 rushing yards per game, fourth in the NFL that season—and vicious pass rush.

Though, lest we all forget, Manning was named Super Bowl MVP for his performance.

Still, that championship didn't have Manning's stamp on it like a championship this time around would. This team goes as Manning goes.

And he's played at the highest level of his career this season. His 4,933 passing yards is 900 yards more than his previous high, and his 29 touchdowns and 92.7 passer rating are each the second-best marks of his career.

He's also played his best in his team's biggest games. In two playoff games this year, he's thrown for 607 yards, six touchdowns, one interception, a 67.7 completion percentage and a 121.8 passer rating.

With the game in question late, he's been clutch. He led the Giants to five fourth-quarter comebacks and six game-winning drives this season.

And the best part is he told us he thought he was an elite quarterback before the season began, then went out and proved it this year.

That's a little something I like to call Manning up.

Which is exactly what he has done this season.

Hit me up on Twitter—that's where the magic happens.