Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Eli Manning Will Seal His Legacy on Big Stage

Even after winning the 2008 Super Bowl over the New England Patriots, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning still hasn't been able to knock off the critics who say he isn't a star passer in this league. With another shot to knock down Goliath, he will finally get to seal his legacy with another ring.

Manning has always been the subject of debates, as nobody can ever agree on whether he is a great quarterback or just another average passer with a ring.

With him making his second Super Bowl appearance in just four years, critics should be ready to back off. If Manning and the Giants don't win though, many will come back and say that he isn't the guy who can get it done.

Manning will need to prove all these critics wrong by bringing back another title to the Meadowlands. He will be able to, and he won't be doing it alone.

For his part, No. 10 has been doing a great job against the opposition. For the regular season, Manning threw for 4,933 yards with 29 touchdowns. He did turn the ball over 22 times, including 16 interceptions, but his playoff numbers have been great.

He has completed 61.8 percent of his passes, while throwing for 923 yards and eight touchdowns. He has only thrown one pick, and it appears that once again he is a dominant clutch-time player.

With his showing against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, and his tenacity over the San Francisco 49ers to take the game into overtime, it is evident that Manning is capable of being a great quarterback.

The Patriots pass defense hasn't been all that impressive this past season, allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw for 293.9 yards per game against them. Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw for 306 yards with two touchdowns, and many would consider Manning a much better passer than him.

While Manning has done a great job on the offensive side of the ball this postseason, his defense has done an excellent in controlling things on the other side.

The Giants D has held its opposition to an average of 13 PPG, and after what the Baltimore Ravens did to this mighty offense, one can believe that the G-Men will once again be able to prove their dominance on the defensive side of the ball.

If Manning can continue his play and claim his second ring, he will be in position to officially knock off the label of being overrated off his back. Instead, he will finally be able to officially start his legacy.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.