Giants vs. Patriots: Why Eli Manning Must Be Perfect to Win Second Title

Eli Manning had an outstanding season on his way to leading the New York Giants to Super Bowl XLVI. While he overcame a midseason swoon, Manning finished strong and has his team peaking at the right time. But to beat the New England Patriots in the big game for the second time, Manning will have to be as close to perfect as possible.

During the regular season Manning completed 359 of 589 passes (61 percent) for a career-high 4,933 yards, with 29 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 92.9 ranked seventh in the NFL.

But Manning's most important attribute this season has been the fact that he can win games. Manning led the Giants to seven fourth quarter comebacks this season, and his fourth quarter passer rating is an outstanding 111.9.

Manning has also come to play in the postseason as well, completing 61.8 percent of his passes for 923 yards, with eight touchdowns and one interception. His passer rating in the playoffs is 103.1.

Against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI Manning will need to continue his hot streak if the Giants hope to have a chance. Tom Brady has New England's offense playing as well as it ever has, and New York's defense (which ranked 27th in the NFL this year) has some serious holes.

There is a very real possibility that this Super Bowl rematch will turn into a shootout which means Manning's penchant for throwing untimely interceptions cannot rear its ugly head. Over the past three seasons alone the 31-year-old signal-caller has thrown a whopping 55 picks. That can't happen against the Patriots.

If Manning plays the way he has over the past few weeks the Giants have a chance to pull the upset. If he struggles that chance disappears.