Super Bowl 2012: Eli Manning vs. Peyton Manning, Lombardi Trophy vs. Statistics

Because of Peyton Manning's statistics being much greater than Eli Manning's right now, we tend to forget that these brothers are six years apart in age from one another.

Therefore, Peyton has that many more years worth of stats. So, Eli's and Peyton's numbers cannot be truly compared until both of their careers are over.

As for now, the best way to compare stats are through each player's first eight seasons.

That being said, let's take a look compare/contrast the stats and records through that time frame.

Statistics

Peyton Manning's first eight years were from 1998 through 2005 where he averaged 4,148 yards, 30.5 touchdowns, 16.25 interceptions, a 64.02 completion percentage and a rating of 94.21.

Those are certainly impressive numbers, however, he also had the luxury of throwing to Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark for the majority of those seasons.

As for Eli Manning, his eight NFL seasons have been since 2004 up until now, and he's averaged 3,447 yards, 23 touchdowns, 16.12 interceptions, 58.4 completion percentage and a rating of 82.1.

Most definitely, the numbers here favor Peyton.

But, Eli has never had a receiving corps stick together over more than a few years like Peyton has.

Although the New York Giants have had solid receivers during the twenty-first century such as Amani Toomer, Plaxico Burress and now the trio of Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, they still don't compare to Harrison, Wayne and Clark.

It wasn't until after Peyton's ninth season (2006) where the injuries started piling up in his receiving corps and then, ultimately, striking him in 2011.

Records

It's not about how many records each have set, broken or are chasing, but it's rather about their respective regular season and postseason records. Because, winning championships is what everything in pro football comes down to.

Well, Peyton easily has the regular season advantage with a record of 141-67 to Eli's 69-50.

In addition, Peyton led the Colts to the playoffs every year from 1999-2010 with the exception of 2001. And, from 2002 through 2010 Peyton never had a record worse than 10-6.

Eli on the other hand, made just four straight postseason appearances from 2005 through 2008. But, the Giants have not had a losing season since 2004 (6-10). That year, Eli only played in nine games.

So, since becoming the full-time starter, the New York Giants have never had a losing season.

As for the postseason, that's where the legacy begins to sway in Eli's favor.

Peyton, through his first eight years, never even made a Super Bowl and was just 3-6 in January.

Eli however, is 8-3 with two Super Bowl wins—both over Tom Brady—and he was named the game's MVP both times.

Now yes, Peyton got his much deserved title in 2006 and is a lock for the Hall of Fame. But, we can't down Eli just because his regular season record and stats aren't as impressive.

All that matters is making the dance, because what you do when you get there is what counts.

And, by comparison of each Manning's first eight NFL seasons, Eli has a major advantage.

At age 31, he has a lot more time left to accomplish greatness than Peyton does.

John Rozum on Twitter.