Eli Manning Gets Outplayed by Rex Grossman, Redskins Roll over Giants.

Eli Manning considers himself an elite NFL quarterback.  Sure, he has a Super Bowl ring.  Nobody can take that away from him.  But an "elite quarterback?"  Really?

If Eli is an elite QB, then Rex Grossman must be a Hall of Famer.

The Giants' Week 1 opponent was the Washington Redskins.  Eli's QB counterpart was Rex Grossman.  That's right football fans, Rex Grossman.  The Redskins looked to be desperate, picking between Grossman and journeyman John Beck.  Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has a reputation for being a bright offensive coach, but expecting him to turn Grossman's career around seemed like a tall order.

Or maybe not.  Maybe Rex Grossman just needed another chance.

Grossman was 21/34 for 305 yards and two touchdowns.  Compare that to Manning, who was 18/32 for 268 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.  Grossman's QB Rating was 110.5.  Manning's, a paltry 70.8.

Does that sound "elite" to you?  I didn't think so.

Manning led the league in interceptions last year with 25.  It was the second time in his career he led the league in interceptions.  In his career, he has thrown 156 touchdowns against 113 interceptions, while only completed 58% of his passes.  Those are, at best, the numbers of an above average quarterback.

Without an elite defense and a strong running game, Eli Manning has been exposed for being just that, above average. I believe that the injuries suffered by the Giants in the preseason have hurt their roster to the point that they do need Eli to be elite if they are going to make the playoffs.  If his career numbers are any indication of future success, then the Giants are in trouble.

No, Eli was not elite Sunday.  But man, oh man, did Rex Grossman look good.  Go figure.