Patriots vs. Giants: Eli Manning Puts on Elite Finale in New England

Apparently Eli Manning isn't crazy after all—the New York Giants quarterback is very much playing like an elite quarterback after his team's stunning 24-20 victory over the New England Patriots.

Prior to the start of the season, Manning came out with a bold claim in which he declared himself an elite quarterback. On Sunday afternoon, he outplayed New England's elite QB, Tom Brady.

Manning orchestrated a come-from-behind drive that eventually resulted in a touchdown pass to Jake Ballard with just 15 seconds left.

Manning and the Giants' drive started with 1:36 left in the game. They drove 80 yards in eight plays. No. 10 completed three of his seven passes for 48 yards, in addition to running for 12 yards. 

All in all, the pressure did not seem to phase Manning.

However, in New York's game-winning drive, the team certainly received a gift from New England's putrid secondary. With just 35 seconds left in the game, backup safety Sergio Brown—who was in the game for the injured Josh Barrett—committed an absolutely idiotic pass interference penalty on a pass that was arguably uncatchable. 

With Brown's costly penalty, Manning did what elite quarterbacks do. That is, take advantage of opposing defense's mistakes. 

Manning has now thrown for 2,377 yards and 15 touchdowns, while posting a stellar 98.8 quarterback rating on the season.

As Manning and the Giants improve to an impressive 6-2 record, which is good enough for first in the NFC East, Brady and the Patriots fall to 5-3. New England have dropped two straight games, which has not happened since 2002.

It appears that these are two teams that are headed in completely different directions.

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