Giants vs. Patriots: Eli Manning Proves He Is an Elite QB

Eli Manning undoubtedly became an elite NFL quarterback in Week 9. He did something that hasn't been done in the NFL regular season in nearly three years.

He led the New York Giants into Foxborough and beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The last time the Patriots lost at home in the regular season was against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13 of 2008. 

Manning went into the game subservient to the elite Brady and came out an equal. He quarterbacked two go-ahead touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to put the Giants in the win column.

With brother Peyton Manning on the sidelines this season, Eli is carrying the family name and becoming an elite quarterback himself. Now stepping out of the shadows of his older brother, Eli has the focus on him and has the Giants primed for a run at the Super Bowl. 

Here are reasons why Eli Manning is an elite NFL quarterback. 

No. 5: Eli Manning Averages 297 Yards a Game

Eli Manning currently averages 297 yards/game for the New York Giants in 2011. He's currently ranked sixth in the NFL in average/game behind known gunslingers Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers and newcomer Cam Newton. 

Averaging around 300 yards/game makes one an elite NFL quarterback and Manning deserves mention. He presents a poise about himself and commands control when his team needs it most.

Manning proved that he's an elite quarterback in Week 9 against the New England Patriots by using a plethora of receivers. The Giants were without their star wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and Manning still got the job done.

Elite quarterbacks win no matter who is available to catch their passes, and that's what Manning did in Week 9. 

No. 4: Besides His Rookie Year, Eli Manning Hasn't Finished a Season Below .500

Eli Manning does what all elite quarterbacks do—win. He's 66-46 in his career as an NFL quarterback. With a winning percentage of 59.5 percent, he gives the New York Giants a chance to make the playoffs every year.

He has four double-digit winning seasons in his eight-year career and is well on his way to his fifth this season. The worst he's finished in a full season is 8-8, which is good considering the pressure he faces from the media in New York.

Reminder—he plays in the tough NFC East where money isn't a problem for his opponents to continuously stock up on talent. Yet, year after year Manning puts the Giants in a position to win. He's started every game for the Giants since 2005.

Right now, Manning has the entire football world starting to believe that he's one of the best in the game. 

No. 3: Eli Manning Is as Equally Good on the Road as He Is at Home

Throughout his career, Eli Manning has been as good on the road as he's been at home. If there's one thing a team needs, it's a quarterback that can win on the road. This season has been no different and as the Giants are 3-1 on the road to this point. 

Manning is 32-23 in his career on the road. He has a passer-rating of 81.9 and has thrown 83 touchdowns and 59 interceptions. He also has a career total of 12,167 passing yards away from home. 

Compared to his home stats, Manning is 33-23 at home with a passer rating of 81.5. He has 86 touchdowns and 59 interceptions ans a career total of 12,606 yards. 

New York Giants fans have to be elated with Manning's career road numbers. This season has been no different as the Giants are 3-1 on the road to this point. 

If these stats say anything, it's that he could be slightly better at home. Nonetheless, he's elite.

No. 2: Eli Manning Wins Close Games

In his career, Eli Manning is 26-16 in games decided by seven points or less. Numbers don't lie, and these numbers prove that Eli Manning is elite.

New York Giants fans are confident in their quarterback and Manning has displayed the ability to lead a game winning drive with regularity. The Giants are 6-2 right now have major momentum after their Week 9 win against the New England Patriots.

With Manning at the helm, the Giants always have a chance to win. 

No. 1: Eli Manning Already Has Already Won a Super Bowl

Nothing says elite more than Super Bowl Champion. 

Eli Manning has won the Super Bowl. It's as if he doesn't enough get credit for leading the New York Giants on a game-winning drive against the then undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. That season, Manning led the Giants on three game-winning drives in the playoffs alone. 

What more does it take? Clutch? Yes. Super Bowl Hero? Yes. Elite? Absolutely. 

Odds of Eli winning more Super Bowl rings than his highly touted brother Peyton Manning look infinitely better right now. 

Slowly but surely, Eli Manning will continue to convince the naysayers that he is an elite NFL quarterback.