2011 Pro Bowl Fan Voting: Eli Manning Deserves More Credit for Outstanding Year

Eli Manning is in the middle of the best statistical season of his career and apparently the Pro Bowl voters have no clue.

The latest voting results are in and Manning is a disappointing fifth in the NFC quarterback race with 316,687 votes. He is behind Aaron Rodgers (1,263,045), Drew Brees (908,864), Cam Newton (508,552), and Matthew Stafford (451,469).

There is no way to argue against Rodgers and Brees…but Newton and Stafford? Please.

Manning has racked up 4,105 yards with 25 TDs and 12 INTs with a 62 percent completion percentage. He is on pace to shatter his career highs in every major statistical category.  His play in the final minutes of the 12-point comeback against the Cowboys on the road was nothing short of amazing.

In comparison, Newton has 3,573 yards, 15 TDs and 16 INTs, completing 59 percent of his passes. Sure he has the additional 554 rushing yards and 13 TDs, but it’s hard to ignore the turnovers and the horrific record of the Panthers. Newton is a stud, but he’s no Eli Manning right now.

Stafford has racked 3,754 yards with 29 TDs and 14 INTs while completing 63 percent of his passes. Solid, but Manning’s are better and Stafford is not in first place in his division.

Sure Manning’s Giants are only 7-6, but blame a defense that is ranked 22^nd against the rush and 29^th against the pass. Oh and his running game is dead last in yards per game.

He has turned Victor Cruz into a star and has been able to get the offense a float despite the ongoing injury issues with No. 1 wideout Hakeem Nicks.

The fan voting, which can be done at NFL.com/ProBowl, only counts for one-third of the final tally, with a vote of coaches and players making up the other two-thirds. It’s still possible for Manning to be named to the NFC squad without the fans' support. The rosters will be revealed on Dec. 27.

Let’s hope the coaches are smarter than the fans and take into account the incredible season Manning has enjoyed with all of the hurdles they’ve overcome.

He deserves it.