Skills or Championships?

While Eli has just won a Superbowl, Peyton Manning's career could be in jeopardy.

He’s gone. After 208 games and 7,210 passes, Peyton Manning was cut by the Indianapolis Colts. What will happen? Will anyone sign him? Or, will the countless amount of neck surgeries force him into retirement?

 If Peyton either retires voluntarily, or no team signs him, a debate will begin. The debate of who is a better player, Peyton, or his brother Eli. There are different opinions for either of these brothers. Some say Peyton’s better because of his four MVP awards. Others say that Eli has won more Superbowl Championships, (2, to Peyton’s single championship) and thus is the better player. 

Peyton obviously has had a better career stats wise. It took Peyton only three years to throw thirty touchdown passes, while it took Eli seven. Peyton also threw for 4000+ yards in his first season, and Eli was playing for six years before he finally threw for that many yards. 

But, it all comes down to championships, and Eli has two of ‘em. Eli and his Giants have come from behind to beat the Pats twice. Peyton is 1-1 in his Superbowl appearances. Beating the Bears in his first appearance, but losing to the Saints in his next. 

All in all, Peyton and Eli are both great quarterbacks. Peyton has the edge on the skills side, while Eli has the advantage on the championship side. And who knows, the Washington Redskins are one of the teams in line to sign Peyton, so we could be seeing more Peyton and Eli battles in the future! 

Superbowl Preview

Tom Brady and Eli Manning, quarterbacks of the New England Patriots and New York Giants, face off in the Superbowl on Sunday. 

I guess Tim Tebow didn’t pray hard enough.

Tebow and the Broncos were beaten by the Patriots in the divisional round, while the defending champion Green Bay Packers were upset by the New York Giants in the NFC divisional round.  The Giants and Patriots both went on to win in the conference finals in closely contested games and now they meet in the Super Bowl. Again.

Four years ago, these two teams played each other in Super Bowl XLII, when the Giants upset the Patriots and spoiled their perfect season. Now The 12-7 New York Giants take on the 15-3 New England Patriots in what is set to be an epic rematch.

Patriots offense: The Patriots offense starts and ends with Tom Brady. Brady had another fantastic season, finishing second in the NFL with 5,235 passing yards. He also threw 39 touchdown passes. While Brady continues to throw to Wes Welker, he has also added targets to his offense in tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, who have combined for 24 touchdowns this season. The Patriots’ running game is a work in progress. The team has been using BenJarvus Green-Ellis, also known as the “Law Firm,” who ran for 441 yards and 11 touchdowns in the regular season. The Patriots average 32 points per game, third most in the league. In the two games that the Patriots have played in this postseason, the offense has scored 68 points combined, so expect the Super Bowl to be high scoring.

Giants offense: Eli Manning could finally be better than his brother. Eli finished with 4,933 yards passing this season, the most in his career. In addition, he also threw for 29 touchdown passes. If he beats the Patriots, he will have more Super Bowl titles than his brother. Manning has been throwing to his three core of receivers. The big three consists of Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks, who collectively combined for 197 catches and 20 touchdowns. The Giants’ running game has not been as good as in past years, but they still managed to average 24 points per game.

Offensive Edge: Patriots 

Patriots defense: The Patriots defense struggled this season, as they allowed 21 points per game. The Patriots finished #31 in the league in yards per game. Andre Carter had a great season for the Patriots, with 10 sacks on the season.

Giants defense: The Giants defense allowed 25 points per game, good for #25 in the NFL. Despite all the points being scored, the Giants finished second in the NFL in sacks, and second in tackles as well. Their fantastic defensive line consisted of Osi Umenyiora, Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Rocky Bernard. Pierre-Paul finished with 16.5 sacks in just nine games, while Umenyiora finished with nine sacks. This postseason, the Giants have sacked the opposing quarterback nine times. Brady better watch out.

Defensive Edge: Giants

The Pick: This year, the Patriots will try to avenge their loss. To do so, the Patriots must throw to their tight ends quickly and use them wisely. If the Pats can do this, they can win. If the Giants can contain Tom Brady, the Patriots will be hopeless. Eli Manning will tear apart the Patriots defense, but Brady will be throwing to Welker countless times. This will be a Super Bowl for the ages, but Brady and the Pats will pull away.

Patriots 27, Giants 24

Week 13 Game of the Week

Green Bay Packers at New York Giants 

Aaron Rodgers. 3,475 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. Eli Manning. 3,358 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. Green Bay Packers. Defending Superbowl champs, 11-0 this season. New York Giants. 6-5. In second place in the NFC East, and in the midst of a three game losing streak. Who will win a game including two of the best quarterbacks?

Packers Offense: 

The Packers’ offense starts and ends with Rodgers. Rodgers is leading an attack which is putting  up 34 points every game. Rodgers is throwing to Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Jermichael Finley. Jennings and Nelson combined have 17 of Rodgers’ 33 touchdowns. The Packers have been having to rely on the passing attack because James Starks and Ryan Grant have had some trouble getting the job done. The two have just scored one touchdown. Combined Despite trouble with rushing, Rodgers is an all-pro quarterback. He has carried the team to 11 wins already, he should be okay. 

Giants Offense: 

Eli Manning is having a great season for the Giants. He has carried the team to a winning record. He hasn’t had much help in the rushing game, which has been a problem. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have struggled this year for the Giants. The two backs have managed to however, score nine touchdowns.  The Giants have been averaging almost 23 points per game. Victor Cruz is having a great sophomore campaign at wide receiver, and should be with the Giants for years to come. 

Edge: Packers 

Packers Defense: 

The Packers are allowing 20 points per game. 20 points may seem like a lot, but when you’re scoring 34, it doesn’t really mean anything. The Packers are solid on the rushing defense, allowing 105 yards per game. On the passing side, the team has a problem. Only the Patriots allow more yards more per game. The Packers might have some trouble some against such a good quarterback in Manning. 

Giants Defense: 

Opponents are scoring 25 points on average against the Giants. 25 points is a lot of points. The Giants have not played the league’s most potent offense yet, however. The Packers will throw numerous passes, which could be a problem. The Giants allow 250 passing yards per game. The Giants also have problem on the rushing side of the defense. Allowing 133 yards per game. 

Edge: Packers 

Pick: The Packers are 11-0. The team is on the verge of perfection. The Giants barely have a winning record this season. The Packers have dominated everyone whom the team has played this year. The Giants are in the middle of a three game losing streak. Rodgers is having one of the best seasons ever, and doesn’t look like he can be stopped. The Giants still have a chance because the Packers’ passing defense isn’t very good. Still, this game will most likely culminate with the Pack being 12-0. 

Packers 31- Giants 14