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Eli makes sure Super Bowl remains a Manning family affair
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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Move over, Peyton. Make room in the Manning family trophy case, Archie.
Baby boy Eli is coming home with hardware all his own — a Super Bowl ring and an MVP trophy to place alongside the ones his big brother brought back only a year ago.
"I never thought about them even playing college ball, much less pro football, much less winning Super Bowls or MVPs," Archie Manning said. "It wasn't in the plan. We tried to raise kids just like other parents raised their kids. I can't explain it."
The youngest son of a great quarterback and the baby brother of an even better one came into his own Sunday night in the desert, proving cooler than the falling temperatures by leading the Giants 83 yards on a final scoring drive to stun the Patriots 17-14 and cap one of the greatest upsets in sports.
"That's a position you want to be in. You want to have the ball in your hands ... down, where you've got to score a touchdown," Manning said after accepting the MVP trophy from Terry Bradshaw, a pretty fair quarterback himself.
"I talked about it before with Peyton," Manning added a few moments later. "You want to be down four (points), where you have to score a touchdown. Because if you're down three, maybe we settle for the field goal."
Just a few weeks after fans and the media wanted to run Manning out of town, the kid will be crowned the king of New York. His stats won't bowl over people back in the Big Apple — 19-of-34 for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception — but the way he performed on that fateful final drive certainly will.
"I can't be happy for anybody else. This is a guy who took all that criticism," Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce said. "Well, you can't criticize the MVP. ... Making all those plays with his feet; it was a beautiful thing to watch."
Earlier in the week, Manning joked about being forced to play "permanent center," while middle brother Peyton was the quarterback and older brother Cooper played receiver in all those backyard games at the Manning home in New Orleans.
"I guess this means I've stepped up," Eli said. "Maybe I can be a receiver now."
"Better than that," Peyton said outside the Giants locker room. "I guess I'll have to let him throw a few now."
Considering how Eli performed on the final drive, he just might demand the lion's share. Starting from his own 17 with 2:39 left, Manning hooked up twice with Amani Toomer, the second leaving the Giants facing a fourth-and-inches. After Brandon Jacobs plowed his way to a first down up the middle, Manning showed some surprising footwork by escaping the New England rush and scrambling for five yards. Turns out that was just the prelude.
One play later, the Patriots threw another kitchen-sink blitz at Manning. Linebacker Adalius Thomas had his shirt and tried to throw Manning to the ground. Instead, he ducked down and used the momentum to spin away, then set his feet and fired a high strike 32 yards down the field. Receiver David Tyree made a spectacular grab on the ball, pinning it against his helmet as he fell to the ground with New England safety Rodney Harrison draped across his shoulders.
"You try to get small sometimes and see if you can squeak through," the 6-foot-4 Manning said with typical understatement. "You just try find a hole to squeeze through and make a throw."
By comparison, the deciding touchdown throw to Plaxico Burress was routine. After finding Steve Smith on the sideline for 12 yards and another first down, Manning found Burress on a fade route in the left corner of the end zone and lofted a floater as the New York sideline exploded in celebration.
"He's always being compared to somebody, whether it's his dad or his brother or Phil Simms," said Giants center Shaun O'Hara, recalling Simms' 22-of-25 performance in the 1987 Super Bowl.
This one wasn't about precision, but grit.
"Tonight," O'Hara said, "I think Eli built himself a platform for others to be compared to him."
Heading out toward the team bus, Manning didn't seem interested in any comparisons. He's faced outsized expectations nearly his whole life, and he spent most of last week trying to soft-pedal comparisons to Patriots superstar Tom Brady.
Too often, Manning has played the game like it was a burden instead of a birthright. But as he headed into the night, he did so as only the second quarterback in Super Bowl history to throw two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a winning effort. The other guy to do it? Joe Montana.
But he'd already impressed the one guy he most wanted to.
"I guess we almost wore my dad out," Manning said. "He kept saying, 'Do you have to make things tough, everything in the last minute, just to keep it entertaining?'"
A wide smile creased the kids' lips.
"Well," Eli said, "that was entertaining all right."
© 2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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Posted by akkdowl on February 4, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If Peyton couldn't win it, I'm glad Eli did. Added bonus is I live in New York now about 1 1/2 hours out on Long Island.
Posted by govolsfan on February 4, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, screw the Patriots, Im so glad they lost. Good job Eli, cant wait to see what commericals the Manning boys come up with after this!
Posted by BluetickBlues on February 4, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Next best thing to Colts or Titans winning. Big props for former Vol Gibril Wilson on getting a ring.
Posted by HotlantaVol on February 4, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to show them Eli!! This kid has taken more heat from the media, fans and even former teammates (Tiki). For him to dish up a big plate of crow for them all to eat is truly poetic justice. The Mannings are the ultimate class of football, and the media (especially Sports Illustrated) seems to hate them. I guess because they keep their noses clean and always do the right thing and especially because they keep their private lives private. The real media darlings are the ones who get DUIs or date super models in public or whatever it takes to make a headline. It's disgusting!!
Does anyone need to borrow my soapbox?
Posted by utvolz on February 4, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats to Eli and the entire Manning family. They all carry themselves with class and dignity. Glad to see Archie and Olivia enjoy another special Manning family moment. You could certainly see the pride in their faces.
Frank in Miami
Posted by Colliervol on February 4, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Absolutely loved seeing Belichump looking like he swallowed a persimmon and Pretty Boy getting knocked on his can 21 times. But did anybody else think Belichick cemented his reputation for low class behavior by leaving the field early and acting like a jerk in the interviews? (Didn't see a single interview where he congratulated the Giants.) Given his reputation, I suppose we shouldn't expect much else.
The only downside to the Giants winning is having to continue to put up with those old goofs from the '72 Dolphins. That was the only reason I'd have been happy with a Pats win.
Posted by Tenn_Dawg on February 4, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would agree Colliervol that Belichick just added to his rep of being a sore loser. Congrats to Eli and the entire Manning family. Papa Manning must be very proud. It is really amazing story. I guess poor Ole Tom Brady will have to resort to getting his sore body rubbed down by his various VS super models....poor guy!!! Peyton was looking pretty intense up in that booth. It was nice to actually see a Super Bowl get decided by a fantastic play for once.
Posted by cltvol on February 4, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Collierville,,ditto, ditto, ditto. Pre HGH Rambo 1 had more words than Belicheck did in the Fox Sports interview. He has the personality of livermush, and omitting congratulations from the winners takes it from poor personal skills to no class behavior. I do give Zoolander (Brady) credit and props for hanging in there tough the whole game, even though they knocked him around a lot. Although his line failed him, there was no whining or excuse making. He lauded the Giants for their effort and result and showed class in defeat.
Posted by jcherrie on February 4, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hate the Giants but I was sick of the 'Greatest Team of All Time' crap. Defense wins championships. The Patriots have a great one and that's why they've won 3 championships.
Even when he wasn't under pressure, Brady made poor throws and terrible decisions. Brady is an excellent QB but not one of the greatest ever - not even close. I never saw Bradshaw, Montana, or Aikman choke like Brady did. Brady is an excellent QB - but not in the league of the greats.
Eli's scramble under pressure changed the game. Eli was the best QB on the field - even without Randy Moss.
Posted by GoVol on February 4, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was certainly glad to see the cheating Bellichump lose and then to see his unsportmanslike behavior after the game (leaving field early and interview) just put a rubber stamp on how terrible of person he really is.
I guess they'll have a Boston Pity Party now!
Glad for the Manning's to make history that I'm sure will never be broken. Brothers with back-to-back Superbowl wins as QB's and both MVP's. I know the Manning family is proud!!
And, I'm glad that the Giants did this without Shockey....even better.
Posted by tngeoff on February 4, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations Eli! Congratulations Manning family for accomplishing something that will NEVER be done again!
Thunder
Posted by wskeen on February 4, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, I'm sure ole beli-ache was hurting pretty bad. I really didn't expect the old crab to say anything congratulatory to the Giants, but I was amazed he didn't even come back and give his own teams some props for their 2007 acomplishments. I really expected a "This team doesn't have to bow down to anyone...They're in a class by themselves going 16-0 in an undefeated regular season 2007." Where was that praise? How could he not make mention of that? I guess I just don't understand how this man motivates.
Posted by spam247buster on February 4, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tom Brady just can't win the big game anymore.
Posted by tenndave on February 4, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Archie. This helps make up for "68"
Posted by smokymtman on February 4, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Got-R-Done!
Posted by adimatteo on February 4, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HotlantaVol: Ditto, couldnt have said it any better
Posted by pdhuff on February 4, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tyree's catch was in a class by itself among FOUR Pats. Stunning. Congrats, Mannings you wear the rings.
Posted by murrayvol on February 4, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Manning Up!" Well done Eli.
I wonder if the NFL will have the chops to fine or suspend Belichick for his low class conduct after the game. Since they've tried to sweep "spygate" under the rug, my guess would be no. The bad news is they'll be back next year and they'll still be good.
Posted by iowavol on February 4, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's a good one murray - time to manning up and win the big one. Sure as heck they suspend Belichump and fine him big time - see him push the ref out of the way. He is classless and no, they will not be the same team. Their defense has too many old players and it showed on that last drive.
Posted by johnlg00 on February 5, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My wife is no kind of sports fan, though as a N. Car. native she is kinda partial to the Tar Heels. Since we have been together, I have indoctrinated her in all things "Vol", including of course Peyton and family. She is now happy when the Vols win because she knows I am happy. She was crushed when the Colts lost, but glad when I pointed out that Eli was still alive in the playoffs. When the Giants won, she was jumping around like a high-school cheerleader! And she wasn't even drinking! I have never seen such enthusiasm, especially in a non-sports-fan like her, not even for me(:-()! I had to ask, "Who are you, and what have you done with my wife?" I was pretty happy, too. Still, bottom line for me: Go Vols and Go Colts!
Posted by johnlg00 on February 5, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, maybe next year, or some year in the future, Peyton and Eli will be the opposing QB's in the Super Bowl! That would be a sight to see. Hey, it could happen(he said, in a Judy Tenuta accent).
Posted by GerryOP on February 5, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts exactly johnlg! Next year Manning vs. Manning? Wow!
A great Super Bowl and a great game for Eli and friends. I have lived in many areas of the country and I have never, and I mean never, lived in an area as cold, harsh, and jaded as New England -- and I am not talking about the weather. I was delighted to see Eli and the G-Men knock the Patriots off of their pedestal! Them Manning boys sure do know how to play some football!
Next to go down? The Boston Red Sucks!
Posted by mparker on February 5, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First, happy to see Eli win because he's always been a bit of an underdog. Thing is, I think Archie and Olivia, Peyton, Cooper and Eli are all VERY close and very nice people. New York is a bad place for Eli to be, IMHO.
Second, the Patriots stunk. Their game plan was bad, and a hard-hitting Giants defense made them look inept at times. I won't blame it on Brady, seemed to me it was more about the play-calling.
Thrid, The last play calls by the Pats was unreal. They needed 2 20 yard completions to be in feld goal range, and they had 25 seconds. Granted, the pass to Moss ALOST paid off (damn he is fast), but still....
I don't much like either team, though I will say that the Pats are loaded with SEC players. Woulda pulled for them if Eli weren't playing.
Posted by volfan on February 5, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did I hear, or read somewhere, that there was 13 ex-SEC players on the roster of the Pats, and 9 on the Giants? Seems that this reflects the quality of football as played in the South! Many kudos to the Manning family, all included, in being humble and so successful in life. Looking forward to seeing the "boys" play again next season. Enjoy the wins and forget the losses. Strive for excellence in all of your endeavors, and may the Good Lord continue to bless you.
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