It's one thing to hate Eli (which I'm fine with, I get why people might), but there's a difference in judging him because you hate him, and how good he actually is. Manning was easily one of the top 10 QB's in the league last year - and Eli has never played with a great all around receiver. He's had to deal with Amani Toomer's dead corpse, and Plaxico "I Only Play in the Red Zone" Burress. True he's had an excellent running game, which has helped, but it's not like Eli's throwing to Wayne/Harrison, Fitzgerald/Boldin, or even Colston/Henderson.RedSox wrote:Eli has a ring, but before that season his job was in question and let's be honest, there are a lot of mediocre QB's out there with Super Bowl rings (Does anyone know where Trent Dilfer is these days?). Having one doesn't make you hot stuff. Eli is clearly no Dilfer, but take away being in NY and being a Manning and nobody would be calling him anything particularly special either.
I, for one, was thrilled to see Plax and Toomer leave. Smith is a tremendous route runner and possession receiver, Sinorice Moss is very exciting with the football in his hands, and all I kept hearing about in training camp was how awesome Nicks/Manningham/Barden were playing.
Eli got paid because he deserved to get paid. He won a Super Bowl, and has established himself as a top 10 quarterback in this league. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but it's insanely valuable to have an above average quarterback leading your squad. If you've got Eli Manning, don't wish you had Peyton or Tom Brady - be thankful for what you've got - and for fuck's sake keep him around.