No HoF for Eli Manning, yet

[Déjà Bru]

This writer is shocked that Manning was not selected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. But he proceeds to cite the case against Manning.

The case against Manning isn't that hard if you want to focus on regular-season production, where the former Ole Miss standout was largely average relative to the great quarterbacks who played the game.

Manning never led the NFL in a single standard regular-season category ... other than interceptions, which he led the league in three different times (20 picks in 2007, 25 in 2010 and 27 in 2013). He completed just a hair over 60% of his 8,119 pass attempts over the course of his career and averaged a very pedestrian 3,564 yards per season, along a very "meh" average of just 23 touchdowns to 15 interceptions per season.

Then he says, oh, by the way, Manning won two Super Bowls. Well, guess what? The Giants won those Super Bowls, not just Eli Manning. That alone is not enough to qualify for the Hall of Fame, IMO.

The writer had it right to begin with; I was a Giants fan throughout Manning's career and I never felt that he was an elite quarterback (although he seems godlike now, compared to his successors). I remember times when I wished the Giants did have a true star at QB.

Yes, I am small Hall in general.

[pstrickert]

[Cobra Mgr]

I get the argument for both sides. I don't get how a person's vote goes from "nay" to "yay".

Being the starting QB of 2 SB winners, IN NEW YORK no less, w/all the expectations that comes w/the Manning name, has got to mean something. But i get pointing out that is basically the only thing that qualifies him.

So whatever a voter feels, it should be the same in 2045 as it is in 2025.

[pstrickert]

Playing in NY means maximum exposure. That -- and the name Manning -- arguably work to his advantage.

[pilight]

Adam Vinatieri is a much bigger snub, IMO. How do you leave out the league's all time leading scorer, with four Super Bowl rings?

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by pstrickert

Playing in NY means maximum exposure. That -- and the name Manning -- arguably work to his advantage.

I fail to see how his name & NYC helped him become a better QB. I can see how it would help him be popular.

[pstrickert]

I'm referring to the HoF vote.

[mytreds]

He’s a HoFer for Pete’s sake

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by pstrickert

I'm referring to the HoF vote.

Ok.

I was referring to his career.
Being an NFL QB is pressure.
Being an NFL QB who was the 1st pick overall is more pressure.
Being a 1st pick overall NFL QB named Manning is even more pressure.
Being a 1st pick overall NFL QB named Manning playing in NYC is even more pressure.

I could think of 20-25 more QB's who I would prefer over Eli. But I respect what it took for him to last as long as he did & start at the most high profile position for 2 SB winners w/the most insane sports media in your locker room every day.

[CONN CHRIS]

I can see both arguments for and against. I will say this though, I never once during his playing days thought to myself, "I wish that QB was on our team". I guess that's an eye test of sorts.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

I can see both arguments for and against. I will say this though, I never once during his playing days thought to myself, "I wish that QB was on our team". I guess that's an eye test of sorts.

I'm with you on that. Like I said, the only HOF credential he has is 2 rings under a very unique high pressure environment. Think about it Favre & now Rodgers couldn't last in that environment. QB's don't have lasting careers in NYC. So I respect the grind even though I don't respect the numbers.

[Ragnar]

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

I can see both arguments for and against. I will say this though, I never once during his playing days thought to myself, "I wish that QB was on our team". I guess that's an eye test of sorts.

I never said it either. I doubt anyone said that. He's a good player that won two super bowls. The super bowls are the only reason he's even considered. IMO good but not great players should not be in the HOF. Super Bowls shouldn't be the deciding factor.

[mytreds]

He was the QB, not a CB. I think winning two Bowls as the most important player on a football team carries more weight than usual.

[Déjà Bru]

I will give the guy credit; no matter how he is feeling about this inwardly, publicly he is demonstrating class in dealing with his disappointment:

Eli Manning 'totally at peace' with missing Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot

[Amazin69]

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

I will give the guy credit; no matter how he is feeling about this inwardly, publicly he is demonstrating class in dealing with his disappointment:

Eli Manning 'totally at peace' with missing Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot

To be fair, he did make the [betting company] Kick of Destiny (after Gronkowski failed both previous Super Bowls), so he's cool. Priorities, right?

[Jason Moyer]

Eli Manning might be the most decorated QB who I never worried about my team (Eagles) going up against. I was more worried about beating Tony Romo than Eli.

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Jason Moyer

Eli Manning might be the most decorated QB who I never worried about my team (Eagles) going up against. I was more worried about beating Tony Romo than Eli.

This brings up a good point. No wonder; according to this source, "Eli Manning had a record of 10-21 against the Eagles in his career."

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

This brings up a good point. No wonder; according to this source, "Eli Manning had a record of 10-21 against the Eagles in his career."

He also had a losing record against the Cowboys. He fared better versus the Redskins but combined, he had a record of 42-48 against his division rivals. That's a good indicator of mediocrity, I believe.

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Jason Moyer

Eli Manning might be the most decorated QB who I never worried about my team (Eagles) going up against. I was more worried about beating Tony Romo than Eli.

As an Eagles fan, you may enjoy reading this article that I dug up from five years ago. Hopefully you can read it; The Athletic has a paywall but may allow a limited number of links. If not, I reproduce here some of it:

Eli Esoterica: Looking back at Eli Manning’s legacy against the Eagles

Eli Manning officially called it quits today. Aptly, he finishes with a 117-117 record, closing the book on a laudably average career.

In Philadelphia, of course, Manning’s legacy will be his generosity. His 37 interceptions against the Eagles (including playoffs) are more than he threw against any other team in his 16-year career.

Thanks for the memories.

Indeed. I hope you enjoyed his generosity!

[ezpkns34]

If his name was Eli Smith, it wouldn't be a discussion