Now that it is all over, I want to check in on the " Is Eli an Elite QB?." The thing is, the question has become largely irrelevant.
Eli is the leader of that team. He kept his focus on what was imortant, how to win. He was confident rather than boastful. When he got knocked down, he got back up. The enduring image I have of him is from the playoff game w/ SF in the rain and mud, he has just completed a pass after holding it till the last moment for the receiver to break free before throwing then getting absolutely pasted by the 49ers defense. He's scrambling to his feet asking for timeout w/ his helmet sideways , his jersey a mess w/ shoulder pads hanging out. It was a strangely beautiful moment revealing how competition can bring out the best in people.
I thought that the Giants got outplayed badly in both that game and yesterday by Brady and the Patriots but Eli simply wouldn't be beaten. Yes, the Giants got many breaks but the will to win is not a chance happening.
Larry