Eli-te

Six months ago, Eli Manning was asked whether he believed he was an elite QB and in the same class as Tom Brady. Manning responded with a resounding yes, which caused much debate about Eli's comments and whether he was elite. After taking home his 2nd Super Bowl MVP and defeating the man he claimed he was in the same class as, there is no doubt that Eli Manning is an elite QB.

Winning the NFC East with a 9-7 record left much doubt about whether the G-Men could reach the Super Bowl. The 2011-2012 Giants season was highlighted by young breakout stars including 2nd year players Jason Pierre-Paul and Victor Cruz, as well as Eli Manning who had his best season as a pro.

New York started out the season very strong, as they usually do, compiling a 6-2 record. From there it appeared that the Giants were in the midst of a 2nd half collapse, dropping four straight games and falling out of the playoff picture. The Giants season was definitely an unusual one for a Super Bowl champion, including being swept by the Redskins.

Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin have become two of the most scrutinized people in the Big Apple, with every newspaper calling for their heads. Now, Coughlin and Manning both have multiple rings and the talk will begin about whether the pair will be bound for Canton.

Tom Coughlin became the oldest coach to ever win the Super Bowl, at 65 years of age. After being looked at as Peyton's younger brother for his whole career and always being in his brother's shadow, Eli now has more rings than his brother with six years less experience.

The future of the Giants seems very bright, as Eli Manning is still young and core offensive players such as Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz have barely touched the NFL surface. The Giants defense has always been strong, and with leadership figures like Justin Tuck and young stars like Jason Pierre-Paul, the G-Men will have no problem contending. New York also has no significant players set to hit the Free Agency market in March, Kareem Mackenzie and Terrell Thomas are the only Giants starters scheduled to be Free Agents.

Eli Manning became the elite QB that he promised he was this year. The Giants will be favorites to win the NFC East next year, as the Redskins continue to re-build and the Cowboys seem to be in disarray. After a lackluster 8-8 season, the over hyped Eagles do however have a chance to ruin the Giants title defense. Philly loaded up in Free Agency and after a year to build chemistry, the Eagles will be very dangerous. However, the leadership of Eli Manning will certainly help the Giants in their title defense for the 2012-2013 season.