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Eli no longer in bro's shadow

Giants' Manning has joined ranks of elite

By: Stephanie Storm

Posted: 10/7/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Eli Manning (TRIBUNE MEDIA MCT)

BEREA, Ohio -- It used to be relatively easy to cast Eli Manning in the role of the overshadowed brother who had the tough task of following in big brother Peyton Manning's footsteps in the NFL.

But two Super Bowl championships have altered the lens through which the youngest Manning -- the first selection in the 2004 NFL Draft -- is now viewed.

If Manning's first Super Bowl ring in 2008 didn't lay the foundation for his case to join the ranks as one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, then his second title last season should have done the trick.

"Last year, that's where he really took his team on his back and performed so many outstanding finishes," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said.

Titles aside, Manning's ability to lead game-winning drives is what has cemented his place among the game's best quarterbacks.

"In his mind, he knows he can lead his team to victory," Browns coach Pat Shurmur said. "And when he steps in the huddle, the other guys believe it and find a way to get it done."

Manning entered this season with 20 game-winning drives in the regular season and five more in the playoffs.

"He's very mature," Browns veteran cornerback Sheldon Brown said.

"He doesn't seem to be panicked at all. Two-minute drives at the end of games? He's calm, cool and collected. You can probably argue that he's right up there with (Green Bay Packers quarterback) Aaron Rodgers because he's pulled out a lot of victories in the end."

Being a fourth-quarter Superman isn't necessarily a role Manning relishes.

"You don't always want to be down in the fourth quarter," he said. "But if we get in those situations, we're positive we can move the ball and put our team in a situation to win the game."

Although the Giants are 2-2, Manning has already thrown for 1,320 yards (second most in the NFL) with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.

--Akron Beacon Journal

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 7, 2012 B4

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