Eli was fortunate that game at SF was close, he threw 2 passes completely up for grabs that had 2 SF DBs collide to knock away from each other or SF has 2 INTs, also got the bogus non fumble late in regulation or SF wins. add in they scored 10 pts the final 3 qtrs. and both scores were set up by muffed/fumbled punts that put NYG deep in SF territory. the Giant D/STs led that charge. Eli did a great job getting them to the playoffs(the weak division helped) but in postseason it was all about the D/STs. don't forget those WRs, how many balls did Eli throw up for grabs that Cruz and Nicks came down w/? how many short passes did they make guys misses and take 60-70-80-99 yds for TDs?
Yes, I know he had Rice, Watters and the other things you mentioned, and the two teams were similar, but still imo, the Niners were not as good as the Cowboys. Put Young on the Cowboys, and I think they would have won a bunch more games and SBs. Aikman on the Niners would probably have not produced very much. He was accurate but didn't have the strong arm to hit Rice quickly with all those slants.
The Giants were lucky, Alex Smith couldn't complete a pass in the 2nd half. At the end of the day, Eli Manning made plays to win the games - you can try and discredit him for 2011, but people that are voting for the HOF won't do that.
While that's probably true, it's probably also true that if you put Eli on the Parcells Giants, they probably wouldn't have won 2 SBs. In fact, Eli probably wouldn't have started because Tuna wouldn't have tolerated all the interceptions.
those plays were getting the ball deep in SF territory twice leading to their only points of the 2nd half and OT.
I disagree, I think we switch the QBs and SF wins more and Dallas wins less. I feel the same way about NE and Ind/Den in this era. didn't Aikman hit a SF-like slant to essentially win the 1992 title game at SF? I think I am remembering that correctly to Alvin Harper.
by the way, I appreciate the back and forth in this thread. we are all sticking to the arguments at hand, no bashing of each other despite disagreeing. I know I do not go blameless when that stuff happens but wanted to mention I appreciate it especially the way things have gone around here lately for me.
But the 49ers couldn't move the football at all on offense. Eli was a sitting duck taking sacks [not turning the ball over]. Alex had 3 chances in the 4th QTR to make a difference and they ended up going 3 and out a number of times. Alex Smith is the true reason they lost that game and it's clear to see, Harbaugh wanted to move on to Kaepernick and they did so the next season
You and I have argued about Joe for years on here, while I don't agree with you, I appreciate your opinion Junc
eli didn't turn it over b/c of some good luck. again, he had 2 awful throws that were so bad 2 SF DBs collided to knock the ball away from each other. Yes he took a beating and I will always admire his toughness but he did nothing that 2nd half/OT. you keep mentioning Smith but what was Eli doing that 4th qtr? on their TD drive Eli had led the O to a 3 and out then the PR fumbled the punt and they got the ball at the SF 29. Punted from NYG 15, got ball on SF 29. pretty good trade for NYG. SF tied it and Eli still had 3 possessions to win it and failed to do so. in OT the Giants won the toss and then punted, he got the ball back and they punted again which was again fumbled and they got the ball in FG range to win it. I am not trying to bash him, I love Eli;s toughness both physically and mentally. if he has a bad game it's not b/c he is scared of a big moment and no matter what bad happens he always comes back but I just don't see the HOF YET.
the hardest thing I have to do on here is be negative toward Joe in any way knowing what he has meant to the franchise but I cannot be a phony. I give my honest opinions, same thing w/ O'Brien who was my favorite player as a kid. I will always give my honest opinions whether pro or anti Jet related.
We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one. Aikman had a rag arm. No way he would have been able to utilize Rice, Taylor et al the way Young and even Montana did.
That's all I've ever wanted. I know I can get carried away too. We all can. We're passionate or we wouldn't be here and post as much as we do. It's cool. Glad to discuss football civilly and rationally.
Getting soft on us Junc? It's understandable, not going to lie - people are going to be instigators, and they will continue to come at you - you don't have to argue w/ everyone to prove your point.
You'll appreciate Eli more when he's a Jet next season I know the 49ers had that muffed punt; but man the 49ers had 4 chances to win the game, 4 ... and they went 3 and out consistently AT HOME. Williams deserve a little bit, but man Alex Smith, the guy was horrid that day. Yeah, more than any other fucker I know too.
Alex got them to that title game w/ that incredible div rd win over NO. both Ds played great, NYG's STs was the difference. I'd love Eli as a Jet for many reasons.
