by Michael Podlesny

Created on: June 17, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

There is no question he is no longer in the shadow of Peyton. In fact regardless of regular season stats Eli was able to do what Peyton did not do in the Superbowl and that was lead his team to a scoring touchdown, escaping tackles like Houdini and throwing balls that no other QB would have thrown (ok maybe Brett Favre).

Now in defense of Peyton he didn't have the chance really to do what Eli did a year later as the Bears were really no match for the Colts. In fact had the weather been perfect it would have probably been a blowout.

Lets think about what Eli did in the final two minutes and fort-seven seconds of the Superbowl. He was able to hit receivers with pin point precision. He spread the ball around well to many receivers. This is important because he showed he learned how to do that as opposed to the past where he would only look towards Burress. Then in my opinion what could very well be the most incredible play in Superbowl history, he avoided being sacked multiple times on a single play, then heaved the ball downfield where David Tyree helped him by making the most spectacular catch that I ever saw.

Beyond all of that, when it was all said and done, all Eli did was drive the length of the field to score a TD when his team needed him most, in the most important game of the year, in what could have been the most historic Superbowl.

For that he moves beyond the shadows of his older brother and holds his Superbowl MVP status, I think, a bit higher than brother Peyton. Not taking anything away from Peyton as he is an excellent QB, but Eli has shown he is clutch.

On a side note I wish Fox didn't show Peyton every 5 seconds during that last drive, although it was funny watching his reaction when Boss caught that long pass play.

What Eli has to do now is put together a complete season. As a season ticket holder for the Giants I can tell you sitting through that Minnesota game last year, watching your franchise QB stuggle mightily in his fourth season was not pleasant to watch. It also wasn't pleasant to be in the stands to listen other fans scream at him.

That Superbowl resurrected him (so to speak), and now I believe it will give him the confidence he needs to string a complete season together.

I am however curious to see if not having Shockey on the field made that big of a difference as a lot of people in the media claim. Yes Shockey waives his hands too much and carries on a bit, but that will probably come to an end since his QB is now the reigning Superbowl MVP. Maybe that is why he wants to be traded...hmmm...who knows.

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