The biggest turnaround of all this season for Manning was the way he brought the Giants back from a 1-5 slump that left them 7-7 and in serious danger of missing the playoffs. But from there, he took them on a season-closing, six-game winning streak.
He finished the postseason with nine TDs and only one interception, solid as could be the whole way.
"I never doubt Eli," Giants safety Kenny Phillips said. "I don't think anyone on this team doubts Eli."
There were, however, some doubters outside the organization, those who wondered aloud what Manning was thinking back in August, before the season got going, when he was honest when asked in an interview whether he considered himself an "elite" quarterback a la Brady.
Manning said simply that he belonged "in that class." But it all became quite a big deal in New York — shocking, right? — and he was questioned and criticized for the way he seemed to be portraying himself.
Hard to imagine anyone arguing now.
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