Since Eli Manning hung up his cleats, there's been a whirlwind of debate about his legacy with the New York Giants. The discussion about his Hall of Fame credentials has been ongoing, and missing out for the second consecutive year hasn't helped his case.
Now, I might have a soft spot for the Giants, but let's talk facts. Manning boasts two Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVPs.
Yet, he’s still waiting for that Canton call, while Luke Kuechly gets the nod. Critics argue Manning wasn't elite, but Pro Football Focus (PFF) has a stat that might make you think twice.
This weekend, PFF shared a list highlighting quarterbacks with the most Big Time Throws in a single season during the PFF era. Guess who tops that list?
You got it-Eli Manning. He racked up 70 big-time throws in 2011, the same year he led the Giants to a Super Bowl victory.
PFF describes a big-time throw as a pass with precision and timing, often into tight coverage or deeper downfield. While PFF's data only goes back to 2006, that’s two decades of NFL action where Manning stands above the rest.
Joining Manning on this list are some heavy hitters: 2011 Drew Brees, 2025 Matthew Stafford, 2020 Tom Brady, 2010 Aaron Rodgers, and 2012 Joe Flacco. Brees just entered the Hall, Stafford snagged an MVP, and Brady-well, he's a legend.
Rodgers and Brady are sure bets for Canton, and Stafford’s likely on his way too. Flacco, like Manning, remains a topic of debate.
Remember the "Is Joe Flacco elite?" chatter from the 2010s?
Now, Eli finds himself in similar conversations. Flacco, who made his first Pro Bowl in 2025, trails Manning in passing yards and touchdowns.
It's hard to imagine a scenario where Flacco gets in and Manning doesn't. Manning's presence among these quarterback greats should open eyes to his Hall of Fame snub.
Eli Manning deserves his place in Canton. It's not a question of if, but when.