Manning Bowl II: This time it’s personal.
OK, maybe we’re overselling the second NFL matchup between the Manning brothers. But Sunday night’s NBC game between Peyton’s Indianapolis Colts and Eli’s New York Giants is still a battle between two Super-Bowl winning quarterbacks. We couldn’t say that the last time they met in the 2006 season opener. Back then even Peyton — a two-time MVP — was a playoff failure with a 3-6 postseason record and not so much as an AFC title to his name in eight previous NFL seasons. Eli was just beginning his second season as the Giants’ starter and hadn’t yet won a playoff game.
Recommended Stories
“I was there for the first installment of this, and I would have to say it was the most hyped regular-season game that I’ve been involved with as a coach,” said former Colts coach Tony Dungy, now an NBC analyst.
Peyton was the winner that night, a 26-21 victory for the Colts. He passed for 276 yards and touchdown. Eli threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns. Each had an interception. But Eli also fumbled in the second half with his team down just two points.
“Eli to me has really grown. He’s definitely carrying the team. He’s the face of the Giants now,” Dungy said. “He’s playing at a level where you talk about him as a Pro Bowl quarterback. … He’s not where Peyton is yet, but he’s close.”
