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Eli's diverse interests and slightly scattered brain, however, should not be mistaken for indifference. "He stepped right into the National Football League's biggest arena--New York--and has no fear," says Cutcliffe. "He'll succeed, and he knows he'll succeed." So far, his best moments have come in high-pressure situations. He threw a game-winning touchdown pass with five seconds left against the AFC West--leading Denver Broncos and led the Giants to last-minute, game-tying scores in losing efforts against Minnesota and the Dallas Cowboys. In a 27-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, he tossed two of his three touchdown strikes in the fourth quarter.
Since he's in his first full season as quarterback, Eli will get a pass if the Giants falter. But the pressure is clearly on Peyton. Although he has thrown for 4,000 yds. in each of the past six seasons, tossed 49 touchdown passes last year--breaking Dan Marino's 1984 record--and twice won the NFL's MVP award, the critics chirp that he has never made it to the Super Bowl. "Peyton feels the weight on his shoulders," says John Michael Vincent, an Indianapolis sports-radio host. "There's going to be a lot of disappointment in the locker room if the Colts don't end up in the Super Bowl." Peyton tosses aside the swipes. "You're always having to prove yourself in this league," he says. "Is that fair? I don't really know." Peyton, subtly scouring little brother's playbook is not fair. But who knows, that could wind up being your best move this year.
[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.] The Mannings Compared How they played: QBs Eli, Peyton and Archie's stats in their first 17 NFL starts
Eli Peyton Archie WON-LOST RECORD 8-9 4-13 4-10-3 PASS ATTEMPTS 520 608 373 COMPLETIONS 265 347 180 COMPLETION % 51 57.1 48.3 PASSING YARDS 3,297 4,023 2,393 TOUCHDOWN PASSES 24 28 15 INTERCEPTIONS 18 30 19 PASSER RATING 71.9 72 61.2 Although a bit inconsistent throughout his young career, Eli has been at his best late in the game After fighting through a 3-13 rookie season, Peyton has played like a Hall of Famer A two-time Pro Bowler who was surrounded by talent-challenged players