FanPost

Eli Manning is Elite.

If someone asked you the question:

"Who do you consider the top quarterbacks in the National Football League?"

Who would you say? The consensus top two are Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, and I'd find no fault with that. After all they have been model quarterbacks virtually every year they've been starters, however, that is where I feel the discussion for who comes next should begin. Simply ask yourself: What is it you want out of a franchise quarterback?

Is it talent? Leadership? Perhaps football intelligence is something you place high value on...

While all these attributes are certainly vital to any quarterbacks success in the NFL, one is more important than all.

Consistency.

When you think of elite signal callers, you think of a quarterback who comes in year in, and year out, and consistently gives you a chance to win. A quarterback who can carry your team when necessary. A quarterback who shows up with the game on the line, and does what is needed to be done to win your team the game.

Drew Brees and Peyton Manning certainly exemplify those ideals, so it comes as no surprise that they account for two of the three quarterbacks that have thrown for over 3,000 YDs, and over 20 TDs over the last five years.

Remarkable consistency.

In fact, when coming across that statistic, I really didn't notice how rare a feat it was, but upon further inspection it turns out that only six quarterbacks in the illustrious history of the NFL can claim they have accomplished such a great show of consistent ability. They are:

Peyton Manning - (2005- --) 12 years and counting.

Every year Peyton has played professional football he has thrown for over 3,000 YDs and 20 TDs. Clearly in discussion for GOAT. 2004 was by far his best statistical season, throwing for 3,557 Yds and 49 Tds.

Drew Brees - (2004- --) 6 years and counting.

Starting with his last two years in San Diego, running up until last seasons Super Bowl campaign, Drew Brees has been an absolute stud. Topping out in 2008 with 5,069 Yds and 34 Tds, why did the Chargers ever get rid of this guy???

Tom Brady - (2002-2007) 6 years.

Tom Brady is well on his way to becoming considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Six consecutive seasons with 20+ Tds and 3500+ Yds, not to mention the greatest single season ever by a quarterback in 2007. If not for an unfortunate injury in '08, his streak would more than likely still be going on, as he got back on track in '09 with 4398 Yds and 28 Tds.

Dan Marino - (1984-1992) 9 years.

Dan Marino is widely considered one of, if not the best quarterback of all time. He would have reached the mark ten consecutive years had he started every game in his rookie season instead of nine. His streak came to an end when he tore his achilles tendon in 1993 at Cleveland .

Brett Favre - (1994-2005) 12 years.

Brett Favre is always always involved in talks for GOAT. Something about his gunslinging ways and boyish attitude towards the game seem to keep the media gushing over him every offseason. If not for only throwing 18 Tds in 2006, Brett would be looking at 16 consecutive seasons with 20+ Tds and 3,000+ Yds.

And last, but certainly not least our very own...

Eli Manning - (2005- --) 5 years and counting.

Ever since taking over as full time stater for the New York Giants in 2005, Eli Manning has thrown for at least 21 Tds, and has never thrown for less than 3200 Yds in a single season. He's also led the Giants to the playoffs every year we didn't have the third worst defense in the NFL. Continually getting better in seemingly every category year by year, Eli Manning has never missed a start, he has been everything you could want out of a franchise quarterback. And on an even larger scale, he has put himself in some pretty special company.

So next time someone asks you who you consider to be the best of the best at the quarterback position in the NFL, don't be so quick to forget Eli Manning. What he has shown over the last five years is that his consistency, overall ability, and toughness are truly among some of the greatest not in just the game today, but NFL history as well.

Notable quarterbacks who did not make the list:

Donovan McNabb - McNabb did it five times in his ten year career, but only two consecutive seasons in a row. Once from 2000-2001, and once from 2008-2009.

Ben Roethlisberger - Big Ben has only accomplished this particular feat two times over his six year career, never putting them back to back. Yes he's won Super Bowls, but he's been remarkably inconsistent, both statistically, and outside of the locker room.

Phillip Rivers - Rivers is the closest current player to getting it, doing it four out of his first four seasons. This is an interesting situation to watch as this could potentially be his fifth consecutive season, but he may have to get it done without his number one target (Vincent Jackson facing suspension/holding out) much like Eli had to do without Plaxico Burress last year (as we all know Eli had his best statistical season). I think he'll get it done, but it's still interesting enough to keep an eye on.

John Elway - Did it his last four years as a quarterback, and only two other times in his career.

Troy Aikman - Only threw for over 20 Tds once in 1993 (23 Tds) during his 12 year career.

FanPosts are written by community members. This is simply a way for community members to express opinions too long to be contained in a comment.