By now you have probably heard about -- and formed your own opinions of -- Eli Manning's comments that he believes he is in the same class with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

In case you haven't seen the comments, this is what Manning said while appearing on the Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio New York:

Asked by Kay if he was a "Top 10, Top 5" quarterback, Manning said "Yeah, I think I am." Asked then if he was on the same level as Brady, he said, "Yeah I consider myself in that class. And Tom Brady is a great quarterback."

Let me be clear here. We all know that Eli is not Tom Brady. We all know he will never be his brother, Peyton, either. I am not here to argue about where Eli belongs in the rankings of active quarterbacks. You guys can do that. Greeny and Golic and just about anybody else who feels like wading into that discussion can do that.

I am here today to agree with Filip Bondy of the Daily News that Giants fans should be thrilled that Manning feels that way about his ability. Bondy wrote:

Manning finally spoke up for himself, which is a big step toward willfulness and leadership. Finally, after seven seasons, we get to ask the question, "Does Eli Manning have an over-inflated opinion of himself?" How refreshing

I also liked Manning's response when he was asked to defend those remarks in a subsequent interview Wednesday with Mike Francesa of WFAN.

'What am I supposed to say? No, I don't think so?' I'm trying to compete. I'm trying to be the best quarterback. I'm trying to get to a championship. That's what I'm trying to do every year."

Manning already has a Super Bowl ring. Personally, I have no problem with him showing some confidence in his ability.