The number one sport in America is the NFL. The number two sport is hating on Eli Manning. It’s true. Well, at the very least, everyone likes to indulge in the hate from time to time. But even the his staunchest critics have to give the man his due. In the 2011 season Eli Manning threw for 4,933 yards. That would be fourth in the league. The three guys ahead of him; they placed first, second and fifth on the all-time single season list.

Need more evidence?  Eli’s numbers came playing outdoors, in that crazy stadium’s wind, with no running game to speak of. It’s time, you gotta give Eli his credit. Everyone wants to heap praise on his receivers, who no doubt are good, but take a look at the Giants’ leading receivers over the past three years.

2009 - Steve Smith (1220 yds, 7 tds)

2010 - Hakeem Nicks (1052 yds, 11 tds)

2011 - Hakeem Nicks (1116 yds, 6 tds)

2011 - Victor Cruz (1358 yds, 8 tds)

New faces from year to year but they still pile up the yards.  That HAS to speak to Eli’s play at least a little.

See, we don’t always verbally abuse Eli.