Eli Manning vs Philip Rivers: Who Was Better?

For years, the debate between Eli Manning and Philip Rivers has ignited passionate discussions among NFL fans. As part of the heralded 2004 draft class, these two quarterbacks were selected in the top 10 picks and went on to have illustrious careers. Manning was chosen first overall by the New York Giants, while Rivers was selected fourth overall by the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers). But when it comes to determining who was truly better, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.

Throughout their NFL journeys, Manning and Rivers have achieved remarkable career milestones, amassed impressive statistics, and faced off in epic head-to-head matchups. In this article, we will delve deep into their legacies, compare their stats, and analyze their performances to finally settle the Manning vs. Rivers debate.

So, who was better: Eli Manning or Philip Rivers? Are the numbers enough to determine their respective greatness, or are there other factors that need to be taken into account? Let’s dig in and find out!

Key Takeaways:

Eli Manning and Philip Rivers were part of the 2004 NFL draft class, selected in the top 10 picks.
Both quarterbacks have achieved significant milestones and amassed impressive statistics throughout their careers.
When comparing career records and regular-season statistics, Rivers holds an advantage in terms of wins and passing yards.
In terms of awards and accolades, Rivers has been selected to the Pro Bowl more times, while Manning has the edge in terms of Super Bowl wins and MVP performances.
Manning has a better playoff record and has won two Super Bowl titles, while Rivers has yet to win a Super Bowl.
The debate about whether Manning and Rivers deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame is ongoing, with various factors being considered by the selection committee.
The legacies of Manning and Rivers will be determined by their impact on the game and retrospective analysis of their careers.

Career Records and Regular-Season Statistics

When comparing the career records of Eli Manning and Philip Rivers, it is clear that Rivers has the most wins, boasting a record of 123-101. Manning, on the other hand, has a record of 117-117, indicating an equal number of wins and losses. Interestingly, their counterpart in the 2004 draft class, Ben Roethlisberger, stands out with a record of 144-71-1.

In terms of regular-season statistics, Rivers holds an advantage over Manning. He has thrown for an impressive 59,271 yards and 397 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 64.7%. Manning, while falling slightly behind, has accumulated 57,023 yards and 366 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 60.3%. Meanwhile, Roethlisberger has garnered 56,545 yards, 363 touchdowns, and a completion percentage of 64.3%.

To visually summarize their regular-season statistics, refer to the table below:

	Yards	Touchdowns	Completion Percentage
Philip Rivers	59,271	397	64.7%
Eli Manning	57,023	366	60.3%
Ben Roethlisberger	56,545	363	64.3%

As the table illustrates, Rivers leads in yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage. However, both Manning and Roethlisberger have also achieved remarkable regular-season statistics throughout their careers.

Awards and Accolades

When it comes to awards and accolades, Philip Rivers has achieved more recognition than Eli Manning. Rivers has been selected to the prestigious Pro Bowl eight times, showcasing his consistently high level of performance throughout his career. In addition to his Pro Bowl appearances, Rivers earned the title of Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2013, highlighting his ability to overcome challenges and make a triumphant return to top form.

On the other hand, while Manning has been chosen for the Pro Bowl four times, he hasn’t received any individual awards of similar magnitude to Rivers. Nevertheless, both quarterbacks have demonstrated their exceptional skills and talents on the field, earning respect from fans and fellow players alike.

Awards and Accolades Comparison:

Eli Manning	Philip Rivers
Pro Bowl Selections: 4	Pro Bowl Selections: 8
N/A	AP Comeback Player of the Year: 2013

Key:

N/A – Not Applicable

Playoff Performances

When it comes to playoff performances, Eli Manning has a clear advantage over Philip Rivers. Manning has achieved the pinnacle of success in the postseason, winning two Super Bowl titles with the New York Giants. He has also appeared in a total of six postseasons, showcasing his ability to lead his team to the playoffs consistently.

During his playoff career, Manning has displayed remarkable composure and clutch performances. He holds an impressive 8-4 playoff record, demonstrating his ability to excel in high-pressure situations. Notably, Manning was named the Super Bowl MVP twice, emphasizing his outstanding contributions to the Giants’ championship victories.

On the other hand, Philip Rivers has yet to capture a Super Bowl title during his postseason appearances. While he has made it to the playoffs six times, Rivers holds a 5-6 record, reflecting a comparative lack of success in the postseason. Despite his individual achievements and consistent regular-season performances, Rivers has been unable to replicate his success in the Super Bowl.

Comparatively, Ben Roethlisberger, another quarterback from the same 2004 draft class, has enjoyed similar postseason success to Manning. Roethlisberger boasts two Super Bowl titles, matching Manning’s achievements, and has participated in an impressive ten postseasons. With a playoff record of 13-8, Roethlisberger’s consistent performances in the postseason cannot be overlooked.

Playoff Statistics

Player	Completion Percentage	Yards	Touchdowns	Interceptions
Eli Manning	60.5%	2,815	18	9
Philip Rivers	59.4%	2,656	14	10
Ben Roethlisberger	62.4%	5,256	30	24

The above table presents a comparison of the playoff statistics for Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. While Manning has thrown for 2,815 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions with a completion percentage of 60.5%, Rivers has accumulated 2,656 yards, 14 touchdowns, and ten interceptions with a completion percentage of 59.4%. Roethlisberger leads in this category with 5,256 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions, completing 62.4% of his passes.

The statistics underline Manning’s efficiency and ability to make crucial plays in the postseason, further solidifying his status as a playoff performer. While Rivers has compiled respectable numbers, they fall slightly short of Manning’s overall impact. Roethlisberger’s superior statistics highlight his significant contributions to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ postseason success.

As we delve deeper into the comparison between Manning and Rivers, it becomes evident that while Rivers has enjoyed success in the regular season, Manning’s postseason performances and Super Bowl victories elevate his legacy and distinguish him as a formidable playoff competitor.

Hall of Fame Consideration

The debate about whether Eli Manning and Philip Rivers deserve a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame will ultimately be decided by the selection committee. Some voters believe Manning’s two Super Bowl wins and MVP performances give him a strong case for induction, while others question his mediocre regular-season stats. Rivers, on the other hand, has impressive numbers but has yet to win a Super Bowl. The committee will have to weigh various factors, including championships, individual accomplishments, and impact on the game, when making their decisions.

Hall of Fame Resumes

Let’s take a closer look at the Hall of Fame resumes of both Manning and Rivers:

	Eli Manning	Philip Rivers
Super Bowl Titles	2	0
Super Bowl MVPs	2	0
Regular-Season Wins	117	123
Passing Yards	57,023	59,271
Touchdown Passes	366	397
Pro Bowl Selections	4	8

As we can see from their Hall of Fame resumes, Manning has an edge in terms of Super Bowl victories and MVPs, while Rivers leads in regular-season wins, passing yards, touchdown passes, and Pro Bowl selections. It will be interesting to see how the selection committee weighs these accomplishments and makes their final decision.

The Legacy and Ongoing Debate

The legacies of Eli Manning and Philip Rivers continue to be a subject of discussion, even as they retire from the game. Manning’s two Super Bowl victories and MVP performances have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the NFL. However, his overall body of work, including regular-season statistics, has been closely scrutinized by both analysts and fans.

On the other hand, Rivers, despite not winning a Super Bowl, has compiled impressive numbers throughout his career. His consistent performances and remarkable longevity have solidified his status as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history. Nevertheless, the absence of postseason success has raised questions about his legacy.

The ongoing debate surrounding Manning and Rivers’ Hall of Fame worthiness reflects the differing opinions within the NFL community. Some argue that Manning’s clutch performances on the biggest stage, coupled with his leadership qualities, make him a strong candidate for induction. Conversely, others emphasize Rivers’ remarkable statistical achievements and argue that he deserves recognition for his contributions to the game.

In the end, the legacies of Manning and Rivers will be shaped by their impact on the game and the retrospective analysis of their careers. Only time will tell how their contributions to the NFL will be remembered and how the ongoing debate surrounding their respective legacies will evolve.

NFL