Time For Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin To Get Crowned

Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo talk with quarterback Eli Manning (10) during a break in play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Given the furious way things ended last season with that great Super Bowl game, it’s easy to overlook certain details about legacies, especially for a coach and a player who are still active in the NFL.  However, even as praise falls like rain upon Bill Belichick and Tom Brady for what they’ve accomplished in four Super Bowl victories, perhaps its long past due for another head coach-quarterback combination to receive proper acknowledgment.

Granted, Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin get plenty of credit for winning two Super Bowls, but honestly can anyone admit either has received proper credit and accolades befitting others who have, quite frankly, accomplished less?

Even as he has two rings on his finger, critics linger in the background just waiting for an opportunity to call for Coughlin’s job again.  Manning is coming off a season in which he posted 4,400 yards and 30 touchdowns and yet people are hesitant to see him get a contract extension.

Meanwhile this duo has continued to be the only ones who have something others don’t in the NFL:  they beat the might Brady-Belichick combo in the Super Bowl.

Twice.

Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson failed.

Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb failed.

John Fox and Jake Delhomme failed.

Mike Martz and Kurt Warner failed.

Coaches who have gotten far more credit than Coughlin and quarterbacks more credit than Manning have come up short against that Hall of Fame pairing.  Meanwhile Tom and Eli, all told, are 3-1 in their careers against them.

Maybe it’s time more people than New York Giants fans began to appreciate that just a little bit more.