By Michael Stewart@TheTruthNYG
During the latest podcast on TheGiantsGuys show, a question was asked “which quarterback would you rather have, Phil Simms or Eli Manning. This topic sparked a friendly debate that I decided to continue the discussion and extent it to the top 5 quarterbacks in New York Giants History.
5. Fran Tarkenton (1967-1971): Tarkenton would have been higher on my list had he had a longer tenure with the team. However; in only five seasons (4x Pro Bowler) with the Giants, Tarkenton amassed 13,905 yards and threw for 103 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Tarkenton did not have a talented supported cast around him and his overall record as a Giant was 33-36.
4. Charlie Conerly (1948-1961): Conerly made the Pro Bowl twice during his Giants career and totaled 19,488 yards/173 touchdowns in 105 games he started. Conerly took the Giants to three NFL Championship games; which was considered the Super Bowl at that time and won once in 1956 against the Chicago Bears. On my list, Conerly edges out Tarkenton purely based on team success and not totally on individual achievement. However, with that being said I weren’t argue if others had these two flipped on their list.
3. Y.A Tittle (1961-1964): Tittle’s impact in his short time as a New York Giant is well documented (1963 NFL MVP, 3x Pro Bowler, 2x first team All Pro, 2x NFL leader in passing TDS). Tittle would start in 48 games as a Giant and would compile a stat line of 10,439 yards and 96 touchdowns. Tittle could have been ranked higher on this list had he played more than just four seasons with the Giants and had a more successful playoff stat line (1 touchdown with 10 interceptions). Therefore; ranked 3rd seems to be the right spot for him.
2. Phil Simms (1979-1993): Simms roller coaster career as a New York Giant started out with lots of promise, but quickly transcended as injuries and media/fans mockery nearly forced him out of New York. Simms career changed in 1984 as he started to put it all together and finished his career with 33,462 yards and 199 touchdowns. Simms moment came during the 1986 playoffs when he had 484 yards, 8 touchdowns and no interceptions. His Super Bowl completion (22-25) still stands today. In an era when the NFL (especially the Giants) ran the ball more, had Simms played in a more passer friendly era, his stat line would have been Hall of Fame worthy.
1. Eli Manning (2004-2019): Arguably the greatest trade by the New York Giants in franchise history was made when GM Ernie Accorsi pulled the trigger with the San Diego Chargers and obtained the rights to Eli Manning. Although Manning had his ups and downs early in his career, he must certainly fulfilled what Accorsi had hoped for when he made that trade. Manning went on to compile 57,023 yards, 366 Touchdowns (Both New York Giants record). Manning shined the brightest in the playoffs as he went 8-4 with 2,815 yards, 18 touchdowns, two Super Bowls wins, (against Tom Brady) two Super Bowl MVPS. Eli’s ticket to the Hall of Fame is already stamped and it’s not a question of if, but when.