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Alex-Eli Comparisons Spark Reaction; Vic Carucci
Topic Started: Apr 29 2005, 09:52 AM (56 Views)
WVGiantsFan11
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Alex-Eli comparisons spark reaction

By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com

(April 27, 2005) -- Many of you had some pretty strong opinions regarding the comparison I made between Alex Smith and Eli Manning on Day 1 of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Manning, of course, had made it clear before the draft that he would not sign with the Chargers, who shortly after the selection traded him to the New York Giants as part of a deal that sent Philip Rivers to San Diego. He was roundly booed by the crowd at the draft and drew criticism -- as did his father, Archie -- for trying to manipulate the draft process.

Smith voiced his disapproval of the way the first overall choice unfolded a year ago, and clearly set out to make it a more positive experience, despite still being far apart in contract negotiations with the 49ers.

Here are some of the more interesting comments on the Smith-Manning column (most of which disagree with my perspective):

A lot of people are glad that Alex Smith had no problem being taken number one unlike Eli last year. All I can say is, "Thank you, Eli." San Diego made out in this whole ordeal. First, we Charger fans don't want a little, spoiled, whiny Daddy's Boy on our team anyway. San Diego made it to the playoffs while Eli's Giants stunk. Eli also cost his team a first-round pick this year which they desperately could have used since they are a bad team. San Diego, on the other hand, got Rivers and then of course Drew Brees had a breakout year. In the long run, if Brees performs like he did last year, he'll get his long-term deal and San Diego then can trade Rivers for a first-round pick in the future. Fact of the matter is, San Diego made out in the deal.
--Jeff

Alex Smith was elated to be the 49ers' top pick.
Hey, Vic, ease up a little on Eli. San Diego never really wanted him; they wanted Rivers, who they got. The Giants knew that and that is exactly why they drafted Rivers. Next, let's talk about living up to the "hype." Big Ben Roethlisberger got to play on a team with a great O-line, two good running backs (one of whom will be a Hall of Famer), and three real good wide receivers. I think it was Ben who didn't live up to the hype when push came to shove. If the Jets could kick a field goal they would have won TWICE! Also, if you get a chance, sit down and look at Ben's stats throughout the season, they are not very good.
--Tony

After reading your article referenced above, I was a little confused. How can you link the two players' situations? Isn't there a point that you left out? The one extremely important point! Maybe the fact that Mr. Smith was going to the 49ers, one of NFL's best franchises. He wasn't going to San Diego, which has ruined multiple top picks in their time (especially the last second-overall-pick they drafted). Manning had the leverage and used it. You need to keep your obvious bias out of your article and stick to the facts.
--Wade

Eli not living up to his hype? Did you not see the last three weeks of the season? Clearly Manning lived up to his hype way more than Big Ben did. The difference is, as you said, Ben had the better team. It seemed as if Eli got all the kinks out by Week 17, while Ben struggled in the playoffs. No disrespect, Vic, but come on now. Eli struggled against some top-of-the-line defenses when he first got thrown into wolf-den, but after a rocky start he finished up exceeding all the hype.
--Anjel

Ask Vic!
Have a question for Vic on anything NFL related? Don't just sit there -- send it to AskVic@nfl.com, and the best questions will be answered throughout the season right here on NFL.com!
I just read your article on Alex Smith being selected first this year and comparing it to Eli Manning's first pick last year. Your remarks regarding Eli Manning prove that you lack a lot when it comes to covering the draft. Yes, Eli knew that he didn't want to be picked by San Diego and his Dad did what any Dad would have done if they had the know-how. Quit knocking what they did last year. And, yes, Eli will prove to be one of the greatest quarterbacks ... watch and see. Alex Smith is doubtful coming from a very weak conference and basically, untested.
--R

Listen, you may have a grudge against Manning, but he WILL be better than Ben or Alex. I am a Giant fan, in all fairness, and watched Eli perform. He made rookie mistakes. They all do and to say Ben was far better is wrong. The Steelers had a better supporting cast then the giants.
--Matt

I believe you have misread the intentions of the MSG crowd during last year's draft. The boos weren't for Eli Manning selecting his team. Would Cleveland have booed LeBron James for wanting to be their savior if they didn't have the No. 1 pick? They were for the Chargers, who drafted Eli after he clearly stated he wanted to be the quarterback of our beloved New York Giants. You wrote an excellent article which, as most are, is based on your opinion. But in this case, your assumption excludes the annual home state of the draft, who was booing, and the team the number one pick desired to join.
--Jermaine

Old Jeff seems a little bitter and way over optimistic. First, you can't judge who came out better in last years trade on one season. Plus, I hate to bust your bubble, but I don't believe the charges could trade Rivers for a first round pick. Yes, the Giants lost thier first round pick this year, but their FA moves more than made up for that. I was in favor of the trade last year and I'm even more in favor after seeing how the GIANTS handled this off season.
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Halfmoon
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Crazy, but in a good way. Honest!
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In 2008, all will be understood.
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27Hampton
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I'll tell you what, of all years to trade away a first rounder, it turns out that this was the year to do it. It was the weakest 1st round in memory. Of course only time will tell if this first round was truly weak, but just overall......this was the year not to have one.
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10Giants
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Good point Hamp, but whether or not this year's 1st round was good or bad will be irrelevant if Eli becomes even close to his brother in ability.
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Hadron
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Hrmm...

Maybe Ernie can see into the future..
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10Giants
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Hadron
Apr 30 2005, 02:22 PM
Hrmm...

Maybe Ernie can see into the future..

Seeing into the future is what ALL GM's do, or at least try to LOL.
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BlueHeart
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Dear Jermaine,

I was booing Eli Manning.

-Sherri, N.Y.

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KCGirl
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Jermaine -

I was at the draft with Sherri last year. She WAS booing the trade for Eli. Watch the re-play of it. She's the one you can hear!



LMFAO! :flex:
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Hadron
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Upon further review...

Ernie's QB judgement has been fairly good in the past. So this is one of the moves that I actually have faith in.

Elway and Kosar draft-wise?
Kerry Collins in FA after nobody would touch him?

Now Eli?

Hmm
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