A Thank You to Eli Manning

[AZSpeechCoach]

So, Mrs. SpeechCoach decided that it was time to write a long-awaited love-letter to her "favorite" player.

hxxp://moderngirlfriday.blogspot.com/2007/01/thank-you-to-eli-manning.html#links

A Thank You to Eli Manning

Dear Eli,

A pleasant New Year to you! I’m sure you are busy getting ready to play this weekend versus the Philadelphia Eagles, but I hope that you might take a moment and perhaps peruse the internet and come across this little thank you note I wish to write to you.

I know, a man as busy and successful as you must conserve all his energy and game smarts for the upcoming playoff game. It’s that kind of drive and concentration brought your vaunted New York Giants to that sterling 8-8 record this season! Oh and hey, don’t worry…that meltdown in the second half of the season…NOT YOUR FAULT. You know the New York media can be too harsh sometimes. Ask Randy Johnson about his first day as a Yankee.

But who can blame a Manning, right? I mean, your family is football royalty! You can do what you want to do! Be the quarterback you want to be! Win the Super Bowls you want to win…oh wait. I’m jumping the gun, aren’t I? You need to get there first! Way to put the cart in front of the horse there, Lils!

But back to my thank you. I have to admit, that when you were drafted in 2004, I was a little miffed. Being a San Diego native, I love my team (GO BOLTS!). I want them to succeed. Sure we have our sucky years, but I stick with them nonetheless. Your statistics and family lore obviously made you a top prospect for a team searching for a quarterback. Yes, I was angry, hurt, and perhaps a little offended. I mean – who turns down America’s Finest City?

Year round sunshine! Real grass! Beaches! Shamu! The World Famous San Diego Zoo! The Charger Girls! There are reasons why sports figures like Junior Seau and baseball legend Tony Gwynn chose to hang around so long, Eli. This is why I couldn’t understand why you weren’t even going to give us a shot! Like the typical Charger Fan, I walked around with a chip on my shoulder, only masking my anger around my father-in-law, who is a big Giants fan.

But that was three years ago. And you know what they say! Hindsight is 20-20. There was no way you, your father, your handlers, or the Giants organization were to know that Philip Rivers would suck up all that aura learning the system while Drew Brees was making his comeback? How could anyone have guessed that Shawne Merriman would have turned out to be such a defensive STUD? Nate Kaeding? There was no definable research that said this guy could be the second coming of John Carney!

It’s probably a complete fluke that those three guys punched their ticket to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl this year while you booked your reservations through your travel agent.

It just doesn’t seem fair, does it? You got what you wanted…but the Chargers ended up 14-2 this season with home field advantage. It’s just bad luck that Marty Schottenheimer morphed his coaching skills into the second coming of Air Coryell, complete with Ground Attack Force.

At least things haven’t been all that bad. You had that Division title last season. Carolina just got lucky when they shut you out. You got Tiki Barber powering the offense. A shame he’s probably retiring. But these are small things. I’m sure things are looking up.

Dang…I strayed from my thank you again. Let me get back to business before I yammer your ear off!

Thank you, Eli Manning. From the bottom of my heart, this Charger Fan thanks you. Thank you for turning up your nose without tasting the cuisine. Thank you for passing up the opportunity to play in San Diego. Because, let’s be honest – who knows where we’d be this season if you chose to play!

And yes, I am fully aware of the “Any Given Sunday” rule in football. As long as you’re in the playoffs, you have a chance to win. You can run the board and meet the Chargers in the big game and prove your worth. But it can just as easily flip around too. There are no sacred sheep in football. It’s blood, guts, and honor time!

But you have to give the Charger Fans their moment in the sun. How often do you get to see hubris take it in the shorts? (Psst…Eli…”hubris” is another term for “big ass ego.”)

The Charger Nation can forgive, Eli. But they NEVER forget.

Good luck this week! (GO EAGLES!)

Best wishes,

Lillian T. White
San Diego Charger Fan
(Yes, even when they were the “Re-Chargers”)
1976 to Present

[Lathum]

I can not wait to pull this thread up in a few weeks

[JediKooter]

So, Mrs. SpeechCoach decided that it was time to write a long-awaited love-letter to her "favorite" player.

hxxp://moderngirlfriday.blogspot.com/2007/01/thank-you-to-eli-manning.html#links

A Thank You to Eli Manning

Dear Eli,

A pleasant New Year to you! I’m sure you are busy getting ready to play this weekend versus the Philadelphia Eagles, but I hope that you might take a moment and perhaps peruse the internet and come across this little thank you note I wish to write to you.........



And yes, I am fully aware of the “Any Given Sunday” rule in football. As long as you’re in the playoffs, you have a chance to win. You can run the board and meet the Chargers in the big game and prove your worth. But it can just as easily flip around too. There are no sacred sheep in football. It’s blood, guts, and honor time!

But you have to give the Charger Fans their moment in the sun. How often do you get to see hubris take it in the shorts? (Psst…Eli…”hubris” is another term for “big ass ego.”)

The Charger Nation can forgive, Eli. But they NEVER forget.

Good luck this week! (GO EAGLES!)

Best wishes,

Lillian T. White
San Diego Charger Fan
(Yes, even when they were the “Re-Chargers”)
1976 to Present

Thanks for jinxing it.

[SackAttack]

So, Mrs. SpeechCoach decided that it was time to write a long-awaited love-letter to her "favorite" player.

hxxp://moderngirlfriday.blogspot.com/2007/01/thank-you-to-eli-manning.html#links

A Thank You to Eli Manning

Dear Eli,

A pleasant New Year to you! I’m sure you are busy getting ready to play this weekend versus the Philadelphia Eagles, but I hope that you might take a moment and perhaps peruse the internet and come across this little thank you note I wish to write to you.

I know, a man as busy and successful as you must conserve all his energy and game smarts for the upcoming playoff game. It’s that kind of drive and concentration brought your vaunted New York Giants to that sterling 8-8 record this season! Oh and hey, don’t worry…that meltdown in the second half of the season…NOT YOUR FAULT. You know the New York media can be too harsh sometimes. Ask Randy Johnson about his first day as a Yankee.

But who can blame a Manning, right? I mean, your family is football royalty! You can do what you want to do! Be the quarterback you want to be! Win the Super Bowls you want to win…oh wait. I’m jumping the gun, aren’t I? You need to get there first! Way to put the cart in front of the horse there, Lils!

But back to my thank you. I have to admit, that when you were drafted in 2004, I was a little miffed. Being a San Diego native, I love my team (GO BOLTS!). I want them to succeed. Sure we have our sucky years, but I stick with them nonetheless. Your statistics and family lore obviously made you a top prospect for a team searching for a quarterback. Yes, I was angry, hurt, and perhaps a little offended. I mean – who turns down America’s Finest City?

Year round sunshine! Real grass! Beaches! Shamu! The World Famous San Diego Zoo! The Charger Girls! There are reasons why sports figures like Junior Seau and baseball legend Tony Gwynn chose to hang around so long, Eli. This is why I couldn’t understand why you weren’t even going to give us a shot! Like the typical Charger Fan, I walked around with a chip on my shoulder, only masking my anger around my father-in-law, who is a big Giants fan.

But that was three years ago. And you know what they say! Hindsight is 20-20. There was no way you, your father, your handlers, or the Giants organization were to know that Philip Rivers would suck up all that aura learning the system while Drew Brees was making his comeback? How could anyone have guessed that Shawne Merriman would have turned out to be such a defensive STUD? Nate Kaeding? There was no definable research that said this guy could be the second coming of John Carney!

It’s probably a complete fluke that those three guys punched their ticket to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl this year while you booked your reservations through your travel agent.

It just doesn’t seem fair, does it? You got what you wanted…but the Chargers ended up 14-2 this season with home field advantage. It’s just bad luck that Marty Schottenheimer morphed his coaching skills into the second coming of Air Coryell, complete with Ground Attack Force.

At least things haven’t been all that bad. You had that Division title last season. Carolina just got lucky when they shut you out. You got Tiki Barber powering the offense. A shame he’s probably retiring. But these are small things. I’m sure things are looking up.

Dang…I strayed from my thank you again. Let me get back to business before I yammer your ear off!

Thank you, Eli Manning. From the bottom of my heart, this Charger Fan thanks you. Thank you for turning up your nose without tasting the cuisine. Thank you for passing up the opportunity to play in San Diego. Because, let’s be honest – who knows where we’d be this season if you chose to play!

And yes, I am fully aware of the “Any Given Sunday” rule in football. As long as you’re in the playoffs, you have a chance to win. You can run the board and meet the Chargers in the big game and prove your worth. But it can just as easily flip around too. There are no sacred sheep in football. It’s blood, guts, and honor time!

But you have to give the Charger Fans their moment in the sun. How often do you get to see hubris take it in the shorts? (Psst…Eli…”hubris” is another term for “big ass ego.”)

The Charger Nation can forgive, Eli. But they NEVER forget.

Good luck this week! (GO EAGLES!)

Best wishes,

Lillian T. White
San Diego Charger Fan
(Yes, even when they were the “Re-Chargers”)
1976 to Present

Your wife is Lily White? Probably a good thing White wasn't her maiden name. :D

(Don't kill me.)

[AZSpeechCoach]

Your wife is Lily White? Probably a good thing White wasn't her maiden name. :D

(Don't kill me.)


It's her pen name for the blog.

[k0ruptr]

How could anyone have guessed that Shawne Merriman would have turned out to be such a defensive STUD?

I bet Todd Steussie, Bill Romanowski, Shaun Rogers, and Todd Sauerbrun woulda guessed that.

[Lorena]

Thanks for jinxing it.

x2

[Lorena]

dola,

The Chargers have been to the SuperBowl once and it was a disaster, so I'm cautiously optimistic this time around.

[Antmeister]

Wow! Nice letter. I love to read from a true Charger fan and the fact that she is making her case now and not after the fact takes some balls, so she get my respect. I was hoping that the Giants didn't make it to the playoffs at all, but that didn't happen, so a first round loss would be even better. Good read.

[Lorena]

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=33478&highlight=eli+manning

[CraigSca]

See: John Elway, 1983. I still haven't forgiven him.

[Butter]

The Chargers already lost to the Ravens this year, no reason to think it won't happen again, even in San Diego.

[Antmeister]

The Chargers already lost to the Ravens this year, no reason to think it won't happen again, even in San Diego.

A pox on thee. Don't say such things. You are gonna break the delicate fibers of a Super Bowl run.

[Lorena]

The Chargers already lost to the Ravens this year, no reason to think it won't happen again, even in San Diego.

After the 3 point loss they ended up winning 12 out of the last 13 games, so it might have been the kick in the ass they needed.

[Raiders Army]

It'd be great to see Phillip Rivers win a superbowl. That would make Roethlisberger and Rivers winning superbowls, but not the "#1 overall pick".

[Butter]

I would much rather see the Chargers win the SB than the Ravens, but we ARE talking about Marty "can't coach in the playoffs" Schottenheimer.

[Lorena]

I would much rather see the Chargers win the SB than the Ravens, but we ARE talking about Marty "can't coach in the playoffs" Schottenheimer.

Yeah, that's one of my biggest concerns. I keep seeing the Chargers 14-2 record and think back to when he took the 14-2 Kansas City Chiefs to the AFC Championship and lost.

[Lorena]

Yeah, that's one of my biggest concerns. I keep seeing the Chargers 14-2 record and think back to when he took the 14-2 Kansas City Chiefs to the AFC Championship and lost.

Check that, KC went 13-3 that year... but still. The Marty factor still concerns me.

[Rizon]

Keep in mind that SD has one of the worst postseason coaches in NFL history. Martyball FTW !!!!111

[Antmeister]

See, but that's the thing, he hasn't been playing Martyball for the majority of the season. So who's to say he plays that conservative brand of football for the playoffs since it did well for him in the regular season.

[Desnudo]

Because he always does

[JediKooter]

Check that, KC went 13-3 that year... but still. The Marty factor still concerns me.

Much like Marty Ball reared it's ugly head 2 years ago against the Jets in the playoffs. Hey, first down, let's run 3 times in a row to set up a 40,000 yard field goal attempt in the rain.

I'm putting my hopes on Cam Cameron to keep Marty from falling back on old habits and of course the Chargers scoring more points than their competitor.

[Butter]

I'm putting my hopes on Cam Cameron

Mistake #2.

[Bad-example]

Shouldn't she also send a letter to the Chargers for being so cheap and contentious in pre-draft negotiations that they convinced the Mannings it would be a terrible career choice to join them?

[TroyF]

No matter what happens in these playoffs, it's pretty clear the Chargers got the FAR better end of that trade.

But Marty in the playoffs is a recipe for disaster. He finds ways to lose games he should win and then has horrific luck even when his coaching was fine. (the fumble)

A great AFC Championship game would be the Chargers/Colts. Someone would have to win.

So long as it isn't the Ravens, I'll be happy.

[Izulde]

Loved it. Thanks for posting :D

I hate Eli Manning and the Chargers are my #2 NFL team.

[Deattribution]

Shouldn't she also send a letter to the Chargers for being so cheap and contentious in pre-draft negotiations that they convinced the Mannings it would be a terrible career choice to join them?

Shhh, Eli just didn't want to go there because of Ryan Leaf. Believe it!

[Dekanth]

For all the Thank Yous, the Chargers won as many games in the playoffs as the Giants did.

[Lorena]

I had a feeling this was gonna be bumped.

[Lathum]

I can not wait to pull this thread up in a few weeks

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Antmeister]

Ouch!

[Joe]

good thing they got that pro bowl kicker as part of the deal

[Lathum]

good thing they got that pro bowl kicker as part of the deal

nice one

[dime]

Bo Jackson screwed Tampa Bay over, but no one ever mentions that...why?

[SteveMax58]

Yep...this brings a smile to this Big Blue fan's face.

Unfortunately...it took Chargers misfortune, and not Giants accomplishment to happen. But I guess I'll take 'em when I can.

[AZSpeechCoach]

Quoting Mrs. SpeechCoach: "At least I called my shot, and now I need to take my lumps."

Yes, she is heartbroken -- and yes she's a little bitter. But....oh wait. Why am I fighting her battles for her? I'll let her respond:

-----------------------------------------------------

Okay...they lost. Oh yeah...they lost big despite the close score. But go ahead and pile on :-) I dare ya!

I'm here and I'm taking my smacks, like a good Sports Girl should. I won't hide behind excuses, because there was no excuse. I'll sign my name to this prediction, unlike the guy who posted "HA HA HA HA" on my blog anonymously (would anyone like to own up to THAT?).

I'll even do you one better: [email protected]

E-mail me and vent your frustrations if that will make you feel better.

But fact is fact: Eli Manning is still a selfish wannabe who will never be as talented as his brother. We may not be in the second round...but neither is he.

Stick that in your Fan Pipe and smoke it!

- Mrs. AZSpeechCoach
Bleeding Blue and Bolts since 1976

[Crapshoot]

So, Eli Manning's selfish - what's wrong with that? And hell, there are 30 other QB's in the league who won't be as talented as his brother. :D

[Deattribution]

So, Eli Manning's selfish - what's wrong with that? And hell, there are 30 other QB's in the league who won't be as talented as his brother. :D

You could argue his brother is the most talented regular season QB of all time.

Besides, Eli doesn't have to match Peyton's talent, he just has to win a SB or two and he's successful enough to justify the fuss.

[TroyF]

Ummm. . . it doesn't really matter what happened today. I'm a Broncos fan and someone who really isn't that big of a Chargers fan. I wish to God I could state that the Giants screwed the Chargers over and not getting Eli would be the worst thing to happen to their franchise in three decades.

The fact, however, is that the Chargers raped the Giants in that trade. I'm doubting Eli will ever be an average NFL QB. Yeah, Rivers struggled today. His first playoff start against a Billy B. defense. He's still the better QB of the two right now. And when you throw in Merriman and Keading into the mix, it's not like this is even a debate.

Rivers will be leading the Chargers deep into the playoffs long after the Giants have given up on Eli and went to plan B. The Chargers getting a real head coach is the scariest thing in the league. Without Marty, that team may have went to The Super Bowl in two of the last three seasons. Instead they find ways to screw up games.

[oykib]

Ummm. . . it doesn't really matter what happened today. I'm a Broncos fan and someone who really isn't that big of a Chargers fan. I wish to God I could state that the Giants screwed the Chargers over and not getting Eli would be the worst thing to happen to their franchise in three decades.

The fact, however, is that the Chargers raped the Giants in that trade. I'm doubting Eli will ever be an average NFL QB. Yeah, Rivers struggled today. His first playoff start against a Billy B. defense. He's still the better QB of the two right now. And when you throw in Merriman and Keading into the mix, it's not like this is even a debate.

Rivers will be leading the Chargers deep into the playoffs long after the Giants have given up on Eli and went to plan B. The Chargers getting a real head coach is the scariest thing in the league. Without Marty, that team may have went to The Super Bowl in two of the last three seasons. Instead they find ways to screw up games.


I think that Eli is capable of being an average NFL QB. I don't think it'll happen with the coaching staff in place with the Giants, though.

I think my biggest issue with what you said is that things realy don't look good for Rivers getting a good coach. Word is that A.J. Smith wants to replace Marty with fellow you should be familiar with, Wade Phillips.

[Antmeister]

I think that Eli is capable of being an average NFL QB. I don't think it'll happen with the coaching staff in place with the Giants, though.

I think my biggest issue with what you said is that things realy don't look good for Rivers getting a good coach. Word is that A.J. Smith wants to replace Marty with fellow you should be familiar with, Wade Phillips.

That better not be a fact or my Chargers are going to be screwed for another decade.

[oykib]

That better not be a fact or my Chargers are going to be screwed for another decade.

Nothing is set in stone. But that is the most oft-repeated rumor. I think the fact that the owner is a little weak as far as making football decisions shouldn't give you much confidence. How can you have a big time team where the GM and Head Coach don't speak to each other. If you're the owner, do you tolerate that kind of BS?

[Lathum]

You know LT could make alot of quarterbacks look good

[oykib]

You know LT could make alot of quarterbacks look good

That's not much of a benefit as we compare him to Eli though. Tiki may not be LT. But he's not that far behind. What's most disturbing about Eli is the fact that his numbers are merely average with all the weapons around him.

I do blame Accorsi for not putting a great line infront of Eli and Tiki. I think that Arrington money would have been better spent on the line.

[Antmeister]

Nothing is set in stone. But that is the most oft-repeated rumor. I think the fact that the owner is a little weak as far as making football decisions shouldn't give you much confidence. How can you have a big time team where the GM and Head Coach don't speak to each other. If you're the owner, do you tolerate that kind of BS?

Oh I certainly agree with you about the ownership. The GM and coach debacle reminds me of the Bobby Beathard/Bobby Ross parting. It seems that history will repeat itself and the Chargers are going to go down the tank if they let that happen again. Last time, the Spanos family didn't intervene and let that relationship detroriate. You would have thought he learned their lesson.

And believe me, I wouldn't be surprised if they let go of some of the key talent before this is all over and the GM believes he is the best GM of all time. That is what happened with Beathard as he ended up drafting busts because he was seeking that ever elusive gem.

[SteveMax58]

That's not much of a benefit as we compare him to Eli though. Tiki may not be LT. But he's not that far behind. What's most disturbing about Eli is the fact that his numbers are merely average with all the weapons around him.

I do blame Accorsi for not putting a great line infront of Eli and Tiki. I think that Arrington money would have been better spent on the line.

I wouldnt argue against the Giants needing to improve their OL...but I think a lot of people, perhaps not you specifically, would think much differently if the Giants could actually play defense & not force their QB to score 24-36 points every time they play. Or have it be a "given" that with 1 1/2 minutes to play, in a tied game, our defense will assuredly not stop the oppostion from attempting a FG...that isn't Giants football. By contrast...even the great Peyton would have lost both of his playoff games if "Big Blue" were playing defense for him.

Eli will never be as good as his brother...and neither will Alex Smith, Rivers, Roethlisberger, Leinart, Young, Cutler, or anybody else drafted around his time. But the 2 things I see which are preventing Eli from being a very good QB right now...mechanics & decisiveness... are correctable & teachable, respectively.

On a side note....I'm really glad to see DC Tim Lewis gone. OK...sorry for the minor threadjack.

[sabotai]

I think the fact that the owner is a little weak as far as making football decisions shouldn't give you much confidence.

Which circles back to the reason why Eli didn't want to go to San Diego to begin with.

[JediKooter]

A belated thanks for jinxing it.

[sterlingice]

This is a really fun thread to go back and read, btw :)

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=24721

SI