Peyton Wins Round 3 of Manning versus Manning

Peyton Manning squared off September 15th against his brother Eli for the third time in their careers and for the first time with Peyton as a Denver Bronco.  Peyton improved his record to 3-0 against his younger brother as the Broncos decisively beat the Giants in East Rutherford 41-23.  The game was further confirmation that Denver is one of the elite teams in the NFL this season, and that the Giants have some real problems.

Denver improved to 2-0, and has scored 90 points in the process.  The Giants fell to 0-2, and while everyone is quick to point out that the 2007 Giants also started 0-2 and went on to win the Super Bowl, that was the exception to the rule.  An 0-2 start almost always results in a team watching the Super Bowl at home.

The Giants have some real problems.  Wide receiver Victor Cruz is among the league leaders in receiving yards after two games but there haven’t been too many other positives.  Sure, Eli is among the leaders in passing yardage, but he’s way out in front in interceptions with seven, including four in the loss to Denver.  New York’s running game has been non existent, with 19 yards on 23 carries against Denver and only 73 yards in the first two games.  The defense has allowed 77 points in two games, the most in the NFL.

Despite that, the Giants aren’t a complete disaster yet.  The Giants receivers are a solid group and the passing game can win some games if Eli can just cut down on his interceptions.  New York plays 0-2 Carolina next week, so there may be an opportunity to get that first win.

As for Peyton Manning, well, it’s hard to believe his career nearly ended two years ago after missing a season after his neck surgery. Even though he’s won all three games against Eli, Peyton still trails in one all important category:  Eli Manning has won two Super Bowls and Peyton has one.