How Eli Manning Won Over NYC

But in Super Bowl XLVI, Manning made a hero of himself

(NEWSER) - Last night's big game was intensely fought, undeniably exciting—and a little mystifying, thanks to Eli Manning's unusual brand of heroism. Analysts weigh in on the game's place in football history:

• Last night brought us "the most Eli Manning moment of Eli Manning’s career." During the game-winning touchdown, we saw "a hero shot in which the conqueror looks totally confused by his conquest," with "arms half-raised in quasi-triumph." His quiet humility was the polar opposite of Tom Brady's "aggro posture," but it remains "difficult to understand," writes Josh Levin at Slate .

Peyton confident this won't be Eli's last trip to the big game

(NEWSER) - The NFL marketing department would love this scenario—Manning vs. Manning for the league title. Peyton won't rule it out as he praised the work ethic and noted the bright future of his younger brother, writes the New York Times. "I feel very strongly this will not be the last Super Bowl that he will play in," he said of Eli. More»

New Orleans makes upset look easy as Indy receivers go AWOL

(AP) - The New Orleans Saints stymied Peyton Manning, then intercepted him to seal the Super Bowl, rallying to beat the Indianapolis Colts tonight in Miami, 31-17. Tracy Porter intercepted a pass from Manning and sprinted 74 yards for a touchdown and a 31-17 lead with 3:12 left. Playing in the Super Bowl for the first time, the Saints went on a 31-7 run after falling behind 10-0 early. More»

Colts' QB has chance to add to his legend tonight

(NEWSER) - The Indianapolis Colts ride into tonight's Super Bowl as 5-point favorites, and star QB Peyton Manning is no small reason why. His stats romp all over Tom Brady (minus Brady's three SB rings), he's the brainiest player in an era of complex defenses, and his owner has promised him the richest contract in NFL history. But as Indy guns for its second title in Manning's 12 seasons, the New York Times wonders: Certainly Manning is the dominant player of his generation, but is he the best ever? More»

Texans quarterback snags Pro Bowl MVP award

(AP) - In its new role as a warmup to the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl became a series of wind sprints. Long gains were the rule and hard hitting the exception as the AFC beat the NFC tonight in Miami, 41-34. Light showers fell but uniforms remained mostly spotless, with more pushing and shoving than tackling. Game MVP Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans threw for 189 yards and two AFC scores. More»