Speaking today after the Giants returned home, Eli Manning said he talked with his brother after the 23-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers, and that Peyton told him as far as he's concerned, Eli can't learn much more from him.
"He said I'm past the point where he can give me advice anymore," Eli Manning said Monday, grinning while recalling his phone call with his older brother. "He wants it the other way now. I don't know if I agree with him, but it's great to hear it from him."
Now the Giants await the New England Patriots, who are 18-0 and seeking a Super Bowl victory to cap a perfect season.
"I don't know how to stop Tom Brady," Manning said. "That's a question for our defense. He's a heck of a player, and he's had an unbelievable season. It's not going to be easy."
The oddsmakers agree with him on that one. They've made New England a thirteen and a half point favorite to win the Super Bowl. The Giants nearly derailed the Patriots' perfect season in the regular-season finale, losing 38-35 in a game few gave New York any shot of winning.
Eli Manning said Peyton has been a source of strength for him as he struggled before finding his groove in the playoffs.
"My family has been unbelievable, to have someone who after a bad game or anything that happens, they're right by your side. Peyton has been wonderful to me," Manning said. "He has been a great person to talk to."
Giants coach Tom Coughlin talked to the media at a news conference Monday, and said Eli hasn't changed-- but that he's getting credit for what he's been doing all along.
"His temperament is so great. He stays out of the valley, and doesn't get up on the peak," the coach said. "He's mentally taking charge of everything. He's in a position where he leads his team to victory. He likes that spot."
Coughlin praised his quarterback for making passes when he must and avoiding interceptions and forced throws.
"We know what he's capable of," Coughlin said, "and he's just scratching the surface of it."
And yes, Eli Manning finally did acknowledge that his brother gave him some advice for the Super Bowl.
"He said, 'This is fun, just take it all in,"' he said.
