When athletes have siblings in the same field, comparisons are inevitable. NFL player Eli Manning knows that all too well, being Peyton Manning’s younger brother. However, Eli has been carving out his own legacy and doing everything to step out of Peyton’s shadow.

Manning has had a few stellar performances during his New York Giants career. However, he truly came into his own during the 2011 season during an NFC East division game against the San Francisco 49ers. At that time, the 49ers possessed one of the best defensive lines in football.

To say that Manning got roughed up, would be an understatement. However, as he kept getting knocked down, he always got back up. Manning truly tested the 49ers defense, even though the Giants’ offense failed and he had to carry the team.

As per Pro Football Focus, Manning was under pressure for at least 29 plays and he prevailed. In one game, the 49ers registered 7 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, and 30 quarterback pressures. Manning fought hard and eventually finished the game 32-of-52 for 316 passing yards. This included two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His final touchdown pass to wide receiver Mario Manningham came with pinpoint accuracy, timing, and velocity.

Eli Manning was the only bright spark for the Giants

Generally, many suggest that the Giants lucked out in the 2011 Super Bowl. Admittedly, the team underwent a four-game losing streak, but aside from that, they ran riot. When the season kicked off, the Giants shot off from the starting blocks, going 6-2 in their first eight games.

However, their four-game losing streak included three NFL games where they lost by just one score. Luckily, they bounced back by going 7-1 in their final eight games. The Giants also went on a giant-killing spree, downing the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and the San Francisco 49ers.