Eli Manning placed himself in the spectrum when he stated that he is in the same class as Tom Brady. His statement created a debate in the sports world if he really is in the same level with Brady, probably not?

Manning led the Giants to a Super Bowl against the Patriots several years ago yet since that pass to Plaxico Burress in that game winning touchdown, the New York Giants have faded from being an elite team to a struggling team that has difficulties in reaching the playoffs.

Manning’s statement was not acceptable to millions of NFL fans because his performance and stats are far from Brady. He has to prove to the team and to the whole world this season that he is one of the top three quarterbacks in the NFL by helping Giants win games through accurate passes and strong leadership.

With all the different reactions in swallowing Manning’s claim, Manning didn’t look like an elite quarterback in his first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers completing only 4 out of 9 passes with 36 yards. The Giants quarterback has a lot of things to show in this season to make his assertion right to the ears of the fans.

New York Giants face Chicago Bears in tonight’s Monday Night Football. As expected, Manning might be playing more than he played so that the teams chemistry will improve slowly until the regular season starts. Offensively, Manning must move the chain and he must not throw interceptions that can plague their chances of winning.

Giants may not display the same performance they had last year in Meadowlands when they sacked Bears quarterback nine times in the first half, still the Giants have the players to do it but to the extent of an exhibition game.

In that game, Cutler was hurt and the offensive line of Bears were badly criticized. However, Bears learned from that game and it never happened again in the course of that season. Because of Bears adjustments, they went on to the playoffs while the Giants faded from glory.

Bears offense through Mike Martz will evolve as Cutler prepares himself for a better year. In the previous season, he may have not the grasped of all the offensive variations but this time he can lead the offense in a more stable and comfortable way.

In the first game, the Bears allowed only a snap for Cutler saving the best for him in the regular season. Bears won that game against Buffalo Bills 10-3 through their defense against the shallow offense of Bills.

Backup quarterback Nathan Enderlie took much of the snaps as he went for 6 of 9 completions, with 109 yards. Enderlie might be playing most of the game against the Giants for Cutler not to be hurt.

Furthermore, expect the Chicago Bears starters to play for the first series only to avoid injuries. Also, look for the first team’s defense for it will show something about the team’s improvements. Bears are known to have that defensive ‘swagger’ in the NFL. Will they be able to play tight defense against the quarterback who claimed to be in the same level as Brady?

Bears vs Giants Kickoff time is at 8:00 PM ET and is televised on ESPN. Giants vs Bears results and scores will be posted here after the game.

Updated: Giants 41, Bears 13