It looks like the first time in a while there will be a non elite QB in the superbowl. No Ben, Rodgers, Peyton, Eli, Brady, Brees, manning. I do think Colin Kaepernick is going to join the elite company, and if Flacco wins he will get put into the category ala Eli.
I don't think anybody around the country considers Ben or Eli "elite". They're very good, and they don't win Super Bowls without him, but that doesn't automatically get you that status. Brady-Manning-Brees remain the only consistently "elite" QB's. If anything, Eli and Ben are guy's who step up their game in the post-season... much like Flacco. The Bob Horry's of QB's.
Sorry... you're right. Peyton is as elite as any 36 year old can be, but the current elite is Rodgers-Brady-Brees.
Flacco has not fumbled ball untouched - Elite Has not scrambled outside pocket only to throw it away on 3rd down - Yup, Elite Did not do the fetal position - Damn right Elite
Flacco may not be elite, but certainly "clutch." He didn't wilt under pressure. He put up TDs and didn't turn the ball over. He made plays when the opportunity allowed him to. He is the very definition of what Kubiak kept saying Matt Schaub is, but hasn't shown in the playoffs.
He's getting there and his stats these past few playoff games supports that. Dude is putting up big numbers, making few mistakes and is clutch. Oh ya and he just turned 28 a couple of days ago.
Elite is a word that is over used. Aaron rogers was not considered "elite" until after he won the superbowl. And only 3 quarterbacks are "elite" IMO Brees, Brady and Rogers. Besides who cares, the QB's in the bowl this year are fun to watch, it's not like Matt schaub is the qb for the ravens.