Manning vs. Brady

Over the past decade Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have been the the standard of elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Whether you are a Colts fan or Patriots fan, it would be hard to deny the greatness of these two quarterbacks. Many are already placing Brady and Manning in the discussion of “who is the greatest quarterback of all-time,” and both are in serious contention to add another ring to their collection this season. Going into Sunday’s game Brady has thrown for 2364 yards and 16 touchdowns, and has led his team to an impressive 6-2 record. As good as Brady has been this season, Manning has outdone him through the halfway point. Manning has thrown for 2545 yards with 16 touchdowns, and also has his team off to an impressive start at 8-0. Once again these quarterbacks have their teams off to fantastic starts, and both teams are in the mix for Super Bowl contention. 

It is nearly impossible to choose between these two quarterbacks, but if you did have to choose you couldn’t go wrong with either. Manning is notorious for putting up mind-boggling numbers year after year, and will surely be near the top of every statistically category relevant to the quarterback position when his career ends. On the other hand Brady is known for his ability to come through in the clutch, to rise to the occasion and win the big game. Although Brady has caught up with Manning statistically after the Patriots acquired Randy Moss, he could not pull the win out in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants. Brady’s loss to the Giants, after a tremendous statistical year, increased the comparison between him and Manning, both struggling in a big game. 

All this week the media will put emphasis on the battle between Brady and Manning and make the game a simple battle of opposing quarterbacks. However, come Sunday these two quarterbacks will have to rely on their defenses and offensive lines in order to come out on top. Although Bill Belichick certainly has the edge on first year coach Jim Caldwell, the Colts have faced the Patriots enough to grasp an idea of what to expect on Sunday.  This game will be another classic Patriots-Colts clash that will only add to the grandeur of this matchup over the past decade.