Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady: A Look Inside the Numbers

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have often become the subjects of limitless comparisons. As they are usually viewed as the top two quarterbacks of their generation, it's only natural that people often want to compare the two of them.

Beyond being two of the best at their position this decade, the two men also happen to be budding rivals who have together gone on to create one of the most intense rivalries in the history of the National Football League.

For argument's sake, I'm going to take an in-depth look at both the regular season and postseason statistics posted by both these two quarterbacks. In doing so, I will attempt to cover everything from yards and touchdowns to quarterback rating and Super Bowl rings.

Lets first begin by stating the obvious fact that Peyton Manning has played longer than Tom Brady. Essentially, Manning has played about four more seasons than Brady. Brady was in college for Peyton's first two pro seasons and road the bench during 2000. A devastating knee injury sidelined Brady again for essentially, the entire 2008 season.

That now aside, lets take a look at the statistics posted by both quarterbacks in their first seven active seasons...

Peyton Manning: 2,464-of-3,880 (63.5%) for 29,460 yards; 216 TD passes, 120 INT's, 213 rushing attempts for 620 rushing yards, 9 rushing TD's, 38 fumbles (13 lost).

Tom Brady: 2,293-of-3,639 (63.0%) for 26,364 yards; 197 TD passes, 86 INT's, 267 rushing attempts for 533 yards, 5 rushing TD's, 65 fumbles (29 lost).

The Verdict: Peyton Manning had a slightly higher completion percentage. He threw for 3,096 more yards and 19 more touchdowns. Manning also threw 34 more interceptions. Brady on the other hand fumbled 27 more times than Manning, losing 16 more fumbles than Manning did.

The statistics presented above in the regular season are actually not as close as you'd think. I'll compare 2001-2007 to give you a more in-depth analysis.

In five out of those seven seasons, Manning had the higher completion percentage.

In five of the seven seasons, Manning passed for more yards.

In five of the seven seasons, Manning threw more touchdowns.

In four out of the seven seasons, Manning threw less interceptions.

In five out of the seven seasons, Manning fumbled less (once they were tied).

In five out of the seven seasons, Manning had the higher quarterback rating.

But if you want to look at the career numbers...

Manning has passed for over 4,000 yards nine times, Brady has only done so twice.

Manning has thrown over 30 touchdown passes four times, Brady has only done so once.

Manning has completed over 65 percent of his passes seven times, Brady has only done so once.

Manning has posted a quarterback rating over 90.0 eight times, Brady has only done so three times.

Those are the numbers. In my opinion, Brady had a fair amount of catching up to do after competing with Manning's first seven seasons. When you factor in an additional four Pro Bowl seasons, all with a quarterback rating higher than 95.0, then it puts Manning's numbers far out of reach.

To make things even more difficult, Brady barley played during his rookie season. Many might not consider this fair to be entered into the comparison, but Peyton played at a much higher level in college than Brady. Thus, he earned the right to play as a rookie. Your efforts in the college ranks do have a factor in your NFL career, and as a result Manning got to play an extra season.

Brady's knee injury this year was something he could not help. There is no fault to be had, but it did take what could have been a good year for him, away.

Brady is only one year younger than Manning so if you look at the comparison logically, he's very far behind. I'm not saying it's all fair, but that's how it is.

In my opinion, Peyton is the clear winner here.

The only argument you have against him is the turnover area, but if your counting both interceptions and fumbles, Manning turned the ball over 18 more times but scored 19 more times while accumulating many more yards through the air. As bad as any turnover can be, the worst it does is give your opponent the chance to score some points. Touchdowns guarantee your team six points right there on the spot. 

Also worthy of consideration is the fact that Manning was forced to take over his 3-13 team from day one. He carried all of the pressure of a No. 1 overall selection and had far greater expectations than that of Brady (only a sixth-round selection).

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