"It's kinda hard to play quarterback with no receivers."
I bet Peyton Manning would agree.
On Sunday night, Manning threw six interceptions—thanks in part to a depleted wide receiver corps.
The performance may have marked a breakthrough in the Manning v. Tom Brady debate.
After the game, I found myself thinking back to 2001, 2003, and 2004—when some guy named Tom won Super Bowl rings with the likes of David Givens, Deion Branch, and David Patten at receiver.
Consider what those guys have done since leaving New England:
- Givens is currently behind Biren Ealy on the Tennessee depth chart.
- Branch has scored a grand total of five TDs in 19 games with the Seahawks.
- Patten has managed 50 total receptions in 23 games with two different teams...after posting 61 catches as a third-stringer for the Pats in 2002.
Sense a trend here?
Even with mediocre wideouts, Brady found a way to win three Super Bowls in six years.
Take Peyton's lethal weapons away from him for one game, and you get six interceptions and a loss... to the struggling Chargers.
I wonder how Manning would have fared in Foxboro all those years with the limited talent Brady had at his disposal—but I'll leave the answer up to your imagination.
I think we have our winner, sports fans.
You can tell me why my writing stinks in the comments section below or at TheScoreBoards.com.
I'd like to thank C.E. Zickefoose, also known as Laurence Maroney, for bringing this to my attention. Cheers buddy.
67 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
I fully agree. Brady is the better quaterback, no question.
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marianne meehan about 1 year ago
Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady. Tom Brady is a better quarterback but overall player I would choose Manning. The reason why is Manning is a perfectionist, always on the sidelines studying to be better and fortunately had a laser rocket arm. Yeauhh Imma Colts Fan, true and blue, proud of it too.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
You're an asshole.
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
You're insightful.
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Roy MacB about 1 year ago
Tom Brady IS the BEST QB of all time....... bar None
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Roy MacB about 1 year ago
I'd bet his daddy is pretty pissed at him after this display from his number one little boy.
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demetrius craig about 1 year ago
Peyton is the best quaterback alive.
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Mycroft Holmes about 1 year ago
Nail on the head, Chris. Well said. I was surprised nobody mentioned this on ESPN or the NFL Net in the past 36 hrs. Oh wait...I'm NOT surprised. There's a price on the Pats' head, and Goodell is signing the checks (and posting the wanted posters).
It's just like last week when I was amazed that nobody outside N.E.'s fan base uttered a peep about the atrocious officiating last Sunday.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
This is fairly obvious to anyone who isn't a Patriot hater or a member of the mainstream media. We've been saying it for years and it's nice to see the Colts whine about how they would be winning if Harrison were there, nevermind the fact that Brady played 7 full games without Deion Branch in 2004 on the way to 14-2 and a Superbowl title. The Patriots teams in 03 and 04 were the most injured teams ever to win Superbowls, I don't want to hear the Colts whine. Brady > Manning, end of debate.
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Marcus Wyche about 1 year ago
I fully agree with what you are saying and I am NOT surprised that the media(ESPN) is not talking much about it. Merrill Hodge has gone as far as to say that even though the Patriots had a bye week, that they should be moved to number 2 in the power rankings behind Pittsburgh. He's an idiot!!! No one want to give the Brady his due. I hope they do go all the way and beat the hell out of everyone they have left on their schedule. Let the masses whine about that!!
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Nathaniel Moreira about 1 year ago
Just so everyone knows, I am a HATER of any team coached by Belicheat--that said (and keep in mind I like Manning a LOT more than Brady) I think Brady is the better quarterback.
Steve Young said it best last night (though he was referring to why Alex Smith suck so bad) that a good quarterback is in charge on the field, and will find a way to win regardless. I would personally like to add the caveat that a good O-line really makes the difference (even Brady always had a good O-line) but Manning is hardly ever rushed for time and simply seems to be not as good as Brady.
HOWEVER, Manning is still (and has always been) one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but Tom Brady is better.
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Bryan Goldberg about 1 year ago
Brady is having the finest QB season ever, and, honestly, more power to him. He has always been labeled as a big-game player capable of leading a skilled team, which is great, but nobody really saw him as the dominant 16-game gunman ala Favre or Manning.
What he's doing this year is nothing short of incredible. Give him one talented receiver, albeit a slightly aged one, and magic ensues.
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ron seub about 1 year ago
brady is a better QB, but Manning is a better player overall...... and thats not a knock on BRady, manning just does way more than any other player in the NFL.
dumb ppl just can't get it..........
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
of course Manning does a lot more than any other player. He's too busy trying to decide which commercial to star in next. Smart people think that's a better thing than playing football. I guess that's why they're so smart; make money without having to look like an idiot on a Sunday Night. Wait....
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
First - you are an idiot. Beli-cheat?? It was a fricking RULE about taping - its not like his linemen are wrapping bricks in their arm pads, fer chrissakes. They WROTE THE RULE because everyone was doing it. EVERYONE. Why don't you look into NFL history and see where teams were fined 1st round draft choices and get a clue.
2nd, Brady is a better field manager, runner, has better peripheral vision, and does the 2 minute drill better than anyone since Roger Staubach.
Peyton's Daddy was a better quarterback, but never ever had the tools that Peyton does. Eli stinks too. Peyton is like Drew Bledsoe - a great arm, but he freaks under pressure and runs like a girl.
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Roy MacB about 1 year ago
You got it all right,,,,,Go pats
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
"Branch has scored a grand total of five TDs in 19 games with the Seahawks."
And the most he ever had in a season with Brady was....5 touchdowns.
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
So you agree that he's not that great of a wide receiver? I guess I've made my point then...
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Roy MacB about 1 year ago
The great Dion branch,,,the big money hold out.?? He would be back in NE in a heart beat if BB called him! He's kind of a loser now and he knows it.
Look at Viniteri , he never missed kick when he was playing for BB and now it's every game. Maybe BB knew about the right ankle,,like a great coach should ??
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
The point is his statistics did not suffer very much by going from the Patriots to the Seahawks.
In contrast to Manning's #3 all time most prolific receiver, Marcus Pollard (he was the guy the Patriots held on every play in the AFC Championship a few years ago - without a single flag) has a grand total of 4 TD's in the last 3 seasons after leaving Indy. I would say that is more of a drop-off than Deion Branch. Brandon Stokely never did much with any other QB besides Manning either, he never had more than 3 TD's in a season before coming to the Colts or since leaving the Colts. Most of Manning's early receivers have busted out of the league too. Marvin Harrison's stats were also strangely pedestrian before Manning.
Maybe Manning's receivers look better because of Manning.
Yes, Manning had a horrible game in San Diego. Though if you remember Brady has bad games too. Just last season, throwing 4 picks at home against the Colts, as well as throwing for a whopping 75 yards when Miami shut out the Patriots last December.
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Ryan Drake about 1 year ago
How can we criticize Manning for his poor play based on one game without his receivers, yet ignore the fact that Brady's play in this season so far has been with GREAT receivers? Your point proves too much. And am I mistaken, or wasn't Deion Branch a Pro-Bowler? I do agree with regards to Patten, though. If you look at his numbers, his career stats are like a bell-curve. He was terrible, then great at New England, and then terrible again. As much as I despise Tom Brady and his pretty boy ass-jaw, I acknowledge the fact that you can't ask for more in a quarterback.
One last point: I think we need to look at the bigger picture. It's not just about quarterbacks and wide receivers. It's also about offensive lines, playcalling, and establishing a run game. The quarterback does not sit in a bubble. I don't want to go out on too far of a limb here, but I would say that the Patriots and hence Brady may have a leg up in some of the other departments. They are just a better all around team, which tends to make your quarterback look better.
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Roy MacB about 1 year ago
What else should we criticize him for if not for his playing ? And , every game,! ???
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
The point is that Brady had some pretty darn good numbers when he DIDN'T have the receivers that he's had this season. Branch was only a pro-bowler because Brady was throwing him the football. I would be pretty confident in predicting that Branch won't make the pro bowl again during his career.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Ryan, careful, you are discussing actual football concepts. Try to remember that Brady won all those Super Bowls all by himself. And the fact that he threw picks at the end of both playoff games last year (Troy Brown bailed him out with the strip in San Diego) does not mean he is not Mr. Clutch, and the Best QB of All Time.
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
I actually didn't dispute his comments about football being more than just quarterbacks and receivers. I happen to agree with those statements. The problem with that is, it's not what my article was about. It was about a quarterbacks performance given a certain level of talent.
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Aaron Keel about 1 year ago
You Pats fans make me sick, you guys are the most obnoxious fans in the entire sports world.
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
Care to explain?
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Roy MacB about 1 year ago
You make me sick Dork !! You just criticized everyone on this forum for nothing ??
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Jorge McKie about 1 year ago
I think your logic is flawed. It's not simply about the quality of the receivers, but also about consistency and working together as a team. Think about all-star games in any sport - a well-drilled squad of average players could probably take down a hastily-assembled all-star team (think about some of our 'dream teams' in the Olympics). As for the quality of the receivers, one of the things about a great team is that everyone plays better - they feed off each other. Look at Edgerrin James and where his numbers went with the Cardinals. One of the interesting things about both the Pats and the Colts is the degree to which they grow their own talent. It was a rough day for Manning, but I don't think it 'settles' anything about who is better - not that it's a very good question to begin with.
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T Parky about 1 year ago
Jorge has hit the nail on the head its a team game and ALL players shine when they all work in the system as they all state during interviews and belichick has them all on this ride together and we get to enjoy it
he some how convinced good players to play together then brings in a standout and (washed up guys) and tones them down or gears them up to fit in (cory dillion style) and all the others
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Take note, any WR play with Brady, will have tremendous stats. Remember Rache.. Rache who? From troy Brown to Dion Branch, they were average players, that Brady made them look good. With no stars he still won big games. Manning always had better WRs than Brady no insane person can deny it. But when Manning loses his stars, he rattles. Give Brady Marven Harrison and Wayne, Brady will still do magic. Now Brady is beating Manning not only with wins but also with numbers. 131+ rating.. wow. Give Brady WRs for next few years. Look what will happen.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Let's look at this realistically. Brady had entire seasons to understand his wide receiver's skills and set up game plans to revolving around their capabilities. Manning and the Colts had a single week. This was a single game where the Colt's had to improvise and insert players who would not usually play more than a couple of plays a game. They were having to step up and try to play an entire game. The blame for the poor play can't be totally placed on Manning. Don't get me wrong, Manning tried to force things all night and had a terrible game. But a single game can't determine the difference between Manning and Brady. Were Manning to play an entire season with these guys and consistently play this poor, then you can all crown Brady as the better quarterback. But until that occurs, in my opinion, the Manning vs. Brady argument will still be up in the air.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Patten is actually flourishing in the Saints system this year with Drew Brees. So in reality it wasnt all Brady.
One game and all of a sudden the better QB debate is over? Please. Pats fans are telling us Colts fans that we whine? All I heard from Pats fans last year was bitching about how they lost to the Colts in the AFC Championship game. You should be grateful you even made it that far because if it wasnt for Marlon McCree's stupid fumble you wouldnt even have the chance to whine. Manning had Aaron Moorehead and Crosapho Thrope playing. Try to grasp what that is my friends. Both came into the game with a career 32 catches. Im sure Branch, Givens and Patten were all better than those 2. Dallas Clark was also gone. So in his place there was Bryan Fletcher. Yes Reggie Wayne was still there but the man was doubled almost every single play. Teams can do that when the other players playing have almost no experience what so ever...
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Take Colts-Chargers game out of the picture. Through week 8 it was a fair level field, and Brady for the first time in his role, got equally good receivers. (Wes welker was nobody before). So on a fair and level field, Brady outperformed Manning, fair and square. Lets see how Brady will perform if he has talented receivers in the future. Time will tell. Also Brady has significant less experience at Pro level than Manning. Manning had 3 full years of more experience than Brady. Manning has about 33% more games than what Brady played (Manning 153, Brady 105), so Brady had only 2/3 of experience when compared to Manning. Brady had his first 15 game year in 2001. Watch with more games and years in front of him Brady will be better and better. Manning is one of the top QB's, no question, but any person who can deep dive in to a fair comparison, will agree, Brady is the superior QB.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I am not a Pats fan, I favour Redskins, however, I admit, Brady is the QB I like to see playing for our team. Sorry guys, not Manning.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Guys, if you can not decide who is better overall, include the 3rd dimension....give it to brady, he has the rings, model girls and glamour looks. You guys like Manning because you hate Brady for hist success and his girls!!!
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unknown about 1 year ago
Manning has the better arm and helped the offense to be the better offense than NWE every year in scoring and pass yds./ game way more than Brady. Manning could only win one ring because they just developed their defense. Brady won 3 rings because yes he can manage the game but the defense was there to help too year after year. DON'T look at the rings to make the debate.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
You guys are just looking at QB and receivers. Someone said this before and it's true; you have to look at the entire picture.
Nothing gets done without the O-line.
Having a stable defense means there's less pressure on the QB to perform (NE in early 00's)
System players. That's what I believe Brady is. Being poised and clutch is all him no doubt about that, but being in a good system is huge. Look at San Antonio in the NBA. Half their team were no bodies before they arrived there. Stability helps a lot. I read an article a couple of years ago comparing the Spurs to the Pats. That's a perfect comparison because the Spurs' point guard (Tony Parker) was mediocre before and last year he got the NBA finals MVP. No one would've predicted that before. System player.
I guess I'm trying to say that Manning has more talent, while Brady is a clutch player who's gotten a bit more out of himself. But there's a lot more on Manning's shoulders. With no defense there's more pressure on the offense. Brady on the other hand was a supplement to the running game, the exception being this year. This year I think Brady has everything better than Manning including the biggest difference, COACHING.
Football is the sport most affected by coaching and as much as I don't like him, Belichick is the best coach in the game. His playcalling and defensive schemes run the Pats, not Brady. Brady is the poster boy, Belichick is the real genius in NE.
Btw, THIS IS JUST MY OPINION.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Actually, you are wrong. This year Colts have better and younger defense (wich f.e. kept in the game despite 5 interception of Manning, 6th does not count), has a clearly better running back, has a great O ball. Manning was barely touched in most games, has less sacks than Brady, and mostly he has the same amount of time to throw. And Dungy is a great coach.
Before this season: Manning played with the same receivers for years. While the Brady's receiver corps always changed. Saying that Harrison was injured, but Brady had time to adjust earlier: really? Deion Branch(who did not lost significant amount of TD-s, but yards. And he not mad TD-s but helped to make lots of short yardage TD-s for running game. This is what he misses now) Last year second week departure of Branch was like season blow out injury of Harrison for Manning. Think about it. Last year: Pats even in October they got a new receiver (who was cut by other teams). Brady worked with him too fine.
And where is last years leading receiver of Pats? Caldwell is 4th or 5th WR of Redskins. Where is Doug Gabriel from last year? 24 TD with Caldwell, Gabriel, Gaffney? (I was wonrering if Manning has same kind of receivers, with so many simple but still dropped balls...what we would have heard from Peyton in the media all year long...?)
And this year: Moss was considered old and slow ...and did not practice most part of the off season, did not play at all. And Wes Welker: every single year started with guessing at the Fins, whether or not he was cut. During his full carrier W.W. has 1 TD. (OK, to be honest, I rather consider this as the total incompetnce of the Fins' coaching staff) So Brady makes his numbers with real talents who was considered almost as junk at other teams. And they have barely enough time to work togheter. How long Manning was together with Harrison? And with Harrison AND Wayne?
And back to the O lines: Manning has EVERY year significantly fewer sacks than Brady AND better running game, so his O line could not be that bad. AND he has Pro Bowl receivers he played together for years. So is it not a bit too harsh to say, that he made everything by him while Brady is the product of the system?
To this dispute some additional points: watch Belichik stats before Brady. And Dungy's stats before Manning. The numbers says: the (much) bigger improvement was Brady for B.B.
Before the 2001 season (1st NE superbowl) there was a survey for NFL scouts. Wich is the weakest team, wich has he least chance to get SB or even play offs in the next 5 years. They named NE at first place (for the record: 2. was the Chargers) And B.B. considered the coach to be fired soon after his first NE season.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
all you colts fans that say you hate tom brady are just jealous cause your quarterback cost you the game!!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
brady is by far the best quarterback. he has had an exceptional season and is doing awesome. peyton manning sucks ass
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Joshua Shive about 1 year ago
dy vs. Manning a debate that has been stewing ever since Brady won three Super Bowls and Manning broke Marino's record for most touchdown passes in a singleseason. Honestly i think that they both have their own strengths to be on he top. Manning has his superbness (I don't even know if that is a word)but anyways Manning is always studying for his next move and studying what he dirong on his last move. He has great vision and can read a defense better than most of the offensive coordinators in the league. Did i mention he has the record for the ost touchdowns in a single season. Now to Brady, What more can you say a second stringer at Michigan who rose to the challenge in the NFL when he won his first Super Bowl. He is also a perfectionist with his great pocket pressence and smart throws. I know he has a great front line. But the one thing that makes Brady more dominant is the three rings on his fngers that might i add that it was a team effort but this little key is the ultimate prize to any football player to achieve that ultimate goal. You can be the worst Quarterback in the league and win 3 Super Bowls and be remembered. Now Brady has weapons on his side too, and his numbers are starting to rise durastically. My opinion Tom Brady will be remembered as the better Quarterback.
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Jordan Alexander about 1 year ago
Manning's the better quarterback. This past week he had a wide receiver core of Reggie Wayne (clearly good), Aaron Moorehead (who?) and Craphonso Thorpe (who names their kid Craphonso?). This core is undoubtedly worse than Troy Brown, David Givens, David Patten, and Deion Branch, along with a solid core of tight ends in Daniel Graham, Christian Fauria, and Ben Watson. Brady had weapons and also had a great scheme that basically didn't let him mess up. He ran the west coast offense and rarely, if ever, threw a pass more than 15 yards. Now he's finally having the breakout season that we were waiting for because he has weapons. Yes, Manning has always had Harrison and Wayne, and he's prospered, but to use the argument that Manning now knows what it's like to play without receivers is flawed. Brady had quality receivers as Brown and Branch were both pro-bowlers. He also had the luxury of having the league's best offensive line every season so he had 30 minutes per play to throw a 6 yard curl to Fauria. Manning doesn't have that time, and he actually calls his own plays making me believe that he's the smarter of the two and understands defenses before he even sees the play happen, instead of reacting to what goes on. Brady is clearly good, but he'll never be Peyton Manning.
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Grant Sanders about 1 year ago
Want to know what Manning would look like in NE with so-so receivers? He would have looked like Drew Bledsoe in 2000 before the injury.
Great arm. Good football head. Father was a coach. Loved him He was our guy. But he couldn't win.
Enter Tom Brady, a guy who eats, sleeps and sweats "winner."
I do think Manning is exceptional. But Brady could quit the NFL tomorrow and be a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. And he keeps getting better.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
This article is awesome.
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
^Thanks^
:)
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Jordan, please...
Reche Caldwell, Doug Gabriel, Jabar Gaffney. Brday made 12-4 with this guys, and led his team into AFC Championship game.
And saying that Harrison and Wayne is not far better then the Pats ex-receivers is weird. And actually, there was only 1 year, when Brady had a Pro Bowl receiver. And Manning has 2 multiple PB WR-s, and a multiple Pro Bowl TE. Harrison probably a future HOF.
Not to mention: Mannng had a great O line. a lot fewer sackes allowed EVERY year, and strong running game for Colts with Jones than with addai. This needs great O line work too. The Colts had weaker defense for sure, but stating that Brady had more simple job is a complete nonsense. And if West coast offense is so easy...why not playing it?
BTW, dear Jordan, before you handle your statemants as facts:
40+ yards passis from Manning in last 3 years(2005, 2006, 2007): 6, 7, 5 From Brady: 9, 8, 6
Manning: 20+: 45, 53, 32 Brady 20+: 59, 46, 33
so much about risks...
Manning yard/game 8,3 7,9 7,6
Brady: 7,8 6,8 9,0
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Finally an honest sports writer. I've always thought that Brady was better than Manning ever since he won his first Superbowl. I don't understand people saying Brady is a better quarterback but Manning is a better football player. What?? isn't Manning a quarterback like Brady? that's all they do. they don't play defense. Manning is a great actor however. I've seen Brady in commercials and he suck.
However, Brady will also say that Manning is better. He's always look up to Manning who he also
happens to be friends with. They're both smart, study plays all the time, always gracious toward
their opponents, and work hard to win. but another think about Brady that I don't see in most
athletes is that he doesn't think he's a great athlete; so he works extra because he's afraid of
failing. He knows how to deal with success, by being humble, because he has experienced what it's like to be at the bottom many times over. He's dating supermodels now but he'll admit that he couldn't even get a date when he wasn't famous; maybe another example of women attracted to
money and fame rather than the person. anyway, the fact that he's genuinely humble and always giving credit to others but never taking them, I think sets him apart from others and young kids can
learn from him on how to be a good athlete and a role model.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
True. Brady will never go out to the media and say I was left alone, X. and y. and Z. did not play good enough that's why we lost. He pointing to players only to praise them never to critisice them publicly. (Except if the object of the critic is himself. )
And Brady started his College football carrier as 7th(!) string QB, and worked himself first to back up QB, than into starter. At New England he started as 4th(!) string. (Most team never has more than 3 QB-s BTW.) So he knows what hard work means. And he comes first and goes last in trainings.
Actually when some people say Brady was not as naturally talented as X or Z i had to disagree. Because he had everything what you can not teach. What he missed was some muscles, but with hard work you can build of enough. He was born with strong will and great brainposwer, and worked hard enough to get very strong armes too.
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Bospat about 1 year ago
Discussion over...Although Peyton is a better actor..Cut that meat!
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
By now the debate is over folks, truth is we are just home bloggies.. Hear from the top and most respected, both Madden and Parcells said Brady is the best ever. Do not waste any more time trying to argue Manning is better..
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Awesome. SO MUCH WORD! I've always felt Brady never had the talented receivers to pad his passing stats while Manning gets all the statistical praise, yet he still carries them to those Superbowls. Jump to 2007, insert a struggling star receiver by the name of Randy Moss and bam! The onslaught of TDs ensue! Records are shattering all over the place and Brady emerges as the GOAT bar none.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Trade Moss for Harrison and Wayne, and Brady will still throw his 6TDs and Manning his 7........................... INTs. OHHH SHIT THAT JUST HAPPENED!
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Baruch Landa about 1 year ago
Wow...People just don't understand. OK let's analyze step by step:
O-line INDY vs NE: equal
WRs INDY vs NE: a little edge to INDY (until 2007 season)
RB INDY vs NE: a little edge to INDY
TEs INDY vs NE: INDY
D-line INDY vs NE: a little edge to INDY
LBs INDY vs NE: NE
CBs INDY vs NE: NE
FS/SS INDY vs NE: a little edge to NE
Now that we have that established we can move on.
Correct me if I'm wrong (which I'm not) but since 2001, this has been the case between the Pats-Colts rivalry (maybe with one season exception in 2004).
To everyone who disagrees with this article: you're a lunatic.
Let's see. We all know that defense wins titles, not offense, unless you have someone superhuman (clutch). Unfortunately, Manning isn't clutch. Even when he was sensational against the NE defense, Tom Brady came back....in the clutch. I have yet to see Manning perform in the clutch against NE. And don't bring up the AFC championship game in 2004. That wasn't clutch. In fact, Manning failed twice in the fourth quarter to move the ball and continue the clock. The last score of the game was with 14 minutes left in the 4th quarter (by Joseph Addai by the way, not Manning). He had to rely on his defense. It was 3rd and 4 with a little over 2 minutes left and if Tom brady would have completed that, I'm pretty confident that the Pats would've been victorious. Manning wouldn't have been able to rally them, he never has. Although I would like to see him do it, he just doesn't have it in him.
On another note to the people who brought up the WR issues -- Harrison and Wayne were always known as decent to good receivers while NO ONE even heard of Branch, Givens, and Patten. And Brandon Stokley? Ok I'll give you that one, but that happens in every sport. Look at what MJ did to his players. Look at what D-Wade does to his players. And Wes Welker? Who's the idiot who said he was nothing before NE? Yea he's definitely better than he was in Miami, but he was still considered a decent receiver in Miami.
The bottom line is that although Peyton is a great QB, he's not as good as Brady. Anyone in the NFL is obviously there because they have talent, but you need the instincts and the "clutchness" to win. Would you rather have LeBron James or MJ? Both are/was exceptional players, but you know MJ will always show up during AND in the clutch of the game. That's what matters most.
By the way, I hate the Pats but you gotta give it up to them.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Some dumb people (namely Manning worshippers) used to cite stats as reason why Manning's better than Brady, despite that Brady's winning all the time and don't have decent receivers (except for Branch). Now that this argument is not working any more, they start vaguely stating that Manning's a better "Player" because he does more. He certainly does throw more INTs, that doesn't make him a better player. He might be managing the offense more than Brady, and we all saw how well he does that when he loses one good receiver. He sucks (compared to Brady), and his game management/play calling sucks, when he loses one good receiver. He's always bailed out by great people around him, and his O-line's as good as Brady's for the last few years and he has a better running back the last 2 years. His play calling certainly is not great if you consider he needs all the great weapons they have to pull his plays off, otherwise, 6 INTs! End of discussion. Wake up, Colts fans! But I guess you're preaching to the deaf when you talk to Colts fans - they're the worst bunch of whiners and excuse-makers because they were so bad for so many years, and when they were good, they simply couldn't win the big one.
Last year, Brady's top receiver was Reche Caldwell and he DID NOT EVEN make it on the field for Washington Redskins this year. What did Brady do last year with these no-name receivers, no good running back and a VERY average, if not bad, defense? He's one play away from winning another big game against Colts and win another ring. Brady simply carried the whole team to AFC champ game and almost won in RCA dome. Manning can't even lose one receiver. Manning fans simply stick their heads in the sand and chant "Manning's the best" all day without offering real evidence. They just whine after every loss that "We don't have Harrison, otherwise we'd ... " Yeah, but you had your superman Manning, didn't you? What a sorry bunch of losers.
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Transom Sailor about 1 year ago
First, anyone who doesn't recognize the greatness of both Brady and Manning is either dumb as a post or not a football fan. I am a Pats fan, but after the Colts beat the Pats last year, I was rooting for Indy to win the SB. Why? Because they have been a fun team to watch, Manning and Harrison and the rest of their stars have been great for years and they deserved it. Any team with Brady or Manning at the helm has a chance to win every week.
Second, Brady is having an awesome year. Yes, he has great receivers, but look closely and you will see that most of his passes are so accurately thrown they are impossible to defend. Yes, super-freak Moss has caught a few jump balls, but plenty of his catches have also been on balls thrown where only he could catch them. On the other hand, Manning is having an off-year, at least for him. I have to assume that all the injuries are part of the reason, if not all of the reason. Let's remember, too, that the Colts are 8-2. Manning has had a couple bad games, but he's also had a bunch of good games, and played well-enough to win in a couple, too.
Overall, I'll take Brady. His playoff record is incredible, even with the loss to the Colts last year. BUT... that's no disrespect to Manning.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Well said
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
BRADY~~~BRADY!!! BRADY!!!! Enough said
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David McDermott about 1 year ago
Great article, it's like you're reading my mind...As much as I despise Peyton Manning I admit he has skill. Still I think that Bradys record speaks for itself (3 superbowls, zero elite wide out targets to help). It's almost sad to Watch Brady this year because his numbers are so good that you have to wonder what might have been had the Pats management clued in earlier and given him some weapons 5 years ago. In all likelihood his career stats will fall short of the likes of Favre, Marino, Elway, Montana, etc. but not my much...and if he had had talent to throw to since he took over for Bledsoe he might well have been able to become the most efficient passer in NFL history.
Anyway let by-gones be by-gones I guess...Brady is extracting his revenge this year now that he has teammates who can get open and catch the ball. 16-0 and a 4th ring will be a great remedy for earlier "frustration" (if you count 3 superbowls and hall of fame stats as frustrating).
Manning has talent but without his boyfriend Harrison he is showing his mortality. Personally I like the Eli version of Manning better - crappier and in the NFC therefore less of a threat to the Pats. Until of course week 17 this year when the Pats will be 15-0 and bidding for an undefeated season.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Peyton Manning won the superbowl with the worst-statistic regular season defense in the history, that in itself is a wonder. Manning won his superbowl by a margin greater than all 3 of Vinatieri's superbowls, oops, I meant Brady's combined. To all you people who say oh, well, Brady has worst receivers....well, Brady has had a MUCH better defense starting from 2000. Linebackers from their very first superbowl win are still playing sheesh. Asante Samuel and Ty Law (left recently) are cornerstone secondary players, with a famous run stuffing linebacker corps.
How many players needed to win a superbowl? 22
How many players needed to break or on pace to break almost every single qb stat? 2
Sure, Brady is having the season of his life, but edging the Colts by 4 (with late strip sacks) without 8 Colts starters by the "best team in NFL history?" Randy Moss single-handedly doing cirus catches to grab Brady's inaccurate passes all night? I'm not impressed.
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Chris Radez about 1 year ago
you must not have read the article. It wasn't about the Pats/Colts game.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Brady the backup QB walked onto the 2001 NE team and they won a superbowl.
What does that mean?
It was obviously a well established defense + running offense that led them there. Brady's nothing but a system player who got fortunate enough to placed on top 5 defenses every single year. If he was good, he would have been starting instead of Bledsoe. Sure, he's improved since, but in no way was he a godsend that single handedly won those superbowls.
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Daniel Collins about 1 year ago
Compare receivers...
Talent is based on what you have done, or should I say... "Known for" before you came onto the team.
Tom Brady's receivers are much better than Peyton's receivers no matter how long they have been apart of a team....Imagine if Peyton Manning has Randy Moss, Wes Walker, and Donte' Stallworth on the receiving end...
The difference in manning's game would be more touchdowns, because they are much faster than the receivers he is with now.
Randy moss would be having the same or better season than now...
It's the receiving core, mixed with the coach of your team.
I give it to Belichick,
He is a mastermind...
Manning is a coach of his own... He has a stronger arm, equal accuracy, he's smarter than brady... Reads defenses better, but he just doesn't have a 7 foot 4 giant to throw to... But he makes things happen, and he is a winner...
Vinateri was the patriots winner, but without him, they haven't won since... If you win games on the performance of your kicker... That's not a personal win...
Brady did not win 3 super bowls... without vinateri and now that he's gone... Let's see if they win,
Manning won that super bowl...
PEYTON performed at that superbowl... and completed all tasks in his wake... all mvp's... When Brady and Manning played at the pro-bowl... With the SAME wide-receivers...
Who always shines!?
Peyton Manning...
Why?
Because he is better...
I see these Redskins fans talking about they want Brady on our team...
I'm a Redskins fan...
And I want Manning...
No other Quarterback...
Stop comparing Tom Brady to Peyton Manning...
Before This season, Tom Brady's statistics were Par...Championships because of kicker's...
They dominated the Colts once! that 20-3 win... maybe twice,
But don't get carried away...
Compare him to Carson Palmer,
I bet you'll find intriging stats... hahaha
As far as 1 bad game to San Diego? Did you watch the game? it was actually 5 picks... 1 desperation pass isn't really the personification of an interception. Misreads, receivers not used to Peyton Mannings On Field adjustments,
and when he called a play, they went the other way... and bam... an interception...
Don't fall trip to that game...
It wasn't because he didn't have his favorite target,
They just aren't used to someone who has the ability to read a defense, change an offense, and make you target of the next desired play...
Don't fall prey to these Retards that bathe in their own Tom Brady fantasy's,
Manning making a couple commercials ain't do no harm.. Their kind of funny I suggest...
But people parade Tom Brady like he's the king... Now they are saying that he dresses better than Jay-Z...
Crazy People
The Names Daniel...
Write me a note
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David Caudell about 1 year ago
Your argument doesn't make any sense. You compare the two QBs when throwing to no name receivers. You say that levels the playing field. You say Brady is better because he won three super bowls with no name receivers and Manning threw 6 interceptions. Yes, Brady's receivers during his super bowl years were no names, but he had worked with them in practice every day from training camp to preseason to regular season. He didn't win with practice squad receivers, they were starters and he knew them well. QBs and receivers need time to perfect their timing and route running. During Mannings's six interception game, Manning had all of one week to get accustomed to the second and third stringers that he had to work with. They simply weren't used to each other. Don't try to say that don't matter, even the most casual NFL fans understand that concept. On at least three of those interceptions, Manning threw to a spot where he expected his receiver would be. It's called a timing route, and its probably the most common route a receiver runs. Even a great QB like Manning can't learn a second stringer's habits and tendencies in one week of practice. I'm not going to say who is the best QB, the are both surefire Hall of Famers, I'm just saying this is a poor argument and I would urge the author to learn a few things about the relationship between a QB and his receivers before writing any more articles.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I have to agree with you, David. This article was short sighted and compares season's worth of working together with throwing any healthy receiver available on the field.
Both are fantastic quarterbacks. Manning threw six interceptions in a game that ended with 4th and 5th string receivers in every play. It is unrealistic to compare this performance with the entire seasons that Brady had tow create a system with his "no-name" receivers.
Brady is now in a position that he has some of the best receivers in the game. Let's not forget that when Moss is motivated, he has a habit of making "bad" quarterbacks look like stars; put Brady in there and records fall.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
For the record, New England's running game hasn't been that great until recently. Hell, people didn't know who Maroney was until the later games of the season. He blocked more than he ran, and I'd argue that he didn't make a name for himself until the first game of the playoffs against my precious Jaguars. Maroney wasn't real useful until then. A true balanced team would be the aforementioned Jags with Garrard and then Taylor and Jones-Drew. The Pats don't run very much and with Brady, they don't need to. Manning can't take a game into his own like Brady so he needs a more proficient running game.
Further more, although your argument carries weight, the problem with it is that the Colts have been growing a defense over the past few years (Bob Sanders anyone?) and the Pats defense has been getting older. So although the defense tied has turned, the Pats are still proving to be the better team.
Ironically I'm also a Spurs fan...haha. Anyway Brady has done a lot more with his less years of experience than Manning, and Favre should look out because Brady should look to take a few of his records down the road.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Manning has the better arm and helped the offense to be the better offense than NWE every year in scoring and pass yds./ game way more than Brady. Manning could only win one ring because they just developed their defense. Brady won 3 rings because yes he can manage the game but the defense was there to help too year after year. DON'T look at the rings to make the debate.
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