Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning: Who Will Have a Better 2011 Season?

The day the Indianapolis Colts don't have Peyton Manning behind center in a meaningful game is the day the Colts have an exponential decline in talent and, consequently, their chances of winning diminish.

Well, that day could be coming sooner than we thought—Sept. 11 versus the Houston Texans, to be exact.

Neck surgery in May has put a temporary hold on the start Manning's 2011 campaign. So much so that his streak of 208 consecutive starts is now in serious jeopardy, as team officials have stated that the likelihood of him suiting up in the regular season opener is low. 

On Wednesday, Indy signed veteran Kerry Collins, who ends his brief retirement after initially hanging up the pads in July.

Collins can replace Manning in terms of experience on the football field. He certainly cannot replace Manning in terms of ability and leadership. That is what makes Peyton the most valuable player in the NFL on a yearly basis.

With Manning, the Colts have been a lock to win at least 10 games and are consistently one of the front-runners for the Super Bowl. Without him, they are miles behind the competition.

As Peyton is the driving force of Indy, Tom Brady is the face of the New England Patriots.

The two have been compared to death, especially since both have led their respective teams to multiple Super Bowls. 

Well, here comes another comparison.

Determining who's the better all-time quarterback is a difficult decision. Manning has the stats, Brady has the rings.

Determining who'll do better in 2011 is quite clear—the answer is the Pats' No. 12.

Last season, Brady compiled 3,900 passing yards along with 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Peyton had 4,700 yards through the air, 33 TD tosses and 17 picks.

While Brady can match—and even exceed—those numbers this season, Manning's injury will most certainly hamper him. The bothersome neck prevents him from being as fully prepared as one of the most studious QBs ever would like to be. 

But ailments aside, Brady will find more success this year as he possess more talent surrounding him that can bring New England the better shot at yet another ring.

The addition of wide receiver Chad Ochocinco will no doubt elevate Brady's top-flight passing ability.

The former Cincinnati Bengal, even in the latter part of his career, is one of many talented pieces on a Patriot team that is picked by many to win the AFC.

In a recent ranking by STATS Inc., New England led the way with nine representatives among the top 200 players in the NFL. That provides even more proof that Manning is the most indispensable figure in pro football. 

This season, Tom Brady will fare better in terms of overall statistics and team success. However, 2011 will be the year, due to recent developments, when we all fully understand the incredible value Peyton Manning has to his team's well-being.