Brady vs. Manning! What more really needs to be said? My feelings on the two future Hall of Famers are well known (Good vs. Best: Joe Knows Football, Nov. 27, 2013). However this latest installment of the rivalry promises to be the most exciting meeting of them all.
Peyton Manning has just completed one of the all-time greatest, if not the greatest, regular season any quarterback has ever accomplished. He set numerous NFL records, including most touchdown passes (55) and most yards passing (5,477). He commanded an offense that scored 606 points, an average of 37.9 per game. Also NFL records. All while leading the Broncos to a 13 – 3 record, tied for best in the league, and a second straight Division Crown.
As for Tom Brady, his season could possibly have been even better than Manning’s. Not statistically of course but by leading an offense, many though would be inadequate, to a 12 – 4 mark. Brady’s offense withstood a number of hits this season. Preseason losses of his favorite receiver, ironically to Manning, and his second tight end, to the law. Each added an extra challenge to Brady’s genius. Yet he adapted. He also overcame week to week changes to his receiving corps along with a season ending injury to tight end Rob Gronkowski. In the end he led the Patriots to their eleventh AFC East Title in his 13 years as the starter.
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On Sunday the two will match up for the 15th time in their careers. It will be their fourth meeting in the playoffs. Two all-time greats, competing with the Conference Championship as the prize. Two artists with football in their hands possibly meeting for the last time. Let’s just sit back and enjoy…
