Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have the ultimate quarterback rivalry.
Cue the western standoff music: arguably one of the greatest individual NFL rivalries of all time will continue this Sunday when Tom Brady takes on Peyton Manning.
The rivalry between two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history will be held for a 16th time, and I could easily see a possible 17th occurring during the playoffs in mid-January.
What makes this rivalry so great? For one, any mention about which player is better in a room of quarterback aficionados will spark a debate that could last for ages. Many claim Brady for his rings, others say Manning for his regular season prowess.
Let’s talk about where they stand as of now, however.
I’ll start with Manning. Could he possess any more football knowledge? When have you seen Manning not on the bench looking at aerial photographs at previous defensive formations? The man is a freak when it comes to studying the game and don’t even get me started on how much film he watches.
His control at the line of scrimmage is bar to none (“Omaha!”) and he gets the ball out of his hands from in the pocket in a confident, quick manner. His ability to throw a receiver open is remarkable. Although Manning may lack some of the arm strength he once had, he’s made up for it with his precision and accuracy.
Meanwhile, Brady is a pure gamer. It’s hard to realize that the man was drafted in the sixth round, well, unless you watch his rookie combine drills. Plus, most NFL coaches would not want to see Brady in the fourth quarter because has a clutch gene and always seems to make the key play to vault his team to the top.
Brady has been a master of working with less talent with his receivers, but he establishes chemistry with newcomers and makes them look better than they actually are.
Both have established themselves as familiar faces in the media as well. If you asked your grandmother to name two quarterbacks from the NFL she could possibly squeeze out Brady and Manning.
Manning has starred in multiple television commercials, giving viewers a usually awkward, possibly humorous moment. Brady is more known for his marriage to model Gisele Bündchen and also for his Uggs for Men advertising campaign.
As true leaders, playmakers, record-holders and winners, it’s hard to say who has the upper hand. On Sunday, you may be tempted to jump in on a nearby debate about whether Brady or Manning is better.
My advice is to save your words and just enjoy watching them both while you can, because this spectacular rivalry won’t last forever.
Nick Kairys is a freshman studying journalism and a sports writer for The Post. Who do you think is better: Peyton Manning or Tom Brady? Let him know @NKairys or nk596613@ohio.edu.
