We’ve got some incredible quarterbacks in this new era. Pat Mahomes leads the way. He’s the Stephen Curry of football. He’s made throws you’ve never seen before.
And then you’ve got guys like Lamar Jackson. Michael Vick 2.0. He’s as fast as your WR1 and can throw a ball with an accuracy that would make Steve McNair blush.
But before I ever write a full article on a Next-Gen quarterback, it’s only right that I dust off old opinion of mine. It never was the popular opinion, but it is the correct one:
Peyton Manning was better than Tom Brady.
When comparing Peyton Manning to Tom Brady, it’s essential to start with the idea that Manning was not only a better quarterback but also a more intelligent and versatile leader on the field.
Peyton Manning’s football IQ was ultimately unmatched; he wasn’t just a player but an on-field offensive coordinator, calling audibles and dissecting defenses with precision few have matched. Manning threw for an incredible 539 touchdowns across 266 games, compared to Tom Brady’s 649 in 335 games.
Manning’s ability to act as a de facto offensive coordinator, constantly adjusting plays based on his unique ability to read defenses, set him apart as a football savant.
His cerebral approach and control over the offense, from audibles to play-calling, demonstrated a level of strategic mastery that even Brady didn’t consistently exhibit.
The careers of both quarterbacks were shaped by distinct paths. Manning, the son of legendary quarterback Archie Manning, was destined for greatness from an early age.
His football pedigree combined with his work ethic helped him become the first overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Although he struggled initially, throwing 28 interceptions as a rookie, Manning quickly became a dominant force.
On the other hand, Tom Brady’s rise was more unexpected. Drafted in the sixth round in 2000, Brady capitalized on an opportunity to replace Drew Bledsoe in New England. Though less celebrated initially, Brady’s career took off with early Super Bowl success, often supported by one of the best defenses in NFL history.
When we take an objective, quantitative look, there’s a solid case as to why Peyton Manning was actually a better quarterback than Tom Brady.
Manning was essentially the more efficient quarterback, as Peyton Manning’s touchdown rate was approximately 2.03 touchdowns per game, with 539 touchdowns over 266 games.
In comparison, Tom Brady’s rate was around 1.94 touchdowns per game, with 649 touchdowns over 335 games.
Manning also set the NFL record for touchdown passes in a single season with 49 in 2004, a mark that held for several years until Tom Brady barely surpassed it with 50. Manning’s response? A 55 Touchdown Season after his neck was surgically repaired.
Manning didn’t rely on a high-powered, dynastic defense like Brady did with the Patriots—his offensive acumen was the core of his team’s success.
Although Manning didn’t accumulate the same number of Super Bowl wins as Brady, his regular-season dominance stands out. Over his career, Manning was a five-time MVP, further proving his dominance as a regular-season leader. Brady’s postseason success often overshadows his somewhat less stellar regular-season performances
While Manning’s rookie year was far from perfect, throwing 28 interceptions, his career trajectory saw him blossom into one of the most calculated quarterbacks in NFL history. He also led his teams in comebacks time and again, including a memorable rally from a 21-3 deficit against Brady in the 2007 AFC Championship Game
Final Verdict From NFL Veteran Further Suggests Peyton Manning was Better
Adding weight to the debate is the perspective of Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who has expressed reservations about fully supporting Tom Brady as the greatest quarterback due to the infamous Deflategate scandal. Aikman’s criticism was significant because it came from a peer, someone who understands the pressures and responsibilities of leading a team at the highest level.
He pointed out that Brady’s inability to unequivocally deny or refute the allegations of tampered footballs during key playoff games left a stain on his legacy.
Coming from a respected NFL quarterback who won multiple Super Bowls without controversy, Aikman’s opinion carries more weight than that of fans or pundits, further fueling the argument for Peyton Manning as the cleaner and more deserving candidate for the title of greatest quarterback.
While Tom Brady has built an iconic career full of Super Bowl rings and record-breaking moments, Peyton Manning’s football brilliance shines in different ways. Manning’s unmatched ability to control the game, calling plays and audibles like an on-field coach, set him apart.
Manning’s ability to consistently set new standards of excellence solidifies his place in the debate as one of the all-time greats. While Brady certainly holds his place among the greats, Manning’s strategic mind and cleaner legacy—especially without any controversies like Deflategate—give him a slight edge in the conversation.
Bitcoin Versus 
Leave a comment