Manning's Redemption

Well, I hope this finally puts an end to all of the stupid "who is the best quarterback in football" discussion. Of course, it won't up here, because everyone here will defend Brady's superiority to the death, but the fact of the matter is Peyton Manning proved to everyone how great a quarterback he was this postseason.

Already, I can hear the protests. "But his numbers weren't good this postseason". This from the very same people who used to say we should ignore Manning's statistics and focus on the RESULTS - i.e., who won the Super Bowl. I say, on what standard are you basing Manning's supposed sub-par performance?

In the first game, Manning went 30-38 for 268 yards and a score. He also threw three picks, which brought down his passer efficiency rating, but two of those three appeared to be the result of miscommunications. Oh, yeah, and his team won the game 23-8.

On the second game, Manning was only 15-30 for 170 yards with two picks - his only really bad game as a passer. But the Ravens' defense was the best in the League, and he led his team on several extended scoring drives (albeit all field goals).

In the third game, Manning was magical. 27-47 for 349 yards, one pick and one TD. But the real story of the game was when he took over with 2 minutes and change remaining and down by 3, and lead the Colts all the way down the field for the winning score. It was exactly the kind of drive Manning supposedly couldn't lead - especially not against that team.

In the Super Bowl, Manning was 25-38 for 247 yards, a TD and a pick. Unspectacular numbers once again, but it was the confidence with which he drove his team down the field time and time again, controlling the clock for 38 minutes, that made the difference.

It must be remembered that Manning is more than just the QB - he is the de facto offensive coordinator, calling the plays based on what he sees. His vision and knowledge of the game is what is responsible for ANY success the Colts offense has, passing or rushing. In this postseason, opposing defenses wanted the Colts running game to beat them. Manning oblidged by handing the ball off again and again - the Colts rushed more often than they threw in three of their four postseason games, with the large comeback against New England being the only exception. In all four games, they outrushed their opponents.

Manning is not only the greatest QB in the League, he is the greatest player in the League, and by the time he is finished, he will be the greatest in League history.