NFL.com: Brady-Manning — the Beginning

Week 12 Notebook: Tom Brady's rise began vs. Peyton Manning - NFL.com

This article is a nice reminder that, when he drops the snark, Breer can be a good writer and even offer insight.

His account of that first Brady-Manning game is very much as I remember it. There's the Cox hit of course, a tone setter for the game, the rivalry, the dynasty. But I also remember I actually thought— without sarcasm — it must be an exciting moment for our young unknown QB to shake hands with the Great Peyton Manning after beating him. Even after that game, no one — well, except maybe Pete Sheppard — could have predicted we'd be where we are 15 years later.

Recommended reading, includes good quotes from Weis and Pioli on the back story — most of which we know so well, but with some new insight. My favorite quote, from Pioli:

"The first touchdown we scored (against the Colts that day), Antowain (Smith) scored it, and I remember (Brady's) energy," Pioli said. "It was infectious. The guy you see now after every touchdown, it came out after the first touchdown. I remember that distinctly. And I also remember the calmness and confidence. Part of it is natural with him, and he knew the people making the football decisions believed in him."

Physical tools matter, of course, but this is a good example of how incalculable traits -- competitiveness to hold off the uber-recruit at Michigan and the deeply-invested-in Bledsoe in New England, demeanor to be calm to handle big spots -- carry over from one level to the next, and one circumstance to another.

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Enjoy, and be thankful

#mancrush

We are a blessed fan base!!