I am off on a snow day and I am bored - so here goes:
I understand all the hype and slurping of Peyton Manning TO A POINT. He is intelligent and has an incredible football mind and there is no denying his talent. I get it, I think everyone gets it. I do not hate the guy, I do not begrudge him any of the glory flung upon him.
What truly bothers me is why is he so glorified and Brady so minimized? After all, Tom Brady could be called the Peyton Manning of the post-season. It seems the only time Brady is worthy of Manning is when there is no justification for Manning to be MVP. I mentioned earlier or elsewhere that Manning has squandered MANY League MVP awards with a one-and-done in the playoffs. I know Tom has had his as well, but never as consistently as Manning.
It is beyond me as to why Manning's post-season achievements are so lightly glossed over. Year-after-year, HUGE expectations for the Lombardi. Year-after-year, UTTER disappointment. Often times, directly because of his play no matter what he told the media. He often lands high in polls like this one - WHAT has he done to justify it? Unfortunately for Pats fans, his biggest post-season accomplishment is coming from behind against the Pats in the AFCCG. I can live with it now (took me a WHILE) - great Manning moment - but at least we did not lose that game (or any SB) b/c of Brady.
Brady has had his stinkers in the post-season, but it was usually the exception. With Manning, it is the norm. He may win it all this year, but it will NOT come without some HIGHLY controversial calls. The Pats could be victims. I digress.
I guess whenever I discuss Manning (or Manning v. Brady) in person or in writing, I come across as hating Peyton. I don't. He is probably a good guy in person, and unfortunately, I believe the opposite of Brady. I think Tom would be an arrogant jerk. I have nothing to base that upon other than the way he comes across to me. I do not know if Tom is an arrogant jerk with the media, it's a BB thing with the media, or Tom is a registered Republican. Whatever it is, they have little problem with their blatant favoritism at worst, bias at best. I know a few talk about Manning's shortcomings and Brady's greatness, but it is seldom a balanced conversation on the national stage.
It bothers me less and less as time goes on and I am witnessing the end of both their careers. I wish their rivalry was more like Magic and Bird, but when they faced each other on the BIG stage (playoffs - I will not count any regular season games) Brady really dominated and it was not even close. One day, I hope, even the talking heads will admit it (I know they already realize it).
It has been a pleasure watching Brady and Manning, but it has only been enhanced, for me, by Brady's sheer dominance of Manning no matter time of year. Although Brady did not win them all against Manning, he won them all with LESS talent than Manning had (on the O side) and OFTEN Brady was the underdog. I remember hearing the Red Sox / Yankees rivalry described as a hammer and a nail. Brady and Manning may not be at that level, but has been darn close.
Sorry for the rant, but it felt good.
