The question is, can Peyton Manning still become the greatest quarterback in NFL history?
The Facts:
This season’s stats:
- 55 Touchdowns (NFL Record)
- 10 Interceptions
- 5,477 Passing yards (NFL Record)
- 115.5 Passer rating
Career Stats:
- Pass attempts 8,452
- Pass completions 5,532 (2nd NFL History)
- Percentage 65.4
- Touchdowns 491 (2nd NFL History)
- Passing yards 64,964 (2nd NFL History)
- Passer rating 97.2
- 13× Pro Bowl (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
- 4× AP NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009)
- AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2012)
- 7× AFC Offensive Player of the Year (1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012)
- Pro Bowl MVP (2005)
- Super Bowl champion (XLI)
- Super Bowl MVP (XLI)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Statistically:
Manning holds almost every valued single season record for a QB. Manning is the favorite to receive this year’s league MVP award, which would be his fifth and break his own record of 4. I think it’s pretty well agreed upon that Manning has been the greatest regular-season quarterback in the history of the NFL, at least statistically.
He is 2nd only to Brett Favre in most career categories – but does eclipsing Favre in a few categories matter? Either way, Manning will break Favre’s TD record as he is only 17 TD’s short of Favres 508. It’s worth noting Favre played for 20 years, while Manning is in his 16th season. Manning is only 6,874 passing yards away from surpassing Favres 71,838. Assuming he plays two more years, it’s safe to say this record will also fall to Manning.
Looking on statistics alone, it’s virtually impossible not to say Manning is the greatest ever. That said, in the NFL, playoffs and rings are what matter.
Championships:
You can also argue Manning for all his skill hasn’t lived up to his potential. He’s just 9-11 and eight of those losses have been of the one-and-done variety.
Playoffs:
Tom Brady 17-7 .708%
Joe Montana 16-7 .696%
Terry Bradshaw 14-5 .737%
John Elway 14-7 .667%
Brett Favre 13-11 .542%
Troy Aikman 11-4 .733%
Ben Roethlisberger 10-4 .714%
Peyton Manning 9-11 .450%
Super Bowls:
Tom Brady 3-2 60%
John Elway 2-3 40%
Terry Bradshaw 4-0 100%
Joe Montana 4-0 100%
Troy Aikman 3-0 100%
Eli Manning 2-0 100%
Peyton Manning 1-1 50%
When It matters most it’s clear to see Manning has consistently fallen short. Brady, Bradshaw Montana, Aikman are much stronger in post-season play.
“I speak of championships, that’s no disrespect to some of these other guys that are doing some amazing things in the NFL right now. But to me, it’s about wins and championships, and he’s got more championships than anybody. So to me, he’s the best quarterback in the league, and he’s done it for a long time. . . . The number one factor is championships.” ~ Ben Roethlisberger discussing Tom Brady
What must Manning to do be considered the consensus best quarterback in history?
Peyton must produce in the playoffs. The Broncos face Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers this Sunday. If history is right, Manning will lose. But I have to believe he recognizes that this year might represent his last great shot at winning the Superbowl as nothing is guaranteed. Barring injuries, Manning should have one-two years left with a very good Broncos offense. It is possible, however unlikely, that he could end his career with more several more Super Bowl wins.
I know this is next to impossible given his history in the postseason, but if like John Elway Manning could win two late in his career giving him three Super Bowl rings to go with five league MVPs, combined with all his other accomplishments, Peyton Manning would be indisputably the best passer the game has ever seen.
Is it too late? No. Can there be a time where the overwhelming majority view Peyton Manning as the greatest QB ever? Yes – but he will have to do the one thing that has consistently fallen short on: win when it matters most.
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