Pegger I don't know what drugs you're doing but its Tom Brady and its not even close. The only time the Patriots actually had bonafide star talent offensive players they didn't even win the SB. Tom and the Patriots routinely racked up championships with players I would 100% bet my house on that people would struggle to even name. Then there is the matter of playoffs record. Manning is literally a shit quarterback in the playoffs and nothing you can tell me will ever make me change my mind in that regard. Tom has always been composed and had to play tight games to earn his rings.
Over the past 3 Superbowls (NE over ATL, Philly over NE and NE over LAR) I'm of the mindset that Brady is the best, but it's not a simple exercise of counting rings. I've said this before: Football is a team sport and no individual 'wins' a Superbowl. Each year Brady has been fitted for a new ring many of his teammates made plays that were critical for success.
For me where Brady is different is how he's taking care of his body and be able to play at such a high level late into his career. What he's done at age 39, 40 and 41 is remarkable. Just to compare Peyton was pathetic at 39, the wheels completely fell off for Favre at 41 and Montana retired at 38. He's done something at the QB position we've never seen before. Drew Brees will try to follow this season at 40, but it's easier said than done.
I know people often reference how Brady dragged a ho-hum offensive teams to Superbowls, but people forget that defense wins championships. Here's how the Pats have ranked in points against each year he's been on a Superbowl winning team:
- 2001 - 6th
- 2003 - 1st
- 2004 - 2nd
- 2014 - 8th
- 2016 - 1st
- 2018 - 7th
Actually of the 17 seasons Brady has been the starting QB in NE 13 of those times he's had a top 10 ranked D in points against (
76% of the time). Brady has NEVER played on an NFL team who's defense has ranked beneath 17th in points against (or
0% of the time).
Now let's compare that to Peyton's Indy days: 13 seasons as the starter, 5 top 10 ranked defenses in points against (
38% of the time). Funny enough when you look at his time in Denver only 2 of his 4 seasons he had a top 10 ranked D in that category. The worst defense he played with in Denver, 22nd in points against, was also the year he freakishly tore up the stat book (5477 yards, 55 TDs) and they lost in the Superbowl to the Seahawks. Of the 17 seasons Peyton laced them up 8 of those seasons he was playing with a defense ranked less thank 17th in points against (or
47% of the time).
Things always get tighter in the playoffs because logically you play better teams. Here's how the two stack up in regular season vs post season:
- Brady's passer rating for the regular season is 97.6. His postseason is 90.5 (7.1 passer rating drop)
- Peyton's passer rating for the regular season is 96.5. His postseason is 87.4 (8.9 passer rating drop)
Finally, I think the GOAT arguments are all stupid. Each player has different schemes, teammates, coaches and play against different players, schemes and coaches. It's never an apples-to-apples comparison, so why do we have to argue over who's #1 like it would change anything?
Peyton is great. Brady is great. Every QB I mentioned above is great. All of them would be considered franchise guys who are destined for the HOF.