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Some argue it’s not Manning’s fault for his inconsistent play in
playoffs, that his defense doesn’t give him a chance to win. That may be some of
reason. But to be truly considered an elite quarterback, Manning should be able to carry
burden of
team even with his defenses’ shortcomings.
In
AFC Divisional round of
playoffs this year,
Colts were held to their lowest offensive output of
season, a meager three points against
Patriots under
bitter Foxboro air, with a snowy white field; all
conditions which Manning loathes. Manning was held touchdownless, if that’s even a word, while running back Corey Dillon was running amok against
soft Colts defense. And who was
catalyst,
drive,
unstoppable force behind
Pats’ success? Not Head Coach Bill Belichick, not defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, none other than
never-break-a-sweat Tom Brady.
The debate is over: Brady is better.
But what about Manning? Setting
record for most touchdowns in a single season certainly speaks volumes, but carrying
burden of a “chronic loser” your entire career won’t help your chances for
Hall of Fame. So is Manning Hall of Fame worthy?
The initial response would be, “of course, he broke
record”. But analyzing
scenario further would create a sticky situation for Hall of Fame voters. Assuming Manning doesn’t suffer some shocking career ending injury, and his numbers stay consistent, a voter might actually consider not voting Manning into
Hall. The reason: Manning lacks a Super Bowl ring. One can argue Marino got into
Hall without any Super Bowl victories, but considering that Manning and Brady will most likely be Hall of Fame eligible at about
same time, could a voter actually vote for Manning knowing that
guy next to him also vying for a Hall spot dominated him for most of his career? A sticky situation indeed.
But either way you look at it, Manning’s legacy in
football world will never be
same. And his remarkable 2004 campaign will always be remembered not for his incredible reads and potent throws, on his way to record breaking status, but rather for his inability to come through when his counterpart, Brady, was flawless.

Alex Fitzsimmons is a writer for http://www.footballavenue.com