Peyton Manning is certainly one of the all-time great quarterbacks but it is hard to put him at No. 1 for a number of reasons. Players such as Joe Montana, Roger Staubach, Dan Marino, Joe Namath and even Otto Graham would flourish with an offense like Denver's. The pro game has evolved into a passer's delight with its spread offenses, rules to protect the safety of the quarterback and indoor stadiums. Can one make a case that Manning is better than Fran Tarkenton, Bob Griese and Len Dawson. Maybe, but I think if you put John Unitas under center with the Broncos he would be an equal with Manning.
john - 10 years ago
Unitas baby = manning plus one
allan - 10 years ago
hate to say it ... Tom Brady
Tom Bradys career winning percentage is .781.
Brady is 14-3 in the playoffs, a .823 winning percentage.
John Andrews - 10 years ago
Bart Starr
Jeffrey Brown - 10 years ago
I voted yes, however I would say Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, And because he was the first, and the reason for the passing game we have today you got to add Johnny U in there. Hard to pick just one.
Being a Green Bay guy, I would like to agree with the comment about Bart Starr - but, I can't help remember the quarterback who kept breaking the Packers ( and many other teams) hearts too often -- Johnny U.
Jim Hinnant - 10 years ago
We (NFL Fans) are very fortunate to have been able to watch Brady and Manning for an extended span of excellence. That said, those of us who saw Unitas play in his prime also were treated to the very best - in his era. There are many variables in the argument, and really no right or wrong answer. I think of Brady taking the Patriots down field late in recent games, and I think of Manning forcing Belichick (sp?) to go for it on 4th and 2. What a treat it has been. The final choice(s) for me are Unitas and Manning. Both pretty much called their own games (Manning to a lesser degree), while Brady uses a play sheet on his wrist to implement the coaches' directives. Well, mostly. :^)
Frank Blaunt - 10 years ago
Lived in the SF Bay Area my whole life...Jerry Rice is the best all around FB player in the history of the game, but neither Joe Montana nor Peyton Manning should be considered the best QB of all-time. That honor must go to Tom Brady, IMHO...and I have never rooted for the Patriots or been a fan of him personally; but in terms of results, Tom wins hands down.
Roy - 10 years ago
Peyton is one of the finest QBs to play in the NFL. However, I'd have to say that Joe Montana was the best I've ever seen play.
Rob Means - 10 years ago
When he kicks a field goal and gets another Superbowl, he catches George Blanda.
On a more serious note: There is no doubt Peyton is an elite QB, even compared standouts across the past; he is something special. I had my doubts earlier in his career, but he is strong on skill, dedication, inspiration and sportsmanship while holding an equally high standard in his life off the gridiron. Point to him for being a great guy.
I could be convinced he might become the greatest QB so far when he nails down a couple more SBs. In the meantime, he is right on the cusp and more power to him!
jake - 10 years ago
Peyton is one of the greatest QB's to play, certainly in the modern era, from a statistical viewpoint but his lack of championships will keep him from being recognized as one of the greatest ever.
Jon Kaufman - 10 years ago
For the exact same reasons that Paul mentioned above regarding current NFL rule changes, I find it absurd to even compare today's athletes with athletes of the past. There used to be less protective rules, less teams so that the league was not as watered down, instant replay and challenges were non-existent in helping referees to get the calls right, etc. There isn't one all-time greatest of any category in NFL history- -especially at quarterback. Many of the greatest could include Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Joe Montana, and my personal favorite because of his success and overall toughness and leadership- - Terry Bradshaw!!!
Harold Jones - 10 years ago
Manning has lost five straight playoff games. That's absolutely terrible - no two ways about it. This is what keeps Manning from the so called, "greatest ever". Whether its football, baseball or basketball, greatness is measured by number of championships. He has one and he was good but not great in that game either. When the big chips are down Manning is not at his best, even Kurt Werner is better - far better in post season games as is Payton's brother, Ely. Regular season only: Manning is near the top but championships are always going to be the real measuring stick and that is what take Payton Manning out of the equation.
Paul - 10 years ago
I like Peyton, and I think he's ONE of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game...but I don't think he's the greatest to ever play. You have to take into consideration the extra protection current quarterbacks are provided due to the current NFL rules...when you do that, you see that he's had a lot of help setting the records he's set. Not taking anything away from Peyton; he's definitely a disciplined player who puts a 100% into his playing, but I think there are other quarterbacks from the past who should probably be considered before Peyton.
Peyton Manning is certainly one of the all-time great quarterbacks but it is hard to put him at No. 1 for a number of reasons. Players such as Joe Montana, Roger Staubach, Dan Marino, Joe Namath and even Otto Graham would flourish with an offense like Denver's. The pro game has evolved into a passer's delight with its spread offenses, rules to protect the safety of the quarterback and indoor stadiums. Can one make a case that Manning is better than Fran Tarkenton, Bob Griese and Len Dawson. Maybe, but I think if you put John Unitas under center with the Broncos he would be an equal with Manning.
Unitas baby = manning plus one
hate to say it ... Tom Brady
Tom Bradys career winning percentage is .781.
Brady is 14-3 in the playoffs, a .823 winning percentage.
Bart Starr
I voted yes, however I would say Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, And because he was the first, and the reason for the passing game we have today you got to add Johnny U in there. Hard to pick just one.
Being a Green Bay guy, I would like to agree with the comment about Bart Starr - but, I can't help remember the quarterback who kept breaking the Packers ( and many other teams) hearts too often -- Johnny U.
We (NFL Fans) are very fortunate to have been able to watch Brady and Manning for an extended span of excellence. That said, those of us who saw Unitas play in his prime also were treated to the very best - in his era. There are many variables in the argument, and really no right or wrong answer. I think of Brady taking the Patriots down field late in recent games, and I think of Manning forcing Belichick (sp?) to go for it on 4th and 2. What a treat it has been. The final choice(s) for me are Unitas and Manning. Both pretty much called their own games (Manning to a lesser degree), while Brady uses a play sheet on his wrist to implement the coaches' directives. Well, mostly. :^)
Lived in the SF Bay Area my whole life...Jerry Rice is the best all around FB player in the history of the game, but neither Joe Montana nor Peyton Manning should be considered the best QB of all-time. That honor must go to Tom Brady, IMHO...and I have never rooted for the Patriots or been a fan of him personally; but in terms of results, Tom wins hands down.
Peyton is one of the finest QBs to play in the NFL. However, I'd have to say that Joe Montana was the best I've ever seen play.
When he kicks a field goal and gets another Superbowl, he catches George Blanda.
On a more serious note: There is no doubt Peyton is an elite QB, even compared standouts across the past; he is something special. I had my doubts earlier in his career, but he is strong on skill, dedication, inspiration and sportsmanship while holding an equally high standard in his life off the gridiron. Point to him for being a great guy.
I could be convinced he might become the greatest QB so far when he nails down a couple more SBs. In the meantime, he is right on the cusp and more power to him!
Peyton is one of the greatest QB's to play, certainly in the modern era, from a statistical viewpoint but his lack of championships will keep him from being recognized as one of the greatest ever.
For the exact same reasons that Paul mentioned above regarding current NFL rule changes, I find it absurd to even compare today's athletes with athletes of the past. There used to be less protective rules, less teams so that the league was not as watered down, instant replay and challenges were non-existent in helping referees to get the calls right, etc. There isn't one all-time greatest of any category in NFL history- -especially at quarterback. Many of the greatest could include Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Joe Montana, and my personal favorite because of his success and overall toughness and leadership- - Terry Bradshaw!!!
Manning has lost five straight playoff games. That's absolutely terrible - no two ways about it. This is what keeps Manning from the so called, "greatest ever". Whether its football, baseball or basketball, greatness is measured by number of championships. He has one and he was good but not great in that game either. When the big chips are down Manning is not at his best, even Kurt Werner is better - far better in post season games as is Payton's brother, Ely. Regular season only: Manning is near the top but championships are always going to be the real measuring stick and that is what take Payton Manning out of the equation.
I like Peyton, and I think he's ONE of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game...but I don't think he's the greatest to ever play. You have to take into consideration the extra protection current quarterbacks are provided due to the current NFL rules...when you do that, you see that he's had a lot of help setting the records he's set. Not taking anything away from Peyton; he's definitely a disciplined player who puts a 100% into his playing, but I think there are other quarterbacks from the past who should probably be considered before Peyton.