17th and likely last meeting between QB blue bloods on tap

The last three Peyton Manning-led teams to reach the AFC title game advanced to the Super Bowl, but the 39-year-old’s declining skills have stoked doubts about the Broncos’ ability to capture the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Bill Belichick’s team has been Manning’s one true kryptonite in the National Football League, and no mention of Peyton can ever truly escape this fact.

Look, it’s obvious that the Orange and Blue have respect for the Patriots organization; they have earned the right to be held in such high regard. For a man who still plays with a chip on his shoulder since being drafted 199th overall – nothing would be sweeter. Both are sure fire first ballot hall of famers, but which had a better career? If he surveys the field and it’s not looking good, it might be a better idea to more or less give himself up, much like a quarterback would to avoid a potentially devastating hit.

That’s not because Brady has any plans to hang ’em up, but it’s apparent to anybody who’s watched Manning play this season that he’s not even close to the player he once was. Brady threw for 36 TD’s with 7 INT’s and also threw for more than 4,700 yards and 102.2 QB rating. Brady on the other hand, has historically struggled against the Broncos, and in Denver specifically. Brady is playing at a much higher level than Manning at this stage in their respective careers but there’s no question the Broncos have the stronger defense. There are many that believe Manning is done and the Patriots will expose that this Sunday in favor of that three point spread. Manning has been elected to the Pro Bowl 14 times, while Brady has been to the Pro Bowl 11 times. If Brady can shove it in the NFL’s face along the way, that’s great for him. This time around, it will be hard to win on the road without having success on the ground. In a season of redemption, Brady could certainly exercise some ghosts by winning in Denver this weekend and appearing in two straight Super Bowl. Brady is two wins away from breaking the record with his sixth ring.

“It’s one of those unbelievable things where you’re fortunate to play in so many big games”, he said. The last time these two teams played, Denver ran the ball for 179 yards on 32 attempts. The temperature is expected to be above 40 degrees (Peyton Manning rarely wins when it’s below 40) at game time, but that won’t be enough to help Manning and the Broncos. This time previous year, obviously the Broncos were out of the playoffs.