Comments on: Stokley thinks Peyton Manning could be remembered as the best ever

By: savaj

savaj — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:34:45 +0000

One thing I hate about discussions about who is better at their position is the ring argument. Brady is better because he has more rings. Really? Seriously.. REALLY? If rings are all that matter everyone who believes that argument thinks trent dilfer is a better quarterback than dan marino. I’m sorry. Wrong. Bad argument, bad theory.
Rings are a nice compliment to an already stellar career but football is a team sport. Montana was a great quarterback, but he was sorrounded by such amazing talent. I’m not taking that away from him but it is a factor. What peyton manning does with subpar recievers all the time is amazing. For my money the best quarterback of ALL time at the moment is marino. Because we aren’t asking who was the best winner on the best team in history, but the best at their POSITION regardless of wins. Peyton is second right now on that list to me, but closing fast on marino. A backup quarterback who sat on the bench of a winning team isnt better than warren moon cuz he got a ring just for being on the team. So stop with those arguments.. pleeease lol.

By: Pongo

Pongo — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 09:06:25 +0000

I like Phillyeagles summary.
I would say it is hard for Manning to revolutionize the position of QB, revolutionize implies change, change implies that someone else at some point plays with the particular style that Manning does. I am not sure that anyone has even tried to emulate it in a decade.
I think once upon a time it was very common for a QB to have such control over the offence, but I think that offences and defenses where quite a bit more simple then.
One thing I like about Peyton, is that he didn’t sneak into the league and try to make something of himself. He came in, said I will take this franchise on my shoulders and he did it. Amazing. How often has that ever worked out?
Montana is the standard at least until Mannings career is finished, but when he was throwing to the person that many think is the best player in game history. How does that factor. Just what Peyton has made of the receivers he has is amazing. He gets them all playing so well that they dont really get credit for how well they play. Well that works both ways, and having Rice to throw to and having Young come in and do as well are part of the Montana story.
If someone who would be Manning was up on the draft board, all 32 GMs would take him no matter who else was there, in history. So I think he is the best. Some players that people like to debate are better then Manning right now, wouldn’t even be taken by their own team over Manning.

By: prfdiva

prfdiva — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:24:14 +0000

There is no such thing in my book as “best ever” because there is always a talent, albeit past or future, who can claim that crown.
These guys are great; who is the best depends on what one looks for in a “best ever”.
Now try to say that 100 times! )

By: fbfan10

fbfan10 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:00:34 +0000

Manning could be the best in the pocket, mechanical quarterback ever, but as far entertainment value, he just doesn’t do it for me. He makes amazing throws and might be the smartest qb ever but when I think of a Peyton highlight, it’s him in a dome taking a snap and bouncing around in the same spot for five seconds before throwing a touchdown. When do you ever see him in bad weather, breaking out of a linebacker’s grasp and throwing across his body like Favre, Elway, or even Young? Given ideal circumstances (great OL, no wind, etc.), I’ll take Manning. Otherwise, give me Joe Cool.
Another thing, why no love for Otto Graham?

By: Philtration

Philtration — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:33:44 +0000

Manning is a better QB than Montana.
Montana was a winner and a great player but was surounded by a ton of talent.
Look up his stats compared to Manning.
Terry Bradshaw won four Super Bowl rings and he will never be mentioned in this group.
Not a knock on Montana but Manning is a lot better.

By: spyboots

spyboots — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:41:40 +0000

Manning’s better than Brady, whose stats are bogus due to the cheating years.

By: grey32

grey32 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:31:53 +0000

Man I love manning. I think he is a super QB. I’m not sure you can say best player ever. QB and other positions are different and it’s like trying to compare a Javelin thrower to a miler, just doesn’t work. Also how can you compare today’s players against yesterdays.
Today better equipment, better fields, better preparation etc, etc. Manning is special but; I don’t think I can say the best of all time, naw.
I also think those other players on the field have something to do with Manning success.
I will say he does a better commercial then any other football player ever, oh wait I forgot about the Coke – Mean Joe Green one. yikes; nope can’t even give him that.

By: Deb

Deb — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:36:34 +0000

When I threw out that list of names, I wasn’t necessarily saying I think those people should be considered the best ever, I was saying that in their day, they WERE considered the best ever–and that includes Simpson, regarless of what he’s done since retiring. The point I was making is that no matter what everyone decides about Manning today, a few years from now, fans will be talking about someone else. There will always be a new generation of fans–most of whom don’t bother to learn the history of the game–who think the guy they’re watching is THE BEST EVER.
When I was a kid, no QB was more exciting to watch than Elway–and McLovin, that’s probably who I’d plug into your scenario. For me, if it’s about championships, it’s Bradshaw over Montana not only because I’m a Steelers fan, but because I’m a traditionalist and Bradshaw didn’t play the West Coast offense. But if I were organizing a team, I sure wouldn’t throw Joe out of my locker room If it’s about history, it can only be Sammy Baugh. And if it’s about here and now … I haven’t seen many performances in recent years to equal what Manning did against Miami. But it’s still hard to compare people from different eras or different sides of the ball to one another.

By: McLovin

McLovin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:57:09 +0000

Consider this scenario: You are a head coach and you must win your next game and your life depends on it. The NFL God will choose your opponent – it will be a random team throughout NFL history. It might be the 72 Dolphins, or it might be the 08 Lions. The NFL God will then choose your team AND playbook randomly. The only player you get to choose is the QB. Who will it be?
I’d choose Manning.

By: newcaymanS

newcaymanS — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:52:02 +0000

SIMPLE: 2 more Superbowls and all the career records ABSOLUTLEY NO ARGUMENT.
1 more Superbowl and all the career records, SOME ARGUEMENT.
no more Superbowls and all the career records, LOTS OF ARGUEMENT.
If he plays as long as Favre (big if) he WILL destroy every passing record in the book. Crap, he already has over 49,000 yards and over 300 TDs. Unfortunately, he plays in a team sport where TEAMS win championships.
I still feel John Unitas is the Babe Ruth of Football and should be considered the best QB ever. His statistics in that era of run, run, run football is staggering, plus he has multiple NFL championships and a modern era Superbowl to boot.
But on Manning, lets agree that we are witnessing greatness, we just don’t know yet if it is the greatest (because his career isn’t over yet)

By: vegas bears fan

vegas bears fan — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:53:30 +0000

Joe Montana is the best to ever play in the NFL. Manning would be a top five, but all those playoff losses and the only one he beat in SB was Rex Grossman. I think Manning can’t hold a candle to Montana.

By: SFrancis1680

SFrancis1680 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:52:06 +0000

7-8 in the playoffs, that’s the standard for the best QB of all-time???

By: Footballguru

Footballguru — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:46:42 +0000

I think Manning will go down as the best QB to ever play the game. I don’t think it fair to compare it to different positions. OJ does not count for he is a 2 time felon pig that got away with murder.

By: SFrancis1680

SFrancis1680 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:45:34 +0000

forget Stokley, what does Mike “MY IDIOT KICKER GOT LIQUORED UP” Vanderjagt think???

By: Deb

Deb — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:33:26 +0000

@Gene Simmon’s Tongue …
Didn’t put him in the list, but I said … even though I’m a Steelers diehard … Elway is probably my all-time favorite!

By: r_u_shtn_me

r_u_shtn_me — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:15:24 +0000

Stokely is now officially in charge of carrying Peyton’s jock strap.

By: oddte

oddte — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:48:42 +0000

Not a chance, still under .500 in the postseason and he has been SHUT OUT in the postseason 5 times. Call me when he has at least 3 rings and a winning record in the playoffs.

By: Chargerspano21

Chargerspano21 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:42:59 +0000

The ? remains, Why can’t Peyton beat the San Diego Chargers…He knows it and us charger fans know it. We have always had his number and we always will. I am only 21, so i can’t give you a true opinion on who is the best QB of all time, all I know is that I have never watched a quaterback, such as Manning, dissect defesnses and orchestrate an offense like the way he does. Its a hurdle that will eat at him forever if he never beats the San Diego Chargers in a pivotal playoff game.

By: Farves sweet Hair

Farves sweet Hair — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:51:43 +0000

To bad the guys a dork with athletic ability. Great player but a dork with weird looking head.

By: Fan of Football

Fan of Football — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:47:45 +0000

I don’t think a player who has played his whole career in a domed stadium under controlled conditions can be considered the best ever. He also has had one of the best WR corps of all time including one sure fire HOFer and maybe on other. He also had Rhodes who was one of the best in the game at the time.
Despite all of that and multiple 13, 14, and 15 win seasons, he has ONLY won one SB and has a playoff record below .500.
Not sure how he can be named the best ever with that.

By: CKL

CKL — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:47:18 +0000

PypersRealm says:
December 11, 2009 9:14 PM
My two-cents is simply that one must also recognize the advantage that QB’s have by playing all of their home games indoors in a controlled environment with no weather.
All quarterbacks see their numbers plummet at the end of the year when they start playing games in bad weather, especially windy days. The wind is what affects the passing game the most.
Kudos to Manning for being a great player. I do think he needs to improve his playoff performances to make a legitimate claim on the top spot. It’s not that he needs to win more SB’s or even playoff games, he simply needs to play well. If his team loses, it can’t be b/c he had a lackluster performance. If it is, I don’t know how you can overlook that.
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VERY well said. I agree.
I think that Manning is the best pure passer in the NFL. But he no doubt benefits GREATLY form the passing rules now, playing in warm weather and domes for most of his games and the fact that he has had enormous continuity in all ways on offense his entire career (players and coaches and system). His team is built on offense. His defense has never gotten the respect it deserves. Go look at the points allowed stats for his defenses. Yes there were some HORRIBLE squads in there, but some much better than advertised ones too.
As others have pointed out, what other QB would have gotten an MVP for their SB when they basically got carried by their run game and D on their SB run and played one half of great football on the way to the SB?

By: steelerfanforlife

steelerfanforlife — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:46:31 +0000

He play indoors while other Qb’s play in the elements. He has one of the best Oline in the league and with all of that he has a losing record in the playoffs and only 1 sb ring. Best regular season Qb of all time sure, best all around Qb has to be Montana. Now if Peyton gets a few more SB’s then there may be some debate.

By: thewildhorseformation

thewildhorseformation — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:31:14 +0000

If Dan Marino is considered one of the greatest QBs of all time without a Super Bowl because he had all of the records until Favre started chopping them down. And Favre is considered the one of the greatest QBs with one ring and a whole bunch of records. Then why wouldn’t Peyton be considered the greatest QB of all time when he has won his ring and will have all the records when it all is said and done?
Now, if he is the greatest QB of all time, you have to take in consideration how much he changes the game, how much his opponents fear him (see Belichick and the 4th & 2), and finally his mental and physical attributes. Peyton, when all is said and done, will be remembered as having the greatest player mind of all time. Meaning, his knowledge of the game, his offense, the opponents D, and his opponent overall is unmatched.
That said, as a Broncos fan, I do wish he would stop being the greatest player of all time and smashing us every time we visit Indy.

By: jkorn1818

jkorn1818 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:07:13 +0000

Lawrence Taylor, out of everyone mentioned he is the only one to revolutionize the game, have coaches create particular schemes to stop him and has rings to boot. He had his off field issues but no other player was a bigger beast on the field. He is the reason for the blindside, he is the reason there are two tight end sets and aside from being the first truly great pass rushing LB that changed the game for that position, he was great in coverage and just as fast as most running backs. His rookie yr he even had 13 sacks at LB before anyone was (event hough that yr sacks werent counted as a stat)

By: xMGMx

xMGMx — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:59:36 +0000

One more comment…..
I’ve been a Vikes fan all my life, since they lost their first SB in ’69. I’ve watched Brett over the years, not liking the fact that he could beat the Vikes on any given day. As he finally ‘grew up’, and watching him play with the PASSION he has for the game itself, he has to be one of the best to watch. If all these ‘ME’ players, ie: t.o. (I never use caps on his name, he doesn’t deserve it), Chad Johnson (a.k.a ocho loco), Joey Porter, just to name a few…. played for the love of the game, the NFL wouldn’t be the circus it has become.
A few that contributed to the circus that are now thankfully out of football… Micheal Irvin, Dion Sanders, Warren Sapp, Keyshawn Johnson, Brian Cox… and many more.
I always thought playing Professional Football meant you act like a professional?

By: brian_21

brian_21 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:52:02 +0000

I don’t know about best player ever. I have no doubt that he’s the best quarterback of all time.

By: Tom Pafford

Tom Pafford — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:49:36 +0000

Indeed, Peyton will be the best and will remain the best ever for many many years. He is so special in every category of the game. It will be a sad day when he is no longer center stage of Sunday.

By: pbuck

pbuck — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:40:37 +0000

Archie Manning has to be considered. Nahh.
But if Archie Manning was a horse, can you imagine what his stud fee would be?

By: brownsfan1972

brownsfan1972 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:16:18 +0000

I have to agree with most of the comments on here. He is in some good company, being mentioned with guys like Montana, Elway, Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice. I have to say that Manning is at the top of the list. He is so fun to watch, reading the defense and calling the plays at the line of scrimmage like he does. His demeanor off the field doesn’t hurt either. I think he has got to be the most upstanding man to ever play football. I don’t know anyone that can say one bad thing about him. He is liked everywhere. Even if he never wins another Super Bowl, would have to say that he just may be the best to ever play the game.

By: cbrianwatkins

cbrianwatkins — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:08:55 +0000

SFrancis1680 says:
December 11, 2009 10:30 PM
Hey FLORIO, you are aware that Peyton never won a bowl game in college, the year he left Tennessee for the NFL, they won the National Championship with a stud QB named Tee Martin??? COINCIDENCE, FLORIO???
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you can’ be serious
get off montana’s cack and do some research before you try and spew facts