by Paul Schingle

Created on: October 24, 2009   Last Updated: October 25, 2009

This is one of those fun questions because either answer could be correct, the debate is more fun and, in the end, it doesn't really matter how you vote. These are probably the two best quarterbacks in the NFL, currently. The only other one who may come close might be Peyton's brother, Eli. An argument could be made for Brett Favre, and in his heyday, I might even agree. But, at this moment in time, these are the two premier NFL quarterbacks.

So, why vote for Manning over Brady? Fair question. First, since Brady's return from last season's year-long injury, I think he's lost just a half a step. Next, as a whole, Tom Brady's always had the better corps of receivers, so numbers that favor him might be a little skewed. Finally, now that Peyton Manning has won the Super Bowl two years ago, the argument that he can't win the big one is no longer valid.

One of the things I like best about Peyton Manning is the way he continues to show his poise during critical moments of the game. It seems like every, single play, he is calling an audible. Sometimes, I think this is a show to confuse the defense. Sometimes, it looks as if he's giving one person (a lineman? a tight end?) a specific blocking assignment. No matter the circumstance, he always looks in control.

I also admired that about Tom Brady, until his recent return from injury. Now, I won't say he's lost his cool completely. But, I will say he seems just a bit more tentative than the Brady of old. He's still good under pressure, but he's no Peyton Manning.

From his early heroic days when he was a nobody and saved the day in the 2002 Super Bowl, Tom Brady has always had a great corps of receivers to throw to. When he took over for Drew Bledsoe it was David Patten and Terry Glenn. Now, he's got Randy Moss and Wes Welker. The list just never stops. Aside from Marvin Harrison, most people can't name most wide receivers Manning's had to work with.

I'll admit, Reggie Wayne is starting to come into his own, but nobody will ever mistake Anthony Gonzalez for Marvin Harrison (or even Tony Gonzalez). The point is, Peyton Manning doesn't care. No matter who the receivers are, Manning will find a way to get them the ball.

Until recently, the knock on Peyton Manning has always been, "Yeah. But can he win the big one?" Well, he answered that one with a resounding win over the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl of 2007. With that win, it catapulted Manning to among the elite of all time in the NFL. Basically, Peyton Manning can do it all.

So, there you have it. One writer's humble opinion about who is the better quarterback. While I respect anyone whose opinion is different than mine because Tom Brady is a great quarterback, I just think that by the smallest of margins, Peyton Manning is the better of the two.

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