Neemer:
You make a good counterargument in favor of Manning as one of the NFL's best quarterbacks.
However, I still think the jury is out.
Potentially, I see Manning in the mold of a Drew Bledsoe -- who almost immediately started for the Patriots and looked to be the next Johnny Unitas. Bledsoe had all the tools -- size, arm strength, leadershipm etc. -- but his career flattened-out over the last few years and most observers would list Bledsoe in the middle of the pack. Of course, Bledsoe has very little talent on offense, so that is also a factor.
I also see some similarities between Manning and Aikman. When Dallas had all the weapons -- a great running game (Smith and Johnston), three viable receiving targets (Irvin, Harper, and Novacek), and a great offensiver line -- Aikman was the NFL's best quarterback (or at least on par with Steve Young and Brett Favre). Once there was even the hint of a breakdown of one of the offensive pillars, Aikman became very average. In fact, Aikman was a very poor quarterback the last 3-4 years of his career.
At the moment, Manning has weapons similar to Aikman. I want to see how Manning does when James or Harrosin are OUT with an injury. That's the mark of a great quarterback -- someone who can win and/or play well under ADVERSITY. Quarterbacks who seem to play well no matter what the conditions include: Donaovan McNabb (although its too early to put him in the elite category); Kurt Warner (no question); and Doug Flutie (his winning percentage validates this). Obviously, John Elway and Steve Young were in this category before their retirement. I was never a big fan of Dan Marino, but I suppose he has to be in this category also. However, I would not put Aikman in this category, not do I think he belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Peyton Mannnig has to prove he can lead a team when it's not entirely healthy or playing well as a unit. Thus far, he has run up some impressive stats against the dregs of the NFL, but has not produced in big games. The jury is still out. But after the confustion I saw in the Oakland game Sunday night, I am no longer convinced Peyton Manning is as good as we might have thought.
Comments?
-- Nolan Dalla
