The chiseling of Peyton Manning’s face on the Mount Rushmore of quarterbacks can be put on hold for a few more years. Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas and Otto Graham (remember I’m a Browns fan) will just have to wait for that fourth and final QB to be added. Manning isn’t quite ready for the immortality of which a granite figure would represent. Not just yet. However, he’s no doubt been molded in clay and is ready to move beyond Favre, Marino, Brady, Elway, and Starr into that coveted 4th position. Remember, he’s still only 33 and could realistically have 5-7 more years left in the tank. He has the record for most NFL MVPs with four. Along with being a 9 time pro bowler and 5 time first team All-Pro. His statistical stats are practically unmatched as a whole and currently sits in 3rd place overall for touchdown passes and 4th for passing yards. In other words, get the dynamite blasts ready to go. Now I know- last night he threw a ball that cost the Colts a chance at their 2nd Super Bowl title. (Reggie Wayne didn’t help either) But let’s all relax people. One throw doesn’t make a guys career and define his legacy. And surely he shouldn’t be judged for the inability of the defense or special teams to make an impact in the second half of that game. No, Peyton Manning will be judged at his entire body of work when it’s all said and done. The way it should be. The way it was for John Elway. Cause lets all remember that 
Elway’s legacy wasn’t cemented until he finally won the two Super Bowls in his final two seasons. His other 3 tries became more of a footnote on an incredible hall of fame career. I just wish that footnote didn’t hurt so much when it was removed from the ASS of this still bitter Browns fan. Damn you John Elway.
Sorry, I’ve digressed and now need a beer.-DM
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This Super Bowl is setting up to resemble two middleweights just punching the hell out of each other and seeing which one is standing in the end. Hagler vs. Hearns anyone? Let’s hope so. I say middleweights and not heavyweights because neither team has that knock you flat on your ass style of defense that can just punish an opponent. Now don’t get me wrong- the Saints have a swarming D that causes turnovers and seems to be in the right place at the right time. Especially in the playoffs so far. Good thing, because they’re going to need it against Manning. The guy just doesn’t make many stupid mistakes. However, they just don’t have the corners to cover Wayne, Clark, Garcon or Collie- and Manning is going to exploit it.
Can the Saints really slow down Peyton Manning? I’ll say “slow down” because there is no way that they can stop him. Few teams ever have. Manning seems to be playing at a level right now that only a select number of QB’s have ever reached and now is rightfully mentioned in the same sentence as Otto Graham, Johnny Unitas and yes, Joe Montana. Three quarterbacks who defined their era and showcased the artistry of what being a quarterback is truly all about. Manning is doing the same at this stage of his career and every football fan should take notice and just sit back and enjoy watching the guy. It’s always hard to compare players. Debates like Jim Brown vs. Walter Payton or Barry Sanders vs. Gale Sayers are ones that will always be brought up at local bars and pubs. It’s part of what watching sports is all about. The comparison of talent and ability. However, one thing is for certain. When it comes to pure quarterbacking skill, few QB’s will be compared to Peyton Manning when it’s all said and done. Especially if he wins on Sunday. -DM
