Top Five Brady-Manning Games
By DJ Smith
Oct 7, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shakes hands with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) following the game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Since 2001, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have met for a total of 14 times. This Sunday, the Patriots and Broncos will face off for the AFC Championship Game on Sunday to earn a trip to Super Bowl XLVIII.
Peyton and Tom have had many memorable face-offs throughout the years and now let’s take a look back at five of the best games between the greatest quarterbacks in this generation.
5. 2010: Patriots 31 Colts 28
This matchup saw Peyton Manning almost lead his team back midway through the season against a very dominate Patriots team. Tom Brady had an ‘average’ day throwing for 186 yards and two touchdowns, meanwhile Peyton Manning threw for 396 yards and four touchdowns however he also threw three interceptions. The last of his interceptions coming in the final moments of the fourth quarter to James Sanders.
4. 2007: Patriots 24 Colts 20
Ah 2007, such a bittersweet year that saw the Patriots absolutely dominate the regular season, yet fell short in the Super Bowl. This matchup between the Colts and Patriots saw the Patriots score 10 points in the final eight minutes of the game and ultimately lead to another Patriots victory. Brady threw for three touchdowns and two interceptions for 255 yards, while Manning through for 225 yards with only one touchdown and one interception.
3. 2009: Colts 35 Patriots 34
Fourth-and-2. That’s all that needs to be said for Patriots fans to reminisce back to that Sunday night in 2009. Tom Brady threw for 375 yards that night with three touchdowns and one interception, while Peyton Manning threw for 327 yards four touchdowns and two interceptions. With a 34-28 lead and 2:08 left on the clock, Bill Belichick decided to go for it on fourth down (on their own 28 mind you) and came up about half a yard short. This left the Colts with excellent field position to score their final touchdown and snatch a win away from the Patriots and improve to 10-0.
2. 2003 AFC Division Playoffs: Patriots 24 Colts 14
In their first postseason matchup, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning dueled for the right to move on to face the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC Championship Game. This was a huge matchup for Peyton, as he was 0-6 at Foxboro before this game and was looking to break that streak as well as the hearts of Patriots fans. However, Manning had a putrid day throwing for 238 yards and no touchdowns while throwing one interception. Brady on the other hand threw for 144 yards and one touchdown, and even had a rushing touchdown.
- 2006 AFC Championship Game: Colts 38 Patriots 34
The number one game in the Manning vs. Brady rivalry is from the 2006 AFC Championship Game at the RCA Dome in Indy. The story of the game was the Patriots first half dominance, leading at halftime 21-6 (albeit no touchdown passes from Brady). The second half was all about the Patriots defense collapsing and allowing Manning and the Colts to steam back and score 17 fourth quarter points. The Patriots were marching down the field in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, however Tom Brady threw a ill-timed throw that was intercepted by Marlin Jackson and sent the Colts marching to Super Bowl XLI.
What do you think? Will this Sunday’s matchup make the list?