Edge was a terrific rusher but wasn’t with Manning long enough to make the argument.

If you want to argue Brady is better than Manning, I can see the argument. No really, I can. I had this discussion with a friend who is a Pats fan and we watched many games together closely to see what impressions we came with. Remarkably, they were fairly similar. Actually, his words were brilliant and I will copy them. “Manning’s receivers are better in the objective sense of being taller and faster. Brady’s receivers are smarter and more versatile, able to lineup across formations and execute a variety of different plays rather than standard outside routes.)

I think Brady’s scheme is well designed. Of course it runs well because he’s the qb, but its also more than that. Take the sb that Manning lost. He tried to throw short, but the receivers were gang tackled. The routes were isolation routes trying to break free through picks. Contrast when Ne threw short. The routes were more creative. Lots of motions and differing formations. Swings and chips and delayed staggers. The other issue was Gronk was drawing defenders from the interior down the seam – leaving the receivers with lots of cushion. The end result – receivers catching the ball with one tackler usually in space and often missing. It was a brilliantly designed scheme. Is that a credit to Brady? Somewhat, yes. But I think the contrast in the two games really demonstrates two things to my mind. One – that to a fault, Manning doesn’t alter his style. Nor do any other qbs. They all believe they can kill a defense their way. Brady is more willing to limit himself to the scheme. On the other hand, the scheme itself is brilliant and that’s a testament to the coach in BB. Advanced stats have shown that Brady’s down the field accuracy is the worst of the elite qbs. Good, but not spectacular.

Put it all together – both my friend and I agreed – if we had BB as a coach – we’d both take Brady. If we had an Oakland raider’s like roster with a run of the mill coach – we’d prefer Manning.