Week 2 Thoughts & Observations
Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 5:16 am
As great as both Brady and Manning are, I don't think they can be placed on the same level as Montana, Elway, and even Marino. The rules in the NFL today completely favor QB's and offenses in general.
I view Montana has the greatest ever for a number of reasons but what is most impressive about that generation of QB play was how damn tough they were. I mean these guys weren't being protected like they are today where defenders are afraid to fully go after the QB because there is a great chance that it will cost their team 15 yards. There were hits to head, 300+ defenders driving them into the ground, etc.
The five yard chuck rule was non-existent or hardly enforced meaning defenders had a much greater advantage than they do today. Not to mention PI penalties weren't being called with the type of frequency that they are today.
Can you imagine the types of numbers and additional records that Montana, Elway, and Marinos of the league would have put up if they were "protected" as much as today's star QB's are?
Tom and Peyton are great and definite top 10 of all-time but I think their numbers are inflated due to the way the game is played today. You can compare Brady and Manning but I think it is unfair when the comparisons start stretching to Brady vs. Montana, etc. IMO.
I view Montana has the greatest ever for a number of reasons but what is most impressive about that generation of QB play was how damn tough they were. I mean these guys weren't being protected like they are today where defenders are afraid to fully go after the QB because there is a great chance that it will cost their team 15 yards. There were hits to head, 300+ defenders driving them into the ground, etc.
The five yard chuck rule was non-existent or hardly enforced meaning defenders had a much greater advantage than they do today. Not to mention PI penalties weren't being called with the type of frequency that they are today.
Can you imagine the types of numbers and additional records that Montana, Elway, and Marinos of the league would have put up if they were "protected" as much as today's star QB's are?
Tom and Peyton are great and definite top 10 of all-time but I think their numbers are inflated due to the way the game is played today. You can compare Brady and Manning but I think it is unfair when the comparisons start stretching to Brady vs. Montana, etc. IMO.