Manning vs. Brady vs. Brees: Who Do You Want As Your Starter in 2012?

By: The Football Girl | Posted: February 06, 2012

We know Eli was the better quarterback yesterday, and throughout the postseason.  He is officially elite and possibly headed to the Hall of Fame.  But here’s a trick question for you:  Would you opt for Eli Manning as your starter today over, say, Tom Brady? Or even Drew Brees?

One of the great things about the NFL is that this question is now legitimate (or at least I think it is.)  Every yard, every second counts.  You can go from a Jekyll and Hyde player to elite and a Hall of Famer in a matter of weeks.

So here’s my argument for Manning entering the conversation:

Brees and Brady are both known quantities. They are Top 5 current quarterbacks, sure Hall of Famers, both having masterfully led their respective offensives for years now.  But both, especially Brees, are increasingly prone to shooting themselves in the feet. 

Manning has shown consistency long enough to actually be called consistent.  He rivals Aaron Rodgers in accuracy throwing a deep ball. He’s as clutch as they come.  And one of his Super Bowl rings is a lot shinier than those on the other two guys’ fingers.

Sure, Manning has weapons, but so do both Brady and Brees.  Brady needs some size and a deep threat at receiver but Gronkowski and Hernandez compensate. Manning’s tight end is effective but way less athletic than both the Patriots options and Jimmy Graham.  Brees pretty much has an overflow of weaponry (at least until free-agent Marques Colston gets snatched up by one of the 20 teams desperate for a stud WR).  He also leads all quarterbacks in leadership and ability to read a defense.

For that reason I’m going:  1) Brees 2) Manning 3) Brady.  But it is mighty close.

(Disclaimer: We are less than 24 hours removed from the Super Bowl and Brady’s subpar postseason. I have the right to change my mind and will likely do just that. )

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