Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have undoubtedly left indelible marks on the NFL, securing their places as two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. However, the debate over who was superior between the two continues to divide opinions.
Despite Brady boasting more Super Bowl victories (7 to Manning’s 2) and a better head-to-head record (11-6), some argue that these stats alone don’t determine the better quarterback. In a recent interview on “STAT Sports with Rob Lepelstat,” Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis offered his perspective on the debate, hinting that Manning might have held the edge.
“I would say from a quarterback (from a student level of the game) he made me alter my game,” Lewis shared, referring to Manning. “He made me watch more film and that’s what I call the greatest quarterback, to me, me and his battle. Brady, of course, rings, but when you talk about just walking out there and seeing a man knowing that whoof, here we go again, Peyton Manning was rough.”
Lewis’s opinion holds weight as he’s not only revered as one of the premier defensive players in NFL history but also competed against both quarterbacks during their primes. Spending his entire 17-year career with the Ravens, Lewis faced off against Brady and Manning numerous times, offering him a unique perspective on their playing styles. In fact, Manning’s approach to the game left such an impression on Lewis that he sought to emulate it himself.
Lewis on Manning vs. Brady: Insights from a Defensive Legend
Lewis’s admiration for Manning’s meticulous approach to the game is evident in his remarks. Manning’s unparalleled attention to detail, film study, and deep understanding of offensive schemes left a lasting impression on Lewis, prompting him to strive for a similar level of expertise in his own defensive play.
Indeed, Lewis views Manning’s quarterbacking style as the epitome of excellence, citing his comprehensive knowledge of plays, checks, and coverages as exemplary. Manning’s mastery of the game inspired Lewis to raise his own understanding and execution on the field, a testament to Manning’s profound impact.
While acknowledging Brady’s prowess, Lewis draws a distinction between the two legendary quarterbacks’ playing styles. In Lewis’s view, facing Brady was akin to engaging in a strategic chess match, characterized by patience and calculated moves, culminating in sudden, decisive actions.
Lewis’s Perspective: Manning vs. Brady Through the Eyes of a Champion
Despite Lewis’s apparent lean towards Manning in the perennial debate, he is quick to emphasize the extraordinary talents of both quarterbacks. Manning and Brady are unequivocally regarded as two of the greatest players in NFL history, their remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport firmly etched in the annals of football lore.
Lewis’s final NFL season in 2012 provided him with the opportunity to face off against both Manning and Brady in the playoffs. His Ravens emerged victorious in thrilling matchups against Manning’s Broncos and Brady’s Patriots, ultimately securing a Super Bowl triumph over the San Francisco 49ers.
In retrospect, Lewis’s reflections on the Manning versus Brady debate carry added weight, considering that two of the defining games of his illustrious career came against these iconic quarterbacks.
