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Brady v. Manning

Steve Young and Troy Aikman, Dan Marino and Joe Montana, Otto Graham and Bobby Layne. Great quarterbacks in great rivalries. And this upcoming Sunday, the nation will watch its current great rivalry: Tom Brady vs Peyton Manning. Here's a look at this match-up over the years, from 2001 to now.
September 30, 2001

Drew Bledsoe down, Patriots 0-2, and now facing the undefeated Colts led by the young but talented Peyton Manning. But who's on the other side of the football? Skinny, 6th round pick Tom Brady in his first ever start. And in that first start, a new era in Foxborough was born. Patriots would defeat Manning and the Colts soundly, 44-13.
Brady: 13/23, 168 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 79.6 passer rating

Manning: 20/34, 196 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 48.2 passer rating

October 21, 2001
These two young futures of franchises met again in 2001, this time Manning was a bit more efficient. Over 300 yards, but only one touchdown. Brady, on the other hand, completed over 70% of his passes and had three touchdowns. Brady and his Bunch run off with another win, 38-17.
Brady: 16/20, 202 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 148.3 passer rating

Manning: 22/34, 335 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 106.9 passer rating

November 30, 2003
The New England Patriots brought a Super Bowl back to Foxborough in the 2001-02 season and were on a mission to do it again. And guess who's in the way this time? Good ol' Peyton and the Colts. The first half was full of mistakes for the Colts, giving the Patriots the 17-0 lead. But come second half, Brady is picked off twice and Manning cashes in. But, the Colts would fall short as the Patriots won 38-34.
Brady: 26/35, 236 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT, 87.3 passer rating

Manning: 29/48, 278 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 95.7 passer rating

January 18, 2004

Manning and Brady once again. This time, for a chance at the big game. Word from the wise: Four interceptions won't get your team to the Super Bowl. Someone didn't tell that to Peyton Manning, as his four interceptions in Foxborough gave New England another shot at the Super Bowl. One they would capitalize on. (24-14)
Brady: 22/37, 237 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 76.1 passer rating

Manning: 23/47, 237 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT, 35.5 passer rating

September 9, 2004
Up for revenge? Week 1 for the defending Super Bowl champs would be against the team they beat to get to the championship: The Indianapolis Colts. Both quarterbacks would have good games, but Mike Vanderjagt would be the game changer, missing the 44 yard game tying field goal. Patriots win 27-24 to start off the 2004 season.
Brady: 26/38, 335 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 111.2 passer rating

Manning: 16/29, 256 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 93.5 passer rating

January 16, 2005
Tom Brady has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league with two Super Bowl wins en route to another after a 15-1 season. Just two more wins and he gets a chance at three. His first obstacle: Peyton Manning and the Colts. The heavily anticipated AFC Divisional game was less-than exciting, resulting in the Colts scoring only one field goal, and the Patriots going on the win their third Super Bowl in five years. (20-3)
Brady: 18/27, 144 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 92.2 passer rating

Manning: 27/42, 238 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 69.3 passer rating

November 7, 2005
Is it time Manning finally gets a win? Yep, both QBs completed over 60% of passes and 3 touchdowns each. But, it was the Colts defense that seals the deal, giving Manning his first win over Brady, 40-21.
Brady: 22/33, 265 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 121.4 passer rating

Manning: 28/37, 321 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 117.1 passer rating

November 5, 2006
Remember that whole "don't throw four interceptions" spiel? Well Brady missed the memo, too. His four INTS gave the Colts a week 9 victory, 27-20.
Brady: 20/35, 201 yards, 0 TD, 4 INT, 34.0 passer rating

Manning: 20/36, 326 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 93.1 passer rating

January 21, 2007

And now Manning has his chance. Tommy B and the Patriots fell at home in the AFC Championship after Brady threw an interception with one minute left on the clock. Manning and the Colts win 38-34 and Peyton gets his first Super Bowl. (Author's Note: Manning got that Super Bowl against a Rex Grossman led Bears team. Just saying... )
Brady: 21/34, 232 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 79.5 passer rating

Manning: 27/47, 349 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 79.1 passer rating

November 4, 2007
Tom Brady and Patriots want their revenge now. Is an undefeated regular season good enough? With additions of Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth, plus the bloom of Wes Welker, the Patriots were ready to go (until the Giants came in...). The Colts were one of the first teams to see the wrath of this monster team. After being down 20-10 with ten minutes, Brady's nice comeback kept the undefeated streak alive. (24-20)
Brady: 21/32, 255 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 95.2 passer rating

Manning: 16/27, 225 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 83.1 passer rating

November 15, 2009
(Patriots fan in me: GODDAMMIT BELICHICK, WE DIDN'T NEED IT). The infamous decision to go for it on 4th down and 2 gave Manning the chance he needed to beat the Patriots in week 10. (35-34)
Brady: 29/42, 375 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 110.7 passer rating

Manning: 28/44, 327 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT, 97.4 passer rating

November 21, 2010
Manning has a habit for screwing up early but making up for it. Two interceptions in the first half gave New England a 31-14 lead. Manning cut it to 31-28, but another interception would ruin the chance of a win. (31-28)
Brady: 19/25, 186 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 123.1 passer rating

Manning: 38/52, 396 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT, 96.3 passer rating

October 7, 2012

Colts and Patriots? Nope, it's a different horse this time. In the past offseason, the Colts cut ties with Peyton Manning and he was picked up by the Denver Broncos. But the rivalry between Brady and Manning remained the same. The lackluster Broncos defense allowed 252 rushing yards from Stevan Ridley, Danny Woodhead, and Brandon Bolden. Even Brady got in on it and scored a QB sneak. Manning would try to keep up, but the Patriots win it 31-21.
Brady: 23/31, 223 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 104.6 passer rating

Manning: 31/44, 337 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 115.4 passer rating

November 24, 2013

The 14th time is now. Brady has taken 9 of the battles, and looks for number 10. Manning, on the other hand, is tired of being on the losing end. This game has large implications on seeding and momentum for both teams. The Patriots want to stay number one with only one loss, while the Broncos want the number one standing in the AFC West. Another name being thrown around is Wes Welker, as he makes his return to New England after signing with the Broncos this past offseason. On paper, these teams are two of the best in the league. This game should prove who is number one.