Peyton Manning and Tom Brady Set for Another Epic Duel

This is a rivalry that has dominated the NFL for the past decade.  Both quarterbacks are sure to be in the Hall of Fame and have set and broken each other’s records for several years now.  Although their respective paths to the NFL were nearly polar opposites, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are now going to square off for yet another memorable duel with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.  And with both quarterbacks in the twilight of their careers, this could possibly be the last such matchup with such high stakes at play.  The upcoming AFC Championship could define who gets the last laugh in this famous rivalry!

While Manning was the top pick in the 1998 NFL draft, Brady was picked 199^th in 2000, deep within the 6^th round.  For such a lowly drafted player to even become a starter is a tremendous achievement, but Brady has become one of the greatest quarterbacks ever!  In many respects, he has had an even better career than Manning.  Brady has won 3 Super Bowls, played in 5, and has an 18-7 playoff record that stands as the best ever.  Manning’s achievements are more about the regular season, where he has won a record 4 NFL MVP awards, though he also has 1 Super Bowl ring from 2 appearances.  However, he is often ridiculed for his poor play in the postseason, and has just a 10-11 record after last week’s success.

Throughout the years, Brady and the New England Patriots have dominated this rivalry, owning a 10-4 all time record over Manning mostly during his time with the Indianapolis Colts.  However, Manning did orchestrate a monumental comeback from down 21-3 to winning the AFC Championship game in 2006 en route to winning his Super Bowl.  But in their matchup early this season it was the Patriots coming from down 24-0 to win over Manning and the Denver Broncos back in November.  These are clearly two players who never give up!

So what should we expect this time around?  Peyton Manning and the Broncos have more talent, evidenced by their record-breaking offense highlighted by Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, and Eric Decker.  The Patriots meanwhile have been patchwork all season long.  Their two dominant pass-catching tight ends weren’t able to play much.  Aaron Hernandez is headed to prison for murder while Rob Gronkowski only played several game before tearing 2 ligaments in his knee.  They have had to organize the offense around Julian Edelman and Stevan Ridley.  However, their main emphasis of attack centers around their running back LaGarrette Blount.  Brady only threw 25 passes in their last game as Blount ran with power and success.

But with the Broncos offense firing on all cylinders, Brady is likely to have to pass in a game that could easily become a shootout.  Manning clearly has more weapons and talent around him, and he has the full backing of the Denver fans behind him too.  But there’s something about the Patriots.  They are a team that can pick apart an opponent like no other, and they always come to play when the stakes are at their highest.  Head coach Bill Belichick is an absolute genius when it comes to football and I think that the Broncos will get slowed down just enough for the Patriots to win this game.  Blount’s yardage on the ground will keep Manning on the sideline for much of the game and I think Brady will have the last laugh.  Expect the Patriots to be headed to the Super Bowl after winning this one: 28-24.

AAA Sports Memorabilia has a great selection of sports collectibles for the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos.  No matter which team, or which quarterback, you prefer, we have a great collectible for you.  We also have etched logo display cases for both teams that make your autographed collectible stand out for all to see.  Come check us out today and see what will be in your man cave tomorrow.

Is the New England Patriots’ Dynasty Finished, or will Tim Tebow Lead a Revival?

The last year in which the New England Patriots had a losing season was 2000. Since then, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have established a dynasty resulting in 3 Super Bowl titles, 10 AFC East Division Championships, and an unforgettable run or power. But there is a hope for the Patriots’ many haters, who’ve become accustomed to shadow of dominance laid by New England, and that is the regrettable amount of offseason distractions and personnel changes that could threaten the very core of the Patriots team. Will this great team finally succumb and crumble, or will another year of magic and continued success be performed that keeps them in Super Bowl contention? Perhaps there is a secret weapon that lies in wait for the 2013 NFL Season on this roster…

 

Questions have emerged surrounding the receiving group for the Patriots. Gone is speedy slot receiver Wes Welker, who signed with the Denver Broncos this offseason, handing rival Peyton Manning yet another weapon. Gone is tight end Aaron Hernandez, who is currently in jail under 1^st degree murder charges. Who knows if he will ever play in the NFL again? Questions also surround the other tight end Rob Gronkowski, whose back injury leaves his availability in serious doubt.

 

It seems that Tom Brady will have to lead what could be one of his final NFL Seasons with a makeshift package of receiving options, considering how his best targets from last year seem to be disappearing at a rapid rate. This could surely be the breaking point in his otherwise stellar career.

 

I have another theory though: Tim Tebow. No, Tebow will not usurp Brady’s starting role anytime soon, but Tebow has the ability to fit in for a strong role on the Patriots offense, especially in this time of great need. What Tim Tebow brings to the Patriots is an element of the system that has grown very popular in the NFL over the last 12 months, the read-option. Quarterbacks like Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick, and Russell Wilson have largely revolutionized the position, and Tebow may just do the same with the Patriots, just not primarily at quarterback.

 

Imagine, Tim Tebow lining up as a fullback or tight end, receiving a hand off from Brady, and then using the read option, perhaps passing or making a strong burst on the ground for positive yards…

Tebow displayed his knack for playmaking with the Denver Broncos two years ago as the starting quarterback, but he is clearly talented and dedicated enough to perform a similar feat with the Patriots. This could bring a very intriguing element to an offense that is under severe threat of going cold.

 

Another benefit to an expanded Tim Tebow role on the offense is that it turns what was once a general weakness into a strength on this roster. Brady has always been a poor runner, and although his passing is Hall of Fame worthy, his inability to stretch plays holds the team back. Tebow has that ability, and if used well could add a new dimension to this team. His presence on the field will at least ask the question of NFL defenses.

 

If anyone can perform magic with this offense it is head coach Bill Belichick. When Tom Brady tore his ACL in 2008, the team turned to Matt Cassel and still won 11 games! I have no doubt that the Patriots will be able to contend this season, regardless of who is catching passes. My one speculation though is that Tim Tebow will be returning to the NFL spotlight after making a tremendous impact with his new team!

 

To get great New England Patriots autographed memorabilia or officially licensed sports collectibles, visit us at www.AAASportsMemorabilia.com. Is your favorite NFL team someone else other then the New England Patriots? Don't worry as we have all NFL teams, along with all teams from the MLB, NHL, and the NBA. All of our autographed collectibles are backed by a lifetime guarantee from the most trusted companies in the industry and all of our non-autographed collectibles are officially licensed by their respective league. We also have great display cases with UV protection options to protect your autographed memorabilia and they are all built right here in the US.