Peyton Manning: Greatest QB of All Time?

Well, initially for this story I was going to write about the proposed demise of the Indianapolis Colts and how this will be the year the shine wears off that Super Bowl trophy. The writing is on the wall. The coaching staff is already in turmoil with Dungy retiring and revered offensive coordinator and offensive line coach reportedly retiring due to changes in the NFL Coaches pension plan. Everybody is getting a little older. Marvin Harrison was cut, Peyton Manning isn't exactly a young buck anymore, plus what really is there that keeps him motivated anyhow? He already has a Super Bowl ring so it's not like he's going to play the span of three decades for his one shot at glory ala Dan Marino.

Then I dove into the numbers. Nine out of Ten seasons, Manning has thrown for over 4,000 yards. His off year was in 2005 when he threw for 3,747. A number Joe Montana only topped twice in his career. So then I dug a little deeper, broadened the landscape a little bit to help poor Joe out and compared Peyton's numbers with Dan Marino, Brett Favre, John Elway as well. The top 5 most prolific quarterbacks on any list, no matter how you shake it. Here's what I found:

4,000 yard Club-

As mentioned above, Peyton Manning has nine career 4,000 yard seasons. Dan Marino has done this six times and gets a bonus point for setting the record with this 5,000 yard season. Close behind is Favre with four, Elway with one and Montana with zero.

WINNER: Peyton

25+TD Seasons-

A little closer than I expected. Montana and Elway chime in with four seasons and Marino threw for 25+Td's seven times in his career. Brett Favre has done it nine times (and could go for ten with the Vikings this year I suppose). But Peyton has done it every year of his career, so make that ten straight and counting

WINNER: Peyton

Career QB Rating-

The much beloved John Elway comes in at a paltry 79.9, Brett Favre with a 85.4 and Danny Boy has a 86.4. Montana and Manning are in the 90's however Petyon has Joe beat by nearly 2.5 boasting a career rating of 94.7

WINNER: Peyton

When looking over the numbers, you have to appreciate all that Peyton has done in these past 10 years. Longevity and steady production is all anybody wants from their quarterback. I knew he was good, we all know that, but once you sit down and digest the numbers you have no choice but to annoit him the greatest ever. I would love to hear any argument that suggest otherwise.