Why Peyton Manning Can Become The G.O.A.T.

[Restored]

On the Pats point, the team was not at a mid-point when Brady took over. In fact, they had suffered through one of the lowest periods in their history when a very green Pete Carroll took over the team in 1997 after Parcells and Belichick left for the Jets.

In the three years that Carrol was HC the team went from AFC champs in 1996 to 10-6 record in 1997 and a divisional round exit to the Kordell Steward led Steelers at home; the team went 9-7 in 1998 and fourth place in the division with a wild card loss to Jags; in 1999 they finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs. 2000 is when Belichick took over and the team went 5-11 its worse record since 1992 when the team went 2-14 with Hugh Millen as the QB. In 2001, the Pats began the season with two losses to the Jets and Bengals (two of the worst teams that season), when Brady took over. Once Brady was inserted the team went 14-3 winning his last 9 games en route to the SB.

I have mentioned this before up here but Michael Holley wrote one of the best football books of all time called "Patriot Reign" which details the Patriots championship years and how Belichick build those champ teams. Here is the editorial description for the book:

"When Bill Belichick arrived in New England, the Patriots were a laughingstock, an organization with a losing record and a roster of overpaid, underperforming players. So how did a head coach with a questionable record transform this team, garner three Lombardi trophies in four years, and -- with the Pats' 2005 Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles -- cement the team's place as an NFL dynasty?" http://www.amazon.com/Patriot-Reign-Belichick-Coaches-Champion/dp/B000HWYRGO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379245499&sr=8-1&keywords=patriot+reign

Holley spends a couple of chapters detailing the type of mess the Patriots were in when Belichick took over in 2000. Most people think Brady took over a good team because the Pats were in the SB in 1996 but it is a myth. Carroll had bascially signed terrible players and in the process put the team in major cap trouble that Bill had to climb out of. Hence, the 5-13 record before Brady came in.

I understand what your saying but if you are what your record says you are, the pats were a mid level team for the most part during the years you listed. 9-7 and 8-8 means your team is average. The Colts on the other hand were terrible for nearly the entire decade outside of a couple playoff appearances in 1995 and 1996 under Jim Harbaugh and Teddy Marchibroda. To put it in relatable terms, Manning essentially had to do in his first four years what Brady never did. And that is endure huge team spread growing pains and a lack luster coaching staff at the top and on defense. You bring up 2000 as a rebuilding year like it counts for Brady as a season when he hardly played.

Ill agree that Bellichek built those teams up, but please don't think they were a bottom feeder team like the Colts were. It's easier to build a house that's already half-finished then having to start from the ground up.

[amfootball]

I understand what your saying but if you are what your record says you are, the pats were a mid level team for the most part during the years you listed. 9-7 and 8-8 means your team is average. The Colts on the other hand were terrible for nearly the entire decade outside of a couple playoff appearances in 1995 and 1996 under Jim Harbaugh and Teddy Marchibroda. To put it in relatable terms, Manning essentially had to do in his first four years what Brady never did. And that is endure huge team spread growing pains and a lack luster coaching staff at the top and on defense. You bring up 2000 as a rebuilding year like it counts for Brady as a season when he hardly played.

Ill agree that Bellichek built those teams up, but please don't think they were a bottom feeder team like the Colts were. It's easier to build a house that's already half-finished then having to start from the ground up.

I think what makes the FA.cap era so interesting is that teams can turn around so quickly so I don't see where the Colts being bad in the late 80's/early 90's effects Manning in 1998. In just his second year, 1999, he won double digits in games and was the second seed. Same for Brady. 1996 mine as well have been decades ago compared to the state of the team in 2000/2001. I think both the Colts and Pats did that quick of a turn around precisely because they had the guy at the helm to build the team around but more importantly cover up the poorer parts of the team. Remember Belichick was not the "genius" until Brady arrived. He was a below .500 HC who had only made the playoffs once in six years with a 1-1 record.

[braveheartcolt]

It could very well happen, Luck has all the tools and a great head on his shoulders.  Hes a special player and will only get better.  It makes sense why the Colts would tank an entire season to get someone of his caliber ;)

Polian's best piece of work. Drafting Painter.....we didn't even have to throw any games.....Painter playing his best was good enough to get us Luck..

[Gramz]

 

 

The niners are better than the Broncos. They were last year and they are this year too. The Broncs only look as good as they do offensively because of Manning. Decker is not a good WR. They have no run game unless you count the RBs that fumble for him. And the defense? Not even close to the niners especially with Miller being out.

 

 

Orange highlight  Thus, The Goat.  ;)

 

Blue highlight   Decker was only a Good WR when with the Pats,  I see.    :hmm:  

[Susie Q]

Polian's best piece of work. Drafting Painter.....we didn't even have to throw any games.....Painter playing his best was good enough to get us Luck..

The only thing is that we had QB ( Orlowsky ) and he could have one us some games but WE Sucked For Luck instead of playing him sooner than they did. So in my opinion that could betaken as throwing games to get Luck.

[jvan1973]

If Manning went to niners last year, does he lose his first playoff game?

How about his arm? Any issues playing in 60's degrees vs. one of the coldest days in the year last year in Denver?

Lastly, if Manning was on the niners this year, do they lose any games? I say no.

The niners are better than the Broncos. They were last year and they are this year too. The Broncs only look as good as they do offensively because of Manning. Decker is not a good WR. They have no run game unless you count the RBs that fumble for him. And the defense? .

I bet BB would love to have decker right about now

[amfootball]

I bet BB would love to have decker right about now

I think he would like to have me. I got good hands. Don't even need gloves. ;)

[amfootball]

Orange highlight  Thus, The Goat.   ;)

 

Blue highlight   Decker was only a Good WR when with the Pats,  I see.     :hmm:  

Decker has only played with the Broncs Gramz.

 

Yes, Peyton is great. Never said he wasn't. Just not the goat. :thmsup:

[Gramz]

Decker has only played with the Broncs Gramz.

 

Yes, Peyton is great. Never said he wasn't. Just not the goat. :thmsup:

    Wow,  you are right.     I was reading Decker and thinking Welker.    too funny  

Thanks for calling me on it,  and for what it's worth, I agree with you about Decker.

[amfootball]

    Wow,  you are right.     I was reading Decker and thinking Welker.    too funny  

Thanks for calling me on it,  and for what it's worth, I agree with you about Decker.

It's ok. Most people when they see me think Welker. lol.