As fans we have only ever known Peyton as an Indianapolis Colt, throwing to Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark time after time in big-time games. Countless battles in the snow, on the turf, and through the air are what have built the Brady vs. Manning rivalry as a cornerstone in the NFL. The addition of Bronco Orange to Peyton’s uniform is enough to make fans take a step back though.

As Peyton returns from a season sidelined from injury and with a new team, it seems as though Peyton has taken on a new identity. Manning has new targets, no longer plays in a dome, and calls the AFC West home. Brady hasn’t moved an inch and is right where he started as the face of the Patriots organization under Bill Belichick. As they both head in separate situations, have Peyton and Tom grown apart?

In my mind, there is just too much history and personal pride for the two to grow apart. Whenever the AFC’s elite matched-up conference superiority was on the line. Brady clearly got the best of Manning as the rivalry grew, after winning the first 6 meetings against Manning’s Colts. Recently Manning has had his moments against the Patriots as well. In the past 6 meetings, Manning has been victorious in 4, including an AFC Championship win that still haunts the Patriots today. Playoff wins are where the greats establish themselves and all-time Brady is 2-1 against Manning in the playoffs. If fans were to have it their way the two will meet again this January.

The league dominance each quarterback has exhibited is simply jaw dropping. Of the last 11 Super Bowls, Brady or Manning have represented the AFC 7 times. It has just become habit to see the two individuals on the biggest stage as they carry their teams with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.

The individual stats and awards come easy for the two, but the both would tell you the Super Bowls are what matter the most. Manning has his 4 MVPs against Brady’s 2 MVPs but in the minds of many, Brady has what matters most in his 3 Super Bowl victories opposed to Manning’s lone victory. Both will have their shot at more championships before their careers are over, but they may have to go through each other.

This Sunday I expect the rivalry to maintain its passion and hunger for success. The game’s most elite competitors will leave it all on the field and the fans should soak in the winding days of one of the greatest quarterback rivalries of all time.

Nov 21, 2010; Foxboro, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) following the game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Colts 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE

Dec 11, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (far left) is congratulated by cornerback Devin McCourty (32) and cornerback Julian Edelman (11) and safety James Ihedigbo (44) after Wilfork scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE

I am most interested in for the upcoming season.

Don’t’a Hightower, LB

The physicality and athleticism of the Patriots linebacker corps (Spikes, Mayo, Hightower) is tremendous but lacks depth. Hightower must be able to step in and make an impact in his rookie season. Hightower has great range and speed with his size and is known to play with an edge that the Pats could certainly use. The Patriots went all in on defense when drafting Hightower and Jones in the first round and it must pay off.

Chandler Jones, DE

The Patriots must be able to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and Jones could be the answer. Jones is another young, defensive player that the Patriots are depending on to make an immediate impact. The first round pick will have Ninkovich on the other end and together they need to find ways to get to the quarterback.

Devin McCourty, CB 

After a fantastic rookie season, McCourty has his sophomore slump that led to many doubters. McCourty can’t afford another mediocre and underperforming season and must return to his rookie form. The Patriots were picked apart last year by opposing passing attack and McCourty playing at his highest level would certainly be a help.

Ras-I Dowling, CB

Dowling missed most of his rookie season with a hip injury so we never really got to see what he is capable of. Dowling is set to be a starter this year after a solid training camp but will he be able to perform in game situations? He is larger than McCourty and the Patriots can use that to their advantage with match-ups.

Jermaine Cunningham, LB 

Cunningham was injured for most of last season after getting 11 starts in 2010 so people wonder if he can return to his old form. He has also the physical attributes to be a very solid starter but he will need to prove himself because he is currently behind Hightower, Spikes, and Mayo. The Patriots had high hopes for Cunningham when he was drafted and hopefully he can live up to these expectations.

Nate Solder, OT

After a solid rookie season Solder hopes to stay away from a sophomore slump. The young running backs and Brady will need him for the offense to run smoothly and to give Brady the time to find his new weapons.  Solder could really take a huge leap in his development if he used his athleticism well and polishes his technique. This preseason he has had his ups and downs but that is bound to happen with any second year player in his first full preseason.

Brandon Lloyd, WR

Brady has his deep threat back and Lloyd could prove to be an invaluable weapon. This being said, Lloyd and Brady still must build up a connection. Brady tends to become attached to receivers and lock on to his go-to-guys but will Lloyd become one of these guys? We haven’t seen much of him this preseason but expect Lloyd to stretch defenses this season.

Stevan Ridley, RB

Ridley had a very solid rookie season, averaging 5 yards or more per carry, and he is now in position to be the number one back if he can build on this momentum. He is a strong downhill runner who runs between the tackles and should help to take pressure off of Brady. Everyone hopes he can make the leap to a solid NFL starter and provide the Patriots with another weapon in their arsenal.

Jeff Demps, RB

Demps’ Olympic speed makes your mouth water but in order to make an impact he will have to polish other aspects of his game. He must work on ball security and catching the ball. Demps acknowledges that he must get back into football shape and he will need to do that quickly after getting off to a late start. The Patriots could use him as a kick or punt returner to add a dynamic aspect to their special teams. The possibilities with Demps are endless but he could also end up being a non-factor.

Rob Gronkowski, TE

Gronk may be the Patriots greatest weapon but will teams learn how to shut him down and make him disappear? After coming off of his injury will he lose a step? I doubt Gronk will be affected by the injury and Aaron Hernandez should help make it even harder to shut Gronk down but you must consider these factors. Brady leans on Gronk so he must be as good as ever.

August 24, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) runs with the ball during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New England Patriots 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE