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Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry: Analyzing Playoff History

By Connor Fulton

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on from the field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on from the field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry: Analyzing Playoff History

Tom Brady Patriots
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Now that the Denver Broncos have navigated their way by the injury-plagued Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots will travel to the Mile High City in the AFC Championship Game. It will be the 17th total encounter between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and the fifth in the playoffs. In this article, we are going to analyze the postseason history of this matchup, leading to a final conclusion on which quarterback has the edge.

Patriots will meet Broncos in AFC Championship Game

To get things started, let’s hop in the time machine and go back to January of 2004.

2003 AFC Championship – Patriots 24, Colts 14

Brady: 22 of 37, 237 yards, touchdown, interception

Manning: 23 of 47, 237 yards, touchdown, four interceptions

In the first postseason matchup between these two legends, Manning fell to Brady on account of his throwing four interceptions, including three to Patriots’ Hall of Famer Ty Law. While they both threw for exactly the same number of yards, Brady was easily the better quarterback in this game.

Brady was assisted by a strong ground game; Antowain Smith (remember him?) ripped off 100 yards on 22 carries. Troy Brown was Brady’s favorite target that afternoon, snagging seven of the 11 passes thrown his direction for 88 yards. David Givens echoed Brown’s production with 68 yards and a touchdown off eight receptions.

It wouldn’t be long before Brady and Manning met once again in the playoffs…

Next: 2004 Divisional Round

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