Super Bowl XLVI: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks

This NFL season has been nothing short of incredible but it has finally come down to two teams: the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. Despite going through a roller coaster of emotions throughout the season, they’ve both done their part and pulled through in getting to this big stage. Considering the two quarterbacks who will be playing, we’re in store for an incredibly special matchup in Super Bowl XLVI.

It’s worth noting that this will be a championship rematch between the two teams. Four seasons ago, the Patriots entered Super Bowl XLII with an undefeated 18-0 record and were just one win away from perfection. Many were convinced that this was one of the greatest teams of all time. Unfortunately for them, the resilient Giants stood in the way and handed the Patriots their only loss in what may have been the greatest NFL upset of all time. Now with this highly-anticipated rematch, the Patriots have a chance to get revenge for that bitter loss.

Quarterback Tom Brady certainly hasn’t forgotten about that game. Still playing at a highly competitive level, he’s primed to play in his fifth Super Bowl. For years, the public has been comparing him to 49ers legend Joe Montana when ranking the greatest quarterbacks of all time. But here’s what makes this a particularly special and personal game for Brady. Montana just so happens to be Brady’s childhood idol–he grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area rooting for Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers. If Brady pulls through with a win this Sunday, he’ll officially have the same number of Super Bowl rings as his childhood hero…the same man who inspired him to play football in the first place. Not many get to experience such an incredible honor–it would undoubtedly be a dream come true for Brady.

On the other side, we have yet another quarterback who’s trying to build his legacy. The entire New York Giants team certainly deserves much credit for finishing the season strong, but quarterback Eli Manning is definitely in the spotlight. For him, this Super Bowl holds a lot of meaning–it’s his big chance to prove all his critics wrong. Ever since he was drafted, Eli has been stuck in the shadow of his big brother, Peyton Manning, who will likely be enshrined in the Hall of Fame (perhaps sooner than we think). However, it’s worth noting that each brother already has a Super Bowl ring. If Eli wins another one this Sunday, he’ll certainly have bragging rights in the Manning family.

But for Eli, it’s not just about comparing himself to his brother–it’s about earning and deserving recognition for being one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. This past off-season, he boldly claimed himself to be in the same elite class as Tom Brady. Many supported him while many others scoffed at his claim. Well, to all his critics, look at where he is now. He has the opportunity to get his second Super Bowl ring in just four years. Who stands in his way? Tom Brady and the Patriots, the same team he beat four seasons ago. With Peyton out of the picture (for now), we could be witnessing the birth of the next Manning-Brady rivalry, one that may last for years to come. But for now, let’s just think about the big game this Sunday. It’s time for both quarterbacks to step up and lead their teammates to victory. As always, may the best team win.

Sources:

“Eli Manning: I’m in class with Tom Brady,” ESPN New York

“Monte Poole: Tom Brady is every bit the equal of Joe Montana,” San Jose Mercury News

“Pro Football Statistics and History,” Pro-Football-Reference.com

“Sources fearful over Manning’s ability to return,” Yahoo! Sports


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