[Jarons]

The Colts did have Edge for Peyton's earlier years, but that was when the defense could barely stop a little league team. And I think you discount the effect a team's defense has on its QB. If you as a QB know that your defense is probably going to allow the other team to score more often than not, it puts A LOT of pressure on you to try to keep up. It can't be a good feeling to think that even if you lead your offense to 35 points, that it still likely won't be enough to win. A QB with a strong defense, on the other hand, can go about his business with a little less urgency.

Here's how I look at it. Imagine that Brady, Manning, Big Ben, and all other NFL QB's were placed in identical situations; receivers of equal talent, similar running games, similar O-line's, equally talented defenses. Which QB would prove himself the best? I believe Manning would perform the best, with Brady just slightly behind, then a dropoff to guys like Roethlisberger, Brees, Rivers, and Palmer after that.

Manning has proven time after time when he faces a high quality defense, he fails. Just watch replays of any Steeler or Patriot games in the playoffs. In a meaningless game in September give me Manning. In the clutch, Super Bowl on the line I would take Brady or Roethlisberger anytime. A top notch QB does not panic and leads the team in big games. Manning has yet to prove that to me. The offensive talent Manning has had around him, they could score 35 points in their sleep. The point that I have been trying to say is, a great QB will find a way to win in the big games. To me, that is what makes the a great QB. Quarterbacks greatness is defined by the postseason. Do think Bradshaw is in the HOF if he only won one or two SB's? I don't think so. His numbers are not HOF quality. When his defense failed in a big game he found a way to make a play.