And how many rushing yards or TDs does Manning have? Why do people always over look this part of Young’s career accomplishments?

“Again, this was bested by Manning by reaching the playoffs 9 times (so far) (`99, `00, `02-`08) and 7 consecutive times (another NFL Record).”

How many of those seasons also had a 1000 yard rusher to take pressure off of the passing game (all but two)? Young? A grand total of 2. Manning 7 seasons with 1000 rusher, Young 2.

Further, Young was only a starter in SF for 8 seasons anyway, AND, Manning has enjoyed a much better offensive line. I don’t see Manning getting concussions three, four times a year or broken ribs for that matter.

I will agree that Manning might go down as the best ever. But that depends upon the statistical categories continued. It’s hard to argue with the highest career passing rating AND the most rushing TDs/second most rushing yards in the same player.

But then again, perhaps Young should be knocked for his durability (although clearly much of that had to do with the undersized and often injured line he had blocking for him).

Either way, it cannot be denied that Manning has rarely had to run a one dimensional offense, like Young did almost every season.

This article makes no sense as it seems you’re just tryin to up Young over Manning. If you want to compare Young to anyone, how about Kurt Warner who went throught the AFL.

Very well written article. Kudos!

“1994 would be his best season. Just under 4,000 yards passing, he surpassed Montana’s single season passer rating (112.8), was named NFL MVP ”
Peyton Manning bested the above accomplishment in 2004 when he posted what is arguably the best season ever for an NFL QB when he threw 49 TD’s to only 10 Int’s resulting in a 121.1 passer rating (new record). Additionally, he was named MVP of the NFL.

“In 1993 Young lead the 49ers to the playoffs.” “The following 3 seasons, 1995-1998, Young lead the 49ers to the playoffs every year.”
Again, this was bested by Manning by reaching the playoffs 9 times (so far) (`99, `00, `02-`08) and 7 consecutive times (another NFL Record).

“He passed for over 4,000 yards and was named to the Pro Bowl. 1994 would be his best season. Just under 4,000 yards passing.”
Again, this mark was obliterated by Manning by passing for over 4000 yds nine times (so far) in the years `99, `00, `01, `02, `03, `04, `06, `07, `08. Yet another record was broken by completing this mark 6 consecutive times.

“Young has at least one award that Peyton cannot yet boast: membership in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
This is only because Manning is still in the prime of his career. If he retired tomorrow, he would be a first ballot HOF’er without doubt. He will likely end his career as the best to have ever played the position.

“But what is most impressive to me is the manner in which these achievements were obtained. 1) Through failure, 2) through injuries and pain, and 3) through perseverance and heart. Young’s professional life was a true inspiration.”
1)Peyton failed several times in the playoffs before capturing the Lombardy Trophy, 2)Peyton played the first 5 games of the `08 season through the pain of a surgically repaired knee that was healed, 3)Peyton was trashed by the media, labeled as a choker, and, more was expected of Manning because his father was a former NFL great.

Nothing against Steve Young, he was an outstanding QB who broke out of Joe Montana’s shadow when given the opportunity. He was a charismatic leader, that defined a champion, but he’s no Peyton Manning. He may end his career as being the best to ever play the position.