This isn’t the biggest marquee quarterback matchup the NFL could have mustered this season. Had Minnesota not fumbled 75 times and if Brett Favre had followed the old adage about throwing across his body … then we would have had one of the more glamorous quarterback pairings in NFL history.
But the alternative is almost as good.
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In the Super Bowl’s first 43 seasons, there have been 10 pairings where both starting quarterbacks eventually made it to the Hall of Fame.
As for this year, Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning would be a Hall of Famer if he retired today. Barring injury and a sudden dropoff in play, New Orleans Drew Brees, only 30, is headed there as well.
So, for pure matchup purposes, Manning-Brees ranks as one of the best. It helps that the passing game has evolved, putting more emphasis on the quarterback than existed even in the 1960s.
Among the other top matchups:
Pittsburgh’s Terry Bradshaw vs. Dallas’ Roger Staubach (1979) » They met twice, first in 1976 and then in 1979. But there were questions surrounding Bradshaw before the first game; not before the second (league MVP in 1978). Staubach already was established, having won a Super Bowl MVP. The Steelers won both games, including 35-31 in the second one. Bradshaw threw four touchdown passes; Staubach tossed three.
San Francisco’s Joe Montana vs. Miami’s Dan Marino, 1985 » Marino was only in his second season, so his prime was still years away. But he threw 48 touchdown passes and was the reigning league MVP facing a guy who already had won a Super Bowl MVP. Montana added his second in a 38-16 triumph. Marino never returned.
Denver’s John Elway vs. Montana, 1990 » Alas, the score (55-10) makes it seem as if Elway tried to play San Francisco by himself. Montana was named the game’s MVP; Elway ran for one touchdown. Elway was in his third Super Bowl; Montana added a third Super Bowl MVP.
Favre vs. Elway, 1998 » Favre was in his prime with Green Bay, having won three straight NFL MVP awards. Elway had won one in 1987, but his career was rejuvenated under Mike Shanahan. The game was a classic, even though Elway only threw for 123 yards in this 31-24 victory.
