The New England Patriots’ latest Super Bowl defeat had several ramifications for the two participating quarterbacks. It elevated the New York Giants Eli Manning into elite status, but may have knocked Tom Brady off the pedestal he’s stood on for his entire career.
Before the game, Brady’s name would have easily stood along with that of Joe Montana and others for greatest quarterback of all time. But can the same case be made for the Pats’ passer when he’s coming off consecutive title defeats? Did Tom Brady’s legacy take a hit with his second Super Bowl Loss to the Giants? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk debate:
Green: You can’t possibly put Brady into the best-ever class when he’s come up short in his last two title games. The Giants made him look average, twice, and let’s be honest: he didn’t exactly light it up in his first three Super Bowls either. Montana was 4-0 in bowl games while Brady has fallen to 3-2. If Brady would’ve trumped Manning in Super Bowl XLVI, he would’ve clearly been on the same level as Montana. Now, he’ll forever play runner-up.
Riley: Championship loss aside, Brady is still one of the best to ever do it. Personally, I never had him pegged as the greatest of all time, but he definitely ranks up there. What’s crazy is, his career is far from over. The Patriots are set up perfectly to return to the Super Bowl again next season with two first round draft picks, a young defense, one of the best coaches in the league, the best mismatch in the league with their two tight ends, and they still have the best quarterback in the AFC and arguably, the entire NFL. Brady could easily win two more titles before he hangs up his cleats.
Green: I think the Pats’ window is closed. When you look at Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Houston, all three of those teams continue to improve and shouldn’t be overlooked. Pittsburgh beat New England this season and we all know Baltimore gave the AFC Championship to the Patriots on a platter. Wes Welker is a free agent and I wouldn’t guarantee that he returns to the Pats, because New England has been frugal with their free agents in the past. It took too much luck for them to get to the championship this season and I can’t see that same luck following them into next year.
Riley: What luck did it take? New England went 13-3 in the regular season, blew out Denver and made enough plays to bounce Baltimore in the AFC title game. If Rob Gronkowski had not gotten injured against Baltimore, then it might not have come down to a missed field goal against the Ravens or a last second drive against New York. Gronkowski is easily their best weapon and the fact that he was limited shouldn’t cloud your judgment. Brady’s legacy will be just fine going forward and if he is able to secure another title, I would vote for him over Montana as the greatest of all time. He’s already been to more Super Bowls than Montana and done so with a less than stellar offensive cast.
