Bill Belichick isn’t quite done heaping praise on Peyton Manning ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium.
One day after the New England Patriots coach said Manning, the all-time leader in touchdown passes, has no weaknesses in his game, Belichick paid him perhaps the ultimate compliment. Belichick told Denver reporters in a conference call Wednesday that Manning is the best quarterback he’s ever coached against in his 40 years in the NFL.
“He’s great. He’s having a tremendous year,” Belichick said. “He does everything well. He’s the best quarterback I’ve coached against. He does it all. He makes all the throws, great at the line of scrimmage, does a great job of reading defenses, puts his players and his teammates in good positions to make plays — big plays in critical situations in games. He does a great job.”
Considering some of the Hall of Famers — and future Hall of Famers — Belichick has gone up against, the high praise certainly puts Manning in elite company as the head coach has faced the best of the best throughout his career.
“Not to take anything away from the Montanas, Marinos and Elways or whoever is up there with those guys, but (Manning) is tough,” Belichick said, per ESPN Boston.
Sunday will mark the 23rd meeting between Manning and Belichick, with the head coach maintaining a winning record (12-10) against the QB, including a 10-5 regular-season record with Tom Brady as the Patriots’ signal-caller.
Photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images
