The storyline beyond the media frenzy surrounding the Super Bowl XLVIII is not Richard Sherman’s antics, it is not Marshawn Lynch’s ineptness to talk to the media, it is not the impending horrendous weather conditions, and it sure is not the confusion why they are marketing the Super Bowl like it is in New York when it is in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is Peyton Manning and what legacy he will leave behind in his third Super Bowl appearance.
The 37-year-old veteran quarterback has left behind an amazing career with the Indianapolis Colts and now an incredible two seasons with the Denver Broncos. It would be outlandish to say that he would retire a Bronco even if they win a Super Bowl for all he has done for the city of Indianapolis. What makes this storyline so immense is the fact that Seattle was shopping for Peyton once when he hit free agency (who would think Russell Wilson will be taking the job from Peyton?).
With Super Bowl XLVIII in full bloom, with both teams prepared for whatever hits them Sunday, whether it is the weather or blows by the opposing teams, Peyton Manning still has to live in the shadow of his brother Eli Manning having more Super Bowls than him and Eli having a higher winning percentage than his elder brother in the playoffs.
With the odds stacking up, the Broncos are favored by 2.5 points, but should be considered underdogs with the past record of not only Peyton but also the Broncos’ track record. A couple years ago, Tebow took the helms of this team and lead them to the Divisional round of the playoffs where it was needless to say an utter disappointment at Foxborough. Now, Manning has been the undisputed leader of the team and has lead them to an utter disappointment last year losing to the former Super Bowl champions Baltimore Ravens.
The main question surrounding everyone’s mind is will Peyton Manning be “Greatest Ever” if he wins? With 491 touchdowns, 219 interceptions and soon to be five MVP awards, and Pro Bowls, he has all the personal accolades and has been a great leader for his teams. One would think with those stats he would have multitudes of Super Bowls, but he only won one in Super Bowl XLI when the Colts beat the Bears 29-17 when it was snowing in Miami.
A lot of correlations can be picked out of that game that can be transferred into this one. Chicago was the number one defense at the time, and they lost Super Bowl XLI. Chicago had an amazing secondary with a young but now defunct Nathan Vasher and future Hall of Famer Charles Tillman, who is on the 30-30 list for interceptions and forced fumbles in a career. Manning, needless to say, had their way with them; only a couple of turnovers turned that game a little closer than what it was.
With the Super Bowl closing in on Sunday, Feb. 2, people may consider other questions, but the most mysterious question is will Peyton be “Greatest Ever”?