Peyton Manning made his much publicized return to the NFL in 2012, landing with the Denver Broncos after a whirlwind courtship from several teams, and an innocuous “evaluation” or two. Many observers and fans worried about the fragility of Manning’s return to full speed game action after missing all of the 2011 season. Now at season’s midpoint, with these hurdles cleared, it seems the right time to resume speculation of a Super Bowl matchup between Peyton and brother Eli Manning. Firmly removed from any shadows, Eli is defending his second Lombardi Trophy and victory over Peyton’s longtime AFC nemesis – Tom Brady’s New England Patriots.
The Broncos have now competed against some of the NFL’s best teams (Falcons, Texans, Patriots) and handled the important division games (Raiders, Chargers). Meanwhile the defending Super Bowl champions keep getting wins, whether a physical drubbing of the highly regarded San Francisco 49ers, or a fingertip margin against division rival Dallas Cowboys.
It’s no secret that both Manning brothers want nothing to do with speculating about the NFL’s dream match up pitting the two in the Super Bowl, and one can only imagine Roger Goodell could use a shift of focus on this season . It is difficult enough to get either Manning to talk about the sibling rivalry in general, despite Jason Cole’s best efforts with Eli Manning back in August. But now that both brothers have their teams competing at a high level, what some may see as their last chance to meet on Super Sunday, may indeed be their best chance.
For the Broncos, the road to the AFC Championship seems to run through Houston and the Texans, for now. And what a matchup it would be, including John Elway’s front office efforts resulting in his Manning-led Broncos facing a team coached by his career backup, Gary Kubiak. Another playoff scenario could see an ultra-hyped rematch between the Broncos and Tom Brady’s New England Patriots. It may be too much to ask for both of those showdowns. But with no one in the AFC undefeated, nor appearing unbeatable, the field lacks a clear favorite. The AFC playoff bracket will end up filled with quality showdowns.
Over in the NFC, there are several teams with impressive performances and high expectations (looking at you Falcons and 49ers), but the Giants have established their superiority sooner rather than later this season. And even without home-field advantage, Eli Manning has proved he can get the critical playoff wins in any venue, under the brightest spotlight. That said, just as with the Giants’ previous runs to the Super Bowl, there are formidable teams capable of ending their repeat campaign.
It is the duality of success for both Mannings that has only sweetened the jackpot if the two should meet in the biggest sporting (and television, and advertising) spectacle of the year. It is hard to deny that with two Super Bowl rings, Eli is in the conversation now about which brother is the better quarterback, so have they waited for the ideal season to produce their historical Super Showdown?
It stands to reason that such a game could not possibly live up to the tremendous hype. Fans merely ask the Manning brothers to oblige, just in case it’s the last time we get this chance.
