The debate over whether Tom Brady or Peyton Manning was the better quarterback had defined the previous era of the NFL. The next five seasons would settle it once and for all.
Even by their own lofty standards, Brady and head coach Bill Belichick took winning to a new level over the three seasons from 2016-18. They went to the Super Bowl each year, giving them nine trips overall. A streak of AFC Championship Game appearances went back to 2011.
In 2016, the Patriots did the unthinkable, rallying from a 28-3 third quarter deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl. Brady’s five rings were a record for a starting quarterback. A year later, at the age of 40, he won his third MVP award. Even losing the Super Bowl in an offensive shootout against the Philadelphia Eagles seemed to underscore Brady getting better with age.
A new challenger emerged in Kansas City, as Patrick Mahomes burst onto the scene in 2018. But New England held off the new era for another year, winning a thrilling AFC Championship Game in K.C. In the Super Bowl, Belichick showed off his defensive chops one more time, the architect of a game plan that produced a 13-3 win over Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams.
With six rings, Brady had clearly eclipsed Peyton in the historical debate and settled any contemporary dispute with Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers over the best current quarterback.
Only one question lingered—was the quarterback or the head coach most responsible for New England’s astonishing success over nearly two decades?
There was still time for one more verdict.
After an otherwise strong 2019 season ended with a late-season fade and early playoff exit, Patriot owner Robert Kraft, under advice from Belichick, decided to let Brady walk in free agency. The quarterback signed on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Now 43-years-old, Brady responded by winning another Super Bowl with his new franchise. Moreover, he did it by beating Rodgers on the road in Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game and Mahomes in the Super Bowl.
Brady played well until his retirement at age 45, while New England declined and Belichick was dismissed following the 2023 season.
There was no debate left. Tom Brady stood above everyone else.
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