Peyton Manning Continues to Place Himself among NFL All-Time Greats

NFL 2009 Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning QB, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING continues to place his name among the NFL's all-time greats.

"There are a few things that you look for in a quarterback -- arm strength, the ability to control your offense, understanding the game and toughness," says CBS analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback DAN MARINO. "Peyton Manning has all of those attributes. He is a winner. Based on those attributes, he is an example of an outstanding quarterback in the NFL."

In 2009, the Colts' leader can become the first quarterback in league history to throw 25 touchdown passes in 12 consecutive seasons as well as become the first quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards in 10 different seasons. Manning is the only quarterback to have 11 consecutive seasons with 25 touchdown passes and pass for 4,000 yards in nine seasons.

Entering 2009, Manning ranks seventh all-time in career passing yards (45,628) and is tied for fifth with 3,839 completions. He has 333 career touchdown passes, fourth-most in NFL annals, and needs 17 to become only the third quarterback in league history with 350.

"His physical tools are apparent for anyone to see, but what makes him great is the way he studies," says Baltimore Ravens All-Star linebacker RAY LEWIS. "What is hard for so many other players is easy for Peyton because of the way he prepares. He exposes weaknesses that others can't see, because of the work he puts in off the field, when no one is watching. He is a warrior, and I always enjoy playing against him."

Colts rookie head coach JIM CALDWELL has spent the past seven seasons with the team, including all three of Manning's MVP seasons (2003-04, 2008).

"Peyton is driven each day to succeed," says Caldwell. "He demands to be pushed by his coaches on a daily basis, and he always wants to improve each aspect of his game. Peyton practices as he plays, and there is not one moment he is not focused on his job. Additionally, he is a student of the game who is well-versed on its history and those who came before him. There are only a few athletes in all of sports who are like him."

Manning has passed for 3,000 yards in each of the past 11 seasons and owns the second-longest streak of consecutive 3,000-yard seasons (Brett Favre, 17). Manning is the only player in NFL history to start a career with 11 consecutive 3,000-yard seasons.

Manning has led the league in touchdown passes three times in his career and can tie Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas, Len Dawson and Steve Young (4) for the most seasons leading the league in touchdown passes.

Manning has passed for 400 yards in a game seven times in his career. Manning needs one 400-yard passing game to surpass Joe Montana and Warren Moon (7) for the second-most games with 400 yards passing in NFL history (Dan Marino, 13).

Manning needs 10 touchdown passes to surpass Fran Tarkenton (342) to move into third place all-time. In 11 seasons, Manning has thrown 333 touchdown passes.

Manning needs 285 completions to surpass Drew Bledsoe (3,839), Warren Moon (3,988) and John Elway (4,123) to move into third place all-time. In 11 seasons, Manning has completed 3,839 passes.

Manning needs 3,698 passing yards to surpass Vinny Testaverde (46,233), Fran Tarkenton (47,003) and Warren Moon (49,325) to move into fourth place all-time. In 11 seasons, Manning has passed for 45,628 yards.

CONSECUTIVE SEASONS WITH 25+ TD PASSES

*Active streak Source: National Football League
Peyton Manning1998-200811*
Dan Marino1984-19885
Brett Favre1994-19985
Brett Favre2001-20044
Many tied--3

 

4,000-YARD PASSING SEASONS

*Active Source: National Football League
Peyton Manning9*
Dan Marino6
Brett Favre5*
Warren Moon4
Many tied3

 

MOST PASSING YARDS

*Active Source: National Football League
Brett Favre*65,127
Dan Marino61,361
John Elway51,475
Warren Moon49,325
Fran Tarkenton47,003
Vinny Testaverde46,233
Peyton Manning*45,628

 

MOST COMPLETIONS

*Active Source: National Football League
Brett Favre*5,720
Dan Marino4,967
John Elway4,123
Warren Moon3,988
Drew Bledsoe3,839
Peyton Manning*3,839

 

MOST TD PASSES

*Active Source: National Football League
Brett Favre*464
Dan Marino420
Fran Tarkenton342
Peyton Manning*333

 

NFL 2009 Preview | Peyton Manning Continues to Place Himself among NFL All-Time Greats