Tom Brady heaps praise on rival quarterback Peyton Manning ahead of AFC Championship game.
Thursday 21 January 2016 14:21, UK
Tom Brady has described rival quarterback Peyton Manning as a 'remarkable player' ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game.
Brady is one win away from leading the New England Patriots to another Super Bowl, but he is refusing to look past fellow veteran Manning and the Denver Broncos.
The Patriots star believes his 39-year-old opposite number is still capable of producing an influential display, despite an injury-hit season with Denver.
"He's a great passer, he's so accurate," said Brady. "Knows where everybody on the field is - offensively and defensively - and he knows how to look defenders off, put the ball in the right location so his guys can catch and run with it.
"I think he's just a great pocket passer and he's incredibly accurate, throws on time. He's just been a remarkable player."
Brady's respectful assessment of Manning has been echoed by New England's head coach Bill Belichick, who is seeking a seventh Super Bowl title.
"He's a great player. We've had tremendous games against him over the years," said Belichick.
"There is not a player off our team that I have more respect for than Peyton Manning. His preparation, his consistency, his skills. I would never ever underestimate him under any circumstances."
Broncos boss Gary Kubiak voiced his support for Manning after Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, pointing to dropped catches as the cause of their offensive struggles.
He admits there is huge expectation surrounding the latest battle between Manning and Brady.
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"You don't have a rivalry that they've had, if you don't last as long as both of them have lasted," said Kubiak.
"They both have been so successful. Two hall-of-fame footballers, two hall-of-fame people and leaders on their football team wherever they have been, and Peyton has been a couple of places.
"It's pretty special. For me, it's always been kind of outside looking in. I've played against him many times. This is my first time to be a part of them going against each other."
Watch the New England Patriots at the Denver Broncos this Sunday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1.
