I watched a compelling AFC Championship where my favorite team, the Denver Broncos, stopped a 2-point conversion that kept the game from getting really interesting! I had just spent the prior 2:36 screaming at the TV as the Denver Broncos went into a prevent defense that allowed the Patriots’ Tom Brady to march his offense down the field for a touchdown. “Did the Broncos learn nothing from last year?”, I bellowed! I also quoted football luminary John Madden: “the only thing the prevent defense does is prevent you from winning.”
The Broncos did learn something from last year, so they didn’t just try to run the ball to burn the clock. Manning threw a crucial pass to Jacob Tamme for a first down (he did a similar pass to Julius Thomas to seal the win in the divisional round), and the Broncos ran out the clock and punched their ticket to the Super Bowl.
I always appreciate Manning’s comments in both victory and defeat. They show a maturity, an appreciation of the game, and an understanding of NFL history and greatness. My favorite comment from one of his post-game interviews after beating his nemeses Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in this year’s AFC Championship: “You can name the AFC Championship after the Patriots. They’ve been there so many times.”
Peyton Manning = Class Act!
I then watched a compelling NFC Championship game that offered plenty of contrasts from the AFC title game: young quarterbacks and aggressive, stellar defenses versus the AFC’s legendary quarterbacks with average defenses. I am already concerned that the Super Bowl referees are going to allow the Seahawks secondary to mug the Broncos’ receivers like they were doing with the 49ers receivers. Colin Kaepernick had major ball security issues, but the Seahawks defense is IMPRESSIVE nonetheless. Richard Sherman made a spectacular play, that will forever be part of Seahawks lore, to seal the win. It is a shame that Sherman will be more remembered for his post-game rant against a competitor than his superb play on the field. The most memorable quotes, and disgusting if you love the old-school game like me, was the following:
– [Sherman:] “Well, I’m the best corner in the game! When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that’s the result you gonna get! Don’t you EVER talk about me.”
– [Andrews:] Who was talking about you?
– [Sherman:]“Crabtree. Don’t you open your mouth about the best. Or I’m gonna shut it for you real quick. L-O-B.”
Richard Sherman = Gifted and Talented Football Player…and Punk?!?
I did not hear Manning talking about his record shattering year, likelihood of a 5th MVP Award, and accomplishments that put him in the “greatest to ever play the game” discussion. But I did hear Sherman claiming to be the best in the game after what…3 seasons? Yes, I get it that Sherman felt slighted by Crabtree at a charity event, but this is socially-connected media that resonates forever!
Think about it from a personal branding perspective: Peyton Manning is probably the greatest pitch man in sports today (along with Michael Jordan). He can pick and choose his endorsement deals, and he is one of the most widely respected athletes ever. Richard Sherman just effectively alienated several brands and millions of fans with his brash, belittling, “I’m the best, and you are mediocre” comments. You can say Sherman is still young, but Manning always showed an appreciation of the game and his competition…even as a rookie and college quarterback.
Peyton Manning and Richard Sherman – A DEFINITE Study in Contrasts!
Since I’ve lived in both Seattle and Denver, and Mantis has offices in both locations, I will thoroughly enjoy the Super Bowl. Both teams are great organizations, and I do think Sherman will mature in time. He is loved in Seattle, but he better tone it down if he wants to truly build a legacy based upon his stellar play on the field versus his comments off the field.
What are your thoughts? Am I out of line with this study in contrasts?
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