Quote:As to the emphasized portion, I would not argue so much different eras, though there is an argument to be made for that.  But I do contend that the first 4-5 years of Manning's career were in a tougher overall division (the then AFC East) than Luck has faced during the similar point in his career.

 

I think nobody can seriously deny that Luck is a fine QB and among the league's best.  But having seen both in person first hand and being on the wrong end of way too many Colts QB performances, I maintain Manning is flat out a superior QB to Luck.

Thanks, Bullseye, for actual football talk.

 

Looking at other divisions in the NFL over the past 6 years I've noticed that most divisions usually have 2 good teams and 2 below average/bad teams. I think the AFCS was no different, with the exception of 2014 when the Texans only won 2 games. The Colts and Texans have actually been the best teams in the division over that span -- both having winning records simultaneously. In 2016, there were 3 teams with an even or winning record in the AFC South. I think going forward, the AFCS will be a tightly contested division, so we will see how Luck fairs the remainder of his career.

 

You may have a point in comparing the AFC East in Manning's time VS AFCS in Luck's, however, there are too many variables to consider, such as, the division only accounts for 6 games out of 16 games played in a season. How tough were the other teams that they played against is something to consider as well. 

 

Lastly, the Manning led Colts had a better O-line at the start of Manning's career, as well as a better run game (Faulk and then E. James) and an all-pro receiver, M. Harrison. Luck has not had a good O-line, or a good run game, or a good defense. T.Y. has been terrific, but that's really about it.

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