At best a game manager? I know that Manning might not have the best ability anymore, but I think that's a little harsh. A game manager doesn't have the type of season Manning had last year and doesn't compete at this high of a level that he is currently at.
You're right. Game manager is harsh. I was just mad at the direction of the game. But he is clearly not the great pocket QB he used to be, and while the tide turned in the last few seconds of the Seahawks game, I'd argue that if they did get a chance at the ball, they wouldn't have managed more than a field goal in OT. I'd argue that being a game manager isn't completely negative. It means you're smart, you protect the ball and place the ball where it needs to be so your teammates can rack up YAC. The only thing that makes him not a game manager, is his football intelligence. No one can argue that his arm is as good as it used to be (which is why I first put him down as a game manager). No one! You can look at stats all you want, but when you look at tape, I'd say 1/3 of his passes maybe more come out dead (wobbly, barely any spin, and slower/ behind where he wants it to be). He can't consistently fit balls into places only his receivers can get it, he doesn't have the touch for some of the shorter passes and while his players will still catch it a good third of his throws sail over or float behind where it should be. -- Make him of moderate QB intelligence and he'd be a game manager, especially with that arm.
Yeah. Manning is still the best QB in the league, especially if we're talking about a pocket passer. Brady is up there too.
He doesn't have a consistent enough arm to still be the best. His intelligence makes him a dangerous QB still, but I'd say Brady for sure has him beat now. Last year was a great year for him, no doubt, but it was his intelligence that helped them become the #1 team for YAC and eventually passing offense in 2013. Against a more athletic team like the Seahawks, his arm is their undoing -- he doesn't have the speed throw to beat a good rush and he doesn't have the touch to put it on a receiver where the defender is right next to him.