Manning vs. Belichick

When you hear the names of Peyton Manning and Bill Belichick being mentioned in the same sentence, get ready for a three hour chess game like you have never seen before.

During many of countless interviews this week both parties have displayed the respect that they have for one another.

Sunday's game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots should live up to it's hype, with Manning using all but one second of the play clock, calling audibles, and trying to confuse the defense.

While Belichick will try to counter the Colts offense with his defense, using many schemes and packages that have put a halt to many explosive offenses this season.

Manning is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and one of his strengths is reading defenses, and changing into the correct plays at the line of scrimmage.

He also was CO-MVP this season, sharing the award with quarterback Steve McNair of the Tennessee Titans.

Belichick is one of the best head coaches in the NFL, and his strength is installing opponent-specific game plans designed to confuse opposing quarterbacks and offenses.

He was named NFL Head Coach of the Year.

The Colts offense ranked third at the close of the regular season and was second only behind the Kansas City Chiefs in points scored.

The Patriots defense was ranked fourth overall, and first in fewest points allowed.

When asked about the Patriots defense, Manning complimented their players and the complex schemes that are run by Belichick and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

Manning had nothing but positive things to say about the Patriot players and coaching staff, like wise Belichick followed in the same manner.

In their last nine meetings, Manning has completed 60.5% of his passes for 2,288 yards and 15 touchdowns with 14 interceptions, and in the teams last meeting, which New England won 38-34 in November, Manning completed 29 of 48 passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns.

Three of the touchdowns came in the second half as Indianapolis rallied from a 31-10 deficit to tie it 31-31 midway through the fourth quarter.

Manning vs. Belichick. Colts vs. Patriots. All for the AFC Championship and the right to go to the Super Bowl.

Who will win?

We'll all have to watch and see.