A history of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady’s meetings

To prepare for Sunday’s AFC championship game, take a look back at the long list of memorable games that Manning and Brady have played over the past 15 years.

Author:
Kenny Ducey
Publish date:
Jan 17, 2016

Veteran quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will meet for the 17th time when the Patriots visit the Broncos in the AFC championship game on Sunday.

It will be the fifth time that they’ve faced each other in the playoffs, and the fourth time that they’ve played for a spot in the Super Bowl. Manning will be seeking just his sixth win in the series.

In preparation, take a look back at the long list of memorable games that Manning and Brady have played over the past 15 years.

Episode I – Sept. 30, 2001

Patriots 44, Colts 13

Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Both quarterbacks are held under 200 yards passing, and Manning throws three interceptions.

Episode II – Oct. 21, 2001

Patriots 38, Colts 17

Three weeks after their first meeting, Manning puts up an impressive 335 yards, but it’s Brady’s 202 yards and three touchdowns that secures New England the victory.

Episode III – Nov. 30, 2003

Patriots 38, Colts 34

Manning’s four touchdown passes help the Colts crawl back after falling behind 17–0 early, but a late touchdown pass from Brady to Deion Branch gives New England the win.

Episode IV – Jan. 18, 2004

Patriots 24, Colts 14

Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

In the AFC championship game in New England, Manning throws four interceptions and falls to 0–4 against Brady.

Episode V – Sept. 9, 2004

Patriots 27, Colts 24

In the first week of the 2004 season, the reigning Super Bowl champion Patriots survive a late push from the Colts when Mike Vanderjagt misses a field goal at the end of the game. Brady finishes 26 of 38 for 335 yards and three touchdowns, besting Manning’s 256 yards and two scores.

Episode VI – Jan. 16, 2005

Patriots 20, Colts 3

In the snow, Brady throws the only touchdown pass of the game and the Patriots win a defensive battle to advance to the AFC championship game.

Episode VII – Nov. 7, 2005

Colts 40, Patriots 21

Manning picks up his first victory against Tom Brady with a 321-yard, three-touchdown performance.

Episode VIII – Nov. 5, 2006

Colts 27, Patriots 20

Brady throws four interceptions in what was his worst game against Manning by far.

Episode IX – Jan. 21, 2007

Colts 38, Patriots 34

Manning comes back from a 21–6 halftime deficit to advance to his first Super Bowl with a 349-yard performance in the AFC championship game.

Episode X – Nov. 4, 2007

Patriots 24, Colts 20

After the Colts jump out to a 20–10 lead, Brady leads the Patriots back in front with touchdown passes to Wes Welker and Kevin Faulk.

Episode XI – Nov. 15, 2009

Colts 35, Patriots 34

Up 34–28 late in the fourth quarter, Patriots coach Bill Belichick goes for it on fourth-and-2 from his own 28-yard line. The Colts defense holds, and Manning hits Reggie Wayne for his fourth touchdown to win the game. Both quarterbacks combine for seven scores and 702 yards.

Episode XII – Nov. 21, 2010

Patriots 31, Colts 28

Manning rallies after throwing two early interceptions, and finishes with 396 yards and four touchdowns in a losing effort.

Episode XIII – Oct. 7, 2012

Patriots 31, Broncos 21

In his first game against Brady as a Bronco, Manning goes 31-for-44 with three touchdowns, but can’t keep pace with the Patriots’ rushing attack. A late fumble from Broncos running back Willis McGahee ends Denver’s comeback.

Episode XIV – Nov. 24, 2013

Patriots 34, Broncos 31

The two teams go to overtime, and Belichick decides to take the wind at Gillette Stadium rather than electing to receive the opening kickoff. It pays off, as the Patriots kick an easy game-winning field goal. Manning goes just 19-for-36 for 150 yards and two touchdowns, while Brady finishes 34 of 50 for 344 and three scores.

Episode XV – Jan. 19, 2014

Broncos 26, Patriots 16

Manning throws for 400 yards and two touchdowns and the Broncos earn their first Super Bowl appearance in 15 years.

Episode XVI – Nov. 2, 2014

Patriots 43, Broncos 21

Manning and Brady combine for 771 yards and six touchdowns passing, and it’s Manning who once again winds up on the losing end. He falls to 5–11 against Brady.