re: Peyton vs. Eli "in the clutch"

quote:

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It's amazing how some can admit that stats don't tell the whole story, and yet still be a slave purely to stats

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Stats lie in individual games and even individual seasons.

Over a very large sample size, such as those over a 10+ year NFL career, stats never lie.

For instance, Brad Johnson's 2002 season lies. He threw 25 TDs, 6 INTs and a won a SB. He was NOT a great QB, and his entire career worth of stats show that, but looking at 2002 you might think he was a HOFer or at least a career pro bowler. His career does not lie.

The statistical "lies" are almost always the result of team accomplishments. Eli Manning's SB wins lie about the entirety of his career because his defense held the 2007 and 2011 Patriots, two of the greatest offenses ever, to a total of 120 yards rushing, forced three turnovers and had 8 sacks. Trent Dilfer in 2002 played with the best defense ever who gave him the ball in the redzone 13 times and resulted in 9 of his TD passes.