November 16, 2015, Troy, NY Kobe Bryant and Peyton Manning are two the greatest players ever in any measure of accomplishment. Both of their fathers are former professional athletes. Kobe is currently third all-time among NBA career scoring leaders. Peyton is the NFL career leader in TD passes and passing yards. Both belong on the Mount Rushmore of shooting guards and quarterbacks. The similarities to their current realities is stunning.
Kobe is struggling after returning from season-ending injuries the past 3 seasons. He lacks explosiveness, and his ability to blow by defenders to finish at the rim is gone. Manning has zero velocity on his passes and is unable to complete downfield throws at this point in his career. He was benched after going 5 – 20, 35 yards with 4 INTs versus the Chiefs. Kobe will sit out tonight’s game versus the Suns to rest on the second night of a back to back.
Bryant entered the NBA Draft after an outstanding HS career. He was drafted no.13 overall in 1996 and traded to the Lakers for center Vlade Divac. Bryant has been incandescent as a scorer but carries a reputation as a ball dominant player who is unable to coexist with anyone outside his singular solar system. Bryant is in his 20th season with Los Angeles, he has won 5 NBA titles, 2 Finals MVPs, 2 regular season scoring titles and a regular season MVP.
Postseason success is where the similarities end between Bryant and Manning.
Peyton is possibly the most accomplished regular season performer in NFL history owning passing records and five MVP awards. His postseason career record is 11-13. He has played in three Super Bowls, going 1 – 1 with the Colts and losing one appearance as a Bronco.
Peyton was drafted number 1 overall by the Colts in 1998. He was named Rookie of the Year after his first season. Peyton struggled in his first three postseason appearances going 0-3. Peyton has shown a propensity to come up short in the biggest games. Peyton’s intelligence allowed him to run an offense tailored to his ability and audible at the line of scrimmage. Peyton has never been a physical specimen but is a prototype who needs a clean pocket to complete passes. After 4 offseason neck surgeries, he missed the entire 2011 season and was waived by the Colts. Peyton signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012 and led the Broncos to a Super Bowl appearance sandwiched around 2 one and done home losses in the playoffs. Manning has lost six home playoff games and has struggled often in postseason play.
At this point, Bryant and Manning are first ballot Hall of Famers, but neither will include this season in their career highlight films at their inductions. Both are competitors in the twilight of their careers, and unfortunately, will probably be shown the door at the end of their current seasons.