Rodgers-Elway debate

[SeahawkFever]

All the stats are (arguably) era specific except possibly the AP MVPs which are heavily in Rodgers favor, 4:1 and Super Bowl Championships in which Elway holds a slight edge 2:1. Elway also has a large lead in Super Bowl appearances, 5:1.

But, on heart alone, I'll take Elway all day long.
He's who I'd rather play with. He's who I'd rather coach. He's who I'd rather block for. He's who I'd rather follow.

(And then there's that whole Stanford vs. Cal thing...)

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... waJo00.htm

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... dgAa00.htm

Raw stats are era specific.

But if you compare how they each compare to their respective peers, then I’d argue those comparisons are not era specific.

[SeahawkFever]

Rodgers benefitted from rules changes from 2013 onward, that protected passers. Elway never had that benefit.

What rule changes have happened since 2013 that are relevant here in your opinion?

[JuggernautJ]

...if you compare how they each compare to their respective peers, then I’d argue those comparisons are not era specific.

I think most (if not all) of us here would agree with that sentiment. I certainly do.
And, as I mentioned, the AP MVPs are pretty heavily in favor of Rodgers there.

But I think Championships are similar in that they are accomplished versus one's peers during that season (or era).
And while most would probably agree QBs get more praise and blame then they deserve for their teams' success it is still true that Elway was the QB for two super bowl champions while Rodgers QBed for only one; if we include conference championships in that equation then the difference becomes more pronounced (5:1).

But I do recognize that a part of my preference is just that: a (personal) preference.
I would (much) rather play/coach/block for/with John Elway than Aaron Rodgers.
"Your milage may vary" and that's cool... it's why personal preferences are personal.

[Brian wolf]

The NFL has been cracking down on hard hitting, aggressive coverage etc, since around 2007 and have been steadily protecting QBs and offensive linemen more and more. Linemen constantly get away with movement and holding that helps slow pass rushes. Elway didnt get that type of help from officials. Defenses are way more handcuffed since the Legion Of Boom dominated the 2013/14 SB.

[Ten Minute Ticker]

Rodgers was way, way more consistent than Elway.

[SeahawkFever]

...if you compare how they each compare to their respective peers, then I’d argue those comparisons are not era specific.

I think most (if not all) of us here would agree with that sentiment. I certainly do.
And, as I mentioned, the AP MVPs are pretty heavily in favor of Rodgers there.

But I think Championships are similar in that they are accomplished versus one's peers during that season (or era).
And while most would probably agree QBs get more praise and blame then they deserve for their teams' success it is still true that Elway was the QB for two super bowl champions while Rodgers QBed for only one; if we include conference championships in that equation then the difference becomes more pronounced (5:1).

But I do recognize that a part of my preference is just that: a (personal) preference.
I would (much) rather play/coach/block for/with John Elway than Aaron Rodgers.
"Your milage may vary" and that's cool... it's why personal preferences are personal.

That’s very fair to say.

One question I have though: (since Rodgers made one more conference championship game while Elway obviously won it that round way more)

How would you say the NFC of the 2010’s and early 2020’s when Aaron Rodgers was in his prime compares to the AFC of the 80’s and 90’s that Elway made it out of much more?