While all of the talk leading up to the NFL finals has been the rekindling of the rivalry of two of the most legendary quarterback’s in NFL history, on the NFC side of things we are being treated to a glimpse of the future.
Perhaps the next iteration of Manning versus Brady – Wilson versus Kaepernick. But this one is much better – these two revolutionary, exciting, NFC West quarterback’s will face off at least twice a year, every year.
We could be in the midst of the most storied quarterback battles in NFL history.
There’s no denying there has been an influx of remarkable quarterback talent to the NFL in the past few years.
Names like Newton, Griffin III and Luck have reinforced the fact this generation’s quarterback talent will supersede the old guard, then dominate in the years to come.
But of all the quarterbacks that have come to the fore in the past three years, two in particular stand out for their maturity, their ability to lead their teams deep into playoffs and most significantly, being immune to feared the second-season syndrome.
They are Russel Wilson and Colin Kaepernick.
And it is fitting that these two should meet for the right to put their skills to the test against either Peyton Manning or Brady, two quarterbacks who are closer to the end of their career but have a CV of achievements almost unmatched in recent years.
This sets up an intriguing NFC Championship game, and, regardless of the outcomes, an even more interesting Superbowl.
Unlike Newton and Griffin III, Wilson and Kaepernick showed amazing maturity to play at a consistently high level after their rookie/breakout seasons.
They looked like seasoned veterans this year, the main reason why they have taken their respective teams further than the other graduates from recent draft classes.
Andrew Luck has shown similar traits, but his capitulation in this year’s playoffs, throwing interception after interception at key moments, shows he still has another step to take before he can reach the level of development Wilson and Kaepernick have achieved.
Newton had a great third year – but has already been trumped by second-(full)year Kaepernick, with the Tattooed One dismissing Super Cam’s Panthers in this season’s divisional round. And the less said about RGIII’s second season, the better.
So how do these two upstarts compare to the established forces?
Neither quarterback of the four remaining in the 2013 season have shown sign of letting up this season – hence all of their teams still remain in championship contention.
And quite deservedly so; we are seeing without doubt the best two teams from the NFC and the best two teams from the AFC playing for a chance to be involved in the big dance.
A lot of the credit for this comes down to the incredible control and management of Manning, the genius and experience of Brady, the athleticism and courage of Kaepernick, and the evasive unpredictability of Wilson.
The styles of the new guard quarterback’s and the old guard quarterback’s couldn’t be more different – obviously the youthful stars are more agile and physical, while the experienced duo are more wily and game-smart.
Only time will tell how Wilson and Kaepernick develop as they get older and lose their major physical weapons – but they can do worse than look over the fence at the AFC and see how Manning and Brady have managed to stay ominous at the later stages of their career.
As for now, we are fortunate to see such compelling match-ups and clashes of style.
So many storylines remain and so many chapters are still left to be written this season.
Let’s appreciate the rivalry between Manning and Brady, in what may be the last time we see their teams go head to head.
But let’s also start to enjoy the rivalry of two exciting young stars who have already started their careers at one hundred miles per hour.
After all, we will be seeing a lot of it in the years to come.
neily_b
Roar Rookie
I think both of these guys have been very lucky this season to have the team they have around them in both attack and defence. As a Seahawks fan, I think any quarterback will be successful when they have Chancellor, Thomas and Sherman running their defence and then have the option the throw to Golden Tate or hand the ball to Marshawn Lynch if there's nothing on. In saying that, I think the composure and the running game they both possess has been critical at times this season, but I give the edge to Wilson and expect to see a Hawks v Broncos Superbowl. In the debate about young quarterbacks, they all could shine in great teams but I see Newton and maybe Luck as having the most potential to become superstars. Hopefully Wilson can prove me wrong though and have a stunning career with Seattle!
NICK
Guest
I noticed the headline but decided not to read the article, I hate so called NFL fans who fall in love with these flavour of the month QBs. Guys like RG3 and Kaep are a knee injury away from a career in the CFL. Wake up people, Brady, Manning, Rodgers, Brees then Daylight.. ..
BoneXI
Guest
I tend to agree with Jack -I really think Russel is overrated as a pure quarterback - he's been rubbish over the last couple of weeks. I would have Luck above both RW and Kaep. These guys have amazing talent surrounding them whereas Luck has inexperienced receivers and a crap defence (outsider of Mathis and Bethea). But what RW lacks in statistical performance, he does make up in leadership and maturity - he's an impressive guy with a long future.
Ramsin Tammo
Roar Rookie
I fully expect Luck to be the better QB out of all I have listed in the years to come - but at the moment he hasn't developed as quickly as Wilson and Kaep. His performances in the playoffs are evidence of this - his INT's were game-changing, and they were mainly all on him. Wilson winning a playoff game only completing 9 passes proves my point exactly - he has more weapons with his ability to run the ball, evade the pass rush/sack and effectively run the read-option which at the moment sets him apart from the others, bar Kaepernick.
Jack Sparrow
Guest
"Andrew Luck has shown similar traits, but his capitulation in this year’s playoffs, throwing interception after interception at key moments, shows he still has another step to take before he can reach the level of development Wilson and Kaepernick have achieved." Do you even watch football? Luck is a far better player than Kaep and Wilson. Look at the teams that Kaep and Wilson play on. I mean Wilson completed 9 passes and managed to win a playoff game. That's unheard off. Luck has spent the last few weeks throwing to guys, other than T.Y, called Brazill, Rogers and Fleener all rookies or second year players.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Yeah not sure if I agree with the articles headline and this coming from a Niners fan ! We are talking about two future HOF QB's who happen to be traditional pocket players. It's a real contrast in styles between them and the younger mobile QB's. I love what Kap has done so far in his career and will obviously love him even more if he takes us all the way. The thing about both he and Wilson is they have great arms and don't need to run. It's an instict they rely on at times but they both can stay in the pocket if necessary.
astro
Guest
Sorry, but while Kapernick and Wilson are great young QBs, there's nothing to suggest or prove they are significantly better or on a higher level than Luck, RGIII or Cam Newton. For one, they both just happen to play on superior teams, so the argument (and this seems to be the only 'evidence' the article points to of their superiority) that they have taken their teams deep into the playoffs, is largely irrelevant. I think anyone would agree that if SF or Seattle had Luck, RGIII or Cam as their QBs, similar results would have been achieved. I'm also not sure how these two guys/teams playing this year makes it a "rivalry of two exciting young stars". This is the first time Kapernick and Wilson have played each other in a playoff game, and while they are divisional rivals, that alone doesn't really constitute a rivalry. For the record, I think all these young QBs are excellent and exciting to watch in different ways, but I think its way too early in all of their careers to be saying any are better (or on another level) to the rest.
RebelRangers
Guest
I like Kaepernick but its impossible for me to look past his team mates. Life looks easier for a QB with Davis, Crabtree and Boldin as your receivers and a solid group of RBs.