Every No. 1 vs. No. 2 rookie QB matchup in NFL history
Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf, 1998
It is laughable to look back and think there was a debate between Manning and Leaf, but there certainly was in 1998. The Indianapolis Colts went with the former after he led Tennessee to an SEC title. Team owner Jim Irsay should be thankful every day that they did not take one of the biggest busts in NFL history in Ryan Leaf. In their October 1998 matchup, Manning got the best of the San Diego Chargers with a 17-12 win despite neither QB throwing for over 160 yards.
In the 1998 NFL Draft, the debate was intense: Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? The Colts chose Manning as the 1st overall pick, a decision that shaped the future of two franchises.
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— JWack (@JaredWackerly) April 25, 2024
