Shawne Merriman Names Best Quarterback He's Played Against
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers look on from the sideline against the Miami Dolphins v San Diego Chargers NFL Game at Qualcomm Stadium on September 27, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
During the mid-2000s, Shawne Merriman was one of the most feared defensive players in all of football. Merriman was selected to multiple Pro Bowls, made multiple All-Pro teams and was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
If you asked many of the quarterbacks of the era who they wanted to face the least, Merriman would likely be at or around the top of the list.
Merriman wore the hat himself on a recent podcast, when he named the best quarterback he played against in his career.
"I know people aren't gonna say this, or complain, but Peyton [Manning]," Merriman said in an appearance on the Macrodosing podcast hosted by Arian Foster.
"If I'm a GM and I'm starting a team, I'm starting it with Peyton, Merriman said.
Merriman noted that while it would be fair to call Tom Brady the greatest quarterback of all time, but that Manning was simply the best individual talent he has ever seen.
"Peyton was unreal, like some damn machine," Merriman added. "Calling his own plays, redirecting out there. Being able to analyze one side of the field to the other side of the field."
Manning was recently elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Merriman is now eligible and is looking to follow in his footsteps.
