Drew Brees

Well one can`t dispute that Brees is a top class player, but remember one thing, and I don`t wish to knock his achievement, the vast majority of yards thrown by Brees were done in a Dome, a bit like Arena Football, while Marino achieved his outdoors against the elements.

yep a fair point mate

but DB doesn't make the rules re: which conditions he throws a football in i suppose so credit where credits due

Marino also played in miami. Its not like he played in subzero temperatures or the snow in his home games.

Marino did play in an era where the DBs could basically assault the receiver, before, during, and after the catch

It's like tag football out there somedays when you look at some of the flags that are thrown by the officials

its his record and its pretty pointless arguing who is better as they come from 2 different generations of the game

i didnt think the saints had a chance against the packers in the NFC championship games in a few weeks but the way brees and co are playing atm im not so sure

it could be battle of two great QBs

not so sure brees will be as effective in a very cold and bleak packers stadium,be worth checking his record out but i doubt it stands comparison with the likes of brady and rodgers.

For me, Drew Brees is the best QB over the last 3 years without question

Drew Brees has no chance of beating Packers at Lambeau Field. Only team capable of beating them on the ice tundra are 49ers.

Better than Manning, Brady or Rogers - I don` t think, but certainly would be in the running for 4th best QB

Brees 2011 record:
Indoors 10 games, 32 TD, 7 Ints
Outdoors 5 games 9 TD, 6 Ints
2 of the outdoor games were classed as 'windy' in which he returned 3 TD and 4 Ints.

In fairness to Brees his 2010 outdoor stats were much better though he had no ice cold road trips to make and the combined record of those outdoor teams was 39-57.
Elite QB but not better than the big three IMO

If 49ers get 2nd seed and Saints win their wildcard match, then San Francisco will beat them at Candlestick part in final eliminator for NFC Championship match. However, if New Orleans get 2nd seed the opposite will happen. Of the 2 teams, 49ers have the much better chance of winning at Lambeau Field.

*Park

Of the 2 teams, 49ers have the much better chance of winning at Lambeau Field.

Erm, no. 49ers cant put up the points to beat the packers, saints can (see week 1).

Re Brees record: Marinos 80s numbers still far superior given the evolution of the league.

"Erm, no. 49ers cant put up the points to beat the packers"

Perhaps.  But more likely they can do what Kansas did.  Saints will just lose a shootout 42-35.

Correct Java. Of all the teams left in NFC play-offs, the 49ers are the only one capable of stuffing the Packer offense and sneak it in a low scoring game. Packers will beat anybody in the NFL in a shoot-out.

Offense wins games - Defence wins championships

That was always the formula Themightymac but does it still really apply in todays " make up new rules to protect the offence at all costs " NFL.

In week one, the saints were on the 1 yard line as the clock ticked down and only 8 points behind but got stuffed.  Saints are flying at the moment and on current form would have a chance of beating the Packers.  The worry is that the weather in Green Bay is going to be a bigger factor than in was in early Sept.  Saints would need extra help such as the injuries to GB's offensive line causing problems for Rodgers in the pocket.

Agree that 49ers would stand a chance of shutting down GB offence but they are not at all convincing on offence and GB can defend against the run.

For NO to win superbowl, I think they need to get 2nd seed which is unlikely.  If they did get number 2 seed then I think they would get to the NFC game and have a good shot at reaching the superbowl.  If not, win or lose against 49ers, they will have a tough game and winning two consec games on the road looks a steep task.

Asuming GB do make it to SB, then Baltimore or the Steelers would pose real problems especially if GB's offensive line probs persist.

fair point grayhawk, but I think it still does.

nice post larrysellers, imo, like you, 49ers, steelers and ravens are the only teams that can stop packers, green bay will beat anybody in a shoot-out. Although I don`t think 49ers offense is as bad as some think. they move the ball down the field no problem, it`s just their red zone ability that has been bad, real bad. I`m sure that Harbaugh will be working on that before play-offs and if they get that right, they may shock everybody.

Im not sure the defences of the steelers and the ravens are to be feared by the packers/saints

49ers have that x factor atm and willis is in the form if his life

I'll be one of the 'shocked' if San Fran get anywhere near the trophy this season.

"green bay will beat anybody in a shoot-out"

What what.  They were one goal line play away from going to overtime against Saints in Week 1.  Of course they can be beaten in a shootout by another elite team.

To those tipping San Fran - if you think San Fran can beat GB, then you fancy them for the superbowl surely? Outrageous proposition, get out of here with that.  Alex Smith will not get it done in the playoffs.

Defence used to win Championships - QB's win championships now.

Nobody can really say GB will beat anyone in a shootout...they have been in a shootout with the giants and the saints that i can remember, two teams who can put up points on anyone...could come down to last team to have the ball

I tend to remember that Packers beat the Saints and Giants in shoot-outs this season.

"They were one goal line play away from going to overtime against Saints in Week 1"

Too true, but Packers won.

Mark my words, if Packers get beat, it will be when a defence keeps them to less than 28pts.

I`m very happy with my bet on the 49ers @ 100/1. I`m already in profit and if the Saints get beat in the Wild Card, assuming San Francisco beat Rams for 2 seed, I`ll be able to further trade for a nice profit. A Super Bowl victory would be a pleasant surprise.

Surprise, surprise, Packers win another shoot-out even without Rodgers.

don't think anyone is saying that Detroit could do them in a shootout in the playoffs