Peyton's 2006 playoff stats: 3 TDs, 7 INTs, lowest playoff passer rating of any SB-winning QB. Meanwhile, the defense held opponents to 16.3 PPG. And you're giving
him the credit for that ring?
That's like giving Porker the credit for the Spurs' ring in 2007 because he won Finals MVP against Boobie Gibson.
Peyton had an elite defense in 2005 and still choked to the Steelers at home. He had the best scoring defense in football in 2007 and choked to the Chargers with two hideous momentum-changing interceptions. He had an elite defense in 2012 and choked to the Ravens with a game-losing interception in OT. He had an elite defense in 2013 and we all remember his awful performance against the Seahawks. So no, the "if only he had better defenses" excuse doesn't work. He had plenty of great defenses, they just weren't always able to bail him out when he choked.