The first week of football is a time for overreactions, and Texas quarterback Arch Manning is the top target this year. The high-profile freshman who joined football’s most famous family struggled in the Longhorns’ season-opening loss to Ohio State, causing critics to question if the hype was ever justified.
Manning’s third career start saw him complete 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Although the stat line wasn’t disastrous, the performance was lacking, as Texas only scored seven points all afternoon. Manning struggled against a Buckeyes defense that was able to control the game from start to finish, missing open throws and appearing rattled at times.
The backlash was swift. Heavy.com spoke to a couple of NFL insiders who even made an unfavorable comparison between Manning and other quarterbacks in recent years.
âIf Shedeur [Sanders] is a fifth-round pick, then Arch Manning is a free agent pickup,â the source shared. Meanwhile, another cited former Missouri quarterback Brad Smith as a more accurate comparison than the Hall of Fame-caliber expectations that many have placed on the young Longhorn.
Bradyâs Perspective: The Blessing in Adversity
Despite criticism, one of the greatest voices in football advocated restraint. In a Pro Football Focus interview with Cris Collinsworth, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady explained that Manning’s struggles could actually be a blessing in disguise.
âThe blessing is there needs to be resilience built up in a quarterback as well,â Brady explained. âEven though he didnât have his best game and they lost, if he uses this to his advantage, heâs gonna be tougher for it. And heâs gonna have a better next game because of it. I always felt like youâve gotta deal with a lot of adversity from a quarterback standpoint to toughen you up to be the true leader for the organization.â
Adversity is essential for Brady, not just a part of the process. According to his suggestion, Manning’s initial genuine slip could serve as the foundation for his future advancement, provided he learns to channel it constructively.
A Rare Setback for a Star Prospect
Manning has not had to deal with much adversity in his football career so far. With a pedigree that included five stars and a lofty expectation, he was a five-star recruit and ranked near the top of ESPN’s 2023 class.
He won both of his starts last season, but the competition was much weaker than the reigning national champions. Saturday’s loss to Ohio State represented the steepest challenge of his young career, and as Brady noted, Manning’s response will define him moving forward.
âArch has years beyond this to still play in college if he wants,â Brady added. âItâs gonna be up to him to see how deep he wants to dig within himself in order to be successful. Thereâs nothing to show that he wonât be that. Heâs got a lot of good people around him that know exactly what to do.â
What Comes Next for Texas and Manning
Manning has not had to deal with much adversity in his football career so far. A five-star recruit who made it to the top of ESPN’s 2023 class, he had both an immense pedigree and high expectations.
Despite winning both of his starts last season, they were against weaker competition rather than the reigning national champions. As Brady pointed out, how Manning responds to the steepest challenge of his young career, which was Saturday’s loss to Ohio State, will define him moving forward.
Manning’s verdict is still unclear three starts into his college career. His name alone ensures that he is in a spotlight that is brighter than what most players will ever experience, and that comes with scrutiny after every mistake. The future for him is still unknown, and as Brady stated, the hardship he’s encountering may be precisely what he needs to become the leader Texas had in mind when they selected him.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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