Emmanuel Sanders: Peyton Manning a Far Better Leader Than Big Ben

Oct 13, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (88) catches a touchdown pass during the second half of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. The Steelers defeated the Jets 19-6. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

It didn’t take long for new Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders to notice the difference in leadership between Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.

“I feel like Peyton is a far better leader, in terms of staying after practice, catching balls, wanting guys to get on the same page with him, things of that sort,” Sanders said. “This is the first time that I’ve had a quarterback that every single day after practice — no matter what his accolades, NFL MVP, Super Bowl ring — he keeps guys like me and [rookie receiver Cody] Latimer after practice. . . . He’s not one of those guys you’ve got to chase down. He’s going to be right in the same spot, ready to work, every single day. I just feel like that’s a difference from a mental standpoint.”

Big Ben has more rings than Peyton, even the bragging rights of one of the most thrilling playoff games in NFL history back in 2005-06 when the Steelers upset the Colts at Indianapolis, but there’s no doubt that Sanders is just being honest in telling reporters who the better leader is.

Ever since Manning got to Denver, that was evident.

Apparently, Sanders has been under fire on Twitter for his comments. Steeler fans are not really taking these headlines overly well.

You can’t blame Sanders for honestly answering a question, especially one he probably feels pretty passionately about. Manning has taken extra time to create a relationship on the field with Sanders, and that has clearly meant a lot to him. It’s something obviously Ben Roethlisberger never did. That doesn’t mean Ben’s a bad leader, it just means Sanders views Manning as a better one.

I can’t say I’d disagree.