Peyton Manning: Zach Thomas caused the most problems for me of any player I ever faced

<div> <figure> <img alt="Dolphins v Colts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IZucqYjFyYlovsYbdbfzFSBKo7I=/0x0:3057x2038/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71963965/1392855.0.jpg"> <figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Manning lost seven of his first nine matchups against the Dolphins.</p> <p id="RFxFak">Quarterback Payton Manning finished his career with 539 touchdowns, 71,940 yards, and a record of 186-79. Manning was one of the NFL’s most dominant players and had a losing record against just two teams he faced more than five times. </p> <p id="aSIvR9">Manning struggled against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, closing his career with a record of 6-13 against Bill Belichick and company. Next on the list is the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>, who are 7-6 all-time against Manning. </p> <p id="qNHnZP">Looking closer, Manning was 2-7 against the Dolphins before winning his final four games against the franchise. When discussing his career in 2020, Manning described his struggles against Miami with just one name — Zach Thomas. </p> <p id="Lr0zku">“The most unnerving thing about playing Miami is Zach Thomas calling out all of your plays,” Manning said. “He caused the most problems for me of any player I ever faced.”</p> <p id="AhNW9E">Thomas and the Dolphins defeated the Colts twice in 1998. In those two games, Thomas combined for 19 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass defended. Manning would win two of the next three matchups but then fell three-straight times.</p> <p id="QAniKR">Thomas picked Manning off on Nov. 11, 2001, and finished his career with four interceptions for touchdowns — the most in team history. </p> <p id="iBmOEQ">After years of players speaking up, Thomas earned his flowers by <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/2023/2/9/21118029/pro-football-hall-of-fame-2023-class-miami-dolphins-zach-thomas">being elected to the Hall of Fame in 2023</a>. </p> <p id="c9NaH7">“Put his stats up with mine, Ray [Lewis] any other linebacker who’s even close to the Hall of Fame or been in the Hall of Fame. He’s right there with us, if not better in every category,” former <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> linebacker Brian Urlacher said. </p> <p id="MSylRd">The Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be enshrined on Saturday, Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio. </p> </div>