Patriots HC Bill Belichick: Peyton Manning is best QB I've coached against

Peyton Manning certainly got the best of Bill Belichick on several occasions. 

However, the New England Patriots head coach had some high praise for the former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback before his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Sunday. Belichick said, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe:

"He is definitely the best quarterback I've coached against. There have been quarterbacks who called their own plays, but it was nowhere near the same as what he did. He basically called every play by adjusting and/or changing the play once he saw what the defense was doing. He excelled at using the cadence and recognizing blitzes, and more than any one single offensive player, he forced us to change and adapt defensive game plans."

After Manning announced his retirement from the NFL in 2016, Belichick said he never "enjoyed" his meetings with the legendary signal-caller, but the respect he has for him as a competitor was "second to none."

Manning faced Belichick's Patriots 20 times over his career and went 8-12. However, he beat New England in the AFC Championship Game during both of his Super Bowl runs in 2007 (Colts) and 2016 (Broncos). 

Even though Manning and Belichick were considered enemies, it's no surprise the two have mutual respect because both are fierce competitors and wildly successful. 

Once Belichick retires from the NFL, there's no doubt that Manning will share similar thoughts for the Patriots head coach when looking back on his career.