Who would win a 40 yard race between Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning? Teammates of the two have recently been having that debate internally and on Twitter, proposing that they settle it next year.
Thankfully, the latest video games can be used for investigation on the matter. "Madden NFL 16" currently has Manning rated with 68 Speed and 60 Acceleration. "NBA 2K16" has given Dirk Nowitzki 44 Speed and 35 Acceleration. Based solely on those numbers Manning would seem to be perceived as the faster of the two. Of course the ratings systems used in the two games differ, as they do in how they're reflected on the field and court, so it's not an exact science.
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In terms of relative placement, however, they can be compared because their placement falls within similar scales. In Madden, the fastest player (Breshad Perriman) has 97 Speed. In 2K16, the fastest player (John Wall) also has 97 Speed. In terms of the Acceleration rating, the leader is 97 in Madden (Antwon Blake) and 95 in 2K16 (Kyrie Irving).
How do they actually move in the games though? Ultimately that's the best way to make a determination of who EA Sports and 2K Sports has programmed as the faster individual.
Peyton Manning runs the 40, while wearing a helmet and pads, in 6.3 seconds. Dirk Nowitzki runs the length of the court in 5.9 seconds, which equates to 40 yards at just about 7.1 seconds.
Based on how they're represented in this year's video games then Peyton Manning should be considered the favorite.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, has co-founded the new site HitThePass.com, is a regular participant on the Press Row Podcast and Hit The Pass Radio shows, and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.