Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 48 hours, you’ve probably come to the realization that Peyton Manning is not a very happy camper. Manning’s candid, but depressing perspective from Bob Kravitz really hit home for a lot of fans.
The new era in Indianapolis is definitely more than just some firings.
Like with Kravitz, Manning’s somber attitude and frustration carried over to another Monday interview with Judy Battista of The New York Times.
While reflecting on his little brother’s stellar 2011 campaign, Peyton compared his connection with Tom Moore to that of Eli and Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. He made it clear that Moore had no business in being banished from the team.
"There’s a reason Eli and Gilbride have been together for so long, because Gilbride has called good plays and Eli has played well. Me and Tom Moore earned the right to stay together. It’s a compliment to Eli and Gilbride. If you call good plays and it’s working, they shouldn’t want to fire you."
My translation: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Oh, and the Polians effed up.
Now with the Polians replaced, Manning has seen every other connection to his past given their walking papers, with the exclusion of Clyde Christensen. The fact that Christensen remains with the team is strange, yet a decent sign for Manning. It’s possible – unless he's been granted some protective order of his job for Manning – that Chuck Pagano will ultimately do away with the coordinator for his own choice though.
To finish up, Manning echoed his thoughts and expressed a little relief in watching his brother play in the NFC Championship.
"It’s a strange time around here, with all the coaches getting let go," Manning said. "I guess that’s somewhat normal for a lot of teams, but it hasn’t happened around here much. I’ve been in the facility every day rehabbing, and everybody in the building is walking around on eggshells because nobody knows who is going to get fired next.
"It’s not the kind of environment you like to be in. It was fun to get out of town."
I’m no modern day Nostradamus, but in my opinion, the writing is on the wall, as Phil B. also admits. After remaining an optimist, I’m beginning a transition to the belief that Manning likely played his last down of football in a Colts uniform last January. Of course, my optimism might not be your view of optimism.
You may want this to be true.
Manning is in a reflective state and as Kravitz described him, a "man at peace with his future." The framework of his legendary career has been totally uprooted and cast to the wind for fresh faces and ideas. Therefore, finishing his career in Indy will have to defy the growing odds and it's not looking good.
In all honesty, and like some have suggested, a new destination might just be the best thing for the all-time great. Not surprisingly, teams are already letting him know they will be ready to sign him if and when he's available. A healthy Manning won't have any trouble (duh) finding a great place to win another ring. And here or there, he will still be starting over with a totally new regime. The only thing that Manning and the Colts will have in terms of continuity is maybe Christensen, Jeff Saturday, and a similar receiving core.
2012 will ring in a new phase of his career, regardless.
And so far, I’m happy with the development of our new era. It was time to change the direction of this franchise and shake things up. I’m all for that and I'd love to see Pagano, Ryan Grigson, and Andrew Luck (RG3, anyone?) turn into the next legends of Colts lore.
All we can do is talk about what might happen in the coming weeks, but here's what I do know: I will always remain a Peyton Manning fan and loyalist. If he wants to finish his career here, he's earned the right. But if it turns out that #18 and the Colts are no longer destiny, the sun will still rise and we will all still loathe the Patriots.
It’s just going to take some getting used to AND a lot of faith in the new kid on the block.
Gulp.
0 recs | 70 comments
since Tom Moore is with the Jets
how likely is it that Peyton will go there?
andyprocombat - January 26, 2012
I don't see it
I would guess that Peyton wants no part of Rex Ryan and the circus he’s running in NY. He doesn’t like trash talking and claiming to be the SB champ every single upcoming year like Rex.
MinerFootball - January 26, 2012
Except Rex might not have to pretend to be the SB champ with Peyton there.
Peter Storgaard - January 26, 2012
Moore's not really with the Jets
He’s working from home, analyzing tape as a red zone consultant. He’s not the offensive coordinator. He’s not in New York often. So I see little reason that he would be a draw for Manning to NY.
Chris S. - January 26, 2012
i've come to the realization
that we aren’t going to be a playoff team for a few years with all the rebuilding, so i’m ok with Peyton going somewhere else if he thinks he can win a championship
danorocks17 - January 26, 2012
If Peyton stays, then our re-building would not be that painful
dezznutz1001 - January 26, 2012
Peyton will probably retire after the SuperBowl news cycle
Just like in MLB, the league frown upon free agent signings and opt-outs during the playoffs. Look at all the grief Arod got for anouncing his free agency during the playoffs a few years ago. So Peyton is waiting until the end of the playoffs to announce his future. I don’t believe he’s 100% healthy and he might wait until OTA to sign with a team. He’ll state his retirement, but he’ll pull a Favre-retirement and sign with whichever team pays him the most and has a good playoff roster.
Jcrew1179 - January 26, 2012
there is time
the Super Bowl ends the evening of February 5, the new league year commences March 13
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
Amen
As I root from my Lucas Oil seats for the Colts, I will always love Peyton, wherever he is. Go Colts.
Kravitz kept using the term “wistful” describing PM during their interview. syn Melancholy. sigh
Nosewiper - January 26, 2012
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ is the slogan of the complacent, the arrogant or the scared. It’s an excuse for inaction, a call to non-arms.”
Colin Powell
Great quote.
Yougotme - January 26, 2012
haha...
kinda true… except in this case I kind of feel like Tom Moore/Peyton were pretty much playing on another level and there was a dropoff in play calling with Clyde. That move still baffles me. Continuity (the good kind… not the cheap kind like in San Diego) is king in the NFL IMO.
coltsfanbeforemanning - January 26, 2012
Well, said.
Stew Blake - January 26, 2012
Well said* lol.
Stew Blake - January 26, 2012
It's really too bad
that athlete’s have to say the politically correct thing, instead of what they really think. I know they have to worry about their image and future employment, etc. But, I really would like to know what Peyton really thinks about his tenure in Indy, the mistakes that were made, etc., without sugarcoating a thing. The fluff piece he gave when Polian was fired doesn’t align with some of the things he’s saying now. Can’t have it both ways.
Ayrshire - January 26, 2012
we have to wait until he's out of the league for a few years
so he can write that tell-all book
muncie_in_this - January 26, 2012
I guarantee you that I'd buy it.
Ayrshire - January 26, 2012
me too sir. me too.
muncie_in_this - January 26, 2012
did he say that
while justifying invasions of the middle east??
if so then that quote is rather dangerous and can lead you into an endless bankrupting shitfest
muncie_in_this - January 26, 2012
Meh
And breaking things that aren’t broken, over and over, is called being neurotic. A balance is in order (as is with most things). Yes, there are things that were/are broken with the Colts. But he actions make me worry about another saying: “throwing out the baby with the bath water”.
buymymonkey - January 26, 2012
Good write up....
They will have to do what is best for the organization long term. It’s unfortunate but this team isn’t a SB contender anymore even with 18…
What is stupid is people hoping Luck will be a bust! I hope he is better than Brady Peyton Elway Unitas and Montana combined. That has a .000001% chance of happening but my loyalty is to the team…
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
What?
I have seen you post this on more than one occasion.
What is stupid is people hoping Luck will be a bust!
Who (in the arena of Colts fans) is rooting for this? Sure there are some that are very much in favor of keeping Peyton if healthy, but how is that interpreting that people wish for Luck to be a bust. Please enlighten me.
steveoly32 - January 26, 2012
I'm rooting for Luck to be a bust...
but I’m a Titans fan, so hopefully that’s understandable.
hartley - January 26, 2012
i also think we deserve for him to bust
since we didn’t try to win a game for 14 weeks until we had all but locked down the #1 pick
we deserve negative karma for that snake shit
muncie_in_this - January 26, 2012
Would rather be in the playoffs right now with cp7, dan-o or grandpa collins than getting luck.
Tricky Bobby - January 26, 2012 via mobile
karma isn't real
and you apparently aren’t a Colts fan.
FatDT - January 26, 2012
fans aren't real.
they’re just people who blindly follow a business that doesn’t give a shit about them.
muncie_in_this - January 26, 2012
SO WHERE DOES THAT PUT YOU?
shoospa - January 26, 2012
completely lost
and straight up about that fact
muncie_in_this - January 27, 2012
I think the business probably does give a shit about them
Considering, you know, there would be no such thing as professional sports without fans.
Coltsfan1345 - January 26, 2012
they only care about getting our money out of our pockets
muncie_in_this - January 27, 2012
Damn!
I wish that I could Rec this with a f*ckin’ claw hammer!
Chopaholic - January 27, 2012
thanks... i think
muncie_in_this - January 27, 2012
And to add to that...
If there are such “Colts fans” with this sentiment, then they’re obviously not Colts fans.
steveoly32 - January 26, 2012
BIG difference in thinking it and rooting for it!
shoospa - January 26, 2012
i would say there is no difference between rooting for it and thinking it
since neither really have any impact on the outcome of this situation
muncie_in_this - January 26, 2012
A lot of people are using semantics to assume and root for him to fail
So they will be right about keeping Manning. GB fans went through the same thing with Favre/Rodgers…
I don’t think people realize how great of a QB prospect Luck is. Comparing his career trajectory to Manning is crazy, but this guy isn’t Leaf, or Jamarcus. The guy is smart accurate and a good kid. He is going to be at the very least a stable franchise QB baring a major injury…
You don’t need the best QB in the league to win SBs. You (generally) need a top 1/4 QB and a top 1/3 defense from a personel standpoint…NE may win this year the Saints won a few years ago and Indy won recently but other than that each other SB winner in the last 15 years was a top 10 defense…
Im for the philosophy changes! This team should have won 2-4 SBs. It seems with Luck they will rebuild correctly. Hopefully they work out a deal for Manning to stay but not at 28mil…
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
I hear ya - and here's my tangent
It’s seemingly one of the “oldest tricks in the book”…
While I don’t actually think people are wanting Luck to bust, there are many proclaiming that he will not pan out (which of course is a possibility). When it comes to making predictions, the “Gloom and Doom” prediction is the easiest and safest. You’re typically a contrarian, so if this negative scenario comes to fruition, then people will laud you as being the only soothsayer who actually was right about this. But if you’re wrong and Luck pans out as a perennial All Pro with a couple of rings on his hand, then who the fuck is going to care about your poor prediction. We will all be reveling in the success of the Colts, right?
BBS employs this tactic quite a bit- he sides toward gloom and doom. An example, if he’s right about Manning’s end in Indy, people will laud him for being right on – a wise sage he will be. LOL. If he’s wrong, well as a whole the news that Manning is coming back 100% healthy will overshadow his erroneous predictions.
In my world of finance/investments, obviously no one can predict the markets, but if asked the safest bet is to say that the Dow is going to plummet. If you believe it and are “prepared for it” you’ve probably better set up your clients than those that were bullish. More so, if it comes to fruition, you look like a genius. On the other hand even if you’re way off and the Dow skyrockets upward, no one will lambaste you for being so far off because their portfolios will have profited, the markets are up, and generally all are in a positive mood, so to speak.
steveoly32 - January 26, 2012
Isn't this 1997/1998 all over again?
This isn’t that crazy. New GM brought in, new coach, and new QB.
docjay0 - January 26, 2012
Similar? Sure.
But I’d say replacing Peyton Manning is just a little bit different than replacing Jim Harbaugh.
Stew Blake - January 26, 2012
Never say never.....
Everyone’s speculating that Manning’s days as a Colt are behind him. However the man’s working hard to be healthy by the deadline. As Blake correctly stated, Manning deserves to be here and has earned the right. If Peyton’s not physically capable of “manning” the position, that’s one thing, but the man is driven and feels he has something to prove; that says loads. I’m not giving up on Peyton as so many of his “fans” have. Dan Marino’s knees, toward the end of his career, weren’t in the best of shape either. The Dolphins just surrounded with a blockade of muscle that allowed him the opportunity to pass and throw accurately.
The Colts would be wise to do the same. When he comes back – and I know he will – watch for some of these same posters to have sudden memory loss regarding his ability to lead this team. I’m just waiting for the chance to say “I told you so” in CAPS and bold type…..
KappakidToo - January 26, 2012
I don't think anyone here wants to see manning go
Some just realize that you can’t play 1/5 of your cap to a guy that may not be healthy…
Others also understand that the team needs to be rebuilt and balanced on both sides of the ball. Even if Manning returns I would prefer to see more money invested in run blockers and defense…so the days of him chucking it around 50 times should be over…
People like to make the Elway comparisons. At the end of his career Denver won with physical power running and D. Elway made the big plays when needed but not the 400 yd passing games like in his earlier years…
We criticize Polian (rightfully so) for not surrounding him with proper talent…but with Manning calling all the plays it made
Since to have an Addai who’s best attribute was blocking and a line that could only pass block…
There is a downside to giving Manning total control. Times where he would call pass plays in situations where running was needed. As Manning coached everyone up the team became even more dependent on him. With Luck I think the Coach and GM will dominate the teams vision…
Brady is not the dominant force on NE…BB is…they have more rings…perhaps Irsay has learned and will build properly
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
There's no amount of hard work that makes a nerve regenerate
I want Manning back too, but it isn’t possible if his nerves are still shot. Irsay can’t pay him $28M based on a hope that the nerves will come back at some point. And you especially can’t take Luck, start him for a while while Manning is still trying to come back, and then bench the #1 overall pick so Manning can play. Especially if Luck is doing well.
FatDT - January 26, 2012
But what if Luck didnt play well?
Theres a thought I havent had. Then Peyton would be nice to “fall back on”
I know that very unlikley to happen as I know we cant pay him $28 million if hes not healthy, but its another scenario to mull over
dezznutz1001 - January 26, 2012
I call bullshit.
As someone who invested a LOT of hard work into getting his nerves to regenerate just a little faster, a little stronger…might I suggest that you don’t know what the eff you are talking about?
Chopaholic - January 27, 2012
My .02 about this whole Peyton thing
So everyone want to read between the lines and assume that Manning is a dead man walking, that it’s PR jostling, what not. My thought is that it was smart and premeditated that Peyton address this stuff when he did, but not as a PR stunt, but more or less so this story doesn’t overshadow the Super Bowl. Sadly, since this is a rematch of 2007, and there isn’t the 19-0 factor, this year’s SB does have a pretty weak story line and I am sure the media will play out the Eli and Brady in Peyton’s house story or the if Eli wins another ring is he better than Peyton nonsense. Eli had a great year and Peyton doesn’t want to steal his thunder. Why not get pre-emptive?
Also, I love how headlines make it sound like he’s a pissed of a-hole and that he is completely trashing the organization. What he gave was his opinion of the current state of the facility and the team. He of all people, is a big time creature of habit. His support system has been taken away. Of course he’s going to have some mixed feelings about the recent happenings. Even when he talks about Eli, the first thing he talks about is the long standing relationship he has with his coaches.
I am one of the many that would certainly love to see Peyton healthy and playing for the Colts next season. If he’s not, I have prepared myself for that day and will look forward to hopefully brigher days and more rings.
But aren’t we starting to beat a dead horse. Obviously the health of arguably the greatest qb is a huge story, but we won’t know shit until March 8th, right?
So, shouldn’t all of us arm chair GMs, arm chair scouts, arm chair orthopedic surgeons, arm chair PR analysts, just take a deep breath and relax?
steveoly32 - January 26, 2012
What fun is relaxing?
Ayrshire - January 26, 2012
Yeah...
If I wanted to relax I wouldn’t be here at 111AM while working on an important project…lol
This blog is more entertaining than 2-14
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
11AM that is...
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
also
It seems to me that Manning is not being told very much at all..He is being left in the dark and they are firing everyone around him…what the h__ do you expect him to feel like…come on….it just seems like management and Peyton are strategically posturing themselves…
ticalcaldwell - January 26, 2012
the purpose of this blog I thought was to be informative and stimulate discussion
Just like when this blog said that Jim Caldwell was going to be retained, i was upset that night,, but pleasantly surprised the next day when he was fired, that is a large part of the fun speculating and trying to predict
OBGYNOSUPREME - January 26, 2012
Agreed, it's fun to banter
But man, sometimes this shit gets out of hand, amirite?
And yes when it comes to the Colts it’s pretty damn impossible to relax without the aid of booze or xanax.
steveoly32 - January 26, 2012
don't forget cannabis!!
muncie_in_this - January 26, 2012
Irsay endorses this message.
steveoly32 - January 26, 2012
so does over 60% of this blog
if i had to wager a guess
muncie_in_this - January 26, 2012
Mr. Irsay is a ganja baker, I'll bet anything
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
Let's face it,...
it was just a few months ago that we were wondering if Peyton would be well enough to play against the Texans. We were concerned because they stole a game from us the previous year. Now, so much shit has gone down, that this season will go down as one of the most bizarre ever….and not in a good way. I never thought that we’d potentially be saying goodbye to Peyton. That’s the biggest head trip of all. And, it’s certainly not a done deal by any means, but the writing is on the wall. Plus, the lock-out, the end of the Polian dictatorship, the possibility of drafting the next ‘Manning’, the new hirings, etc. Yes, bizarre indeed and it’s getting crazier by the day. Yeah, I’m going to have to pass on the relaxing part.
Ayrshire - January 26, 2012
When they were going 13-3 I just read the articles I had no reason to post...
Now it’s therapeutic!
(206)NightRidah - January 26, 2012 via mobile
Stupid questions in press conference
Ty46 - January 26, 2012
I still think people are over analyzing...
the situation. Anytime there’s a major changes in a company, it’s always a difficult place to be – for the superstars and even the janitor. It sucks for everyone involved. Manning’s reactions are normal for an organization undergoing changes. It’s not like it’s going to be magically better someplace else and Manning knows this. You think there’s new faces in Indy? Well, everybody will be a new face anyplace else he goes – including the most important people to him – his teammates.
Yougotme - January 26, 2012
So by the prevailing logic I see...
No NFL team can afford an elite QB and still be competitive under the salary cap.
You “time for a new QB” types, are assuming a lot. Sportswriter/attention whores are writing provocative stories, trying to force a public decision from either Manning, or Irsay (or both).
If it comes time to pay the man in March, and he says he’ll be ready to play, they’re paying him.
All you guys who say the Colts won’t be competitive even with Manning, must have amnesia. Aside from the QB position, they improved in many spots from 2010 (when they were 10-6 and won the division again), so I’m not certain I understand how they won’t be competitive. If they have a rookie QB, you’re right, they probably won’t be competitive.
What is it you fans want? A winning football team or a new QB?
nmbr5ml - January 26, 2012
As a Bengals fan
I just have to say wow. What is the prevailing sentiment amongst the fans? Are you guys ready to move on? Do you still want Manning? Unprecedented situation that your team is in…wow…the bottom line is..you guys still have 2 potentially good options…
ticalcaldwell - January 26, 2012
Im in the camp
That still want Peyton Manning to start. Totally ok with drafting Andrew Luck, totally ok with trading the pick as well. (If Peyton is healthy of course)
The thing is, theres no way hes healthy by his march deadline. So I see no way that the Colts can pick up his option. Therefore hell be released and have a chance to get healthy, at that point, Im not even sure hell want to come back here regardless of what the Colts are doing.
BiggRedd - January 26, 2012
I agree
I use the same logic in this situation…just a crazy scenario that I had no idea I would ever see…Peyton Manning is the guy I use in conversations to compare QBs to. The argument is…can the guy ever be Peyton Manning? sucks to see him go…
ticalcaldwell - January 26, 2012
Manning era is over
I think the Manning era is over, not to sure why he is being in the press having a go and Irsay not impressed. Manning will cost to much towards the salary cap, I think its Luck more players and a new beginning in Indianapolis. GO COLTS
palco - January 26, 2012
New face of the Franchise
Coltsfan1345 - January 26, 2012
Is that Robbie Benson?
buymymonkey - January 26, 2012
Robbie Benson was a basketball player or a track star
the new Bradfather - January 26, 2012
ActionOxford - January 26, 2012
Wow.
That picture is too real lol.
Stew Blake - January 26, 2012
WHERES THE NECK BEARD?
shoospa - January 28, 2012
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