Andy Lyons - Getty Images
over 1 year ago: INDIANAPOLIS IN - JANUARY 08: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8 2011 in Indianapolis Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The man who once pulled the strings in Indy for over a decade is now providing us with some encouraging words regarding the return of Peyton Manning.
In a sit down with ESPN's Pardon the Interruption, Polian spoke on his own experiences of watching Manning throw from back in late December [emphasis mine]:
"It’s marked [improvement] from where he was back in September," Polian said regarding Peyton’s arm strength in December, when Polian last observed Manning. "He threw it accurately, he threw it with a good, tight spiral, and he threw it with velocity. Generally, he looked like a pretty confident quarterback out there."
We've heard that Peyton basically has a "noodle arm" and we've heard that he's been on the cusp of retirement for quite some time. Manning has practically killed off any retirement reports, along with his agent. Now? We're getting more and more good news about his ability to be, well, Peyton Manning again.
If Manning was making this kind of progress back in late December, it's hard not to be optimistic about his eventual return. In fact, Manning's confidence in his progression might have added some fuel to re-fire the "I'm cleared" media circus that was propelled into the spotlight during the week of Indy's Super Bowl.
As for Polian, he also believes that Manning is on path to show everyone that he will overcome "another obstacle" and return at a "high level".
And it turns out that Polian isn't the only one who is confident about Manning's ability to successfully return.
In a radio appearance on February 1 (this slipped through the media cracks somehow), Adam Vinatieri revealed that he has also seen Manning throw and there are more good signs [emphasis mine]:
"I haven't watched him the last few weeks, but I did see him at the end of the season," Vinatieri said during the interview. "He was developing nicely. Was he quite all the way back yet? No, probably not. Not to his standards.
"But he definitely is not that far off."
Very interesting. Here's another valuable source that has taken a look at Manning tossing the pigskin and he believes he is "not that far off." Vinatieri notes seeing Manning "at the end of the season." This would put his recollected time-frame very close to Polian's.
Jim Irsay is also reportedly "pleased" with Manning's ability to throw. What "pleased" means? Who knows? Irsay has proclaimed that if healthy, Manning will remain a Colt. Well, with these tidbits of info coming to light, it certainly makes the pressure to keep Manning a little more intense.
If Manning's arm doesn't resemble a "noodle", the velocity is there, and he can make accurate throws, there's really no way to justify letting him walk. If he doesn't want to be here, that's one thing. But Manning has a shot to finish his career right where it started. He also would be an invaluable bridge to the Andrew Luck era. Luck is going to be faced with some transition obstacles, just like every rookie quarterback that's came into the league. Why not let the greatest take him under his wing? Luck appears to have no problem with it. In fact, he would "embrace" such an opportunity. The restructuring of Manning's contract is also there for the taking. Manning's camp recently sent out a signal indicating as much, stating that Manning would be interested in a no guaranteed money, incentive-laden deal. And despite whatever negativity we've heard in the back and forth between Irsay and Manning, Irsay has also told us that it's Manning's call on whether he wants to play in Indy or not.
All of these things considered, if you're rooting for Manning to finish out his career with the horseshoe on his helmet (why wouldn't you be?), enjoy some good news for a change. Now, if we could just see a leaked video of Manning tossing dimes to the kids down at Duke, the world would quickly hit the most insane stage of "Manning Mania".
The sun hasn't set on this decision, quite yet, Indianapolis. Let's ride this sucker out a little longer.
3 recs | 127 comments
And you've gotta admit -
Polian seems like an intelligent, balanced person who speaks professionally and calmy. Hmmmm… Ironic if he’s the one to break the positive news about Manning.
buymymonkey - February 9, 2012
To be honest
perhaps he somewhat kept Irsay in line. And basicaly heaped any negative attention on himself. I never disliked Bill, but I think it just came down to Irsay not wanting to give Chris full control and if he got rid of Chris that had to mean getting rid of Jim too.
JCub3d - February 10, 2012
oh yep. natural progression
Bill is going to Canton, as JIM Said, we knew that, Chris was making disastorous decisions handed a job he was not quite proven, we saw that. In the end I suspect that Jim told Bill that he is going to let Chris go and that Bill probably agreed that it was best for him to go as well. Appear to be shocked for the sake of hi son
kbreboot - February 10, 2012
Well it only seems that way because he’s no longer in charge I guess a dose of humility does that to a person.
Still doesn’t change how he treated people when he was in charge though.
Putting that aside I think he would’ve handled this a lot better than Jimbo scary as hard as that is to imagine.
CF4L - February 10, 2012
That's exactly what I told Ridah in another comment section.
Anyone can carefully do an interview to make himself come off in a certain light. I’m more concerned about the overall decision-making while he was at the helm. And, that decision-making spoke for itself. That’s not to discount many of the positive things he accomplished earlier in his career with the Colts.
Ayrshire - February 10, 2012
Yep there’s a reason he was fired(and deservedly so)
CF4L - February 10, 2012
he is a lot more cordial and nice now that he has been fired
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 10, 2012
I would take Polian's observations over Kravitz...any day.
Antillar - February 9, 2012
And amen to Stew Blake
only one here who is on the sit and wait and positives on Manning. Everyone else is riding on him getting cut. Makes no sense to me at all. Argue all you want about “the CAP the CAP” when so any teams are more than likely to dump their starting QB for Manning. Manning is a competitor and i think he envisions the Chuck Pagano and the reunioin with Arians as an oppurtunity to win the big one in the next 2 years. Manning for the most part is owed a good defense for once.
kbreboot - February 10, 2012
Oh look!
Someone disputing something the waste of air that is Michael Lombardi said. Also the joke of a columnist Bob Kravitz. But since it’s Bill Polian people here will probably take it and throw it out.
coltsfan723 - February 9, 2012
Oh and also
Thanks, Stew for this article. It’s nice to have a breath of fresh air in this place every once in a while. Well written and very positive. Kudos to you, sir.
coltsfan723 - February 9, 2012
Agreed!
Stew, do what you do, cause it’s so new! Achoo!
buymymonkey - February 9, 2012
I'd also accept
Crew, brew, blew, blue, Rod Carew, flew, yew, woo, slew, and glue.
Addai Another Aday - February 10, 2012 via iPhone app
You're quite the rhyming dictionary!
buymymonkey - February 10, 2012
Oh, I could've gone on.
Addai Another Aday - February 10, 2012
Thanks for reading.
We’re all just trying to make sense of the constant back and forth. One day he’s healthy and the next day his arm is falling off.
Stew Blake - February 9, 2012
Thanks Stew
Its funny how BBS never writes the articles regarding positive news for Manning…he’s so in love with Andrew Luck that he’s ready to dump Peyton so fast…doesn’t make sense
kballstar - February 10, 2012
Agree totally
It just seems like everyone went crazy and was ready to watch Manning, the best QB in the game, ride right out of town. I will never be on that side of the fence. It’s just nice to hear someone else with the same logical thought. Thanks….. Now I feel like I’m not going insane. Go Colts!
L. Mc - February 10, 2012
makes no sense to keep him
you are on the wrong side of the fence
omahacolt - February 10, 2012
Ok
Just to clear things up…… You are suggesting that we let one of the greatest of all time go, with the hope that a young, unproven Luck can come in and pick up where Peyton left off. I don’t care who it is if he sits behind Peyton for a couple of years he’s gonna be much better. The things he could learn from Manning would benefit him and our beloved Colts and we as a franchise have a chance to win now and in the future when Peyton really is done. That is my side of the fence.
L. Mc - February 10, 2012
this still doesnt solve our problem
peyton and luck cant help each other win. unless we are planning to make andrew a WR and bank on him making only 1 handed TD grabs, our whatever he did in that one game
muncie_in_this - February 10, 2012 via Android app
But to be clear
i agree to keep pmoney and trade luck to try and fix problems
muncie_in_this - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Wouldn't Luck
cost just as much as the Painter / Orlovsky combo did? I would rather have Luck as a backup than those other clowns.
AceOfSpades - February 12, 2012
manning cant play
cant keep an unhealthy manning for that price.
and no. he wont be healthy
omahacolt - February 11, 2012
Oh shit. My bad.
I forgot you are peytons doctor and the GM/head coach/owner/soothsayer for the colts
muncie_in_this - February 12, 2012 via Android app
Irritating
This is really getting irritating now. It’s Manning’s call now on whether he stays or not? This is really getting on my nerves, almost as much as the Brett Favre saga.
KBUnitz - February 9, 2012
Irsay has been saying
it’s Manning’s call for a while now. That is nothing new.
coltsfan723 - February 9, 2012
its been like 5 weeks
favre dragged his decisions out for 4-5 months.
i think its time to burn one down and relax
muncie_in_this - February 10, 2012
Here's the actual PTI
interview with Polian if anyone is interested
coltsfan723 - February 9, 2012
After seeing the endless campaign thrown against Manning by many Colts' faithful
I rather see him play and have success with another team. Picking a QB right now, won’t help him win a Super Bowl. It could be good for the team, but it won’t help the team during Manning last few years here. Also, having Manning on the team likely slows the rebuilding process, because he pretty much guarantees more wins now, which translates into lower pics in 2013’s Draft. Add to that Luck is NFL ready, so sitting rather than playing slows his development as a QB.
soforizo - February 9, 2012
Disagree 100% about your statement...
“If Manning [is healthy] there’s really no way to justify letting him walk”
Really? I can think of plenty of reasons:
-Irsay (and Grigson) have repeatedly stated that the Colts are in a re-building mode, and are entering a new era.
-Nearly all of “Manning’s guys” are gone. Polian? Gone. Caldwell? Gone. Christiensen? Demoted. Wayne/Saturday? Probably gone.
-New Head Coach.
-#1 overall draft pick – Andrew Luck is the most “PRO-READY” prospect possibly EVER to come out of college. No reason to make him sit 2-5 seasons (If Manning returns to the NFL, he’s playing a minimum of 3 seasons, if healthy).
-Manning himself has stated that rookie QB’s drafted #1 overall should play immediately. And reports have stated that Manning has no intentions of mentoring his successor.
-The Colts don’t give Manning the best chance at winning. Let’s face it – the Colts aren’t beaming with talent (although I think they can have a quick re-building process). Why would Manning even want to remain a Colt – other than the “story-book ending”?
-The Colts aren’t SB contenders with a healthy Peyton Manning. Why bring him back, hinder Luck’s development, and hurt the Colts in the long run with worse draft picks/player development.
-Keeping Manning is Salary.Cap.Hell. No further explanation.
Peyton Manning will not be playing for the Indianapolis Colts next year. And it makes complete sense.
kmbryant09 - February 9, 2012
But other than that...
It is nice to read some positive news regarding Manning’s recovery.
Thanks for the story!
kmbryant09 - February 9, 2012
That's certainly -
an opinion.
buymymonkey - February 9, 2012
"Andrew Luck is the most "PRO-READY" prospect possibly EVER to come out of college"
EVER??? Are you stretching things a tad little bit?
soforizo - February 9, 2012
He's also the tallest
buymymonkey - February 9, 2012
and has a wonderful beard
shoospa - February 9, 2012
lol
yeah he has the geico caveman beard going for him. if he’s taken someone better get copyright dibbs on a luck beard to sell at games.
BigMan74 - February 10, 2012
NO.
this is a beard
this is a mess on someones face that would make kyle orton ashamed
muncie_in_this - February 10, 2012
QB prospect...probably.
He runs a pro-style offense.
He has all the physical tools.
He plays the role of an NFL QB in college – he adjusts plays at the line, changes routes, assigns blocking assignments. Reports have suggested that he actually plays a part in DEVELOPING the game-plan from week to week.
All from a 22 (?) year old. Look, I’m not an Andrew Luck fan. I hope he’s great, I hope he’s the best. But I became a Colts fan because of Peyton Manning (I was 12, at the time he was drafted). I will continue to root for BOTH Manning and the Colts. But it will be extremely difficult for me to see the 2 parties part ways.
Nobody knows if Luck will be the next Manning, or the next Leaf. But seriously, nearly EVERYBODY is touting him as the best QB prospect…possibly ever.
kmbryant09 - February 9, 2012
Even Manning needed time to make the transition.
Luck is great, but he’s not a God. At least not until he wins a couple Super Bowls. =)
Stew Blake - February 9, 2012
i'm a colts fan and endorse this comment. (applauds)
BigMan74 - February 10, 2012
A good prospect yes, hyped as hell.
“He runs a pro-style offense.”
- Sure, no college QB running a pro-style offense has ever failed
“He has all the physical tools.”
- Same as above, many failed QB’s had this going for them.
“He plays the role of an NFL QB in college – he adjusts plays at the line, changes routes, assigns blocking assignments. Reports have suggested that he actually plays a part in DEVELOPING the game-plan from week to week.”
- It certainly didn’t hurt that Luck spent his entire college career behind a pair of All-American linemen and sure 1st round picks, as well as having a good running game. How many NFL teams feature a line as good in passing protection and running game prowess? Certainly not the Colts. Many QBs prosper under such conditions. How good can Luck play without those two things is a bigger unknown with him than with RG3, so at least let’s go through the combine, Pro Day and testing before we crown him as the best “EVER”.
soforizo - February 10, 2012
He also can beat up Anderson Silva... while wrestling a crocillgator.
SoCalHoosier - February 10, 2012
The intentions of that sentence are more so from a P.R. standpoint.
Irsay has said multiple times that if healthy, Manning is a Colt. If he changes his mind and gets rid of him for the sake of rebuilding, it’s not going to be pretty. Especially if Luck struggles and Manning flourishes abroad. Will people move on? Sure. Eventually they’ll have to. But it’s a humongous business decision.
You can pick out plenty of opinions (cap issue is a concern, but the rest of your points are heavily opinionated) as to why cutting him would make complete sense to you, but the truth is this: We have absolutely no idea where this decision is heading. Heck, a week ago, I thought he was a goner for sure. Now? Not so much. Furthermore, there’s risk and there’s reward (Peyton as any young QB’s mentor would be a dream) in keeping Manning. We can argue them all day long.
Going to another team might be Manning’s best option, but as we’ve come to learn, this decision is hardly that cut and dry. At least, in my opinion.
Thanks for the comment, KM.
Stew Blake - February 9, 2012
And as for being a contender...
I think that’s precisely what Manning brings to the table. We witnessed as much this year. We have glaring needs in the secondary, but there is a deep, deep DB market this year and Grigson certainly is no stranger to dabbling in free agency. If Manning is back, I see Saturday coming back and it’ll be year two for our ‘11 class: Castonzo, Ijalana, and Nevis. Draft another DT in the second or third, along with a WR. With Pagano’s vision, the defense will improve for the better. Sign Reggie for a decent, but manageable deal (he wants to come back). Lock up Garcon, Mathis and with Manning, this will fundamentally be the same team (Collie and Clark included).
Starting a new era is fine, but the “we’re not a contender even with Manning” is a loose argument. You can spin it either way. The cap is manageable, specifically through restructuring.
Stew Blake - February 10, 2012 via mobile
How does that kool-aid taste?
KingRichard - February 9, 2012
The Team
I would like someone to explain to me how the team is so much worse than they were in ‘09-’10. The defense still has the three Pro Bowlers it did back then (assuming Irsay makes Mathis the top priority like he has said). It’s added a better MLB. Conner looks like a quality OLB. Powers would be a solid #2 CB. Nevis has more talent than we’ve seen at DT since Booger. There are not any more holes than that season.
The offensive line is young, and they got a chance to learn for a year without risking Manning. Costanzo is going to be good. He was better than Charlie Johnson ever was, and he was playing on a bad ankle most of the season. It would have been nice for Ijalana to get more time before he got hurt. The makeshift line still produced the best running game in about 6 years. Losing Saturday would hurt, but the odds are better he would return with Manning.
The offense probably won’t have Reggie. That’s a big blow. It was also a big blow when it lost Marvin’s production. There wasn’t much of a drop off, because Manning makes everybody look better than they are. Dallas Clark looked like an average TE this year. Manning made him look like a world beater. Austin Collie was scoring at least a TD each game before the concussions. He didn’t have a setback this season. He would be healthy and ready to roll. Garcon was a nobody who has developed into a 1000 yard receiver.
I just don’t see this team being as bad as everyone thinks. They would have won 4-7 games this year with average QB play. The team has talent.
They need a NT and 2-3 DBs. They may need a WR. Then, they have a bunch of spots with average players who could be upgraded. One quality NT from free agency and 2-3 DB upgrades will drastically change the defense.
I’m just so shocked at the doomsday predictions, because the team had no QB. Nobody will ever argue that any of our QBs played at even an average level. That was the problem. The team has a few holes. It can be repaired in one off season with good moves.
PeytonTheManning - February 10, 2012
Manning took essentially the same marginal supporting cast
to the super bowl a couple of years ago. Any team Manning is on is going to be a contender for a title.
Ayrshire - February 10, 2012
All of your reasons against Manning remaining
are regurgitated from the same people “breaking” all of these conflicting BS stories. Do you really think using the words “rebuild” or “new era” mean anything at all on the football field?
Do you believe the Colts foot ball team does not want to win in 2012?
Pretty much the same team was a contender with Manning playing hurt all year in 2010 (and not that well).
It’s salary cap hell? His cap hit will be about the same as last year. Besides, who was walking around declaring that P. Manning would be the highest-paid player in the league last summer? I’ll give you a hint: it wan’t Manning.
Here’s what football teams do: they try to win games. Peyton Manning is the best chance to do that. Talking about having him back at full strength for 3 years, like it’s a bad thing…doesn’t make sense??? What are you even talking about?
nmbr5ml - February 10, 2012
Think "reloading" not "rebuilding"
I agree with you nmbr5ml.
Let’s say Manning is projected to be healthy for the 2012 season and is thus extended by Irsay. Luck is still drafted #1 because Irsay wants to have a viable backup plan for this season and a great prospect going forward to take over when Manning retires.
So the team is drafting at the top of Round 2 only a few spots worse than they normally would be drafting at the end of Round 1 every other year (last 10 years or so). Grigson still doesn’t even have to hit a home run to make this team immediately a SB contender again. He just needs to have a soild draft that yields 1-2 starters and 2-3 solid backup prospects. Polian busted on his past 3-4 first round picks and the team was still ultra competitve until Manning went out last season.
If Manning comes back and plays 2 more years, then Luck takes over after being shown the ropes so to speak by watching how Manning handles life as a professional QB, all is well. The remaining 2 seasons on Manning’s contract are much less of a cap hit than the first 2 so the team isn’t hamstrung by the cap. Also take into consideration that the cap will continue to rise due to NFL revenues and it could work out just fine.
AceOfSpades - February 12, 2012
When did Peyton ever say he had no intention of mentoring another QB?
I don’t remember that one… I also like that you put “pro-ready” in quotes because that whole point about Luck can be summed up like this: Everyone thinks he will be good (emphasis mine, lol). I’ve said from the beginning that until the Colts know that Luck is ready, you have to keep a healthy Manning.
Also, while Luck may be as “pro-ready” as any college QB in recent history, he’s still a college QB and whatever team takes him has a responsibility to help him develop into a pro QB. Throwing him to the wolves (especially for a team like the Colts whose fan base is used to winning) and hoping for the best is a bad idea that almost never works.
NFLFan83 - February 10, 2012
i think he says it with actions
like how when he’s healthy no one else can take any snaps in practice
muncie_in_this - February 10, 2012
well kmbryant
glad you finally started seeing things my way. you are a good student
omahacolt - February 10, 2012
While we all want to believe the good news
This is the key sentence from Stew:
Until there is a video, I won’t believe he’s healthy. It’s such a simple thing to dispel everything. If he was healthy, we’d have seen it already. It’s in Manning’s best interest to prove he’s healthy, yet nothing but words.
mgrex03 - February 9, 2012
Good point, Matt.
But these words are encouraging compared to what we’ve heard.
Stew Blake - February 9, 2012
I don’t really agree with this thinking and I see it far too often: The cries about the lack of video. It’s a totally bogus point based on the track record. What about Peyton Manning and the way he’s done things recently make anybody think he’s going to release a video of him rehabbing regardless of how well he’s throwing?
The man didn’t really seem to want anybody to know about the knee a few years ago. He’s probably been dealing with the neck thing for a couple seasons and tried to keep it off the radar even as recently as the first surgery that we know about. He was apparently annoyed in his first interview in the locker room after the surgery and complained about the gaggle of local reporters. He didn’t even want anybody to know he was having twins. Outside of jokes and scripted DTV commercials he seems fairly private. I’m not even sure that ESPN interview with Trey Wingo wasn’t more about sitting in a dark room in front of a very well-lit fridge full of Gatorade than some sort of politicking.
What does he need to prove to ESPN or you or me? It’s inconsequential to his best interests. If he is getting cut and wants a job, does he need to release a video so Mike Shanahan can see it confirmed by Sports Center or go viral on YouTube? No. Somebody like Peyton Manning is using his agent and making calls and then hopping on a private jet to the Washington Redskin’s or where-the-hell-ever’s facility for an even more private workout for their Owner, GM, and Head Coach.
southerncolt2 - February 10, 2012
Another good point.
He doesn’t need to prove anything to the world. As long as Irsay and any potential suitors can see his progress, that’s all that matters. While it would be great to see a video, insight and first hand experience with the situation (as BP and Vinatieri have had) is extremely helpful.
Stew Blake - February 10, 2012 via mobile
2 more thoughts on why there isn't video
1. It would really come off as politicking. Peyton has already been accused of this an it didn’t go over well. If he has hopes of returning with the Colts, and he clearly does, then putting a video of his rehab session in the media would probably create bad blood. The bad blood wouldn’t only be between him and Irsay, which would most likely be repairable but it would also create hard feelings with the new coaching staff and GM.
Keeping things in house and letting the Colts have the first look is the best for the Manning camp if he wants to stay in Indy.
2. Is he allowed to put out his video taped rehab sessions? Is it within NFL rules or even Colts rules? In the past Colts have been very closed off when it comes to players with injuries. Peyton IS still under contract with the Colts and therefor would have to follow team rules. It could be written in his contract as well.
Either way, I’m not buying the no video=noodle arm theory. It may not be in PMs best interest right now to release a video. It’s interesting how the media lately has let things like AV’s comments and the Dave Fuerst tweet slip through. It’s clear ESPN and much of the sports world is banking on a Peyton v. Colts divorce. It would be great for ratings and boost the NFL presence to Favre-like interest this year. Let’s not assume any of these reports are true (good or bad) and wait until March 8th before making assumptions.
Mark Olson - February 10, 2012
Great point!
He can handle this business like…
Obviously he won’t get a job without throwing for a GM/Coach/Owner…
I think Peyton will be ready by the late summer and it will take some time to learn a new offense and knock off rust. I don’t expect big 35TD 10INT numbers but by later in the season he will be dominate if healthy and in 2013 I expect him to contend for a SB…
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
I would be more concerned
if Manning wasn’t even letting Irsay watch his workouts. No one else matters here. Fans don’t matter, Kravitz’ of the world don’t matter, Mortensen doesn’t matter and P. King doesn’t matter.
As long as Irsay can watch and discuss with doctors, etc, that is all that matters.
I think the only time a leaked video comes out is if Irsay cuts Manning and Manning wants to show Colts fans that he was ready to go and Irsay didn’t stick to his word of keeping him.
AceOfSpades - February 12, 2012
Interestingly, Polian compares the decision of Luck vs RG3 as a toss up
So maybe to the dismay of Luck-fixated fans and armchair QBs here, the decision isn’t as clear cut as they think.
soforizo - February 9, 2012
Sure hope so
I’d rather have no luck than bad luck.
shoospa - February 9, 2012
I believe it's clear cut for Irsay, despite what Polian says.
Ayrshire - February 10, 2012
I’m going to keep saying it in hopes that it actually happens:
Fuck Luck! Keep Manning!
KingRichard - February 9, 2012
Not that cut and dried.
That is easy to say as a fan, but as an organization that might not make the most sense. If the Colts are truly in a rebuild mode,and I believe they are, then letting Manning walk and drafting Luck makes the most sense. Sentimentality has no place in the NFL. The Colts need to build a team the right way this time which is not so damn dependent on 1 guy. I love Manning, but I love the Colts more. The Colts moved on from Unitas, Jones and Harbaugh, shit happens. The stars aligned just right this year in giving the Colts the number 1 pick, they can’t fuck that up.
Spike7 - February 10, 2012
horrible post king richard
omahacolt - February 10, 2012
horrible post omahacolt
shoospa - February 10, 2012
awesome post shoospa
muncie_in_this - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Guys
I love the Colts….. I love Peyton Manning….. If Peyton will come off on the price….. Why can’t we all be happy and have our cake and eat it too? We would benefit in the long run and short if this scenario played out.
L. Mc - February 11, 2012
not happening
manning will cost the colts a fortune no matter what
omahacolt - February 11, 2012
Dude
I understand that I’m an optimistic person when it comes to the Colts, but honestly how do you know what he is willing to except? Bottom line is, we are all just fans, putting our thoughts of what the Colts or Peyton will do here on this site. Nothing we say is anything but our on hopes and wishes.
L. Mc - February 11, 2012
dude
learn how the cap works.
the cheapest manning will be on our cap this year is 11 million. and thats not happening.
omahacolt - February 11, 2012
And....
Let me guess…. You don’t think he’s worth it. Well, I want be the one to say you’re wrong but Manning has proven a lot to me since’98 and I for one, am not ready to see that go. If he can’t play that’s one thing, however a healthy Peyton is more valuable to this franchise than any college kid, no matter how hyped he is. It just sad how some people believe everything they read and hear. For me to believe it, I got to see it myself.
L. Mc - February 11, 2012
whats sad is
that people hold onto the past no matter how hard it could cripple their future. since you have to see it to believe it, does that mean you would never draft a player?
omahacolt - February 11, 2012
No
That’s just dumb. How would you field a team? I’m just saying Peyton is proven in every situation you could possibly dream up and he has proven himself over and over. I’m all for drafting Luck but I think he will be much better learning for 2 years, instead of being thrown in the fire. And you can say all you want about the crippling cap that would cause, but honestly I don’t care. Peyton has made some of the worst players in the league look like super stars so I know he’ll do it again….however this time around if he gets hurt we have a reliable back up.
L. Mc - February 11, 2012
exactly
you dont care if it cripples the team or not. you just want manning on the team because you cant fathom him elsewhere.
when did manning make one of the worst players in the league look like a super star? that didnt happen
its too much money to gamble on.
omahacolt - February 11, 2012
I do care.
Having both gives us the best chance to win now and down the road 10 years or so. As for him making players that are mediocre into efficient players I could argue lots of names but there are 2 that I will throw out there. Charlie Johnson & Blair White. He masked CJ’s horrible play so well it fooled Minnesota into believing he was good and he got a good bit of money. He should probably split that money with Peyton. And Blair White was probably the slowest receiver in the NFL when Collie went down but, PM made him work just as well. One last thing, I will be a Colts fan no matter if Ryan Leaf makes a come back & plays for us but, I realize what Peyton has done for this team and this league so yeah I guess it is hard to fathom him wearing another uniform. But, if your really a Colts fan why would you want him to do all those things for another team like the Jets or the Dolphins when he could still be doing it for us and in the process teaching a younger QB how to pick up where he leaves off.
L. Mc - February 11, 2012
no no no no
you said he made the worst players in the league into super stars. when did that happen?
i dont want manning on the team because i dont think he will be healthy. and if he is, he will eat up way too much cap space for the next couple years.
omahacolt - February 11, 2012
Ok
What do you consider CJ and Blair White? All pro’s? Your whole argument with this cap space is if Manning won’t rework his current contract? Is that correct? However, Manning has worked with Irsay in the past to redo his contract in order to keep players who wanted more money to stay in Indy. Are you saying that he won’t do that again? And one last thing….. You say you don’t want Manning because he’s not gonna be healthy? Are you one of the many doctor’s that have seen PM or is your argument strictly coming from commentators that you’ve watched on espn or the NFL network? Cause you can’t believe everything you read or hear. I think I mentioned that earlier. For me to believe something I have to see it first hand.
L. Mc - February 11, 2012
lol
do you think cj and blair white are the worst players in the league? and do you think they were super stars with manning? thats what you said.
in the past, manning has restructured and it benefited him. he never took less money. this is not the same thing.
i dont see manning taking less money from the colts. and even if he does, the cap hit is going to be big regardless. research the cap a bit
the last we saw was manning not healthy. he missed the whole season. wouldnt you have to see him healthy to believe it? thats your motto.
omahacolt - February 11, 2012
Yeah
You are totally right. I would love to see video on Manning throwing. I don’t have all the info on his recovery just like you don’t. And CJ & Blair White are not world beaters as you are making them out to be. I’m not exactly sure what your opinion on them are but if you need to read it or watch it on espn to form an opinion about them I really don’t have the time to waste on your argument. Also I would be interested to know how exactly PM redoing his contract benefited him other than putting better talent around him. Which brings me to my final thought….PM cares deeply about the Colts and wants them to succeed even after he’s gone and he knows that Luck would benefit from learning the ropes from him. Finally, there is no way on this earth I will ever do research on the salary cap. No time and I have plenty of other things to occupy my time. So I guess we’ll just have to wait till March & see what happens. Till then enjoy arguing your foolishness with someone else.
L. Mc - February 11, 2012
lol (where to begin)
1) these were your words Peyton has made some of the worst players in the league look like super stars
i am asking you what players were “worst in the league” that he made look like super stars. your words man. not mine.
2) if you must know i think blair white is a borderline nfl player and i think cj is a really good backup lineman
3) when manning restructured his contract in the past it was to take money now in the form of guaranteed money so they could spread it out over the course of the contract.
4) manning cares about manning and not the future of the colts.
5) either do research on the cap or keep making foolish posts without a clue as to how it would be possible for manning to stay on the team
omahacolt - February 11, 2012
Name one offensive player
that went from the Colts to another team and was still playing at a high level.
AceOfSpades - February 12, 2012
jake scott
omahacolt - February 12, 2012
Whatever they do...
They better not pay 28mil to a guy that’s semi healthy. After that if they can work out an incentive based deal with Manning that would be ideal…we know if Peyton is healthy he will light it up!
If they can have Luck or an RG3 to understudy that would be even better. If they go with Luck I’m cool with that too. I think Irsay will make the best long term decision! And paying 28mil to someone who you don’t know will play at a high level if at all isnt it!
(206)NightRidah - February 9, 2012 via mobile
Well said.
Stew Blake - February 9, 2012
Yes, Ridah,...paying 28 mil to someone who isn't
healthy, is a gamble. There would have to be an incentive-based deal, as you say. If Manning real wants to stay in Indy, you would think he would do that.
Ayrshire - February 10, 2012
Not only that but...
Manning would come out looking really bad if he stayed in Indy, kept his current contract and pocketed the 28mil, but wasn’t 100% healthy. I would think that if Manning is really willing to sign with another team with an incentive laden contract that he would be willing to renegotiate to stay with the Colts.
modern_day_warrior - February 10, 2012
The Colts should get special consideration, considering he
already lives in Indy and wouldn’t have to uproot his family. Also, it would be a slight bit better for his legacy if he stayed.
Ayrshire - February 10, 2012
Please his legacy is defined by SB wins as it is with all QB’s regardless of Montana and Unitas going elsewhere they will always be remembered for the teams they won SB’s with.
Time usually makes things look a lot better in the future than they do right now
CF4L - February 10, 2012
I think Brett Favre
would be better off if he retired a Packer….don’t you? That’s my point.
Ayrshire - February 10, 2012
That’s only because he made a spectacle of retiring.
Montana didn’t neither did Unitas or Namath(nor were they bullied into it like Manning is right now)
That’s why when they went to another team it was no big deal in retrospect.
Favre ruined his reputation after he left the Packers. Those guys really didn’t.
Look at Michael Jordan many don’t really think about his time on the Wizards. He’s remembered as a Bull regardless.
CF4L - February 10, 2012
I actually think that is what will ultimately happen!
Im sure Irsay will make the offer…Unless Peyton wants to move on or there is a major issue with the union if he takes a smaller deal to stay…I expect him to be a Colt and Luck to be the understudy…And that would make a lot of Colts fans very happy
But I can’t underestimate that he may want to play elsewhere as the team has changed so much. We don’t know Peyton personally he is not a member of our family or a pal. We assume he wants to stay regardless ofoneu coaching and if Luck is behind him.
I think he will stay if its an option but We just don’t know…
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Only the defense and coaching staff have changed
OC is still close to Peyton, no key offensive players have been cut yet (still early yes but they haven’t) and even if Wayne and Saturday are gone…hell even if Clark is gone, there is still Collie, Tamme, Garcon (maybe), and Manning would love to have a new stud WR if Wayne went elsewhere. Wayne would likely be more willing to come back if Manning was back too.
The only key difference would be Saturday if he indeed retires.
AceOfSpades - February 10, 2012
to do that we have to cut him
and then sign him again. which will still kill the cap
omahacolt - February 10, 2012
that was for ayrshire
omahacolt - February 10, 2012
What is PM's strength?
Almost all talk you hear is about PM’s arm strength or about other physical attributes of the situation. Scant attention has been paid to PM’s mental state and the fact that if there is anybody who has the intelligence to overcome problems, it is #18. Look no further than the fact that he has carried the team and made everybody around him better, despite the poor offensive line.
I would not be unduly concerned if he can’t throw the long bomb on every down because I sure as hell am confident that he will figure out another way (or ten) to torment defenses. It is not all about the physical aspect of what he can do, but the fact that he can be creative and work around what he can’t.
Antillar - February 10, 2012
C'mon man!
If he has 80-90% of his arm strength then yea i think he can compensate. But if he can’t throw a deep ball or a 20yd out he can’t play. Period! If he can’t zip it in there between defenders it doesn’t matter how smart he is. The velocity could be the difference between a completion. or a pick six
Hopefully he will heal soon but if he can’t make throws what he used to be or how smart he is doesnt mean much…
Once Edge hit the wall he wasn’t any good anymore. Once Marvin blew out his knee and couldn’t separate anymore it was over… When your body says no and you are too slow to hit the holes or get open it’s a wrap. If you can’t make basic throws its a wrap…
Peyton is only human! Let’s hope for the best but prepare for the worst
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
What about Chad Pennington?
He lost arm strength and relied on short quick passes to move down field and wear down defenses. He was effective even when he wasn’t throwing the ball more than 20 yds down field.
Mark Olson - February 10, 2012
Drew Brees
Brees doesn’t have great arm strength either and he broke the yardage record last season.
AceOfSpades - February 10, 2012
Obviously there is a difference between
Not having a rocket arm and being severely limited in throwing…let’s by get into semantics. If his arm strength is 1/3 of what it was its over…
Hopefully it will be 100% and he stays!
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Pennington didn't make 28mil
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
I just want to see
Peyton play again! period. I m a football fan before I m a fan of Colts. There hasn’t been a better a football player in the 21st century then PM. I don’t care about the news on his health, the contract, etc… All I care is come training camp time, he’s ready to play.
Stew, you are breath of fresh air on this Blog. Please continue to chime in as often as you can.
DaColtsFan - February 10, 2012
The Pti interview with Polian is interesting...
At different times throughout the end of the season, I wondered what would happen if Bill Polian and Jim Irsay had a different opinion regarding the direction of the franchise at the QB position. It doesn’t matter now, as Irsay has relieved Polian of his duties, but based upon Polian’s interpretation of Manning’s progress in rehabilitation, it seems Polian would have preferred to keep Manning. Also, it seems as though Polian is not sold on Luck. Most everyone who has ties to the Stanford football program speaks glowingly about how Luck is a phenomenal player. Polian has ties to the program himself and in the interviews I have heard, Bill has never held him in such high esteem and almost always refers to a knee injury that Luck has had, that I have never heard anyone else mention. There were several other reasons listed to as to why Bill, and more importantly Chris Polian, were relieved of their duties. But Irsay knows that he has to make the decision regarding Peyton himself. If he felt that his front office would try to influence his decision, then they had to be replaced.
thomasezekiel77 - February 10, 2012
Have to admit at first I thought it was Polian who wanted to dump Manning and just go all in with Luck but now I’m starting to think it was Irsay who wanted to dump Manning and go with Luck.
CF4L - February 10, 2012
no matter...
In the end, it’s still a business. I would totally understand Irsay cutting Manning if he isn’t healthy. I remember Irsay going on before one of the games this year, I think it was a monday night game, and he said that Manning was part of the family and he was planning on Manning being here and playing out his contract. Until something official happens that’s what I’m going on.
modern_day_warrior - February 10, 2012
I have no issue with Irsay cutting Manning most of us don’t but its how badly its being handled that I don’t particularly care for.
CF4L - February 10, 2012
Some people have a an opposite stance on the NFL is a Business
but mine look on it is TV, Jersey, and Ticket sales. If the Colts start over, the ratings will surely dip, even with Luck. Whether people like it or not, some of the fan base will fall off if Manning goes. Say they’re not real fans all you want, but those people have paid money to the Colts organization and it will hurt the Colts pocket book to lose them either way.
A rebuilding team is also hard to watch. Having Manning who can still make plays and is a sure fire hall of famer sells tickets and gets the team big TV contracts all along the way. If anyone thinks that Luck will command the same coverage as Manning right away, they’re kidding themselves. Sure he’ll get that week one ‘we finally get to see’ interest, but until he’s putting up hall of fame numbers, it’s going to be slow going.
The best thing for the business side of an NFL team is to be a super-bowl contenders (and win a super bowl.) With Manning, as we’ve said before, if he’s throwing the football, the Colts are in contention. With Luck it’s going to take a few years and there’s still no guarantee. Keeping Peyton will be worth $28M in real dollars, the only question is cap space. Drafting Luck to rebuild is no slam dunk business wise. It’s going to take sacrificing some serious coin in the mean time.
Mark Olson - February 10, 2012
Are they?
This team with Manning if healthy could win the division and that’s about it(that’s being optimistic)
This team is bad all across the board you don’t go 2-14 losing one player as great as Manning is one guy shouldn’t make that much of a difference. That’s unacceptable. Can’t be considered an SB contending team if you can’t pick up the slack when a player is hurt.
CF4L - February 10, 2012
Making the playoffs makes you a Super Bowl contender
The Colts played in a Super Bowl and were favorites 2 years ago. I have a hard time saying they’re all of a sudden not contenders. If Grigson is as good at talent evaluation as we’re hearing and Caldwell was as bad as everyone says, the Colts could just as easily be in the Super Bowl in 2013.
Mark Olson - February 10, 2012
I guess I should say a major SB threat that’s what I meant.
I mean the Bengals made the playoffs but I never saw them as a contender I knew they’d lose their first playoff game.
Manning could be the missing piece for a lot of teams.
CF4L - February 10, 2012
Having elite talent makes you an SB contender...
Any team can have a solid year off a weak schedule and make the playoffs…Seattle did two years ago the Bengals and Broncos this year…
Indy has some talent and is developing players but very few elite players…
The Giants Pack Steelers and Texans have elite talent all over the roster…Saints and Pats are QB dependent but also have more talent than Indy. The Jets Ravens and 9ers dont have great QBs but are great at many other positions…
I think with a healthy Peyton the win 9-11 games but the Colts don’t have the talent on D in particular to go on a 4 game SB run
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Who do the Pats and Saints have on D?
Anyone that goes up against Mathis/Freeney/Bethea? With Bracket back teamed with Angerer, you have some solid play-makers.
Mark Olson - February 15, 2012
Draft Luck, keep Manning
It doesn’t make a lot of financial sense in the near term, but Luck would benefit from Manning’s mentorship and Manning wants to play his entire career for the Colts. The salary cap is set to rise substantially in 2 years and if Manning and Irsay are willing to work out a deal to soften the cap hit over the next 2 years then Manning may agree to a trade in the future or to retire when Luck is ready to take over.
Everything is just speculation until firm answers are reached so this remains a possibility too.
AceOfSpades - February 10, 2012
Yeah that makes sense have two QB’s but no team we have a lot of needs that need to be addressed. If we stick with Manning its SB or bust anything less is pointless for him to stick around with a rebuilding project.
Which is what this team is.
CF4L - February 10, 2012
See Colts: 1999-2010
Manning has been the team for many years now. Luck would be an insurance policy. The team can cut Freeney, move to a 3-4 as they appear to be heading, and still have the same cap impact as they would have by cutting Manning and keeping Freeney, who can’t play in a 3-4 even if he is 100% healthy.
AceOfSpades - February 12, 2012
Yeah so if Manning leaves they rebuild
An are bad a year or two and then are set up for another 10 yrs of contention. Everyone has to rebuild at some point…
Bottom line: Manning isn’t worth that kind of money until he can prove his body will allow him to play at a high level. So if he works a new deal and comes back that is best for all parties!
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Wishful thinking
Luck is no guarantee either, just a prospect.
Rebuilding the entire team and organization about 1 losing season (due to injury) when the past 13 seasons have been a cash cow is as much of an overreaction as I have ever seen.
AceOfSpades - February 12, 2012
Good observation
I also heard, I don’t know where, that Bill was higher on RG3 than he was on Luck. That my have been 1 of many reasons that Polian was let go. Interesting that Polian referred to a knee injury on Luck. An injury never stopped Polian from drafting players before. For crying out loud, he drafted Sanders and Sanders wasn’t 100% recovered from a major foot injury at the time. He drafted a TE, I don’t recall which one it was, but he was also recovering from an injury at the time. Polian probably drafted more players with injury problems than any other team in the NFL.
modern_day_warrior - February 10, 2012
Thanks for the article, Stew.
It’s nice to come up for air from time to time.
NFLFan83 - February 10, 2012
Lizabeth! I'ma comin ta see ya....this is the big one......
A positive Manning thread, be still my heart.
tim55 - February 10, 2012
It's
Elizabeth, I’m coming to JOIN ya…
If your gonna quote the great Redd Foxx do it right…ya big dummy!!! :-)
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Dayum!
Redd Foxx is my daddy. Who’s yo daddy?
tim55 - February 10, 2012
his funniest line ever
was one epidsode where he had to put his hand on I think Esther’s bosom with a bible on it and he was supposed to pray and he looked down at her large rack and all he could say was"" Oh Lord "!!!!!! for 6 months that is all anyone at my fraternity ever said when they saw a girl with large breasts.
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 10, 2012
The fact that you are a S&S fan makes me respect u all the more Doc!
(206)NightRidah - February 10, 2012 via mobile
Dummy?
You broke my feelings.
tim55 - February 10, 2012
Le Sigh
I can’t wait for Manning to come back and kick ass next season.
ColtsFan504 - February 10, 2012
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