The Indianapolis Colts, who haven’t done anything the easy way this season, spotted the Jacksonville Jaguars 14 points before rallying to win, 31-24, to clinch a playoff spot in the AFC. It was the Colts’ eighth straight win after starting the season 3-4.
The Colts have been ridiculous at coming back this year. They have won eight games by seven or fewer points. Four times they have been down double digits on the road and won (that has to be an NFL record), and they tied an NFL record by overcoming three 14+ deficits to win a game; they might not be the best team in the league, but they certainly are the most fun to watch.
They beat the Jags for one reason: Peyton Manning. He was almost perfect, going 29 for 34 for 364 yards and three touchdowns. All this despite the Colts running only 52 plays (their defense sucked for three quarters) and having a running game that gained a whopping 32 yards.
The Colts will be a tough out in the playoffs. Having watched virtually every one of their plays this season, they are resourceful and talented enough to win the Super Bowl. But their inability to run and play consistent defense could also make them one and done.
Manning is my vote for league MVP. In the eight-game stretch he has 16 TDs and only three interceptions. He has carried a flawed team on his back with clutch play and without him the 11-4 Colts would be lucky to be 5-10. There is no other QB who should even be close. I could accept Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson or Pittsburgh’s James Harrison also getting the MVP nod, but that’s about it. If you were an MVP voter, who would you pick over No. 18?
on Dec 19th, 2008 at 5:19 am
who are the other teams to win after being down by 14 points???
on Dec 19th, 2008 at 9:59 am
GET BACK IN THE PORTOJOHN, JACKSONVILLE.
on Dec 19th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Fans and sportswriters are too quick to judge a QB solely by his numbers. Peyton’s numbers last night were great, but they don’t begin to tell the story. He was great last night because he does things that no other QB has ever done with his consistency. Move the football when he has no running game, shaky protection and a receiver corps that often gives him only tiny windows to fit the ball in. He wins with his brain as much or more than he does with his arm. Lots of QBs throw harder. Lots throw tighter spirals. No one has ever done a better job of running a team at the line and making the coverage and patern reads after the snap.
Anyone notice how Indy consistently failed to pick up one yard when they needed it with a run?
People forget that during his record-shattering year in 2004 his offensive line was in shambles. One starter left as a free agent. During the season, 3 more went down with injuries. The last half of the season he had two rookies in the line, a 5th rounder and an undrafted reject from another team’s practice squad. Even with no power running game and rushers in his face, he blew away the records.
He’s the best that ever played the game.
on Dec 20th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Jim, I’m shocked that you’d vote for Manning. SHOCKED! What is that, 9 years in a row?
To me, Manning’s numbers (and yes, numbers matter) just aren’t good enough this year. 6th in passing yards; 6th in TDs; 8th in QB rating; tied for 6th most interceptions.
Warner does deserve the award, and I probably like him less than I like Manning. He has put up the numbers, has helped bring life to a dying franchise, and you can’t just dismiss him because he would thank God endlessly if he won it.
If you’re going to give it to someone with mediocre numbers, give it to Pennington. He came onto a new team, learned an offense quickly, and with NO good receivers he has led one of the (if not THE) greatest turnarounds in NFL history. If Pennington’s last name was Manning, he’d probably be a shoe-in for the award.
There are at least two receivers - Boldin and Andre Johnson - whom I’d give it to over Manning.