Peyton Manning

They barely flirted with signing Peyton Manning and they responded by giving Mark Sanchez a “sorry we talked to a hot girl, but since she turned us down we came back to you” contract extension. Now they’ve decided they need Tim Tebow to be a stabilizing and positive presence in their jaded and broken locker room? Things must be worse in that organization than anyone realizes. Rex Ryan must think his job is in legitimate danger. I'm not sure how he'd think that. It's not as if players were taking to Twitter today to voice their displeasure about the move. Oh wait...

Continue reading "Tebow is a New York Jet: Yay or Nay?"

The cloud that’s hung over the NFL for months ended today when the story broke that Peyton Manning would be signing with the Denver Broncos. The ramifications are not just limited to the Broncos however. They are far-reaching across the NFL landscape. Here are my thoughts on the biggest free agent signing in NFL history.

Continue reading "My Many Musings on the Manning Maneuver"

uly have enjoyed being your quarterback.”

Those were the last words from the always-classy Peyton Manning on Wednesday as he finished saying goodbye to the Indianapolis Colts. Fighting back tears, Manning and owner Jim Irsay made their statements and answered a few questions related to the QB’s departure as well as their prospective futures. They were emotional, I was emotional, it was emotional. But after the press conference ended there was only one question on the minds of NFL fans:

Continue reading "Manning For All: Peyton's Chances ..."

at the 17-16 playoff loss to the New York Jets on January 30th, 2011 was the last game we would see Peyton Manning as an Indianapolis Colt? Not this man. And that’s probably why it’s taken me so long to fully articulate my thoughts on Peyton’s now-confirmed departure from the team that drafted him 14 years ago. This was a story I never thought I would have to write. Correction: it was a story I never wanted to write.

Continue reading "The Saga Concludes: Mannning and ..."

I was holding off on predicting this division as long as I could. With an injury sidelining Peyton Manning for an undetermined period of time, this division should be up in the air. However, there’s only one team in this division who has a returning starter under center in week one.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The AFC South"

Hm. That’s my general reaction to Wildcard Weekend in the NFL. The playoffs got started with what is unquestionably one of the biggest upsets in recent memory, which was followed up by a drama-filled finish in Indianapolis. Sunday saw a drilling in Kansas City and a comeback story ended early in Philly. Here’s the story behind the first round of the NFL playoffs.(8-9) Seattle Seahawks 41

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Final Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

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(10-6) Indianapolis ColtsThe Breakdown:

This game may just come down to the quarterbacks. Peyton Manning has carried his team to the playoffs after stumbling mid-way through the season. Now he faces a Rex Ryan defense that he has taken apart in every meaningful game in which he’s faced them. Even without his Anthony Gonzalez, Austin Collie or go-to guy Dallas Clark, Manning has enough weapons in the arsenal to take advantage of a Jet defense that just can’t manufacture the pressure to get him off his game. If they blitz, he’ll read it pre-snap and make a throw to whatever hole was just left open by a blitzer. If they hang back and play the pass, he’ll either audible and let his improving running game gash the Jets or take his time and wait for his receivers to find the holes in NY’s zone. He’s got their number.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Opening Drive: Wildcard Saturday"

sive line (seventh in the NFL in sacks) should be frothing at the mouth at the opportunity to knock Peyton Manning around and embarrass an offensive line that has had trouble protecting their f

Continue reading "Joe's Thursday Night Quickie: Colts at Titans"

Corner Champ Bailey will play despite a foot injury, but he'll be tested early and often. Peyton Manning will take advantage of you every chance he gets. Without Knowshon Moreno in the backfield, the Broncos will have to heavily rely on their passing game and expose Kyle Orton to a stingy pass rush. Indy should take this in a cake walk, because Denver doesn't have the offense to match them.

Continue reading "Joe's NFL Opening Drive: Week 3"

Just dominate the Colts with the run and you have a chance. Getting into a shootout with Peyton Manning is not advised. (I mean, the guy/robot did throw for 433 yards and 3 touchdowns.)

 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

ourse, the AFC South is controlled by the next team...

Indianapolis Colts

Last year quarterback Peyton Manning won his fourth MVP award, setting the stage for the massive contract headed his way, even after a Super Bowl loss to the Saints. He's the machine (literally, dude's a robot) that makes the Colts go and the reason they win at least 12 games every season. Reggie Wayne is still a top 5 receiver, but he was slowed by injuries at the end of last year, which hampered the Colts in the playoffs. Getting receiver Anthony Gonzalez back and healthy will help Manning out, as if he needs it. Let's not forget the always dangerous Dallas Clark (who is a wide-out, no matter what the depth chart says) as well as the emerging Pierre Garcon. Unfortunately, Joseph Addai looks slower at the running back spot, necessitating the drafting of Donald Brown last year. If he falters in the first 5-6 weeks, look for Brown to garner a significant amount of carries. The Colt offensive line must get more physical this season if the running game is ever to be considered a real threat. Well... even if they don't,

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Season Preview: AFC South"

On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

Continue reading "Saints take advantage of Manning's ..."

Can't bet against the point spread? Feel too much pressure when deciding between your heart and your head? Vegas has you covered with these completely ridiculous prop bets, covered by Esquire. Here's a few choice selections and my useless advice.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 Prop Bets"

Behind Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, these offenses are always threats to hit the big play. That gives defensive coordinators headaches. Each defense will look to pressure the opposing QB early and often. Whoever best achieves that goal has the best chance to take home the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44"

As we grow closer to the Super Bowl, all eyes are on Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts as they chase down a legacy. After starting the season 14-0, the organization turned off the gas for the final two games as they rested their starters for the post-season. After shutting down the Ravens and putting a 30-spot on the Jets, we will finally see if shunning history will pay off for Indianapolis.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive of Super Bowl ..."

They want to repeat that result against Peyton Manning.

For all Payton's offensive genius, the man that makes the Saints who they are is quarterback Drew Brees. Barely six feet tall, Brees is accurate, unselfish and has no favorite targets. If you're open, he'll find you. Ten different receivers caught touchdown passes this season, making every Saint not part of the offensive line a threat to score. He may not be

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive of Super Bowl ..."

Don't mess with Peyton Manning. That's what the number one ranked Jets defense learned Sunday afternoon, as they saw their 11-point second quarter lead evaporate under the intense heat of the Colt offense on the way to a 30-17 loss.

Continue reading "Manning crushes Jets' Super Bowl ..."

Conference Championship Sunday is here and isn't lacking for drama. From Brett Favre and Peyton Manning's legacy to the Jets' dominating defense or the surge in New Orleans, every team is a great story. Who do I think will make it to the Super Bowl in Miami? Read on in this edition of the Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Conference Championship ..."

Against a lesser foe, they could have mounted a comeback. Against Peyton Manning and the Colts, they had no chance.

While the first quarter saw each squad produce a lengthy drive, neither could punch it into the endzone.

Continue reading "Manning's Colts prove too much for ..."

Now they travel to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy to meet Peyton Manning. QB Joe Flacco's hip injury was overblown, so he'll be ready to sling it downfield if he has to. However, I won't be surprised if the Ravens come out with the same gameplan as last weekend, running the ball 52 times and only attempting ten passes. Lewis and safety Ed Reed keep their emotional defense in check and disciplined against Manning or it could be a long day.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Saturday"

The Colts head coached pulled Peyton Manning and other starters out of the game in the third quarter of a game they were winning, giving up on a 19-0 season. It was clear on the sidelines that Manning had no love for the decision as he watched Curtis Painter come in and turn the ball over twice, giving the Jets easy scores and the easy win. Shame on you Jim Caldwell. You owed it to Manning and those players to at least try for perfection. If you lost or were getting blown out, then rest your players. I can't possibly believe this strategy will pay off for the Colts because it hasn't worked for them before. Caldwell should know that.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 16"

quarterback off their practice squad this week, a possible sign of Jim Caldwell's intentions to sit Peyton Manning at some point. The question is: when will he do it? When the Colts are up 30 in the third or at halftime no matter what? Meanwhile, the Jets sure hope he wears a baseball cap for most of the afternoon as their playoff lives are on the line. Keep an eye on the Darelle Revis / Reggie Wayne match-up on the outside. Don't you mess this up Caldwell... I want perfection. I think they keep it going. Colts in a close one.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16"

Standing in their way is Peyton Manning: Crusher of Dreams, Destroyer of Worlds.

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at San Francisco 49ers (4-6)

This game has the recipe to be ugly. Jacksonville and Tennessee both love to mercilessly pound the ball at their opponent. The difference will be at the quarterback position. Between Alex Smith and David Garrard, the quarterback that makes the least mistakes will walk away with the win. To me, that means a Jaguars victory as Alex Smith hasn’t shown he’s dependable at all. Keep an eye on these Jags; they’re right in line for a wildcard slot.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: week 12"

vens

After what we saw last Sunday night, do you think the Ravens offense could match output with Peyton Manning and a team of high-schoolers? Manning was shut down for three quarters before exploding in the fourth frame. The Ravens can't afford to forget about Ray Rice and the running game, or they'll simply have no chance. Keeping Manning on the sideline is the only way to win.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 11"

-14 in the second half, I’ll admit I thought the game might be too far out of reach, even for Peyton Manning. But Bill Belichick’s idiotic call to go for it on fourth and 2 from his own 29 was too much of a gift for Manning to send away! That just says “My defense won’t stop them from 70 yards out so I might as well only give him 30 yards. Maybe I’ll get the ball back quicker.”  

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 10"

Still, they’ve got Peyton Manning and they’re at home. So they have a chance. A lot of folks are picking the Patriots to walk away with a victory, but I’m still not convinced their defense will hold up against Manning’s onslaught.  

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10"

Still, I’ll believe they can beat them in Indy when I see it, not before. Peyton Manning is at the top of the NFL quarterback heap yet again, but he’ll need his defense to hold up down the stretch to make it to another Super Bowl. Now that former defensive player of the year and safety Bob Sanders is out for the season with a torn biceps, that D won’t have any room for mistakes.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

By the way, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning are pretty good. *cough*Favre won*cough* Let’s wrap the week eight in the NFL with the Final Drive!

(5-2) Dallas Cowboys 38
(2-5) Seattle Seahawks 17

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 8"

Oh, and Peyton Manning is still awesome. I wrap up week five in the NFL in the Final Drive! 

(1-4) Cleveland Browns 6
(1-4) Buffalo Bills 3 

Ugliest. Game. Ever. Derek Anderson goes 2 for 13 in a WIN. Mangini should have stuck with Brady Quinn. In Buffalo, things could be even worse after signing T.O. in the offseason. Dick Jauron will lose his job during this season. You can almost lock it in. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 5"

ee Titans (0-4) 

Two teams at opposite ends of the AFC South will face off on Sunday night. Peyton Manning is MVP of the first four weeks, (alongside Drew Brees I say) leading his Colts to a 4-0 start yet again with his aerial assault. Tennessee is a disaster, with a porous secondary and middling pass rush. That spells death from above for the Titans on NBC. This one could be over by halftime.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 5"

sp;

(3-0) Indianapolis Colts 31
(1-2) Arizona Cardinals 10 

What primetime hangover? Peyton Manning, destroyer of worlds and crusher of dreams, left another team in his wake as he tore apart the Cardinals secondary for 379 yards and four touchdowns. Kurt Warner was harassed all night looked older than he really is.   

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

n get.

Indianapolis Colts (2-0) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1)

Can you say “shoot-out?” Peyton Manning versus Kurt Warner, suspect defense against suspect defense. Sunday night should be plenty exciting. Of course, now that I’ve said that, it’ll be a defensive struggle. Indy looks prime to stay unbeaten.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

ory. The Colts defense just couldn’t get off the field on third down, but they still had Peyton Manning. With few opportunities, Manning made the most of his time and put up 27 points with under 15 minutes in time of possession. Still, he scores too fast.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

be very dangerous.  If the Colts are going to succeed, it will have to be on the shoulders of Peyton Manning, as I really don't see Joseph Addai or Dominic Rhodes taking over the game.  Prediction: SD 34, IND 24

Continue reading "NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Preview"

lis @ Detroit:  (WIN) The Lions gave the Colts all they could handle for most of the game, but Peyton Manning was able to lead his team to victory.  The Colts are now 10-4, after winning seven games in a row.  Their 3-4 start cost them the division title, but they will be a dangerous team in the tournament.  This game ended up being a lot closer than I thought, so I will give Detroit credit for not quitting on the season.  But they are 0-14, and it doesn’t look any better the next two weeks either.  0-16 is surely their destiny…what a disgrace!    

Continue reading "Week 15 Review"

with a laundry list of injuries…too bad!  The Colts took advantage of the situation, as Peyton Manning hooked up with Anthony (don’t call me Tony) Gonzalez for two TDs.  It was a hard fought game…a game the Colts desperately needed!  In the end, Adam (yeah, I used to be a cheater but now I’m not) Vinatieri kicked a 52-yard FG with 8:09 left in regulation.  The Colts defense then preserved the victory with back-to-back takeaways!  Cheaters…never prosper!  

Continue reading "Week 9 Review"

The Colts are on play-off life support…can they get off the respirator?  Yes!  The Peyton Manning led Colts will be in full force this Sunday night in primetime.  Being at home will lift the spirits of an unemotional, uninspired team thus far.  The Pats have been getting by without Brady, but look for Matt Cassel to come back down to Earth and throw a pick-6 in desperation late in the game.  Indianapolis 31, New England 17.  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 9"

  

The newly acquired crystal ball went 3-1 in its debut week, which leaves me 4 games under .500…we’re getting there!  That’s an impressive start for a young and naïve crystal ball.  It performed well in its new role…many people are relying on it…that’s a lot of pressure!  It clearly has better prognosticating skills than its predecessor.  Maybe the new mahogany base it sits on, gave it a sense of prestige.  Well, for whatever reason…I’ll take it!  Now let’s review what happened this past week:  

Continue reading "Week 8 Review"

 

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 8"

een Bay:  Indy finally broke out of its slump and put a hurting on the Ravens last week.  Peyton Manning finally got into a grove and had his best game of the year.  The bad news for the Colts is that Addai is out for a few weeks, but Rhoades should be more than capable of holding down the fort!  Green Bay will give their fans something to cheer about early in the game…but

Continue reading "Predictions Week 7"

 

Once again, Adam don’t call me “Pac-man” Jones has made the headlines.  And when Mr. Jones makes the headlines, it usually isn’t good news!  Early Wednesday morning, Pac-man allegedly got into a “scuffle” with one of his security guards at a hotel in Dallas (read more here).  The police were called, but no charges were filed.  Is this much ado about nothing…or is Adam facing a possible suspension! 

Continue reading "Rush To Judgment"

inned in the corner.  Sage…say it ain’t so…hold on to the damn ball!  Peyton Manning and his posse came from behind with a miracle win!    Indy escapes disaster and maybe they can salvage their season?

Continue reading "Week 5 Review"

Two - have a quarterback that is in the top 5 in the league – Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Joe Montana, etc. Three - have a top 5, dominating defense.-the Bucanneers, the Ravens, the Steelers. Now, if you have two or three of these things then you are well on your way. If you don’t have any, well – you get better on defense, get a better quarterback, and/or get a better coach. Why do you think that the league was so engaged in the Bret Farve saga that ratings even went down on “As the World Turns” during the summer?  Or why did the Kansas City Chiefs take a flyer on often injured Joe Montana (oh yeah-they made it to the playoffs didn’t they). Why do you think that people like Parcells and Bill Cowher, and retreads like Joe Gibbs and Dick Vermeil are courted like Queen Guinevere in a short skirt? This is how you create the culture that other franchises have and the Houston Texans don’t.   

Continue reading "Culture of Mediocrity?"

Giants 33. 

Indianapolis @ Houston:  Indy is really hurting this year.  Peyton Manning is struggling.  Tony Dungy is a “lame duck” coach (retiring).  Maybe it’s the end of their run…the door is shutting…the window of opportunity is closing…I think not!  Houston is awful.  This will be Manning’s coming out party for this year.  In a laugher, Indy will win big!  Indianapolis 35, Houston 12.  

Continue reading "Predictions Week 5"

          

           Bill Belichick, Head Coach of the New England Patriots, was accused by Al Davis of “tampering” with Randy Moss prior to their trade a year ago.  The Raiders received a 4th round pick as compensation in the deal.  Davis alleges that the Patriots had a secret workout with Moss prior to the negotiations, which would violate NFL rules.  Bill (here’s a surprise) denies the accusation. 

Continue reading "...Then It's Probably A Duck!"

           This week two head coaches were relieved of their duties…fired!  First, Scott Linehan of the St. Louis Rams, and now, Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders, why?  Jim Haslet replaced Linehan.  What’s the difference, the Rams are horrific!  Kiffin is being replaced with O-line coach, Tom Cable…who?  Yeah, that’s right, I never heard of him either! 

Continue reading "Instant Gratification"

           Once again, my crystal ball failed me.  I don’t understand what happened…I shined it up last week.  I even purchased a stand for it…so now it sits on top of the mantel.  I’ve treated it with the utmost respect.  For who?  For what?  (Yes…that was a shot at Ricky Watters!)  Once again, I was one up and three down last week…not good…awful…embarrassing even!  I have to do something different for next week…maybe I will punish it…have it stand in the corner…or give it a time-out!  Something has to give…and I’m not backing down!  Let’s take a closer look and see what went wrong: 

Continue reading "Week 4 Review"

           The other day, Rashard Mendenhall (Rookie RB for the Pittsburgh Steelers) sent his buddy, Ray Rice (Rookie RB for the Baltimore Ravens) a text message.  So why is that football news?  Because LB Bart Scott of the Ravens made it so!  Mendenhall’s text was only intended for his buddy Ray.  It claimed how great of a day Rashard was going to have against the vaunted Raven’s Defense.  Ray Rice took it upon himself to let his defense know about the text message…Bart Scoot took offense.

Continue reading "Bulletin Board Material"

           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!           

Continue reading "Predictions Week 4"

           Today I am taking my lumps, and licking my wounds.  I was 1-3 on my predictions for Week 3.  Though I take great pride in my prognosticating skills, I must blame the crystal ball for this one.  Granted, I should have known better, because I purchased it at Dollar Tree…what do you expect for a dollar?  Maybe I will “Windex” it before this week’s prediction, so it isn’t so cloudy and hazy.  Lets take a closer look at what happened: 

Continue reading "Week 3 Review"

    To paraphrase Dennis Green, They might or might not be who they thought they were!

    In a very strange game, the New york Giants defeated the Washington Redskins with a hypocrital effort as they continued to show the inconsistency that has plagued them for years. For those who see the glass half full, remember that it was the last third of last season in which they could do no wrong-dominating defensively and operating the offense with care and efficiency. During the playoffs the enigma that is Eli Manning, who threw interceptions more often that a Tour de France cyclist takes enhancers, caught fire during that late stretch and lead the Giants to a historic ending. Well, here we go again.

Continue reading "Opening Weekend"

         What better way to start my life as a sports blogger than this. It is my opening post, yet more importantly to the sports fan it is Pro Football Eve!!! That's right.  Football is back and the 5 month holiday is "The Most wonderful Time of the Year", but only some of us will get presents. Santa Coughlin may be in the giving mood again. It is more likely however,  that Giselle will lead the Patriot fans in a Marilyn Monroe inspired "Santa Bra-dy", asking for that "one thing, a ring".

Continue reading "Welcome! Pro Football Eve"

tch other quarterbacks for some reason.  I do not get excited to watch great quarterbacks like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady.  They just don't do anything that will surprise me or make me blink twice to see if that really happen.  I just see other quarterbacks staying in the pocket.  Favre is all over the place.  This is what separated from other quarterbacks.  This is what made him such an icon he is.  Millions loved to watch him.  Millions are going to hate to say goodbye.

Continue reading ""Iron Man" Set to Retire"

Peyton Manning better than Tom Brady. Right! And the Bears are going to win the Super Bowl this year.  And Donovan McNabb third? Please! The substitute quarterbacks for McNabb the past two years should both be starting for the Eagles. McNabb may be very good, but 3rd best in the NFL?  Yeah....sure. But I digress.

Continue reading "Tanier's FoxSports Quarterback Rankings A Joke!"