On SI, the write-up made it looked like he was washed up...dead arm and looking frazzled. The article made light of how the Colt defense took away the middle zone, attacked their bubble receiver screens and dared him to throw deep. I don't think he connected on any long passes today. Some of them looked like ducks. I did think the Broncos looked ordinary during the six or so games in the season. Right now, the reports of him returning are iffy even if he did say he'll play one more season.
Thing with Luck is that he has mentioned not getting into the game until he takes that first hit. He is a big man so I don't think it matters much though I wouldn't want him to physically wear down by constantly taking that pounding. A cannon for an arm hitting those deep outs routinely. Too bad about Richardson since the Colts wanted another Tripletts...him, Luck and Wayne [well looks like it's Hilton now]. From the games I saw of him, has no breakaway speed, not shifty to avoid tackles and seems to go down easily. Denver has a Pro Bowl laden defense...Talib, Harris, Ward, Ware, Miller, Pot Roast among others which Luck carved out there.
Yeah I remember reading about him saying that. Awesome quote from a football player of any position, but if I'm Pagano I'm trying to coach that out of him asap. He's a big, strong kid but the more hits he takes the shorter his career is likely to be. Luck has as strong an arm as anyone in the NFL, he's as mobile as Rodgers, he just doesn't have the same natural feel for finding guys on the move the way Rodgers does. Look out for Donte Moncrief. He's likely to be the one that steps into Reggie Wayne's shoes. Reggie, bless him, is just over the hill now. Like you said he's lacking break away speed and lately he's not even catching balls that are put right in his hands. I think he's likely to retire this summer. Moncrief, Hilton, and I guess Nicks are the main receiving options moving forward for that squad. I've seen mock drafts with the Colts taking Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley to give them a more versatile running game, but if I'm the Colts my first three picks are linemen. They could use a great RB for sure, but really all they need is a guy like Herron or Bradshaw who can be a check down option to keep pressure off Luck. I wouldn't use a high pick on an RB for them when their line needs so much work. If Romo can have a strong season thanks to a great line, then what would Luck be able to do? As for this last game you're right that defense was ripe with Pro Bowlers. They were a really good defensive team, but the Colts did a great job of giving Luck time to throw. Herron did a great job too of squeezing yardage out of small runs which would open the middle of the field a bit. Good game plan from Pagano. Manning definitely looks done. I think in the second half the Broncos looked deflated. Just like good teams have done the last two years, they dared Payton to throw down field and he couldn't do it. Any passes over 20 or 30 yards looked like ducks and just couldn't make it to receiver (usually it was Sanders). He's got one more year over there, but I don't know if he can do it. If he can't, what a disappointment. Hell, Fox might get FIRED because Payton is over the hill. Crazy.
I'm really looking forward to Colts vs. NE. I think Seattle vs. GB will end up with Rodgers looking way more human than he did yesterday. I'm not as excited about that game. Colts vs. NE though should be more fun. Two high powered offensive teams with defenses that are good enough to supplement the momentum. That should be a good game.
Saw this stat on Manning: his teams made the playoffs 14 times. 1 and done 9 times. His Last 7 Playoff games? 2-5. I agree with Real: NE and Indy should be a lot of fun. I have no idea who will win that one. I think GB will get blown out. Their D can't stop Beast Mode and that Seattle D and crowd is too much for a hurt Rodgers to overcome.
Pats are not a sure win anymore. If it was Denver...yes, it probably would have been the usual script. Pagano and Co. know how to game plan. Let's see if that same defense that got waxed at home by New England isn't the one that shows up this weekend. They were run over by Jonas Gray who oddly isn't even on the rotation the last few weeks. Luck has to sustain drives just like he did against Denver. I've never seen the Bronco offense look so feeble during Manning's last three seasons there.
More Manning: Terry Bradshaw on his show during the summer joked that if you want a QB that has great regular season stats, you get Peyton. He added that if you want a QB that you want to lose a big game for, you get Peyton. That one and done stat really sticks out in an otherwise fine career resume.
Tough break for Manning. He's turned himself into a self-fulfilled prophecy. I hope he goes out on a better note at least. If he can heal up that leg and just finish out this contract, I want to see him really have one good game to finish with, even if he loses with it.
^Saw a blurb that Manning played dealing with a torn quad... Fox fired... Mr. Ed doesn't mess around.
Yeah I mean damn. Star QB had a torn leg, what is the coach supposed to do? I don't understand why they didn't release that info sooner though? Who are they trying to impress or protect? If you're playing hurt, say so. If you need to sit out, sit out. Look at Rodgers. He's a hero now because toughed throw a torn calf muscle. If he didn't say anything, people would be wondering the same about him as they did with Manning: why are his throws so crappy?
I heard on ESPN that the 1 and done had nothing to do with it. They said Fox and all of his assistants were very hands off in disciplining the players. They said only Manning was getting on guys for not being focused, which made a lot of players resent Manning. If true, I agree he had to go. Not fair that Manning has to be the bad guy all the time.
^Heck of a story within the Bronco ranks... Manning was always THE news story about the Denver team. Breaking Favre's career TD record, the gaudy stats, so everyone else comes off as sidemen, like he made them better players [which he did]. Yeah, wonder how Decker felt this year being on the Jets? Possibly the others resent not being given enough credit as well? That is the difference between them and teams like the Seahawks...the Patriots...where the players hold each other accountable and the coaches make them all know they ultimately run the place.
Trent Richardson left out and not with the Colts team in New England. Damn...talking about being reduced to a nothing.
If I were betting I'd take the home teams today. I'll be rooting for the 2 underdogs. If it's Seattle and NE in the Super Bowl I have no one to root for. I despise Seattle, but don't want Manning winning #4 and hearing all the nonsense "greatest" talk.
Let's goooooooo Green Bay. I like Seattle the team, but I hate Seattle the individuals and I cannot stand their fans. Also let's go COLTS!
