I think the Colts Defense did their job. They had two bad Drives but they were getting tired out there I was incredibly surprised at how well they played [yea the Steelers got conservative] I expected them to get ran over . . but the pass was killing them Manning on the other hand. . the whole offense Why was their no NO HUdDLE until late that was stupid Rocket River
Well Peyton Manning just got called out big time by Terry Bradshaw. Told him it's not his place to be pointing fingers at his linesmen ("we had protection problems"), and called him out on his 3-6 playoff record. Ouch.
Don't put this ALL on Manning. It's funny how the coaching staff seems to be getting a free pass on this inexcusable showing. I wonder why that is? Cowher had his guys ready. Dungy didn't.
TB is exactly right, terrible playoff record and we hear excuses. Peyton is great in low pressure situations but is not a leader. Yes he had a bad game yesterday, but give me Brady. Or a healthy McNabb. Maybe even Delhomme. Lots of better QBs to better go to war with than Manning. Peyton really comes off as an arrogant ahole and really doubt the guys will rally behind him now even if they did before. The defense was not the fall of the Colts the last three years in the playoffs. Manning's lack of stepping up has been their failing. Last 4 playoff exits Manning and the Colts have averaged like 8.5 points. Time for the man to sack up and take responsibility.
This is exactly right. There are some players that don't seem like world beaters but always perform well under pressure (Robert Horry). And then there are the superstars who can't get it done when the team really needs them (Dirk Nowitzki). Peyton was under a lot of pressure today but he has a ton of talent around him. Marvin Harrison is still a great player. Reggie Wayne is one of the best #2 options. Edgerrin James is good as is Dallas Clark. Peyton was lucky as hell Troy Pomalou's interception was called back and he was lucky the pass right before the FG was not intercepted. Cowher, the best coach in football knew Peyton has trouble in playoff situations and just made him even more nervous with blitzes. Peyton had happy feet and his "we did not have good protection" is even more annoying than his "oh shucks" look when he fails.
Did Marino have offensive help like Manning though? I believe he never had a stud RB (similar to Moon)....
Except that Dan Marino's been to a Superbowl... Anyway while yes Manning deserves a lot of blame this was a team loss. I'm surprised that so many of y'all are giving props to the Colts D. Other than that forced fumble at the end they still let Roethlisberger throw all over them and and couldn't get that many stops on the run game.
Manning is not a bad guy, or quarterback, but he sure doesn't have the poise that championship quarterbacks have. When things are going bad you can sense the panic and lack of trust in his teammates. Vince Young would come into the league as a better leader than Peyton Manning (sorry to bring up Young in yet another thread..lol).
He may not be a 'bad' guy, but that comment showed a total lack of class. To evryone else, you lose as a team. You say we lost. As a leader, he can communicate his concerns directly, in the proper setting, to his line. All he really said was 'I don't get this 'team' thing'.
i'm not a hater..but i can't root for the guy. he comes off whiny. honestly, i find the very reasons i can't root for him are the exact same reasons i didn't like dan marino very much. they look they're absolutely freaked out when it matters most...they start screaming at their teammates instead of being a calming influence. i HATE to admit this, but the Colts remind me of the Astros of the late-90's. what do you do??? your team kicks ass in the regular season...then gets to the playoffs and doesn't show up even a little bit. they seemingly go into every playoff game as the favorite...but they can't get it done. but do you trade manning?? of course not. you just hope and pray it will be different in the playoffs NEXT season.
What?? Dan never had a running game the caliber of Edge while he played in his prime, nor the talent that the Colts have. The opposing defense always knew Dan was going to throw and he still was better then Manning. And dont get me started on the leadership ability between the two, Dan was the leader of his team and always shouldered the responsibility of a loss.
Max, you know I love ya dude, but this is wrong Dan never called out his teamates after a loss and always gave the credit to everyone else when they won. He did have a temper on the field, and let someone know when they screwed up. I have read quite a few books written by him and his teamates and everyone always said he was harder on himself then he ever was on his teammates. He had a passion to win although during his prime he never had the talent a guy like Peyton has.
it's how i remember dan. i remember him screaming at his teammates in the huddle. i remember him looking freaked out trying to lead his team back. i agree peyton has more to work with, though. i don't like either one of them.
