In the first of a series, Indy Football Report Editor John Oehser breaks down to the Colts’ roster entering the 2010 offseason . . .
PART ONE: THE QUARTERBACKS
Assessing the Indianapolis Colts’ QB position doesn’t change much from one offseason to another.
And if you’re a Colts fan, or anyone associated with the team, considering the assessment begins and in a sense ends with Peyton Manning, that’s OK.
Manning, who will enter his 13th NFL season next season, in 2009 remained perhaps the NFL’s best player at his position, with the “perhaps” included because such things are never definite and because there are quality players such as Drew Brees (New Orleans), Tom Brady (New England) and Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) currently playing in the league, too.
But few would argue that Manning is as good as any quarterback playing.
And a lot would argue he’s the best.
That argument got significantly stronger this past season, with Manning not only making the Pro Bowl for a 10th time in 12 seasons, but turning in one of his most impressive seasons and earning an NFL-record fourth Associated Press Most Valuable Player award.
All that, and he also quarterbacked the Colts to the Super Bowl.
And while much of what Manning – and the Colts, for that matter – accomplished this past season has been somewhat lost in the chatter/buzz/noise that has dominated the blogosphere since the Colts’ 31-17 loss in Super Bowl XLIV 10 days ago, that’s an important truth that can’t be overlooked heading into the offseason.
“And while Manning has been criticized since the Super Bowl, he completed 31 of 45 passes for 33 yards and a touchdown in that game and had just one interception.”
I think you’re missing a number there, John. If Peyton only threw 33 yards, then he deserves to be criticized.