We've done comparisons to Dan Marino and Tom Brady the past weeks, we've praised their efforts in and out of the field and while analyzing them, we have also mentioned Peyton Manning in a 2-3 brief sentence; so now, let's focus on Peyton Manning. Again, we will try to concentrate on Peyton Manning only, so pardon us if by chance we mention someone else on the way.
Our beloved Manning has been to 7 Pro Bowls, including 6 straight from 2002 to 2007, he owns two MVP awards in 03-04, and he also has many awards and honors that could fill several NFL history books. Now, how much does this matter for us writers and you fans? Are we wondering what he had done to deserve such luck?
For years, Peyton had tried without success to win the game, the big game! Tom Brady had already won three Super Bowls, wounding Manning and the Colts multiple times in the process. After years of getting to the postseason, but disappointing, many started to wonder if Manning would ever once finish what Brady had done 3 times already.
In our stat book, he broke the mark for passing touchdowns, passer rating and consecutive games with at least four touchdown passes in a single season in 2004, but none of that seemed to matter to those in most NFL limits (in particular fans)...until he lifted the Lombardi Trophy.
In the early months of 2007, Peyton Manning led the Colts to Super Bowl XLI vs. the Chicago Bears. During the game, Chicago's Devin Hester returned the early kickoff 92 yards into the touchdown zone; Manning without delay, threw an interception on the Colts' opening offensive series. For those who witnessed that play and the game, on the sidelines, it appeared that fear started to grasp the quarterback's shoulder pads. For those who know the game, this play has always been avoided on any type of division football, especially pro.
So, for sports fans, article writers and critics, Manning was missing yet another break for prominence. Why does Manning always suffocate in big situations? Was he going to blow his chance like all the years before, was this a plan or strategy?
As soon as he threw the pick, Manning saw his mistake and immediately responded with a touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne after Chicago's secondary lost the receiver in coverage. The game seemed close through on both sides and the final score could have been much inferior, but again Manning put in a brilliant 25 of 38 for 247 yards, two touchdown passer performance in the Colts' 29-17 victory. Manning was named MVP for the game, but even better was the overseen Super Bowl curse he got off his back.
The big and deserved smile could not be better and after such a long time of being battered by the critics, the Patriots and even fans, Peyton Manning was at last a Super Bowl champion.
They say you can loose a single battle, but nobody can take the honor away and for Peyton Manning, going into combat for the 08-09 campaign, he will be aiming up this time and things will look achievable, from a positive point of view.
Cindy Ferguson is a high-ranking sports writer, currently writing reviews on the NFL Season 2008-09 for the sports betting industry. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.
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