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Peyton Manning would tell everyone not to read too much into what he said today in front of his locker, but that’s the media’s job.
I’m convinced now more than ever the Colts’ franchise QB isn’t coming back to play this season. And I seriously doubt he practices in December, too.
I’ve also officially leaning beyond 50-50 on him ever playing in Indy again, if anywhere. Let’s say I’m 40-60 against it being possible. Maybe even 30-70. And if Manning doesn’t talk to us on Dec. 1 and say he’s throwing and getting it all back, if he says there’s still problems with the nerve regenerating and he has fatigue in his arm from a third neck surgery in 19 months, the number plummets to about zilch.
While the four-time NFL MVP said a lot today, when the head cleared and transcribing was complete (colleague Mike Chappell and I cranked that out), the first thing that came to mind was how Manning said he’s still dealing with the same nerve issues as before the surgery, that the neck fusion wasn’t expected to take for two to three months, and it’s been two months. So right now is the most telling time in getting a handle on all of this.
Also most interesting, and this has been discussed before, is how Manning advised everyone it was his idea to have the $28 million team option in his latest contract. The Colts have to pay him $28 million either in late February or early March (still haven’t pinned down that date), or Manning becomes a free agent.
“The contract, I was the one that helped construct it in the manner that it is,” he said of the five-year, $90 million deal. “It’s a one-year deal with a four-year extension, if you will. It was my recommendation, that I wasn’t healthy when I signed the contract and if I’m not healthy in February I think it’s fair for the Colts to be able to make their decision there.”
Manning wouldn’t have suggested this unless he had accepted at the least the possibility that he might never be able to play again. There was that chance. As much as other “voices” will try to assure fans the franchise savior will be back, like you shouldn’t worry about it, just accept it and think positively, that’s blind faith or optimism. And considering how much of it came from Colts vice chairman Bill Polian, that made me even more skeptical.
Manning said today there still isn’t a timetable for his return. He said nobody knows. Nobody.
He’s due for another check-up Dec. 1. He works with the trainer on a regular basis. He won’t go into what he can do, as much as we begged him to tell us, but he’s too smart. He knew if he said, “I’m walking fast and lifting a few weights or this and that,” we would jump to conclusions. Well, we do anyway. From what I heard today, he’s still unable to throw with zip on the ball. I don’t know if he’s even been cleared to throw. He said he’s still dealing with the same problems as before the surgery.
Yes, there’s still time for him to heal. It’s quite possible this next month will be the key time period in his recovery. I know a lot of fans hope so. Heck, most of us in the media do, too. We write about ‘em win or lose and 0-8 isn’t exactly enjoyable on a week-to-week basis, but I’ve been known to root for stories. For all this guy has done in a Hall of Fame career, Manning doesn’t deserve his last game to be that New York Jets playoff loss. There he is on the sideline, throwing up his hands in dismay (as most of us did) when coach Jim Caldwell repeated history with a stupid timeout call late.
Anyway, back to the present … well, back to the future. The clock sure seems to be ticking on a legend’s time in Indy. If he can’t get it back by the end of February, the Colts will have no choice but to let Peyton Manning go. A lot of people won’t understand that. But $28 million is a lot of money to pay for a miracle, call it an expensive prayer that the guy’s neck could heal later on, when it already hasn’t after surgeries and months of rehab.
Brace yourself for that reality, Colts fans. Hopefully Manning says something in a month that gives you hope. If not, you know what’s going to happen next.
Irsay called Manning a politician for his comments earlier in the week.
This is gonna get more ugly before the eventual split.
No it won't. Manning isn't the type and neither is Irsay.
This shit is getting old.with other teams' fans rooting for some Days of our Lives drama with Manning. Media is doing it too. If I had to guess I'd say he probably won't be a Colt next year but this other stuff is ridiculous.
I doubt it gets ugly because neither wants to take a chance for backlash. Also with the Colts completely starting over it's more likely easier for everyone involved.
Irsay called Manning a politician for his comments earlier in the week.
This is gonna get more ugly before the eventual split.
Manning has spent his entire career protecting his reputation and won't do anything to ruin it now. He has already apologized for his comments (PR Move).
Originally posted by dj_morton
over/under for Peyton being cut a week after the SB?
hopefully he doesn't have to stay in Indy...especially without the key vets they won't resign...irsay is a idiot
Pagano should bring a Raven's FA DL/LB or two and snag a high quality NT if he plans on switching to the 3-4. We need to focus on Defense, Defense, Defense, OL and QB this year. I can't wait to see who he chooses for his staff.
Dudes not going to immediately switch to a 3-4. I think in his presser he said he might not even run a 3-4 and wouldn't try to fit square pegs into a round hole. I'm interested to see how he'll use freeney and mathis (if he stays).
Regardless, next year will be first time in forever it's more interesting to watch the D than O.
Pagano ran a 3-4/4-3 hybrid. More often than not Suggs was a DE with his hand in the ground rather than an OLB. Pagano could very well run a 4-3 straight up as his base defense without the 3-4 at all.
We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us.
Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we’ve faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends. We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring.
And Bob Kravitz will spin this: 'Manning and Irsay have come to terms with the fact that they can no longer coexist. Peyton MUST be cut. This statement reaks of the post-breakup agreement to be friends. Irsay is throwing Manning out with the trash.'
So who are our recievers going to be next year? Garcon turned down the 5 year deal he was offered, and Wayne just said on WTHR that he hasn't even been contacted by the Colts and there are only "5 days left". He said flat out he doesn't expect to return and said "its been real"
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