The way he started off the season, I thought Peyton Manning was on his way towards winning a 4th MVP award. Peyton had 11 touchdowns against one interception through the first four games of the season (producing a 2-2 record). He still might bring home the hardware, but he’ll have to bounce back from a sluggish game last weekend against the Chiefs where the Colts won 19-9.
Manning obviously wasn’t sharp in the game, going 26-44 for 244 yards, a pick and no touchdowns, but his team pulled it out. ESPN analyst and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski apparently has been studying some film on Manning and told Mike and Mike in the Morning that he thinks father time may be catching up with the quarterback.
Here’s what Jaws had to say, courtesy of Pro Football Talk: “The last couple weeks, as I’ve studied Peyton Manning, he has not been real sharp. Maybe there does come a time when the skills start to diminish a little bit. I’m not saying it is, but I’m seeing little signs now that the deep sideline throws are not as accurate as they used to be, there’s not the zip on the ball that there used to be. Maybe father time might be catching up with Peyton Manning a little bit.”
I really respect Jaws and find him to be extremely likable, but I saw Manning the entire game week two and most his game week four and he looked great to me. Jaws says he’s been watching the last couple weeks, and that would include the Jacksonville game where Peyton looked good. I honestly believe this is more of an overreaction to his off game against the Chiefs. Kansas City’s defense is greatly improved, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel had an extra week to prepare for this one. Manning may have missed some throws in the game, but I think it’s premature to say his skills may be diminishing at this point. Another MVP award wouldn’t surprise me for the Colts quarterback.
