If you watched the Colts vs Broncos game yesterday, you know all too well what happened. Peyton Manning had one of the worst games of his career, finishing only 23 of 36 in passing attempts. This brings up a lingering question: will Peyton Manning be back next year?
A month ago, even two days ago, I would have said yes. He said himself he intended to come back next season, and so far he's managed to withstand the test of time. But things have changed since then, and the truth is that he's just not as good as he used to be. His arm is weaker, which is to be expected since he's 38 years old, the oldest quarterback in the league right now (Tom Brady is second at 37 years old). He can't avoid the blitzes as well as he used to, and he's being hit by defensive linemen who are at least 10 years younger than him. It doesn't bode well for Manning at all to continue.
When he played yesterday, you could see that he is well past his prime. It was like watching a pop star try to make a comeback after a a slump-you knew it was over. Perhaps he realizes this too. A year ago this kind of loss would have tortured Manning and he wouldn't have been able to rest until his team was vindicated. After he lost to the Colts, he seemed almost resigned, as though he had already resolved to retire after this season.
If he is leaving, this is a bad way to go out.
No comments:
Post a Comment