Ben and Aaron

I hate phrases like "changing of the guard" to talk about the evolving environments of a sport. Although Tom Brady and Peyton Manning took early exits from the postseason, and neither has won a title since George W. Bush was President, it's hard to eliminate them from the elite, uppermost echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL.

However, I think it's time we allow more names to populate that short list. It's no longer just Brady and Manning, then everyone else. I think it's Brady, Manning, Roethlisberger, and maybe even Rodgers.

What are the arguments against Roethlisberger's inclusion? His lack of eye-popping numbers? The help of a good running game and an excellent defense? But weren't those the precise arguments used against Tom Brady about 10 years ago? And since when has a QB won a Super Bowl by themselves? Ask John Elway and Terrell Davis, or Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. Better yet, ask Dan Marino and nobody else.

In this pass-happy NFL, Roethlisberger's numbers don't dazzle. Even if you extrapolated his 12 game performance into 16 games, he'd have thrown 23 TDs (tied for 13th with Garrard, Cutler, and Fitzpatrick), although with only 7 INTs. He would have been among League leaders for yards thrown, and his QB Rating was 5th at 97.0. So the numbers don't fizzle, either.

Those are good numbers. Even the TD number is good considering what sane coach would throw the ball on 3rd and goal at the 1 when Rashard Mendenhall is in the backfield? The whole "supporting cast" argument can go both ways.

Then there's his ability to win. He just does it. He makes plays when plays are needed. Apart from his experiences with the mid 2000s Patriots, he's beaten all comers in big games. He's won two Super Bowls, 3 AFC titles, and 10 playoff games. And he hasn't been a passenger along for the ride in those games, either.

So no matter what happens a week from Sunday, I think Roethlisberger has cemented a spot in that top tier of QB.

Then there's Rodgers. And unless he throws for 500 yards and 6 TDs, he might have to show us a bit more in years to come before being included in the Manning-Brady-Roethlisberger discussion. I don't get to see him often, being in the NFC. But I've yet to be thoroughly impressed with him as a player. So much so that even after a bad game, or a bad year, I'd be sure that he'd recover.

His numbers are gleaming, and his postseason performances have been admirable. A ring would go a long way to solidify himself at the top of the food chain. He certainly has the potential to reach such heights, but there needs to be more results over a slightly longer stretch of time.

So I'd say it's now a three horse race for the top spot among NFL QBs. They all have strengths, they all have slight weaknesses that can be used in an argument against them. Their biggest achievements have all come with assistance. And each of them plays the position in a different way, within different systems, that have all been successful.

But there's something about these three guys that transcends stats, and wins, and rings. There's an aura of strength around them. Opponents respect them, even fear them, in a way above and different from other QBs. I think that says a great deal more than passer ratings or playoff records.

-The Commodore

Time to Pey up

The Indianapolis Colts are actively trying to resign franchise quarterback, Peyton Manning. Manning just finished the last year of his 7-year $98 million dollar deal he signed in 2004. If a deal cannot be reached within the next two weeks, the Colts are prepared to use their franchise tag on the 4-time MVP. Applying the franchise tag would guarantee Manning roughly $23 million for the upcoming season.

Allegedly the Colts have met with Manning and promised to bring in better players to surround him with, seeing as he will be 35 in March and the time to win championships is dwindling. Since Manning signed his last deal in 2004, the Colts have only signed 4 free agents. Therefore, the Colts are willing pay Manning exorbitant amounts of money to remain in Indianapolis, but they are also looking to defer some of that money in order to bring in a better supporting cast.

The Colts should ink this guy for five years and try to squeeze out everything they can from him. He's going to have chances at another ring, seeing as the Colts win the AFC south annually, and thus guaranteeing Manning at least one home playoff game. The Colts were eliminated by the Jets on wild card weekend.

Some Love For Sam Bradford

A lot of people heard that Tom Brady broke the record for most attempts without an interception, but no one is really talking about Sam Bradford breaking Peyton Manning's record for completions as a rookie quarterback by completing 28 of his 37 throws. He has 335 completions in 2010, which eclipses Manning's 327 completions in 1998.

That's damn impressive when you think about the lack of talent that he has around him. It is very rare for a rookie QB to come in and have such a huge affect, but Bradford has done just that. Now we will see him in the playoffs something Peyton Manning was unable to do. If the Rams can get some more talent around him, and he can stay healthy Bradford might just turn into one of the best QBs in the NFL.

Peyton Manning's Diary

Dear Diary,
I feel just awful. We lost to that mean fatty Rex Ryan and the Jets. It wasn't my fault! Coach Jimmy made me not play. We were up 15-10 when Coach Jimmy took me out. He told me he wanted me to stay healthy so I couldn't stay in the game.



I like Coach Jimmy, and I don't want any owies to happen before the playoffs, but I wanted to play! Don't tell anyone, diary, but on Sunday, I wished that sour puss Bill Belichick was my coach. He'd never give up on a 15-10 game. But he'd probably yell at me too, and Coach Jimmy never does that. And I doubt Bill Belichick would ever take us out for pizza and orange drink after.



The whole time I was on the sidelines, I was just so angry and frustrated. I kept hoping Coach Jimmy would say "Peyton, you're back in, buddy!" Last night I had a dream that he did just that. But on Sunday, he never did. I even kept my helmet on, hoping he'd put me back in. But he didn't. :-(



That night, I was so upset. Me, Reggie, and Dallas had a good cry in the locker room. But something was missing. This was the first time I've lost and didn't have Coach Tony with me. And that hurt. So when the bus dropped me off at my house, I snuggled into my big comfy racecar bed, and dialed Coach Tony's number.



It was nice talking to him again. He read me a story from his book: Quiet Strength



My favorite quotes from the book were:

"Things will go wrong at times. You can't always control circumstances. However, you can always control your attitude, approach, and response."

And...

"My purpose in life is simply to glorify God. We have to be careful that we don't let the pursuit of our life's goals, no matter how important they seem, cause us to lose sight of our purpose."

After he read me his whole book, I asked him to read me Where the Wild Things Are. It was a bit scary, but I fell asleep and didn't have any bad dreams!!!



Until next time, diary! I love you!

Colts def Jags 35-31. Move to 14-0

"JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Peyton Manning completed every pass early and one big one late, exactly what the Indianapolis Colts needed to stay unbeaten.

Manning threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns, including a 65-yarder to Reggie Wayne to go ahead for good, and the Colts beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-31 Thursday night to improve to 14-0 for the first time in franchise history."

-CBS Sports

The Colts continue to roll. Everyone should really be paying attention to this team because it is remarkable what they have been accomplishing. I've lost count, but their regular season winning streak blows that Patriots season out of the water in my opinion. Sure you Pats fan are going to be bitter about me saying that but I do believe that 07 Patriots team was still the best team ever. DP ask me the other night, "Scott would you say that if the Colts or the Saints go undefeated through the Super Bowl that that team would be the best in history?" and I stick by my answer "no" (note: I'm a Giants fan). However, do I think that Tom Brady is a better Quarterback than Peyton Manning? Again, my answer is "no". Nothing against Brady at all, but I think the Peyton Manning, regardless of having only one ring, could be the greatest QB to ever play the game.

Colts 35 Patriots 34

I have not been this angry for awhile...

The Patriots got out to a 24-7 lead, but arrogance, Maroney, and poor clock management killed them. Brady had a hell of a game out 29/42 375 yards 3 TD 1 INT, but it was Manning who had the magic at the end of the game.

I am going to cut through all the bullshit and get right to the play we all want to talk about. The Patriots have the ball with about 2 mins left up by 6. They are at their own 28 yard line. After failing to convert a 3rd and 2 the Patriots decide to go for it on 4th down. Why???????? I will never understand. Some people say that Belichick felt the defense was too tired, but I don't believe that. Plus, Manning had thrown a couple of bad balls, and who is to say that the Patriots couldn't pick him off one more time.

Anyways, the Patriots go for it, and Faulk catches it, but is pushed back behind the first down marker. He would have had forward progress, but he was bobbling the ball. I thought it was worth a challenge, but Belichick, who was doing his best Grady Little impression, used our last 2 timeouts for no reason.

The Colts do what good teams do and took advantage, while also using most of the clock. Patriots lose by one. You can blame this game on Maroney, but those things happen. What I can't accept is the fact that you give Manning the ball at your own 30 when you are only up by 6. Sorry, Belichick I almost never question you, but that was fucking stupid....

Here is what the Patriots had to say about the game:

Manning Wins 3rd MVP

Peyton Manning won his 3rd MVP today. It was a tough year for Manning, who had to battle back from offseason knee problems. He may not have had the best stats, but he led the Colts to 9 straight wins to end the season and put them in the playoffs. About 7 weeks ago Dueling Couches put up a poll about which team would not make the playoffs. The Colts were chosen by a landslide. Manning received 32 votes in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

"Manning finished far ahead of Miami quarterback Chad Pennington and Atlanta running back Michael Turner, each of whom received four votes. Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison and Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson each got three votes. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers (2); Tennessee rookie running back Chris Johnson (1); and Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner (1) also earned votes (ESPN)."

Micheal Turner was the only other guy I would chosen, but there was stiff competition at running back from Adrian Peterson, and DeAngelo Williams, both of whom had fantastic years. I like that Manning got the award to show that it is not all about stats, but what you do for your team, and Manning willed him team to the playoffs this year.

-BMack

Peyton Manning's Diary: Week 8

Dear Diary,
I'm sorry I haven't spoke (or written, I guess, LOL) to you the past few weeks. I've been shooting 10 commercials a day. But I didn't get paid for any of them. I just decided to shoot a commercial for every product/service/company in the world, that way my agent can call them and offer my endorsement with the work already done.



But these days the advertising agencies don't seem to want me to be in their commercials. Unless I bring Eli with me. The economy must be really bad if they don't want me in commercials.

I've been sick the last two days with the sniffles. It was cold in Nashville Monday night. 45 degrees! Where were we? Santa's Workshop on the North Pole?



I remember asking Coach Fisher and Coach Tony if we could play the game inside, or postpone it, because it was so nippy. "I left my mittens and scarf in Indiana," I complained, but Coach Fisher just rolled his eyes and walked away. Jeff Saturday offered to keep me warm with his body heat. Then he winked at me. I told him to take care of Marvin, because he gets the coldest.

Monday's game was hard, and I almost cried on the sidelines. But I was afraid my tears would freeze to my face and I'd get hypothermia and die, so I held it in. I've said it before, I'll say it again: football should only be played when it's sunny, and warmer than 55 degrees.



We lost because it was cold and we have lots of injuries. At least, that's what Coach Tony said, and everyone on the TV seems to agree. We do have a lot of injuries. I played Monday night with a headache that really bothered me until Dallas Clark gave me a head massage and got rid of it.

I've been throwing more interceptions than I used to, but they're not my fault! The other teams must be cheating somehow. How else could it be possible?

I decided to talk to Bill Polian. He lets me call him Willy because he likes me so much. He's the one that complained about those mean old Patriots being mean to my teammates and made sure they'd get in trouble for it. This time, I asked him if we could make a rule eliminated the interception altogether. Not just for me, I think it hurts every quarterback's feelings when they throw one. Football is supposed to be fun, it isn't supposed to hurt. He said he'd try, then he gave me some gum.

Coach Tony decided to cheer us up this week with fun Halloween activities. Yesterday we bobbed for apples and Officer Tim from the Indianapolis Police gave us a talk about Halloween safety.

Guess what we did today...

JACKOLANTERN CARVING!!!

It was so much fun. Coach Tony said he loved mine, and it was real scary.

I can't wait for Halloween. Do you know what my costume is? It's a big secret, but I know I can trust you, diary. I'm going to be my favoritest character from my favoritest movie ever: Woody from Toy Story. I know it's not scary, but I always wanted to be a cowboy. Or an astronaut. Maybe next year I'll be Buzz!!!! Why can't there be 2 Halloweens a year?



Robert Mathis has the scariest costume in the history of Halloween. He's going as Rodney Harrison. When he said that, my heart skipped a beat. Coach Tony yelled at Robert and told him not to bring the costume into the locker room because it was too scary. I asked where Robert would be trick-or-treating on Friday so I could stay on the other side of town. Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls are scary, Rodney Harrison is terrifying!



I'm just glad I don't have to see him on Sunday.

Until next time diary, I love you. And Happy Halloween!

Patriots Treated Unfairly?

I hate the Patriots and I hate these type of articles but sometimes I think there is a glaring difference between certain teams in the NFL and the Patriots. I feel the Patriots always get the short end of the stick when it comes to fines and Dictator Goodell. Recently Peyton Manning revealed that he had two surgeries on his knee, which goes against the report of just one. This also goes against the NFL injury disclosure policy and since it is the Colts and golden boy Peyton Manning instead of the Patriots it seems Dictator Goodell doesn't really care. If it were the Patriots they would be fined up the ying yang and there would be more Belichick and Patriot bashing.

I can't believe I wrote that.

Peyton Manning's Diary - Week 3

Dearest diary,
Sorry I haven't talked to you in a while. Sunday was a very rough day, and it's been a rough week since then. Me, Marvin, and Reggie all had to go to the hospital for dehydration Sunday night. We all cried too much after the game. We even cried at Chuck E. Cheese's. Coach Tony was mad at us for that. "Chuck E. Cheese is a no cry zone" he always says.

I wasn't just crying because we lost. I was crying because I was lied to.

Before the game, Daryl Smith and John Henderson of the Jaguars came up to me.

"Hey, Peyton," Daryl yelled across the field during pregame warm ups. "Can you do us a favor?"

"Sure fellas," I replied with a smile.

"Well, man, some of our DBs have been feeling down lately," John stated.

"Oh, I see. Me too. The end of summer always makes me feel a little low."

"Yeah, man" Daryl agreed. "We were wondering if you could throw them a few interceptions, just to make them feel better."

"I don't know guys, Coach Tony might get upset. I could never hurt him. And we want to win the game too."

"Peyton, we promise to give the ball right back. Garrard will throw a pick or Scobee will fumble or something. Please."

"Well, alrighty then!"

HAHA, I love Ace Ventura! When he talks with his bum (sorry for swearing)it cracks me up. Get it? CRACKs me up? tee hee hee :-) Don't tell my dad I said those words ;-)



But they didn't give the ball back at all! Rashean didn't even let his offense touch the ball! Those Jaguars pretend to be nice, but they're mean guys. I hate them! Adam called them the "F*guars" on the sideline and Coach Tony had to give him a spanking during halftime.

Coach Tony has been really hard on us this week at practice. We only got to watch 101 Dalmatians on film day. Dwight and the guys all wanted to see 102 Dalmatians right after. He says Cruella Deville reminds him of that mean old man who coaches the Patriots.



But Coach Tony wouldn't let us. :-(

Yesterday, we usually have a 90 minute flower picking session before practice. Me, Marvin, Dallas, and Joseph always compete to see who can find the prettiest flower. I like daisies. But Coach Tony only let us pick flowers for 30 minutes. He said we had to get inside and work on "Important stuff." What's more important than daisies? I didn't have enough time to find a single one!

I think losing makes Coach Tony into a mean guy. He never used to yell before. But now he's a sour-puss all the time. I don't like it. Neither do the rest of the fellas.

So guess what me and the guys did this morning to cheer him up? We threw him a surprise birthday party! His birthday isn't until October 6th. "That's the surprise!" Dallas said. That Dallas is such a crazy guy! We decided to make it a Dora the Explorer party. Coach Tony loves Dora, and so do I.



So we had the party, with cake, and ice cream, and orange drink. Coach Tony loved it. We all gave him gift certificates. I gave him one to Blockbuster. And you know what he did with it? He rented 102 Dalmatians and we all watched it! Twice!

Then the clown came. He was hilarious. He made me a balloon unicorn. Unfortunately, Antoine Bethea is afraid of clowns, so he locked himself in the showers. But he came back out when the clown had been gone for an hour.

I love my coach. I'm so lucky to play for a coach like Coach Tony.

And I love you too, diary!

Yours forever,
Peyton

Peyton Manning's Diary - Week 2

Dear Diary, it's me... Peyton.

Sunday was scary. We nearly lost... again. That would have made me sad. I got so nervous that I'd cry if we lost, that I started to cry. Usually when I cry, Jeff Saturday consoles me, but I couldn't find him. Nor could I find Dallas, who usually lets me play with his sock puppets when I'm upset.



We won though, and Coach Tony took us all out for pizza (YAY!). Adam got the last slice, which made me sad. Tony said "You threw two interceptions and Adam won us the game, sorry little buddy." I didn't cry, but I locked myself in the Chuck E Cheese bathroom for 3 hours, pouting.

But ESPN cheered me up this morning. They reminded everyone that I didn't get to play in the preseason because of an owie. And they focused on how I brought the Colts back from 15 whole points down, even though it was my fault we were down by 15.

I was happy we played in Minnesota. They have a dome too! I don't like playing sports in the outside, especially in chilly places like Minnesota and Indiana. Brrrrrrrrr! Football was meant to be played away from bad weather with sunshine and short sleeves and rainbows!



Looking at that picture reminds me to ask Bill Polian to rename the Colts. We should be the Indianapolis Unicorns. Colts are mean. Unicorns are magical!

Well, I have to go, it's Monday which means the team is watching film. Last week it was The Muppets Take Manhattan. This week I hope it's Toy Story 2. I love Buzz Lightyear! I've dressed up as Buzz the last 6 Halloweens.



After that I have 15 commercials to film. But you know my normal Monday routine.

Goodbye, diary! I'll miss you!

To infinity, and beyond!

Love,
Peyton

Why Not?

why not love meatloaf

Peyton Takes The Field

Peyton Manning was back on the field today for this first time since having surgery on his knee. The surgery was to remove an infected bursa sac from the left knee, and some people worried that he would miss the first game of the regular season. Though it is unlikely that Manning will play in the Colts final preseason game, he is expected to play week 1. Peyton has never missed a game, and I really don't think that this will effect his play this season, because he prepares more than any other QB in the NFL. The real questions with the Colts will be the healthy of Marvin Harrison and Joseph Addai.

-BMack