SB Nation User Blog: mgrex03

Peyton Manning's Greatest Games - #3

mgrex03 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:56:46 -0000

Game #3 takes us back to a game we all remember: February 4, 2007, where the Colts battled the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. This was the first time the Indianapolis version of the Colts had made the Super Bowl, and the first time since Super Bowl V that the Colts franchise had played there. Ironically enough, that game was played in Miami as well, although that was in the now demolished Orange Bowl. The Colts came into the Super Bowl having come from 18 down in the AFC Title game, and the Bears had put away the Saints in a cold and snowy game in Chicago.

The theme of the two weeks between the games was the same as it had always been around Peyton Manning: Sure, he finally won a "big game" in his previous game, but could he win "The Big Game." It was all about the great Bears' defense, and how the Colts couldn't win outdoors in the elements. Manning was no match for Urlacher and the "Monsters of the Midway."

I don't think it is necessary to give a blow - by - blow account of the game, as we all can probably replay the game in our heads play by play. What I'll do is hit some spots in the game where Manning showed why he is so great, and why this is #3 on the list of his greatest games.

On the Colts second possession, down 7-0, Manning and the Colts faced 3 3rd down plays. The first, 3rd and 2, Manning found Marvin Harrison for 7 yards and a first down. This was a great confidence booster for the offense, especially in the wet and soggy conditions. They then converted a 3rd and 4 with a 6 yard pass to Dallas Clark. Three plays later, the Colts faced a 3rd and 10 from the Colts 47. The pocket had collapsed, and Manning was grabbed by Tank Johnson (see picture). You can also see in the picture that Reggie Wayne was breaking away from the defense, and was wide open. Manning flung the ball down the field, it was caught by Wayne, and the Colts were on the board. It was an unbelievable effort by Manning to stay up, and an even better play to throw the ball 35 yards down field off of his back foot.

Manning struggled throughout the rest of the quarter, but drove the Colts down for 10 points in their next 2 possessions. The Bears were using the same defense used by the Ravens earlier in the playoffs, which was to play the 2 safeties way back, and stop the big play. At this point in the game, Manning started taking what the defense gave to him, and they methodically moved down the field. This, in my opinion, is what got the Colts over the top in 2006. He became very patient, took what defenses gave him, and the offense was more succussful.

Manning led the Colts into field goal range in the final 2 minutes of the half, only to have Vinatieri miss a field goal as time expired. At halftime, the Colts were up 16-14, although they had outplayed the Bears on both sides of the ball. Here are his halftime stats:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
17	26	193	7.4	1	1	84.3

In a game with 4 fumbles already at halftime, Manning played pretty well. The first drive of the second half saw the Colts go 12 plays, converting again on 2 3rd down plays with passes to Utecht and Addai. The drive ended with a FG by Vinatieri to go up 5. Manning and the Colts had taken 7:34 off of the clock to start the half. This after having the ball the last 1:18 of the first half, the Bears had not had the ball in almost an hour of real time, thanks to the extra long halftime. This opening drive put the Bears at a huge disadvantage, and their defense was now starting to suck wind. It was a great drive, even though it only yielded 3 points.

The Colts tacked on another FG, thanks to Dominic Rhodes, on their next possession. After the Hayden Interception, putting the Colts up by 12, the game seemed pretty much in hand. The Colts defense had stuffed the Bears all day, and it seemed rather improbable the Bears could score 2 TDs, unless they were on special teams. The Colts ran out the clock on a couple drives, all while starting the celebration of a World Championship. Manning did a great job of game management, since they really didn't need his passing at the end. His final stats:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
25	38	247	6.5	1	1	81.8

In terms of statistics, this was a sub-par game for Manning, especially when compared to all the other games on this list. However, this is one of those games that you need to look past the stats to see how well he played. He did win the MVP. I think we've become so used to amazing statistical games, that games where he does the little things, while not having the gawdy stats, seem like he played poorly. He most certainly did not on this night. Manning shut up every critic he's ever had (Bill Simmons never wrote an article on Super Bowl XLI). He now was not mentioned in the same breath as Dan Marino. He got his ring, with an MVP to boot. A truly great game by Peyton Manning, the 3rd greatest game in his career.

Here are some video highlights from the game:

Here is the NFL.com Gamebook:

Our very own BigBlueShoes recap of the game:

Here is an article looking more in depth into Super Bowl XLI:

Peyton Manning's Greatest Games - #4

mgrex03 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:26:07 -0000

via www2.indystar.com

Game #4 takes us back to December 26, 2004, when the Colts hosted the San Diego Chargers. Both teams had already clinched their division, and were battling for the #3 seed in the playoffs. They also had not played each other since 1999, so the Colts had yet to face that Tomlinson guy, who didn't disappoint. Also, Manning was sitting on 47 TD passes on the season. Since this game essentially seeded both teams, there was a good chance Manning wasn't going to play much in Week 17 against the Broncos (and he didn't).

The defense did a good job forcing a punt on the Chargers' first drive, and Manning drove the Colts down the field to the SD 6 yard line. On a 3rd and 3, Manning tried to force a ball into Reggie Wayne, and he was intercepted by Donnie Edwards. He probably shouldn't have thrown that ball, and it was a big mistake, one of the few he made on this day. Six plays later, Tomlinson took a swing pass and went 74 yards for a TD, breaking tackles along the way.

Manning drove the Colts back down the field, only to stall out at the SD 18. Vanderjagt got the Colts on the board, now down 7-3. Nate Kaeding countered with a 50 yarder of his own, making it 10-3. The Colts kept up their offensive struggles, punting the ball back to the Chargers. Drew Brees found Eric Parker to go up 17-3. Things were not looking good for the Colts with 7:09 to go in the 2nd quarter.

Dominic Rhodes gave the Colts a spark by returning the ensuing kickoff 60 yards to the SD 36. The Colts again got inside the 10 yard line, but had to settle for another FG. They tacked on another FG with 0:20 left to go in the half to make it 17-9 at half. Edgerrin fumbled on 3rd and 1 from the 5, and Jeff Saturday jumped on the ball. This was not the best half of football by the Colts, but were only down a TD at half. Manning's stats:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
12	19	141	7.4	0	1	63.7

Ewww. This certainly doesn't look like one of Manning's greatest games. The Colts couldn't find the end zone, and it looked like Marino's record was going to stay in tact. Something must have been said in the locker room, as Manning and the Colts looked like a much different team in the 2nd Half. Well, at least after each team's first drive of the half. The Colts went 3 and out, including a fumble by Manning. The Chargers than marched down the field, and scoring on a Antonio Gates TD to go up 24-9. I'll keep stats from this point forward...

The Colts converted its first 1st down of the drive, and faced a critical 3rd and 12 from their own 35. Manning found his old friend Marvin Harrison for 30 yards, giving the offense a shot in the arm. Three plays later, Manning found James Mungro on the shovel pass for #48 on the season, making the game 24-16. The defense could not stop the Chargers, as Tomlinson ran around end for 16 yards for the TD to go up 31-16, 5 seconds into the 4th quarter.

The Colts needed another spark, and it came from Dominic Rhodes. He returned the kickoff 88 yards for a TD. (Maybe he can try returning kicks again this season...) This pulled the Colts again to within 8, with a full quarter remaining. The Colts got a break on the next Chargers possession, as they had a 3rd and 9 from the Colts 25, well within Kaeding's range. Dwight Freeney makes a great play to get to Brees, force a fumble, and they lose 9 yards on the play. The Colts catch a break as "Martyball" comes in full force, punting from the Colt's 34.

The Colts convert on a couple 3rd and longs on the next possession, but ultimately end up with a Vanderjagt clank of the goal post with 5:14 to go. Again, thankfully, "Martyball" happens again, and the Colts get the ball back with 3:42 left in the game. #18 takes over:

After a sack on 2nd down, Manning finds Edgerrin for 11 yards, setting up a 4th and 4. Manning fits a ball in perfectly to Wayne, just as he turns around, for 18 yards and a first down. It was a great read by Manning, and kept the game alive just before the 2 minute warning. Manning then found Clark twice, and Harrison for 18 yards to the 21. I'll let Bob Lamey do the rest:

The touchdown pass is simply amazing. It was a perfect play call against the defense, and Stokley faked the safety out of his shoes. Plus Manning put the ball on his numbers, making the pass before Stokley had made his cut to the end zone. Manning has now surpassed Dan Marino for the all time record the TD passes in a season, but there is still work to be done, down by 2. They run a draw out of the shot gum, and Edge gets in for the 2 pointer, tying the game with under a minute to play. Nothing much else happens in regulation, and we go to overtime.

The Colts win the coin toss to start overtime, and never let the Chargers see the ball. A 23 yard play to Stokley, and a 35 yard pass to Wayne, running right up the middle of the defense set the Colts up for the game winning field goal. The play to Wayne is probably the best route Reggie runs, even today. When Manning hits him in stride, it goes for 20+ each time. Vanderjagt hits the game winner, and the Colts win 34-31. It was an amazing game, led by Manning, like so many other times before, and after. His 2nd Half stats, and final stats:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
15	25	242	9.7	2	0	119.1

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
27	44	383	8.7	2	1	95.2

Manning showed us once again what makes him great. He broke a 20 year old record, and had a game to spare. That is why this is Greatest Game #4 in Peyton Manning's career.

via smokeys-trail.com

Here are the video highlights of the game:

Here is the NFL.com Gamebook:

I'm keeping the top 3 games top secret, so feel free to take your guesses...

Wes Welker should count his Rings before talking

mgrex03 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:58:39 -0000

Patriots WR Wes Welker was speaking at a youth football camp on Friday about his experiences in the NFL, the "dagger" that was Super Bowl XLII, among other things. It's a great thing that NFL players get out in there communities (this was in his hometown of Oklahoma City). He also talked about his former teammate Asante Samuel, who signed a $57 million deal with the Eagles in the offseason. Says Welker:

Welker expressed disappointment that the Patriots weren't able to re-sign Asante Samuel, an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection last season who won two Super Bowls with New England. Samuel instead signed a six-year, $57 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Asante's a great player, so it hurts not to have a guy like that. But then again, it's part of the business of the game," Welker said. "He chose money over championships, and that's the way it goes sometimes."

Here's a stat that even Terry can agree with:

Asante Samuel: 2 Championships

Wes Welker: 0 Championships

Welker has played for New England for 1 season, after spending the beginning of his career with the lowly Dolphins. He was helped immensely by having a great QB throwing to him, and a great WR on the other side of the ball constantly drawing the defense's best defender(s). And he didn't win a championship last season, and while they are the favorite in '08, there is no guarantee the Patriots will ever win a championship with Welker on the team. Samuel has won 2 of them already. And Philadelphia isn't some bottom dwelling team either. They are a very good team stuck in a tough division. They could easily make a run like the Giants did last season.

Samuel is reached the pinnacle of the sport twice. It may make some players not worry so much about winning a title than others. New England runs their franchise a certain way, and you can't really fault them for doing it the way they do. They've had moderate success over the past decade. Samuel wanted to make more than what New England would pay him, so he left.

When Welker actually wins a championship, maybe then he can criticize people for "choosing money over championships."

Peyton Manning's Greatest Games - #5

mgrex03 — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:53:01 -0000

via cache.viewimages.com

Game #5 takes us back to September 28, 2003, when the Colts traveled to New Orleans to take on the Saints. This was Manning's first (and only so far) game in New Orleans as a professional, and he certainly made the most of it. The Colts blew out the Saints 55-21in front of the Sunday Night Football audience. The Colts were without Edgerrin James and Brandon Stokley, making this game that much more impressive for Manning.

Manning and the offense started off quickly, aided by an interception by Jim Nelson (I had to look him up) deep in Saints territory. Three plays later, Manning found Ricky Williams (not that Ricky Williams) for a 17 yard TD. The Saints go 3 and out, and 8 plays later Manning finds Harrison for a 14 yard TD, making the game 14-0, and the rout was on. The Saints had run 5 offensive plays, and were already in a deep hole.

The Saints finally put a decent drive together, only to send their again kicker John Carney on a fake field goal end around, which did not work, giving the Colts the ball back. The Colts probably would have made it 3 TDs in 3 drives if not for a holding penalty on Adam Meadows, negating a 17 yard play on 3rd and 7. Hunter Smith punted (he hasn't played much in any of these games), and the Saints also punted, giving the ball back to Manning. He wasn't happy with the last drive, so he decided to get in the end zone on 1 play, a 79 yard pass to Harrison, making it 21-0.

The Colts added a FG, and the Saints got on the board before halftime, with the score 24-10. Manning was "perfect" at halftime, with these numbers:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
12	14	206	14.7	3	0	158.3

He picked up right where he left off, leading scoring drives on the first 4 possessions of the second half; two long, sustained drives, and 2 short drives set up by turnovers inside the Saints 20 (Again, and INT from Jim Nelson. That is half his career INTs in one game. If there was a list of Nelson's greatest games, this would definitely be #1). Manning found Dominic Rhodes for a 12 yard TD, Harrison for a 32 yard beauty (that's 3 TDs for Marvin: one of the 8 mentioned here), and Dallas Clark for an 11 yard TD.

That makes 6 TD passes for Manning, a career high. Did I mention that Clark scored with 0:10 left in the 3rd quarter. Manning's day was through after 3 quarters (bonus points if you know who played QB in the 4th quarter, without looking), and, had the Saints had any semblance of an offense, could have tied the NFL record with a 7th TD pass. Dwight Freeney capped off the Colts scoring with the only TD of his career, rumbling 19 yards after a fumble recovery for the score. Here are his final stats, staying "perfect" for the 3rd time in his career, an NFL record at the time (he has 4 now):

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
20	25	314	12.6	6	0	158.3

Manning was emotional charged coming into the game, and he certainly put on a show for the fans that loved his dad. He made it look so easy too.

Here is the NFL.com Gamebook:

In Game #4, Manning leads a great 4th quarter comeback, and goes record-breaking at the same time...

Peyton Manning's Greatest Games - #6

mgrex03 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:20:34 -0000

via cache.viewimages.com

Game #6 takes us back to January 11, 2004, where the #3 seed Colts traveled to Kansas City to take on the 13-3 Chiefs, led by my fantasy football workhorse, Priest Holmes. Peyton Manning had just won his first Playoff game the week before, and (again), nobody was giving him and the Colts any chance to win out in the elements. Manning decided he'd have one of the best games of his career.

(As an aside real quick, I'm really glad the Colts switched from the blue facemask to the grey one they wear today. It just doesn't look right.)

Manning and the Colts had 8 possessions on the day: 6 scoring drives, 1 drive that ended the half, and 1 drive where they were running out the clock at the end. It was an offensive clinic by the Colts, led by #18. Here's the drive chart:

Plays	Yards	Time of Poss.	1st Downs	Score
10	70	5:40	4	Stokley from Manning, 29 yds
6	76	3:01	4	James 11 yd run
9	71	4:06	5	Lopienski(!) from Manning, 2 yds
3	-14	1:05	0	End of Half
11	51	5:08	3	Vanderjagt 45 yd FG
7	64	3:38	4	Wayne from Manning, 19 yds
10	76	5:21	5	James 1 yd run
8	40	4:14	2	Downs (0:08 left in game)

I have a soft spot for our old FB Tom Lopienski, as I got to see him up close and personal in college. Not one legitimate drive had less than 2 first downs, and none of the drives took less than 3:00. Manning controlled the clock throughout the entire game, and it was obvious early on that the team who got a stop on defense would win the game. David Macklin forced a fumble on the first drive of the second half, which gave Manning and the offense the stop they needed to put the game away.

The Colts were fantastic on 3rd Downs, going 8-11 on the day. Manning, in particular, was "perfect":

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
7	7	89	12.7	1	0	158.3

All 7 completions resulted in first downs, keeping drives alive. It was Manning at his best. His final stat line:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
22	30	304	10.1	3	0	138.8

A hostile Kansas City crowd, and the Chiefs defense, was no match for Manning and the Colts. He, again, shut up his critics in his 6th greatest game of his career.

Here is the NFL.com Gamebook:

In Game #5, Manning has a sweet homecoming...

NFL Network may be coming to a Cable TV near you

mgrex03 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:24:23 -0000

It seems as though the execs at the NFL Network are trying to circumvent both Comcast and Time Warner Cable, in an attempt to get their product into every home in America. Unfortunately, they will be selling their soul to the devil to get it.

It looks as though the NFL is in talks with ESPN to combine the NFL Network with ESPN Classic. ESPN is siting low ratings for ESPN Classic as a reason they would be interested in this deal. The article states:

One scenario that has been discussed would involve combining the NFL Network with the ESPN Classic network, which has relatively low ratings but wider distribution. ESPN would broadcast eight more games per season on ESPN Classic, and then attempt to wring higher subscription fees than the 16 or 17 cents it currently receives for the channel, according to Derek Baine, a senior analyst for SNL Kagan.

Under such a scenario, ESPN and the NFL could form a joint venture and share revenue, or ESPN could take an equity stake in the channel.

Here in Northern Virginia, both ESPN Classic and NFL Network are both on a "Sports Tier", which I pay extra for each month. This should be the way these channels work, but I digress. I don't understand why ESPN is now complaining about low ratings in primetime on ESPN Classic. The channel used to be fantastic, when it actually showed sports people cared about. Take a look at their schedule: It's all boxing, SportsCentury pieces, Pool, Bowling, and some Countdown lists. It's awful.

I'm guessing when the NFL Network was formed, ESPN lost all its rights to old NFL games, which is why they don't show those anymore. The NFL Network does show those old games, and, personally, that has been the best decision they've made as of yet. It's much better than 7 hours of Total Access.

This is a good news / bad news situation here. I really don't want ESPN infiltrating a competitor for NFL News. I enjoyed watching the draft not on ESPN, which would surely go away. It would also be the return of NFL Primetime, when we don't need more Chris Berman.

Peyton Manning's Greatest Games - #7

mgrex03 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:22:05 -0000

via images.usatoday.com

Game #7 of our countdown of Peyton Manning's Greatest Games takes us back to December 18, 2006, when the Colts hosted the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. The Colts had lost two in a row, including the infamous 44-17 drubbing from the Jaguars the week before. Every sports writer in America was writing off the Colts as contenders, because they could not stop anybody defensively. Those sports writers, however, forgot who was under center, as Manning found an old friend 3 times for TDs.

The Colts forced a fumble on the Bengals opening possession, and Manning led the Colts for a Vinatieri FG to go up 3-0. Cincinnati added a FG of their own to tie the game. The Colts took the kickoff and marched 70 yards in 11 plays, capped off with Manning finding Harrison for a 4 yard Touchdown to go up 10-3. Manning was 6-7 for 67 yards on the drive.

The Bengals evened the score at 10 after a muffed punt by Terrance Wilkins. Manning and the Colts got the ball back with 6:44 to go before halftime. Again, Manning marched down the field for a 13 play, 61 yard drive, again finding Harrison for a 3 yard TD with only 0:13 left on the clock. Manning was 7-7 for 56 yards on the drive. However, his biggest play on the drive was a 12 yard scramble on 3rd and 9, keeping the drive alive.

The Colts led 17-10 at half, and Manning's stats at halftime:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
18	20	148	7.4	2	0	130.8

I'm not going to check this stat, but I'm guessing it is the first and only time this has happened in Manning's career: He led the Colts in rushing in the first half with 10 yards rushing.

The second half did not start off so hot, as the Colts were stopped on 4th and 1 on their opening drive, and the Bengals added a FG to make it 17-13. The Colts next drive was aided heavily by at 41 yard run by Joseph Addai, but in the end it was Manning to Harrison for a third time, making it 24-13. This was the 8th time Manning and Harrison had hooked up 3 times for TDs in a game.

The Colts next possession saw the Bengals finally realize that Marvin Harrison was good, and Manning still didn't miss a beat. He went 3-3 for 44 yards, including 2 to Reggie Wayne, with the capper being an 18 yard TD pass to go up 31-13.

The two teams traded field goals in the 4th quarter, making the final score 34-16. Manning's final stats:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
29	36	282	7.8	4	0	136.3

While Manning had a great day numbers wise, this was a great game for him because of what it led to later in the season. I really feel this was the turning point in the 2006 season. BBS said after the Jacksonville game:

I am not giving up. I will still blog, and I still support Dungy and Polian. However, I don't think this is a Super Bowl team. If I'm wrong, I'll be happily and joyfully wrong, but I don't think I am.

We all know BBS was very happy and joyful come February, and I think Manning put his team on his shoulders, and beat a good Bengals team in front of the whole country, letting everyone know the Colts were real contenders.

Here are the video highlights from the game.

Here is the NFL.com GameBook.

In Game #6, Manning shuts up more critics in the playoffs...

Bob Sanders to be on NFL Total Access tonight

mgrex03 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:39:27 -0000

Defensive player of the year Bob Sanders will be on NFL Total Access tonight on the NFL Network at 7:00 ET. I'm sure he'll also be on the late edition, which I believe is at 10:00 ET. Make sure you watch, or he'll bust through your TV set and send you spiraling downward in life, like he did to Cedric Benson.

I'm sure he'll back up MasterRWayne with his claim that the Tampa-2 defense is superior to all others.

Peyton Manning's Greatest Games - #8

mgrex03 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:09:57 -0000

via www2.indystar.com

Game #8 takes us back to October 22, 2000, where the 4-2 Colts took on then division rival New England. The Patriots had beaten the Colts just two weeks prior, and the Colts had lost 8 of the last 9 games with New England. This is the one game on the list that there isn't a lot of information for on the internet, so it will be a little less descriptive than the others.

The game did not start off well for Manning and the Colts, as the Bledsoe-led Patriots took the opening kickoff and went on an 18 play, 89 yard, 8:49 touchdown drive to lead 7-0. Manning didn't even get on the field until there were only 6 minutes to go in the first quarter, but made the most of his opportunity. He hit Marvin Harrison for a 51-yard TD pass, tying the score at 7. The Colts had 82 yards on their opening drive. They only had 29 yards the rest of the half, as the Patriots dominated, going up 13-7 at halftime.

New England tacked on another field goal to up 16-7. Manning had seen enough of these long drives by New England. He needed points, and needed them fast, so he picked on Otis Smith again, and found Harrison for a 78 yard touchdown pass to make it 16-14. Manning now had 2 long touchdown passes, in conjunction with few incompletions, so he was hovering around a perfect passer rating of 158.3, even though the Colts were losing. The Patriots got the ball back, and marched down the field on a tired Colts defense, and scored again to go up 23-14.

Then Manning, with the help of Edgerrin James, and the defense, led the Colts to one of his many 4th quarter comebacks.

They scored in 8 plays, then again in 6 plays, thanks to a heavy dose of James and Manning's accuracy, to go up 27-23. The defense got a stop, and Vanderjagt added a field goal on at the end for the final of 30-23. The Colts scored 16 unanswered in the 4th quarter, and Manning finished off his first of 4 (so far) perfect passer ratings. Here are his final stats:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating
16	20	268	13.4	3	0	158.3

Manning leads the Colts back from a 4th quarter deficit against his (future) rival, and completes his first perfect passer rating, all while only having the ball for 20:59. Not a bad day for #18, as it makes #8 on Manning's Greatest Games list.

In Game #7, Manning pulls his team out of a rut, on his way to great things...

Peyton Manning's Greatest Games - #9

mgrex03 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:23:35 -0000

via www.angelfire.com

Game #9 takes us back to November 7, 2005, in a Monday Night showdown between the Colts and the two-time defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. Manning was 0-7 all time in Foxboro, and had lost the previous two seasons in the playoffs in not-so-spectacular fashion. People were questioning whether Manning would ever win at New England. Boston Globe writer Dan Shaughnessy put it so eloquently:

It is now clear: The Colts cannot beat the Patriots. Manning cannot beat Tom Brady. Tony Dungy cannot beat Belichick. The playoff win gave the Patriots six straight over Indy. Brady is 6-0 lifetime against the Colts and the vaunted Manning never has won a game in Norfolk County. The reigning (two-time) league MVP completed 27 of 42 passes for 238 yards, but couldn't get his team in the end zone. His final, futile heave of the day was intercepted by Rodney Harrison with four seconds left. It was a fine exclamation for a perfect win by New England's almost-perfect team.

Manning not only marched the 7-0 Colts into Foxboro and won the game, but he had one of the best games of his career in doing so, putting a sock in all those idiot writers' mouths.

I can remember being very nervous before this game. It was hard to get the notion through my head that the Colts could beat the Patriots in Foxboro. I remember pacing back and forth throughout the entire game, even when up by 3 TDs in the fourth quarter. I wanted the time to read 0:00 before celebrating. And I celebrated, thanks to #18.

Manning and the Colts took the opening kickoff, marched right down the field, thanks to a 48 yard pass to Harrison, and threw a 1 yard TD pass to Harrison for the early lead. The Patriots countered with a TD drive of there own, eating up 6:38 on the clock. This, however, was the only drive they would have over 4:00 in the game. The Colts took the ball, and held it for a 17 play, 9 minute drive, capped off by an Edgerrin TD run. The Colts were 3-4 on 3rd Down, and they converted a 4th and 1 at the NE 46, a very unconventional move by Coach Dungy. I have a feeling Manning had something to do with that.

Manning made his only mistake trying to force a pass into Dallas Clark, and it was intercepted by Mike Vrabel midway through the second quarter. The defense (read: Bob Sanders) helped Manning and the offense out by forcing a fumble with 2:07 to go in the half. Manning marched the Colts right down the field, going 5-7 for 68 yards, and a 10 yard TD pass to Reggie Wayne with 14 seconds left in the half to give the Colts a 21-7 lead at halftime. Manning's halftime stats:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating	3rd Conv	Time of Poss
16	21	181	8.6	2	1	113.4	7/9	17:38

The key to the first half was keeping the Patriots offense off of the field, and Manning and the offense did a fantastic job of doing that. The Colts controlled the game, and were moving the ball at will.

The second half was more of the same, as the Colts scored on their first 4 possessions, including a 30 yard TD pass to Harrison, who made Asante Samuel look really bad. The Colts ended up with a 300 yard passer, a 100 yard rusher, and 2 100 yard receivers, and 453 total yards of offense. Manning's final stats:

Comp	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	INT	Rating	3rd Conv	Time of Poss
28	37	321	8.7	3	1	117.1	12/17	36:41

Manning had himself a great game against his nemesis, and is #9 in his all-time greatest games.

Here are the video highlights from the game. It's fun watching Brady get so frustrated.

Here is the NFL.com GameBook for the game.

In Game #8, Manning goes for "perfection"...