How Peyton Manning’s Injury Will Change AFC North Race
AUTHOR: Craig
The Indianapolis Colts historically are a force to be reckoned with. Since 1998, the Colts have gone 141-67 (.677). Yesterday marked the first day since 1998 the Colts have started a season 0-2. 1998 also marks a significant year – it was the year that Peyton Manning entered the league and was drafted as an Indianapolis Colt. Manning has become the centerpiece the team has built around. And, the man who was set to surpass Brett Favre as the ‘Ironman of Football’ has just about single handedly been responsible for the success of this franchise. His absence thus far this season has shown it will have a ripple effect around the league – most notably for us in the AFC North.
When the Colts reported that Peyton Manning was having surgery, no one really blinked an eye. For a guy who started 208 straight games with his cross hairs set on Brett Favre’s record, no one ever imagined that an offseason surgery would shelve the quarterback beyond the start of the regular season. But it has, and it has already shown how much of a toll it has taken and will take on a team so dependent on their quarterback.
But who is surprised that the Colts are doing so poorly? For years, the team has been built around protecting and making their quarterback as productive as possible. Their defense is average at best because so much focus is placed on the personel on offense. And why would it matter that the Colts are so unbalanced? With a quarterback and offensive leader like Manning, the team had the obvious firepower to go toe to toe with any team for a shootout week to week. I personally feel that if the Colts’ front office would even focus on defense for a moment, the Colts could be a truly dominant team in the NFL. So it really comes as no surprise that the Colts are giving up a ton of points and getting so few of their own.
(Read More:) http://nicepickcowher.com/2011/09/19/how-peyton-mannings-injury-will-change-afc-north-race/
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