Peyton Manning proves he can win the big one as Colts upend Patriots
January 22, 2007 by William K. Wolfrum
With time running out in the first half, as well as in the Indianapolis Colts’ season, Peyton Manning finally became a big-game quarterback.
Make no mistake, on Feb. 4 against a tough Chicago Bears defense, Manning will have to prove himself all over again, but his performance against the New England Patriots was something many of his fans had dreamed of – their hero coming through big in the AFC Championship game.
Down 21-3, it looked as though Manning would be faced with another humbling defeat. He had happy feet. He was making bad decisions, including throwing an ill-advised interception that put the Pats up 18, and started to make it appear that New England was on it’s way to another Super Bowl appearance and likely victory.
With a final drive in the second half culminating in a field goal, the Colts went into halftime down 21-6. When they made their way back to the clubhouse, however, they were AFC champions. Thanks to Peyton Manning.
The second half was all Colts and all Peyton. Outscoring the Patriots 32-13 in the final 30 minutes, the Colts shook off any demons, as Manning finished the day throwing for more than 347 yards while being a force the depleted New England defense couldn’t stop.
For fans of the Colts and Manning, it was a banner day. There’s still one more game to play for Manning and company to get themselves marked down as NFL champions, but now it seems very possible, if not likely.
Because Peyton Manning finally learned how to win the big one.
–WKW
[...] Do I wish bad things to happen to Brady? Yes, Yes I do. Not horribly bad, but if he could get some form of Steve Blass Syndrome right about now, I’d be pleased. Watching Brady and the New England Patriots lose in the AFC Championship game was nice, but I’m guessing he dried his tears with his three Super Bowl rings. [...]
[...] As he prepares his team for the Super Bowl, Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy is also preparing to be honored at the Friends of the Family Banquet for the Indiana Family Institute. [...]
The only reason that guy wasnt bad things to happen to brady if because manning sucks. He is no where near the quarter back that brady is so just shut up man you dont even no what ur talking about. Yea three super bowl rings because he is the best and he is in his prime unlike f*** manning who is way past his prime.