Playing not to lose…sounds about right
Now, there will be a lot of talk about Manning, as there always is, and I’ve never hesitated to be critical on the rare occasion it becomes necessary. (And yes, he should have congratulated the Saints at midfield.) But it is utter folly to drop this loss on Manning, who played more than well enough to win his team’s second Super Bowl.
The Colts had just eight possessions (the Saints nine), and Indy scored or had a chance to score on four of them. Another drive ended on downs at game’s end. It was shocking to hear NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders claim that Manning “choked” on that game-clinching interception; clearly, there’s something deeper there with Sanders that we don’t quite understand.
I’m not sure if Reggie Wayne cut off his route, or if Manning made a poor decision, or if Tracy Porter just make a championship play, but a “choke?” Cris Carter and Steve Young were quick to say Wayne bore most of the blame.
The Colts defense lost this game, allowing Brees to complete 32-of-39 passes. The Colts special teams lost this game, giving up the onside kick, losing the field-position game badly.
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