Manning not facing pressure (must read)

I’ve been saying this for weeks.  The line is a total scapegoat. Manning is not under undue pressure.  

One of the most shocking developments during Manning’s recent slump has been how seemingly unconcerned defenses are with getting him on the ground. In his last three games, Manning has been sacked once and hit just nine times. 

In consecutive losses to the Patriots, Chargers and Cowboys, Manning has been blitzed on only 14.1% of his dropbacks, nearly half the rate defenses sent five or more rushers after him in the Colts first nine games of the season (27.3%). Of the league’s 31 quarterbacks who have at least 50 pass attempts over the last three weeks, none has been blitzed less frequently than Manning (Shaun Hill is next closest at 15.3%, no one else is below 20%). 

In a league where defenses blitz on roughly one-third of passing plays, it’s no accident that teams are repeatedly dropping extra bodies into coverage vs Manning and the Colts over the last three weeks – and having tremendous success doing it.