Peyton talks about the bootleg
On third-and-2, Manning called his own number. To give the play the best chance of working, Manning told no one. Offensive linemen are more likely to carry out their blocks if they believe they’re blocking for the play called in the huddle.
“My dad (Archie) always told me that’s the best way to do it,” Manning said. “I didn’t decide until . . . the last minute.”
Center Jeff Saturday was one of the unknowing.
“We’re never involved in that,” he said. “We just block the play that’s called.”
What was called?
“A run play to the right,” Saturday said.
Manning faked the handoff to Rhodes — “I thought I had the football along with everyone else,” Rhodes said — then scooted around left end.
It was the second-longest run of Manning’s career. His longest came on the same play at Buffalo on Nov. 1, 2001. Manning faked a handoff to Rhodes and took off around left end for a 33-yard touchdown.
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