Tip to Garrison, the real matchup to watch is Manning v Belichick.
Not only did the Colts lose in the snow, but the makeshift Patriots defense held Manning without a touchdown. An offense that average 32.6 points per game managed just a field goal in a 20-3 loss. Manning brought only three drives inside the New England 40-yard line.
“It was just the best game plan that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Patriots safetyRodney Harrison said after the game.
Manning was visibly dejected, later saying he felt “responsible and accountable and so disappointed I couldn’t do my job better to help my team win.”
Two opinions seemed unanimous after the game. Belichick was a defensive genius, and the Patriots were in Manning’s head. It was reasonable to ask if Manning would ever overcome New England.
Less than a year later, he threw for three touchdowns in a 40-21 drubbing of the Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
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