Peyton Manning

In years past, the Indianapolis Colts have been one of the most elite teams in the NFL. They have had twelve game winning seasons for the past seven years and have been to the Super Bowl twice in the same span. This dynamic teams best player is Peyton Manning, whom is without a doubt one of the top three quarterbacks in the league. His passing power, accuracy, and before the play action are all unmatched in this league of pros, but this year is different.

The Colts are sitting at 6-6 and second in their division. The streak of twelve win seasons is has been broken. Why is everything so different this season? Some like to turn to the one reason the Colts are even successful, Peyton Manning. He has thrown fifteen interceptions, the most since his rookie year. His quarterback rating is down from years past as well. Upon first glance, it would be easy to blame it on Manning, but those who blame him are absolutely ridiculous and must pay no attention to the NFL.

Peyton has been forced to single-handedly lead his team's offense. Joseph Addai, the Colts elite running back, has been sidelined most of the season due to injury and Donald Brown and Mike Hart, the back ups, have also been injured, thus forcing the Colts to put their entire offense on Manning.

The amount of other injuries is also a key factor. Addai, Bracket, Brown, Austin Collie, back up tight end Brody Eldridge, Mike Hart, Charlie Johnson, Bob Sanders, Reggie Wayne, and star tight end Dallas Clark. All of these players have been key to the Colts success in the past and all of them have been missing.

Yes it would be easy to blame everything on Manning. It is true, he hasn't been up to par with his stats this season, but when you are forced to throw the ball almost every play, these things will happen, especially when you are missing so many good players. The Colts will make the playoffs and will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. Peyton Manning has not lost his touch either. The Colts will be back.