The Peyton Manning Effect

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Peyton Manning is, without question, one of the best quarterbacks in recent history. He's a future Hall of Famer and all around good guy. He's literally everywhere you look - commercials, to SNL, and participating in community service efforts. One place he isn't? On the field. Manning had surgery on his neck in May, and seemingly isn't ready to be on the field come the Colts' season opener in Houston.

Manning on the PUP list is bad for a whole myriad of reasons. The first of which is obviously the QBs health. Let's face it, he is the face, name, and heart of the Colts - talented, well spoken, and a clear leader...this team needs their guy back. Of course we're all concerned for Manning's health - he's a guy that people want to see do well - but he can't push this. Neck injuries are serious, and the Colts organization is taking it as such; but, without him on the field, it's clear the team won't perform or start the season the way they should. Adding to the already stressful chaos, the Colts signed Kerry Collins into a backup position. They lured the guy out of retirement and planted seeds of doubt into their own team's minds. Bad juju, folks. It's easy to see why Jim Caldwell and company don't necessarily have total faith in Curtis Painter (or Dan Orlovsky...), but was it a good move to bring in a QB who has been hitting the links, not the gym, without any sort of established bond with the team? Yes, he's a veteran quarterback with far more experience than Painter, but is it really the right move, even if he's not starting the next game, or even the one after that? I know the NFL isn't really about making guys feel good, but talk about a confidence buster for Painter. It seems that I'm not alone in this feeling, as members of the Colts, including Pro Bowl wideout Reggie Wayne, have stepped out in support of Painter.

Getty Images

Manning is a pro. He's a competitor. What else? He wants to play. He's started all 208 regular season games of his career and is, hands down, one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league. Manning's bad days are akin to most NFL QB's good ones. That's saying something. Yes, I have an affinity for the oh-so-charming Peyton Manning, and have an incredible amount of respect for him, but I think this situation, (which is out of his control) is going to throw the team into disarray. Add in the signing of Kerry Collins and you have a team confused with a ton of different opinions. I'm not sure starting Collins (which is what will inevitably happen) against Houston is the right move - the Texans are finally in contention for the AFC South title, and look poised to win.

I think one of two things will happen for the Colts in 2011. Either Manning will come back stronger (think Tom Brady) and lead the Colts to the season they deserve...or the Colts will struggle. There really is no gray space here, and it's hard to predict which will happen. Manning is strong, and most absolutely a fighter, and no doubt everyone is watching...and waiting to see what will happen.