Former Vol Peyton Manning Played On Torn Quadricep

It was evident to me that Peyton Manning had not been himself lately. Now we know why. Manning suffered a torn quadricep muscle on December 14th against the San Diego Chargers according to ESPN.

It was obvious that the Broncos were trying to protect Manning in the last few weeks of the regular season. Most people, including me, thought the Broncos were trying to rev up the running game knowing that they would more than likely be playing in Foxboro for the AFC Championship. It is a tremendous advantage to be able to run the ball away from home, and in conditions that aren’t suitable for throwing it around the yard.

We saw evidence of this injury on a crucial third and five early in the second half. Denver was down 14-10 and needing to make something happen. Manning rolled to his right and had nothing but green frozen turf ahead of him. It seemed as if he could have walked to a first down. Instead he threw an incompletion on the sideline, and the result was a punt.

Live Feed

FanSided

A smattering of boos rained down from the Mile High fans in disappointment. I looked on with disbelief, and wondered what was up. I told my son I thought something was wrong, but I had no idea it was the legs. A few plays later Hakeem Nicks caught a fifteen yard touchdown from Andrew Luck. Denver never really threatened from there.

It was evident that Manning had lost his mojo down the stretch. Peyton never has thrown the tightest spirals in the game beginning with his time in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee. But the passes always arrived accurately, and on time. Timing is Manning’s game. It was then when he wore Tennessee orange, and it is now wearing Denver Bronco orange.

Manning took a few shots deep early in the first half. He wasn’t close to hitting his receivers, who in some cases had a half of a step on the Indy defensive backs.  He couldn’t hit them. Honestly he never looked comfortable at all the entire game. He didn’t look comfortable the last part of the season. It all makes sense now.

So what will Manning do now? He mentioned he had “to process it all” in his press conference after the game. He said, “I’m just disappointed”. Many think it will be Peyton’s final game. I hope not, but I do not want to see a Peyton Manning that is not, well, Peyton Manning. Manning is the best to play the game in my opinion. I want to see Peyton at that level.

Obviously Peyton is better than most quarterback’s in the league at 60% of his talent. But I don’t think even Peyton wants to play like that.

I would like to see Peyton get the Derek Jeter tour send off by the NFL. I think he deserves it. But football is not like baseball. You can’t hide an aging Quarterback in the lineup like you can an aging Shortstop. Playing Quarterback is way more grueling, and quite honestly way more important to the team. Another batter behind you in the lineup can get your back on the baseball diamond, but no one can bail you out when you are behind center in the NFL. Oh, I know defenses can help and a good running back as well. But I think you know what I mean.

So the haters are making fun of Peyton this morning, and calling the injury an excuse. When you are the best you are going to get that from a lot of people. It goes with the territory. But I think most of us that follow him consistently knew that he was not 100%. We just didn’t understand why. I actually felt bad for Peyton last night. Can you imagine a fan like me feeling sorry for Peyton Manning? I don’t think Peyton needs my sympathy. He has big enough shoulders as he has shown time and time again, and he has a Hall of Fame career. Probably two Hall of Fame Careers (College and NFL). Don’t feel sorry for Peyton.

So I have seen the posts saying that Peyton will be the next quarterback’s coach at Tennessee. I have seen the posts saying imagine the recruiting he could do for the Vols. I have seen the articles saying it is just a matter of time that Peyton buys the Tennessee Titans. I have seen that he would be the Titans next head coach.

The Truth of it all is that no one knows what is next for Peyton. I don’t think even Peyton knows at this moment. The minute he can not help his team win consistently, he will hang it up. He is a team guy first and foremost. That is what will determine his future. Can he help his team win consistently and play at the highest level? Let’s give him time to “process” it all. I think he has earned that right.