Friday, October 22, 1999
Manning vastly improved
BY TOM GROESCHEN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has been famous since March 24, 1976, which is when he was born.
He is the son of Archie Manning, who in 1976 was the New Orleans Saints' quarterback and remains a Southern football legend. Early on, Peyton seemed destined to do exactly what he has done — become a standout quarterback in the NFL.
And he has made it look easy.
“No one studies harder or takes the job more seriously,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has said of Manning. “Players have told me that Manning understands the game better than most offensive and defensive coordinators.”
Manning, who leads his Indianapolis Colts (3-2) vs. the Bengals (1-5) in the RCA Dome this Sunday, has the marks of a 15-year starter such as Dan Marino and John Elway. The only thing he hasn't done is win, which he's starting to do now after last year's 3-13 debut.
“He prepares so well, he's smart, and he's a student of the game,” Colts coach Jim Mora said this week. “He came back this year as a much-improved player.”
Manning set five NFL rookie passing records last year, partially because the Colts were usually behind and he
had to throw. He threw 26 touchdowns but had 28 interceptions, but this year the ratio is 11-7.
The Colts nursed him along last year by using lots of short drops, which enabled Manning to get rid of the ball quickly and avoid sacks (only 22).
“I have more confidence this year, just because of the experience,” Manning said. “I feel like I've seen most every kind of defense there is, so I can react to whatever is going on.”
It helps that Manning has classic quarterback size (6-foot-5, 230), an underrated arm and tremendous accuracy. He completed 57 percent of his passes last year and is up to 60.2 percent his season.
Manning was a four-year starter at Tennessee, then was drafted No.1 overall by the Colts in 1998. The Colts made him their starter from Day1, and Manning got good press despite the team's horrendous season. Manning has acquired the savvy that only game experience can provide. Last year, standout New England cornerback Ty Law noticed a huge difference in Manning from the first and second times the teams met.
“He's going to be one of the special ones,” Law said after the second '98 meeting. “He's going to be a problem for a long time.”
Law already has fallen victim to his own prophecy. In Week2 of 1999, Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison burned Law for three first-half touchdown passes.
Manning has built a rapport with teammates and the city of Indianapolis, which in recent years has been more interested in Larry Bird's Pacers.
“He's created some excitement in this town,” Mora said.
Manning has let his work ethic do the talking. His well-documented love of watching football tapes preceded him in Indianapolis, and he makes it a point to become fast friends with his linemen and receivers. He often goes out to dinner with Harrison, his top receiver.
“There's nothing you can really say,” Manning said. “You have to show them with your work on the field, in the weight room and the film room.”
Mora said Manning might have lost the veterans if he had done it the wrong way, as the immature Ryan Leaf — drafted one spot behind Manning — did in San Diego.
Manning doesn't get into the Leaf comparisons but said: “I've tried to show my teammates that I'll work at it. I'm in this for the long haul.”
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This week's football schedule
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Northern Ky. football picks
Enquirer polls
Ohio football computer ratings
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Edgewood knocks off top-seeded Summit
MAC media predict lost year for Miami
Miami still has shot at bowl
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Overachieving Summit golfers reach for top
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Unbeaten Falk leads march to state tennis tourney
Williamsburg 76, Hillcrest 20
