The Morning After: Don’t count out No. 18

Of all the memorable moments that Week 16 served up on the menu for The Morning Afternoon After … Mike Singletary’s sideline argument with another quarterback, Tom Brady’s interception-less brilliance and Ryan Fitzpatrick’s epic beard … that canny slide by Peyton Manning can’t be ignored.

It should have served as a subtle reminder to never count out No. 18.

Manning may have slid out of MVP consideration behind Tom Terrific and Michael Vick, but as Brian Baldinger pointed out last week, his brilliance has been on display in other ways during a season that hasn’t been exactly typical for the Colts or their quarterback.

Leading 31-26 with 1:39 remaining against the Raiders, Manning took off (sort of) on a naked bootleg, the perfect call. He … um, rumbled … 27 yards before realizing he would be caught from behind by Matt Shaughnessy, and then did what only the most aware of players would do. He slid.

Manning then took a knee on the next two plays in the beloved victory formation.

It didn’t win the game, but The Slide is a microcosm of Manning’s preparation and awareness of situational football. None of it — the call at the line of scrimmage, selling the handoff or his slide — was by accident. In fact, Manning said after the game he called his own number and told no one, so that his teammates would carry out what they thought was the play call.

“My dad (Archie) always told me that’s the best way to do it,” Manning told the Indy Star. “I didn’t decide until … the last minute.”

Collectively, we bag on players and coaches every week for not knowing the current game situation, so kudos to Manning.

Here’s the best part: If you watch closely, you can see Manning can’t help but grin as he looks up at the scoreboard for the replay.

Smart. Even amusing. And typical Manning. Although, clearly he didn’t have himself on his fantasy football team. But it’s only fitting he sealed the win in atypical fashion, putting the Colts on the doorstep of a seventh AFC title in the past eight seasons and tying the NFL record with a ninth consecutive postseason appearance.

Again, typical the Colts are right there in December.

If the Colts reach the playoffs, it’s hard to bet against Manning. Echoing an earlier thought by Warren Sapp, opposing players check the “I don’t want to see him” box next to Manning’s name when it comes to the playoffs.

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Packers: Morning Coffee Headlines

Senior writer jclombardi highlights Packers headlines.

‘Door is open’ for Packers’ Rodgers to play--Earlier this week Mike McCarthy said he would decide Saturday if Aaron Rodgers would play. Now it might be a game-time decision–McCarthy says he is making progress from concussion: Aaron Rodgers is listed as doubtful on the Green Bay Packers’ official injury report. But Rodgers’ playfulness Friday afternoon and one statement by his coach could be viewed as encouraging signs for Packer Nation. Rodgers left last week’s game against Detroit with his second concussion of the season and didn’t practice at all this week. But Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers is “progressing” and he could wait to make a decision on his playing status until shortly before Green Bay meets New England on Sunday night. Rodgers attended a portion of team meetings before leaving for tests with team physician Gray. Rodgers was at practice as an observer. “But with the late start Sunday, we can leave the door open for that.” McCarthy also said if Rodgers plays, he would wear a different helmet that offered greater protection. The Packers continued to prepare as if backup Matt Flynn would be the starter. Flynn took virtually all of the reps with the No. 1 offense for the third straight day and at least publicly has the full backing of his teammates. ”He’s ready for it,” running back Brandon Jackson said of Flynn. “This whole team knows what Matt can do. We have a lot of confidence in him.”

Commentary: In sports Greek black theater, the nauseating fluff Packers press went through five endless days into the transition from an abominable loss to lowly “retrograde 50s haircut” coached Lions, to the endless stories about Rodgers’ concussion, to the “full confidence” in backup QB Flynn’s probable start, and then back to “the door is open” about doubtful QB Rodger’s play against the high-scoring and winning playoff-bound Patriots (perfect example of where the Packers should be under top management and coaching). We guess that Packers management would like to get game experience for QB Flynn before the miserable season and playoff hopes disappear (played out to the end of season) with “key injuries” headlines excuse. Fan can review Packers Carry On Despite Injuries“. The question is, “How embarrassing will it be on Sunday night?” Either way, it will not matter. Meanwhile, the Packer nation and fans can get ready for their “super bowl” game against the Bears? Predictably, they won’t reach that nauseating fluff press hype for another two weeks.  Amusing!

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