Manning Is the Man

The surprise team in ‘99? How about the Colts, who won only three games a year ago. In his first six games last season, Peyton Manning threw for six touchdowns and had 14 interceptions. In his last 10 he threw for 20 touchdowns and had 14 interceptions. This season he opened with a surprise victory over Buffalo, and now takes on New England.

New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe on Manning: “He was more successful in his rookie year than I was. In fact, he had the best rookie season any quarterback’s ever had. He’s got help too. They didn’t beat the Bills with smoke and mirrors. That was a real beating they handed out. There were no fluke plays involved. We know that the days are gone where we can think that if we just play our game, we won’t have any trouble with them.”

Running back Antowain Smith has a suggestion for the Buffalo coaching staff: Give him the ball. In the opener, Smith ran six times for seven yards.

“Hopefully, we realize we can’t win unless we try to establish some kind of running game,” said Smith, who has come under fire from teammates who wonder about his running ability.

There’s already talk of using Jonathan Linton more if Smith stays untracked. That explains how desperate the Bills have become.

The Jets aren’t buying the idea that their season is over with Vinny Testaverde lost for the year. “Three weeks ago, we were Super Bowl contenders,” center Kevin Mawae said. “Now, all of a sudden, we’re not going to win one game this season.”

Well, maybe they do understand.