The Best Way to define Peyton's Career is by Appreciating It

After the Colts beat the Broncos on Sunday we witnessed another disappointing end to another great season for Peyton Manning. Manning finished another masterful season but many questioned if he had an injury when his numbers dipped in December. In December Manning threw just three touchdowns and six interceptions. In the Broncos playoff loss he missed with a ton of overthrows and had just one touchdown pass. We later learned that Manning had been playing with a torn quad. However many people still believe that Manning will not return next season. Personally I think he will be the Quarterback for the Broncos. I don't think he is finished but perhaps that me just being a fan. Manning has clearly has had his ups and downs and his playoff struggled. However Manning's career should be defined more by his success rather than his failures. Manning has had remarkable runs with both the Colts and the Broncos. Manning will always be a hero in Indianapolis and still wants another title regardless of where he plays. Manning is the single season passing touchdown leader and the all time touchdown leader.

     Peyton Manning was and always will be an Indianapolis Colt even though he is no longer there. 

Manning was the first pick of the 1998 draft. Manning played his College career with Tennessee a rival school of his dad Archie Manning's Ole Miss. Manning struggled his first year but we learned quickly he would become one of the all time greats. Manning had some monster seasons in Indianapolis. In just his second year he passed for 4,000 yards for the first time and in his third year he would throw for 30 touchdowns for the first time. In 2004 Peyton Manning broke the all time single season touchdown record held by Dan Marino at 48. During his career we would see how smart Peyton Manning was. We would see the way he was able to control a line of scrimmage and basically run his own offense. Manning has had remarkable seasons for both the Colts and Broncos. 

February 4th 2007 

Peyton Manning had never been to a Super Bowl up to this point. Manning had some great seasons in his career but was yet to show any playoff dominance. Manning led the Colts past the Patriots in the playoffs and would take on the Bears in the Super Bowl. It was raining and wet but that did not stop Peyton Manning. Manning was named Super Bowl MVP. It was his first and only title up to this 

point. 

2011 and 2012

Peyton Manning would undergo neck surgery and miss the entire 2011 season. Without Manning the 

Colts went 2-14 and would receive the first pick in the upcoming draft. In an emotional press 

conference Manning and the Colts parted ways. Manning would sign a contract with the Denver 

Broncos in 2012 and begin a new chapter in his career. Manning would comeback after neck surgeries and throw 37 touchdowns. 

2013 

Peyton Manning would have a legendary season in 2013. Manning would break the Tom Brady touchdown record of 50 touchdowns. Manning would throw 55 and he would also break the passing yards record. He passed for 5,477. Manning also beat Tom Brady in the AFC championship game. Manning had the best single season in NFL history.

The Let Downs 

Peyton Manning has been one and done in the playoffs nine times. The most ever. Manning has also  lost two Super Bowls. Manning and the Colts lost to the Saints when Peyton Manning threw a iconic interception to Tracey Porter for a pick six. In last years Super Bowl Manning was decimated by the Seattle Seahawks. Manning and the Broncos scored just 8 points and the Seahawks scored over 40. Then this year the Broncos lost to the Colts in their first playoff game. Manning played poor in the final month of the season and some speculate if the Manning error is officially over despite another great season. Some people rather define Manning's career by some of his disappointing loses rather 

than great wins. 

The Rivalries 

Peyton Manning and his brother Eli Manning have as great a relationship as brothers can have however people will still always compare the two future Hall of Famers careers. Peyton has always been regarded as the much better Quarterback however Eli has had much more playoff success as he is 2-0 in the Super Bowl and Peyton is 1-2. Head to head Peyton has defeated his brother every time. 

Perhaps the greatest rivalry however is the one between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. 

Tom Brady holds the edge as he is 11-5 against Peyton Manning led teams. However in last years AFC championship Manning's Broncos bested Brady's Patriots. However Manning's best game against Brady happened in the AFC Championship. On January 21st , 2007 , Manning led the Colts from an 18 point deficit. The Colts won the game and eventually Manning would win his first Super Bowl. In 2009 Peyton Manning led a comeback down by 17 points to win another classic game 35-34. Manning hit Reggie Wayne on a one yard score. There match ups have been the most anticipated 

in the sport. 

The Record

Peyton Manning became the all time passing touchdown leader during the regular season in October in a rout of the 49ers. Manning broke Brett Favre's record and will go down as one of the best Quarterbacks of all time. Statistically no one compares to Manning.  

The Legacy 

Peyton Manning will go down as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game of football. Manning will have his fair share of haters who will say he only won one Super Bowl, however there is so much more to the career of Manning. Manning was a field general and almost like having an offensive coordinator at the Quarterback position. There will always be mixed reviews and critics and fans of Peyton. One thing that can be disputed is that Manning has had a great impact on this game. To me Manning is one of the best ever and will be greatly missed when he calls it a career. I think Manning will be back next year but understand if he does not come back. Manning has nothing to prove despite what some say. The only thing I can say is , if we have see the last of Peyton Manning on the field thank you. Peyton won the Super Bowl in the 2007 season. It is one of the first Super Bowls I remember as I was only about ten years old at the time. Manning is a big part of why I love 

football despite being a Giants fan. I don't know football without him. I bet a lot of kids and young men would echo. Manning has done it right and been a true professional. If Manning comes back next year embrace it. Enjoy it and watch him. Watch a legend take as many snaps as he has left. Take in his presence , poise and passion on the field. Watch him go through the motions , watch him play if he comes back , whether it's one year , two or more. It's all speculation at this point but the fact of the matter is nothing lasts forever and sooner rather than later Manning will walk away. So if you get the privilege to watch number 18 walk out of the tunnel carve up a defense and continue to build on his hall of fame numbers enjoy it because there is only one Peyton Manning. He wasn't a perfect player nobody is , however he is near perfect to watch. 

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By Peter Vitella 

@Realpete13

Throwback Thursday: The Malice in the Palace

Location: The Palace at Auburn Hills in Michigan

Scenario: 45.9 seconds left in the 4th Quarter

Involved: Pacers vs Pistons

Before the Brawl

On November 19th, 2004, the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons squared off in a classic NBA matchup on ESPN. The game was dominated by physical defense, which both teams were known for. The Pistons, fresh off of the Bad Boy era and a NBA Title run, continued to be aggressive on both sides of the floor with G Chauncey Billups, F Tayshaun Prince, and C Ben Wallace. The Pacers were also very athletic and played tremendous defense, led by G/F Ron Artest and C Jermaine O'Neal. The Pacers had a 6-2 record coming into the game, while the Pistons were 4-3. The Pacers, obviously looking like the better team coming into the year, were off to a great start. They were leading by 20 points with 7 minutes left in the first half, still pouring on points. The Pistons finished the half strong, however, still found themselves down by 16. In the second half, the Pistons showed fight and enthusiasm, but couldn't hold off the fast Pacers. With 3:52 remaining in the 4th quarter, things began to get out of hand, leading to what is called by many, "the most infamous brawl in NBA history". 

The Brawl

As time faded away in the 4th, starters from both teams were still in. The starters for the game should have already been substituted out, due to the score. With 45.9 seconds left in the game and the Pacers leading 97-82, Ron Artest was fouled hard by Ben Wallace. Wallace turned around and shoved Artest, straight to the face with two fists. The two teams hurried to break up the fight. Artest then escaped from the group of players to lay down on the Scorer's Table. When things looked to have calmed down, a fan threw a cup directed towards Artest. Artest raced up into the stands and struck what looked to be a young adult. G Stephen Jackson followed, also striking a young fan. Turns out, both Artest and Jackson hit the wrong person. Members from both teams followed into the stands to break up the fight. After complete turmoil and chaos in the stands, fans started throwing drinks and  players slowly started to return to the court. Then, things took another huge turn.

When Ron Artest returned to the floor, Mike Breen, ESPN announcer said, "Ron Artest has a look in his eye that is very scary right now". Everyone who was watching the game knew, it was a scary, tragic moment. Artest, still trying to be calmed down, breaks free and is confronted by two Piston fans on the sideline. One of the fans appears to say something to Artest. Artest, frustrated, hits the fan dead on in the face. The two eager fans fight back against Artest. Next, Jermaine O'Neal intervenes, swinging at the other member of the duo with a running start. He too hits the other fan straight in the jaw. With those swings, the arena erupted and there was no way of stopping it. After that scuffle, Piston and Pacer players were fired up, as were the fans. Pacer players had there heads covered, as fans threw their leftovers at them. 

Aftermath 

The game was called immediately. The Pacers were given the win by a score of 97-82. Multiple suspensions were handed out. Ron Artest was suspended for the rest of the season (86 games). Stephen Jackson was suspended for 30 games. Jermaine O'Neal was suspended for 15 games. Finally, Ben Wallace was suspended for a mere 6 games. 5 other players also received minimal suspensions. Many players also took on probation, fines, and community service hours.

The Malice in the Palace forever changed the way altercations were handled. Security was increased and the distribution of alcohol was adjusted. Players would also receive larger fines and suspensions if something this serious would happen again. If the fans had never gotten involved, we probably wouldn't be talking about this crazy moment. If your interested in watching the fight, you can view it here: 

http://youtu.be/WO1ejvao9GU

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@_SwagggyT

Ohio State Wins

The Ohio State Buckeyes were on their third Quarterback. Some people didn't think they should even be playing in the National Championship. Others said Oregon would beat them and they would not be able to stop Marcus Mariota. Ohio State won the game and the title. Head Coach Urban Meyer proved why he is one of the best college coaches ever. Cardale Jones may have been the third Quarterback but he played like a number one and proved everyone wrong. Jones passed for 242 yards and a touchdown. He also ran in another. The defense held the Heisman Trophy winner to just 20 points. The story of the game was the Buckeyes running back who became a Ohio State legend. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns. Oregon cut the lead to 21-20 but Elliott exploded in the fourth quarter. Ohio State won 42-20. The final score does not truly show how close the game was but it does show the type of team Ohio State was and everything they overcame.
By Peter Vitella
@Realpete13

The Sports Bro's Podcast

Guys listen to The Sports Bro's Podcast you can download it on iTunes. They are friends of the site and have a great show. Here is a little preview of what they will discuss!

Episode 40: I'm Gonna Stick With Stupid

On this week’s Sports Bros Podcast, Jordan and Shane talk about Tom Brady postponing passing the torch to Joe Flacco, Cam Newton’s underrated performance vs. the Seahawks, insult NFL conspiracy theorists, end the Peyton Manning era, talk Josh Smith-less Detroit Pistons, and play Uber Fact or Uber Crap(t).

To vote for the winner of this week’s opening question, be sure to head over to www.jordanrhall.com/vote

Don’t forget to follow the Bros on Twitter

@jordanhall23

@SportsBrosPod

College Football Playoff Championship Preview

National Championship Pick

Prediction: Oregon 38 Ohio State 28

          I think Oregon will come out ready to play and it is going to definitely show up on the field. I think Oregon's Quarterback Marcus Mariota will show up and play phenomenal against the Buckeyes. Mariota will show why he is projected to be a top 5 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and he will continue to have a great season after winning the Heisman Trophy. I think Oregon's freshman Running Back Royce Freeman needs to have a big game against Ohio State's great defense. Since Oregon's Wide Receiver Darren Carrington is going to be inactive for the game because of failing a drug test. I think Mariota will find other guys to get the ball to in order for Oregon to be effective and dominate on Offense. I think Oregon's offense will come out too fast of a pace for the Buckeyes to handle with their speed and explosiveness. I think Oregon's defense is going to need to stop Ohio State's Running Back Ezekiel Elliott and and Wide Receiver Devin Smith in order to take full control of this ball game. I think Oregon's defense is going to have to contain Ohio State's Quarterback Cardale Jones. They will have to have contain Jones in the pocket and make sure he doesn't extend the play. I predict that Marcus Mariota and the Oregon Ducks will be celebrating at the end of the day by winning the National Championship by the score of 38 to 28.

Follow me on Twitter:

@JordanGrubin23

NFL Divisional Playoff Recap

NFL Divisional Playoffs Week

The NFC and AFC championship games are set for next Sunday. The GreenBay Packers will play in Seattle vs the Seahawks. The Indianapolis Colts will play the New England Patriots in Foxborough. The Patriots have made four AFC Championships in a row. The Cowboys were involved in another controversial call at the end of the game. Peyton Manning and the Broncos went one and done , and now some speculate whether Manning even returns.

Ravens vs Patriots - The Ravens led the Patriots by 14 points. Twice! The Patriots still managed to come back and win the ball game. Joe Flacco who passed for four touchdowns also threw two interceptions. His second sealed the game for the Patriots. Tom Brady led the comeback but the biggest play of the day was when Julian Edelman threw a touchdown pass to Danny Amendola. Amendola caught two touchdowns including a go ahead score from Tom Brady. 

Panthers vs Seahawks - The Panthers defense played with the Seahawks for most of the game. The final score did not truly show how close the game was. The game was a defensive struggle for most. Russell Wilson hit on some big touchdown throws. The Panthers were driving to make the game a seven point game. Then Cam Newton threw an interception by Kam Chancellor for a touchdown and it sealed the game. 

Cowboys vs Packers - Despite a leg injury Aaron Rodgers still threw for over 300 yards and three scores. Davante Adams had a huge touchdown catch and run on 3rd and 15. The big play however was when the Cowboys threw one up for Dez Bryant on 4th and 2. Bryant appeared to have caught the ball however the refs ruled that he did not complete the catch. The Cowboys never got another shot and the Packers won the game.

Colts vs Broncos - The Luck vs Manning battle was the story. However the Colts defense became the story as they held Peyton Manning to just 13 points. Manning misfired on a ton of throws and looked completely off. Andrew Luck did not have his best game but he had some big throws in big spots. Hakeem Nicks had a huge touchdown catch. The Colts upset the Broncos and Andrew Luck is headed to his first AFC championship. 

The Day of the DH

Today in 1974 the American League decided they would add the DH as a position. Of course the National League did not add the DH. Personally I love that the Al has the DH and the NL does not. In the World Series you get to see the different styles of play. The NL plays will a small ball style and the AL is more notorious for the big boppers. The DH has extended the careers of older players and helped the careers of some weaker fielders who can still hit. I love the idea of two different styles of baseball , the DH position has done this. The DH is a position and it should be recognized as one. The DH has made David Ortiz a star and has extended the career of hitters like Hall of Famers Frank Thomas and Paul Molitor. It has also extended the careers of Jim Thome , Hideki Matsui , Vladimir Guerrero , and Jason Giambi. All of these players have made an impact for there teams by just DHing.

On the anniversary of the DH I want to make the case for why Edgar Martinez is a Hall of Famer. I understand he was a DH but I don't care. I think a player contributes more to his team by being a DH instead of a poor fielder. If Martinez played the field he would have effected his team in a negative way. Why would we hold this against him? In a 18 year career Martinez hit 312. He made 7 All Star teams and hit 514 doubles. The biggest one was the winner of the ALDS in 1995 , it essentially saved baseball in Seattle. Martinez has career OPS of 933. He was an offensive force and many pitchers say he was the hardest guy to get out. Edgar Martinez was 10 for 16 with 2 homers and 6 RBI in his career against Mariano Rivera.

By Peter Vitella

@Realpete13