As soon as the world heard the words.
“Medically cleared to play”
The majority fans just assumed Peyton would just go back to being the Peyton Manning of old. While that is what we all hope, don’t be so naive.
If Manning was as healthy as some media outlets are saying, there wouldn’t be a discussion on if he will be playing with the Colts in 2012, it would be a no brainer. It wouldn’t matter if Andrew Luck on the reincarnation of Joe Montana was available, Manning would be under center for the Colts.
In the ESPN article that came out (leaked purposefully to Chris Mortensen by Manning’s team) is this nugget everyone seems to be overlooking.
The sources said Watkins examined Manning recently in Los Angeles and concluded the stability in his neck would have allowed the quarterback to play this Sunday if the nerves in his arm had regenerated to a satisfactory performance level.
Just read that using your brain.
Manning could play if his arm was working.
Using baseball as an example, if a pitcher has neck surgery and it effects his arm strength, he maybe technically fit to play, but that doesn’t mean you are going to throw him out there, if he can only throw 80 MPH fastballs.
The words are manipulative.
Peyton Manning is a quarterback.
It doesn’t matter if his neck, leg, foot or pinkie toe have been medically cleared to play, unless he can throw the football, he is useless.
This is strictly a PR move to get fans on his side if he gets cut, but the reality is the Colts can not risk paying Manning almost $30 million hoping that his arm strength comes back.
That isn’t good business.
They need to cut Manning, draft Andrew Luck and let someone else take that risk.
