Gregg, I'm no way saying Manning is a AVERAGE QUARTERBACK. I'm a Manning fan, is a extraordinary talent. But I'm saying, and its true, he had another Subpar postseason. He basically played 1 great half, the second half against New England when they scored 32 points in the second half to win. And that was against a exhausted Flu ridden team that had absolutely nothing left. I'm a close fan of New England, and in the fourth quarter they had 2 players on the field defensively I have never heard of,Eric Alexander #52 & some guy named Baker #32, along with Ray Mickens who they got off the street that week. Anyway.....
people are ignoring how well the Indy offensive line played, Manning I believe was only hit once. Line opened huge holes for ADDAI & RHODES.
Indy Defense has come a long long way from first weeks of season, this defense is now solid, and way above average. McFarland & Freeney both have learned to play extremely well together. Colts are now solid against the run & pass. Jones broke one 50 yard run, but aside from that Colts were very solid. Chicago thought they would push the Colts around, and it wasn't the case.
So all and all, you had Indy offensive line playing very well, defensive whole unit playing well. Harrison Clark & Wayne are always solid.
And Manning played a good game, not great, good. Although compared to Grossman, he would look tremendous. Indianapolis won this year because the entire team around Manning got very much improved. Manning s rating wasn't that good, 3 touchdowns & 7 interceptions isn't that good. But for once, Manning didn't have to do everything himself. Colts overall have improved immensely. Now they will have the problems New England has had trying to keep the team together. You simply can't pay everyone, I can't wait till opening game next season, Thursday night football opening game will be New England at Indy. These are now the 2 best teams in NFL, and probably best rivalry.