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Sports

Manning can reach the bowl despite criticism

Crystal Baller

Louie Vera

In a recent article written by Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti, also known from his regular appearances on ESPN's Around the Horn, Mariotti said that Payton Manning "can't win the big one."

He also added, " (Manning) can't beat the system of Bill Belichick and can't overcome the elements in a stadium that, in his tortured mind, sits in a field between the North Pole and Siberia." 

In retrospect, who has beaten the Patriots and Bill Belichick's system? Since 2001, the Patriots have only lost five home games, and only 16 in the last 71 games total.

Timing is everything in life as well as sports, so I don't think it is fair to single out Manning by saying that "it is a stigma, a black hole charring his legacy" that he can't win the big one in only his seventh season.

The best two examples of this case are Hall of Fame quarterbacks Steve Young and John Elway, who didn't win a Super Bowl until the latter part of their careers. Before the monkeys were off their backs, they went through the same scrutiny that Manning is enduring now. Who is to say he won't win next year? The Patriots won't reign forever and I can guarantee that, especially with New England's coaches leaving left and right.

Manning is too great a quarterback not to win a Super Bowl before his career comes to an end.

What? You don't think he will?

Please, see me after class.

One might bring up the name Dan Marino who is arguably the best passer to ever play the game. There are similarities, but the one difference that will assure Manning his ring, and that eluded Marino of his, is the great supporting cast the Colts have.

Marino never had an all-pro running back (or even a decent one) and never had a trio of receivers, all with pro-bowl quality numbers to help him out. And that is why it is inevitable before we see him win the big one.

Did Elway do it on his own? How about Young? Bradshaw? Montana? The answer to all of those quarterbacks and more is an emphatic no. 

Yes, the man has lost a pair of big games, so what? 

Donovan McNabb has lost three straight NFC Championships and the gauge of his criticism is no where near Manning's level.

Look at it this way, if Phil Mickelson can do it, then Manning is definitely on his way.
 

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