Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was admittedly rusty at the start of 2008, prompting a myriad speculation that his career was beginning to end. There were more setbacks than usual, granted, but the outlook has looked a whole lot brighter with Manning throwing for 7 touchdowns and no interceptions during Indianapolis’ 3-game winning streak.

While Manning’s vital statistics - 61.3 percent completions, 9 interceptions, 86.6 rating, 6.8 yards per attempt - remain near career-low levels, the futility is weighted by a few minor blowups. Manning and the Colts have a favorable schedule down the stretch, especially against the pass with San Diego (No. 31 pass defense), Cleveland (No. 22) and Detroit (No. 23) among the team’s last six opponents. His struggles appear to be over. Read more »

For those of you that weren’t watching a rainy Game 5 of the 2008 World Series, there was a football game on Monday night.

The Titans, in typical Tennessee fashion this season, won yet another game 31-21 over the Colts to extend their runaway lead to four games in the AFC South. The Indy loss gives Tennessee the largest lead over a second-place team in any division in football. Read more »

A putrid 4-10 Week 7 takes us under .500 for the first time this season. Think of it like the stock market.  After a huge downslide you have two choices. Cash in and take the loss, or hang on for the ride. I suggest everyone stays along for the ride. At the very least, you will see a grown man driven to the edge by point spreads. That’s entertaining no matter who you are. Read more »

Almost at the halfway point of the 2008 NFL season and we’ve had a lifetime’s worth of parity in just seven short weeks. Now three head coaches have been handed pink slips, the latest being Mike Nolan’s early exit out of San Francisco. Plenty more coaches remain on the hot seat, including Marvin Lewis, Rod Marinelli, and yes, even Wade Philips.

As for the matchups this week, prepare yourselves for big divisional rivalries like Buffalo-Miami, Seattle-San Francisco, and Indianapolis-Tennessee. If you’re fortunate enough, be sure not to miss the overseas game between the Chargers and Saints played in London as well as quite possibly the biggest matchup of the year so far in the “Steel” city. Read more »

This year’s trade deadline came and went Tuesday afternoon, supplying several familiar faces in much newer places. Easily, the major deal included sending Detroit WR Roy Williams and a few draft picks to Dallas for a slew of similar draft picks, including a first rounder in next year’s draft.

Elsewhere, former MVP Shaun Alexander signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins, joining a club that already boasts the league’s leader in rushing yards, Clinton Portis.

The headline deal that wasn’t made was Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez. The disgruntled future Hall-of-Famer will now finish out the season with Kansas City, for better or worse. Read more »