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There’s consistency and then there’s Peyton Manning consistency. Peyton Manning consistency as in over 4,000 passing yards in 11 of 13 seasons (missing the mark in his rookie season and in 2005 when he was rested at the end of he year), at least 26 touchdown passes in every pro season and no missed starts over his entire career. Not good enough for you? How about 66 touchdown passes over the last two years with Manning throwing for a career-high 4,700 passing yards in 2010 and the third most yards of his career (4,500) in 2009. Is he getting better with age? Probably not but the Colts are throwing it more than ever with Manning throwing a career-high 679 times last season and 1,250 times over the past two seasons. The same cast of receivers and tight ends returns with the added bonus of tight end Dallas Clark and Austin Collie returning to health. That’s good news and so is the fact that the running game figures to struggle once again in 2011. Sure, a neck injury has caused him to be placed on the physically unable to perform list but does anybody doubt he will be ready on opening day? Manning is money in the banks, folks.
Comment:After a third neck surgery and facing at least a 2-3 month recovery time, one the best and most consistent fantasy QBs over the years is now undraftable in re-draft leagues.
Still no deal between Brees, Saints-- Sun Feb 19 7:50 pm -- Team could use franchise tag on stud QB
Days pass, seasons change, and the New Orleans Saints still don't have a long-term contract with Drew Brees. The uncertainty is driving Saints fans into purple, green and gold conniptions. The market for elite quarterbacks was set when Tom Brady inked his four-year, $72 million deal in 2010 and Peyton Manning signed a five-year, $90 million deal last season.(New Orleans Times-Picayune)
FF Today's Take:It is highly unlikely that Brees will play for anyone but New Orleans next year. The owner of the single season passing yardage record is a top tier quarterback and is justifiable of a first round selection in virtually all fantasy formats for 2012.
Irsay putting the onus on Manning-- Wed Feb 15 3:00 pm -- QB will need to restructure contract to remain in Indy
According to Colts owner Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning will decide whether he plays another game for Indianapolis. Irsay expects to meet with Manning in the next seven days, and the owner told The Indianapolis Star on Tuesday the return of the four-time MVP depends on his willingness to restructure his contract. Manning has spent the past five months recovering from his third neck surgery in less than two years, and there have been conflicting reports about how much progress he has made.
(Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take:The four-time MVP turns 36 next month. His age and injury woes will make him a significantly less attractive early-round draft selection in 2012 in comparison to previous years.
Jets commit to keeping WR Holmes-- Wed Feb 8 7:30 pm -- Former Super Bowl MVP locked up through 2013
From the moment the season ended, the New York Jets said divisive wide receiver Santonio Holmes wasn't going anywhere. The Jets' financial commitment to Holmes practically doubled on Wednesday, meaning they're locked into him for $15.25 million in guarantees. Unwilling to cut him loose and eat that much money, the Jets made it clear from the start of the offseason they were committed to making it work with Holmes, whose rift with quarterback Mark Sanchez became public at the end of a disappointing 8-8 season.(ESPN)
FF Today's Take:Whether or not this is a sign that Jets' management have opted to side with Holmes over Sanchez is unclear. The Jets figure to be one of the teams in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes this offseason. They could also make a play for Green Bay Packers' backup Matt Flynn, or projected second overall pick Robert Griffin III if they decide that Sanchez is no longer their quarterback.
Dolphins "infatuated" with Manning-- Sun Feb 5 8:03 pm -- Redskins also expected to be very interested
The timetable could be tricky, with Peyton Manning expected to be released by March 8, Matt Flynn hitting the open market March 13, and the unknown variable of when Manning’s arm will be strong enough to throw as well as he did before his neck injury.
If the Dolphins are led to believe by agent Tom Condon that they’re a serious contender for Manning when he's released - and that his arm should be strong enough by the start of the season - then they are expected to wait as long as necessary on Manning if he doesn't make a decision quickly. That's because owner Stephen Ross is infatuated with the idea of signing him. (Miami Herald)
FF Today's Take:The Dolphins believe they have a realistic chance of luring Manning to Miami due in part to the fact that he owns owns a condo in South Beach and has an affinity for South Florida. It also helps the team has a glaring need at QB and an owner with a deep checkbook. Expect Washington to give Miami a run for its money - literally and figuratively - should Manning become a free agent.
Manning medically cleared to play?-- Thu Feb 2 5:20 pm -- Arm strength is still key to Manning's return
Peyton Manning has been medically cleared by two doctors, including the one who performed his neck fusion surgery, to resume his NFL career, unnamed sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter. But arm strength is apparently the issue because his ability to play depends on the nerves in Manning’s arm regenerating to a satisfactory performance level.
Watkins also reportedly told Manning to continue an aggressive rehabilitation path toward playing in 2012.(Indianapolis Star)
FF Today's Take:This report isn't really news. It smells more of Manning's camp trying to paint the most positive light on his medical situation, perhaps counter balancing a story from earlier this week that suggested Manning's career is in serious jeopardy. Whether or not Manning is able to gain full strength in his arm remains the question and we may not know that for quite some time.
Reggie Wayne weighs options for 2012-- Wed Feb 1 10:40 pm -- WR set to become unrestricted free agent
Reggie Wayne doesn't know what will unfold with Peyton Manning. He doesn't know what will happen with him, either. The Indianapolis Colts receiver has an expiring contract and could be lined up to explore unrestricted free agency for the first time. Wayne is connected to NFL Play 60 sponsor Kinect for Xbox 360, and during a break playing with school kids Wednesday, he said he would not be averse to being part of a Colts rebuilding project. (ESPN)
FF Today's Take:A savvy veteran who can run sharp routes and haul in passes during pressure situations, Wayne could be a highly sought after free agent this offseason. His numbers took a hit with Peyton Manning out this season, but he could find his stride again if paired with a talented quarterback.
Peyton's career coming to an end?-- Mon Jan 30 11:50 pm -- Sources "don't believe he'll resume his career"
For all the discussion over Peyton Manning’s future with the Indianapolis Colts, the underlying issue is that people close to him don’t believe he’ll resume his career.
The nerves in Manning’s arm are not healing as quickly as hoped and, worse, don’t appear to be progressing at enough of a rate to indicate that he will play again, according to two sources with knowledge of Manning’s rehabilitation from neck surgery. The vertebrae in his neck that were fused have healed as expected and Manning began throwing in December. But he hasn’t shown improvement in velocity on his passes, and the two sources fear he likely never will again.(Yahoo! Sports)
FF Today's Take:As we warned earlier tonight, very few - if any - people actually have an idea how this will play out. Still, this report is one of the more credible ones yet, so Colts fans and fantasy owners alike need to prepare for a NFL without Manning. At this point, it is looking extremely likely Andrew Luck will be under center as the unquestioned starter in Indy to begin the 2012 season.
Peyton's status still very uncertain-- Mon Jan 30 5:42 pm -- Older brother weighs in
When asked if Peyton Manning is "determined," older brother Cooper responded, "I think that's a great word for it."
"What I do know is Peyton is going to do every single thing a human being can possibly do to get ready to play again," Cooper said from his office in New Orleans. "Where, when and how he'll play, that's all up in the air. But as far as his body goes, Peyton's smart, he'll know what to do. Anyone predicting what will happen now going forward is just wasting their breath. But he is working as hard as anyone can work to get out there again."(NFL.com)
FF Today's Take:The last 24 hours has been busy on the Peyton Manning front as some sources have suggested he will retire while others believe he will be released and be in another team's starting lineup to begin next season. While all the buzz keeps the talking heads talking, the fact is that no one knows anything for sure right now. Peyton turns 36 in March - when he is due a $28 M bonus - and has undergone three neck procedures in the past two years.
Manning, Irsay patch things up-- Fri Jan 27 4:35 pm -- Committed to "working together through any challenges"
Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay insist they are just fine after a week filled with complaints and comments suggesting a rift had developed following one of the most miserable seasons in team history. "We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us," the two said Friday in a statement issued by the team. "Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. "We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring."
(SI.com)
FF Today's Take:This doesn't necessarily mean that Manning will be back in Indy next season. Rumors have surfaced that suggest the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets have shown interest in the veteran quarterback. A healthy Peyton Manning under center for either team would dramatically raise the fantasy value of receivers like the Dolphins' Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess, or the Jets' Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress.
Colts hire Pagano as new head coach-- Wed Jan 25 9:00 pm -- Leaves position as Ravens defensive coordinator
The next chapter in the Peyton Manning saga could take a decidedly defensive turn. Indianapolis hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as its new coach Wednesday and will introduce him at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
(SI)
FF Today's Take:The Colts could sport quite a new look next season, with Pagano in charge and, potentially, a rookie quarterback under center in Andrew Luck. Under Pagano's tutelage, the Ravens' defense ranked among the top three in the NFL for each of the past four seasons.
Miami's main priority: acquiring Peyton-- Wed Jan 25 8:55 pm -- Dolphins rumored to be after Colts star QB
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly interested in Peyton Manning. Then again, who isn’t? A source told Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald today that acquiring the longtime Colts QB is “the priority” for the Dolphins, who rumor has it have also expressed interest in Packers backup Matt Flynn. If the Colts look to unload Manning, the Dolphins are far from the only suitor. The Jets, Cardinals, Vikings and virtually every other team in the NFL would also be interested.(SI)
FF Today's Take:Manning is sure to be highly sought after this offseason but the Colts haven't tipped their hat as to whether they'll start next season with a rookie quarterback or their trusty veteran at the helm.
Four teams could be in mix for Peyton-- Sun Jan 22 7:00 pm -- Per Adam Schefter
Add the Arizona Cardinals to mix of teams that includes Dolphins, Jets and Redskins expected to be interested in Colts QB Peyton Manning.(Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FF Today's Take:It's highly unlikely that Manning goes anywhere considering his close relationship with Colts owner Jim Irsay, but the $28 M roster bonus he is due in early March may force Indy's hand. Of the four options Schefter mentions here, Arizona looks to be the most appealing with Larry Fitzgerald in his prime and complementary receivers like Early Doucet and Andre Roberts around him.
Jets' players displeased with Sanchez-- Wed Jan 11 8:30 pm -- Open to the idea of bring Manning into the mix
A season torn by discord and dysfunction prompted several key Jets players and members of the organization to paint a sobering picture of Mark Sanchez, a polarizing figure within the franchise’s walls. They also invited the opportunity to replace Sanchez with Peyton Manning. “We have to bring in another quarterback that will make him work at practice,” said one player. “He’s lazy and content because he knows he’s not going to be benched.”
(New York Daily News)
FF Today's Take:Sanchez performed quite admirably over the first half of the 2011 season, recording quarterback ratings of greater than 85 in seven of his first eight games. He struggled mightily over the second half though, turning the ball over 14 times and registering just two games with a QB rating greater than 85.
Irsay nets Eagles' Grigson to be GM -- Wed Jan 11 10:36 am -- One of seven interviewed for the position
Owner Jim Irsay has turned to Ryan Grigson to help return the Indianapolis Colts to prominence. The Highland, Ind. and Purdue University product has been hired as the team's new general manager, the team announced this morning. Grigson, 39, has spent the past nine seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, the last two as their director of player personnel. (Indy Star)
FF Today's Take:The Colts are entering a transition phase on and off the field so Grigson will have plenty of impact on the team's future success. Among the most pressing decisions looming for the new General Manager are whether to retain Jim Caldwell as head coach and the situation revolving around QB Peyton Manning and the team's rights to the number one overall selection in April.
Colts will never trade Peyton?-- Sun Jan 8 8:55 pm -- Owner suggests possible release is a "medical issue"
Whatever decision on Peyton Manning, one that will NOT happen: A trade. Irsay will never trade Manning. Release? That's a medical issue, for now.(Chris Mortensen on Twitter)
FF Today's Take:With a $28 M option in his contract ready to kick in two months from now, Manning's main focus will remain doing everything he can to be as healthy as possible when the new league year starts. Among several other teams, the Redskins and Jets are likely to have interest in Manning should he be made available at some point. More likely, however, is that Manning will remain a Colt in order to make the transition to Andrew Luck over the next year or two as smooth as possible.
Peyton getting throwing arm back-- Wed Dec 21 6:00 pm -- Colts QB starting to put velocity behind passes
Colts running back Joseph Addai says the velocity on Peyton Manning's short throws last week was game-ready. Addai was one of three players catching passes from Manning after last Wednesday's team workout. Receiver Anthony Gonzalez, center Jeff Saturday and a receiver from the practice squad also took part. On Tuesday, team vice chairman Bill Polian told reporters that Manning was throwing "better" and responded "that's correct" when asked whether Manning had decent velocity on throws 20 to 25 yards down the field.
(SI)
FF Today's Take:This is an encouraging sign for Manning owners in keeper leagues and Colts fans as well, but expect the Manning/Luck dilemma to be one of the most discussed topics in football this offseason leading up to the NFL draft in April.
Colts' Manning begins throwing-- Wed Dec 14 1:45 pm -- Enters next phase in recovery from neck surgery
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has started throwing the football again.
Colts coach Jim Caldwell said Wednesday that Manning is throwing the ball as part of the next phase of his rehabilitation process from neck surgery Sept. 8. There's no indication that Manning will practice with his teammates before the season ends Jan. 1, much less play in a game, but the news was a positive step in Manning's recovery.
(NFL.com)
FF Today's Take:Manning won't help you this season but as long as his rehab continues to progress in a positive manner he's still worth holding onto in keeper and dynasty formats.
Luck confirms plan to enter NFL draft-- Tue Dec 6 7:05 pm -- What will the Colts do in 2012?
Andrew Luck confirmed what NFL fans already expected. The Stanford quarterback will be forgoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.(USA Today)
FF Today's Take:Andrew Luck's decision to enter the draft means there is a new variable to consider for Peyton Manning owners in keeper and dyansty formats. If Luck ends up on the Colts, the uncertainty surrounding Manning and the hype around Luck will create an unknown fantasy landscape for both quarterbacks in 2012. Much of that uncertainty hinges on the health of Peyton Manning who will offer fantasy owners a glimpse into his future if he is able to return to practice before the end of the regular season.
Peyton Manning to begin throwing-- Fri Dec 2 5:10 pm -- Colts QB still hasn't ruled out playing this season
Peyton Manning could soon be throwing footballs to his teammates, the best news Colts fans have heard since this miserable season began. While the Colts and the four-time league MVP are still trying to find out what the next part of his rehabilitation program entails, lifting weights and throwing balls are apparently going to be part of it. Manning called the news encouraging and said he would like to practice or even play this season if he’s cleared.(Yahoo Sports)
FF Today's Take:It might be a little premature to snatch Manning up on waivers in re-draft leagues, especially if you're in a league that finishes week 16. While it's encouraging that the 35-year-old wants to return to competition, the winless Colts have no reason to further risk Manning's health this year.
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