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Peyton is horrible when blitzed, if he doesn't have time to sit in the pocket he's almost helpless.

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This was never more evident than on that crucial fourth down play on the Colts' second-to-last series. Peyton lined up in the shotgun so that he wouldn't have to drop back (which was smart), but as soon as he got the ball from center, he saw the pressure coming, and turned his back and started running (slowly). As soon as he turned his back, that play was over. Manning isn't going to outrun anybody and was sacked after he took about four steps.

I think most QBs in that situation would stand in there that extra split second, throw a quick pass, and take the hit. Not Manning. For some reason, he gave up on the play almost as soon as he got the ball. I agree that Manning will never win in the playoffs until he learns how to handle pressure.



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It was 4th and 16 on that play. What was Manning supposed to do? Dump it off to the RB and hope the guy gets the first down? He had to throw the ball downfield and he ran back hoping to buy time for a WR to get downfield.

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Watch the play again. Manning didn't backpedal. He turned his back and started running. No QB can complete a pass downfield when his back is turned. Manning gave up on the play right from the start.

What he should have done is stood in there for another half-second and then loft one downfield up for grabs. That's better than taking a sack at his own 2 on fourth down. Dumping it off to Edgerrin James is also a better option than taking a sack. Out of those three options (loft it, dump it off, take the sack), Manning chose the worst one. Horrible.