There’s some excellent postgame analysis there in this replay. For example, Manning pointed out something on the Addai-to-Wayne pass that I didn’t notice: Wayne also had to sell the play as a rushing one. And he did, big time. Reggie ran straight for the charging safety as if to downfield block, and that made the corner let him go in favor of charging the line. It also made the safety bite on the play, and eagerly run towards the contact. But when Wayne then turned for the end zone, the safety was (obviously) the first to realize and react. But it was too late; Wayne had blown by him and the ball was already in the air. Manning saw this, and noted it in the postgame interview.

I’m impressed by that. Yes, I know that it was probably a simple analysis for Peyton to make, but he remembered it without benefit of replay or anything like that. Yes, the man is one serious student of the game, no question. Never was, but this is just more proof on the mountain of evidence for that.

I have to say I’m even more worried about Manning. I’ve seen a LOT of throws where the ball just wobbles out of his hand. He’s ok on the shorter throws, but those long ones weeble and wobble until they fall down. I’m wondering if he doesn’t have a problem with one of his fingers?

Will it come on again?