Archie Manning Doubts That Peyton and Andrew Luck Can Co-Exist

by Stew Blake on Dec 6, 2011 7:36 PM EST in 2011 Colts News

When Archie Manning has an opinion, he always finds a way to deliver it to the masses. Today wasn’t any different. Archie took to the radio and added more fuel to the drama fire, whether deliberately or not remains to be seen, regarding the saga of the 2012 Indianapolis Colts.

Archie voiced his concerns and doubted the ability of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck to co-exist, for reasons other than compensation and personnel moves.

"I don’t think it’d necessarily be great for either one," Archie Manning told FOX Sports Radio’s Zakk & Jack Show on Tuesday. "I think Andrew’s the type of mature player . . . he can walk right in. I mean, these other three or four guys that are playing this year, [if] they can walk in and contribute, Andrew can, too. . . ."

From this, you can dissect Archie's words and their point of origin in a multitude of ways.

Could this be his way of delivering a clear cut message regarding his son's intentions? Has he developed this opinion from discussions with Peyton, or Oliver Luck, Andrew's father? While it could be both, Archie possibly hinted at the latter with the following,

"We know Andrew well. He comes down to our camp every year. I used to play with his dad [Oliver]. . . . I’m in New York, I heard from him last night. Peyton’s also tried to help Andrew and kind of be a friend. I doubt if either one want to play on the same team."

I hate to speculate, but from that comment, it looks like Archie could very well be relaying a message based on the conversations he’s had with Oliver Luck. Ultimately, it seems as if he's trying to kill two birds with one stone: 1) Helping Peyton and Andrew deliver their message without either actually having to do it. 2) Forcing the Colts to realize their fate sooner rather than later.

That fate being: You have to let Peyton walk into the pastures of free agency, or turn your back on Andrew Luck when draft day comes.

There’s also the distinct possibility that Archie could be talking out of his butt, which he has a tendency of doing. However, I think the writing could be on the wall here and it’s apparent that Peyton and Andrew know that being on the same team, together, will only serve to be a detrimental factor in each of their own respective careers.

My opinions are my own, but I have to agree with such a notion. As much as I’d love to see two ridiculously skilled quarterbacks on our roster, I just can’t see it happening. Financially, it's feasible, but as Archie implied, Andrew is just too mature of a propsect to wait around for Peyton to collect more rings. Peyton will also be way too focused on gathering more rings for his legacy to watch the Colts waste this huge opportunity on another quarterback. Andrew is a thoroughbred and if he’s coming to the NFL, which he is, he’ll naturally want to compete and get his career started, as did Peyton back in 1998.

Could I be wrong? Of course. That's the beauty of speculating.

However, please don't cite the Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers comparison as a realistic talking point. Rodgers was ready to take over on multiple occasions, but Favre just wasn't ready to leave. Rodgers was also the 24th pick in the first round of the draft, not number one with monumental expectations and the label of "next Peyton Manning" written on his forehead. If that isn't enough, look at the animosity Favre and Rodgers seemingly share for each other. It obviously wasn't a fun situation.

With the 2012 league year beginning on March 12, we might have to patiently wait until that date to officially know the fate of this franchise. What's clear is this: If the Colts pay the option in Manning’s contract, he’ll remain a Colt. If not, he will be a free agent and cannot be traded unless Manning does the Colts a favor and delays the payment of the option.

Once again, "Patience is a virtue, have it if you can."

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Comments

Well done

This is a very well-reasoned piece that hit all the angles, and even allows that all any of us say is pure speculation.

One possible option is to do what the Chargers did with Brees-Rivers and keep both and decide on a year-to-year basis. It would suck to keep Peyton and then watch Luck become Elway II (especially if Peyton gets hurt or is not the Peyton of old) or let Peyton walk, watch him thrive elsewhere and then hope Luck develops. This is not an easy call and anyone who says it is is foolish. The only easy call is if Peyton is not recovered and retires.

by JTBLA on Dec 6, 2011 8:30 PM EST reply actions

Firstly, thanks for the kind words. Secondly, you’re right about this not being an easy decision. It’s going to require a lot of soul searching from the Colts front office. Imo, if Peyton is healthy, there is no way Irsay lets him walk. The history and loyalty is just too great.

Either way, we obviously have a majority of the pieces for a great future here in Indy. Negative thoughts regarding the process are only natural, but I am not short of optimism, quite yet.

Writer for StampedeBlue.com.

by Stew Blake on Dec 6, 2011 8:43 PM EST up reply actions

"we obviously have a majority of the pieces for a great future here in Indy."

Really? As a Seahawks fan who knows little about the Colts, it seems that from an outsider’s perspective, Indianapolis is a declining old team with little fresh new talent to look forward to that was carried by Peyton for the last several seasons.

Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan

by Fearless Frog on Dec 7, 2011 2:35 AM EST up reply actions

Well depends on how you look at it

we do have 2 young RBs
2 fresh O linemen
Saturday has been good this year so hes still got time
Nevis is great (when healthy)
garcon is continuing to improve along with Tamme and if Clark get back into rhythm
obviously Freeney and maybe Mathis on D
Add in the run blockers we aquired
Dont forget the mystery miracle tight end

sure does look like we have a solid group of guys with the exception of some holes in the secondary and a needing a couple more O line men

by C.Settles on Dec 7, 2011 2:41 AM EST up reply actions

I'm not trying to be intentionally crass here so forgive my ignorance...

Well depends on how you look at it

we do have 2 young RBs
2 fresh O linemen
Saturday has been good this year so hes still got time
Nevis is great (when healthy)
garcon is continuing to improve along with Tamme and if Clark get back into rhythm
obviously Freeney and maybe Mathis on D
Add in the run blockers we aquired
Dont forget the mystery miracle tight end

sure does look like we have a solid group of guys with the exception of some holes in the secondary and a needing a couple more O line men

- Who are the 2 young RBs? I know Donald Brown (who hasn’t impressed me in the slightest), who’s the other?
- I’ll agree with this, the OL looks better than before.
- Saturday is a dinosaur and you can’t expect him to continue to play at a high level forever.
- Nevis is indeed great, one of my sleeper picks in the draft.
- Freeney and Mathis are old and their replacement Jerry Hughes is a total bust according to a few Colts fans I know.

Added to the disastrous secondary and general lack of depth everywhere, it seems like the whole roster is a mess. Peyton Manning is an all-time great but a team does not simply go from 10 wins to winless (so far) overnight.

Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan

by Fearless Frog on Dec 7, 2011 2:48 AM EST up reply actions

Carter our new RB this year suppose to be the short yardage back

coaches keep forgetting that

Saturday is old but hes still playing better than anyone else on the line
F and M are getting up there but only M has been talked about replacing F has some years left

by C.Settles on Dec 7, 2011 7:35 PM EST up reply actions

One thing

that hasn’t been mentioned is that if Peyton goes elsewhere, he is not going to necessarily have immediate success. That check-with-me thing takes YEARS to develop and you have to be in sync with everybody: OL, WRs, RBs, TEs. It’s not like Favre going to another West Coast offense team, where it is the same system and where he could buy some time and generate huge results in broken plays, like he did his 1st year in Minnesota. Maybe Archie knows that the best situation for Peyton is to remain a Colt and he is trying to influence Luck to pull an Eli on us. By the way, nice article. Pretty objective.

by BertramJone on Dec 6, 2011 8:51 PM EST reply actions

Yeah that’s it not that Manning was the system (as evidenced by how awful our offense looks with the same players he had last season)

If he’s the system he can take it anywhere and depending on where he ends up(if it comes to that) he has a great work ethic he’ll work day and night to get it done because that’s the type of QB he is.

by CF4L on Dec 6, 2011 9:27 PM EST up reply actions

That doesn't mean

his new teammates would work night and day with him. If he goes to another team he will have to adjust his own game because he won’t have the same power there that he does in Indy.

That said, I really doubt he will go to another team. If Manning makes it clear he won’t play for the Colts if they draft Luck, then Irsay will pick Manning and they’ll trade the pick. In every situation I am confident that Irsay will pick a healthy Manning over anybody.

by FatDT on Dec 7, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

No question Peyton has a great work ethic and that he would do his 100% to get things to work right if he goes somewhere else. However, he is used to work with the choir boys Polian has picked for him, who have the right attitude and smarts to play with him. It won’t be the same in other places, I guarantee you.

by BertramJone on Dec 7, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

Great article

I want them both to be here but were not gonna get that lucky…let the debate begin… My vote would be (and I kow it means nothing) to take Luck and get rid of Manning..I know this sounds awful but give me the young healthy prospect over the one that is a hit away from being out again

The worse thing that could happen would be to get rid of Manning and then have Luck still pull a power play because he doesn’t want to be here

By the way if Blue Shoes would have written this article it would have been venom, hell, snakes, and fire!!! I hate his articles

by Trav19purdue on Dec 6, 2011 8:58 PM EST reply actions

Everyone is one hit away...

Look at all of the QBs who have gone down this year. That’s a ridiculous statement and if you ask medical people his risk would not be significantly higher than last year. I think people misunderstand his surgery…

"It's about the journey--mine and yours--and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better."
— Tony Dungy

by Mark Olson on Dec 6, 2011 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah. I don’t agree with the “one hit away” theory. I understand what you’re saying, but I’ve heard it way too much. If Peyton plays, he will be completely healthy and up to full spec.

Writer for StampedeBlue.com.

by Stew Blake on Dec 6, 2011 10:40 PM EST up reply actions

This sounds about right I mean anyone who thought they could coexist was deluding themselves.

You’re either all in with Luck or all in with Manning. There’s no point having 2 QB’s and nothing else as far as a team that has tons of holes that need to be filled.

And a real coaching staff and FO that should be brand new as well.

Irsay is more likely to do that with Luck than with Manning where he’d keep Polians and Caldwell and it will be the same disappointing early exit from the postseason if it comes to that.

by CF4L on Dec 6, 2011 9:30 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

"There’s no point having 2 QB’s and nothing else as far as a team that has tons of holes that need to be filled."

Except, having 2 QBs doesn’t mean you get “nothing else.” The Colts do have six other picks. This team’s biggest hole is quarterback, and by keeping both, you all but guarantee having an elite quarterback for the next 15 years.

by James Broschat on Dec 6, 2011 11:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

There's no way Luck's camp is on board with sitting on the bench.

In fact I think Luck would stay in school if it were certain the Colts planned to somehow keep him and Peyton simulatenously.

Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan

by Fearless Frog on Dec 10, 2011 10:50 PM EST up reply actions

Archie trying to dictate the Colts...

Peyton and Andrew could easily share the same locker room. What Archie is doing here is trying to get it through peoples heads how idiotic it is to draft Luck with PM still in playing shape. Peyton’s surgery should allow him to come back stronger than he’s been in the last few years.
The Colts have glaring needs all over the place and why waste a #1 pick on a ‘franchise’ QB of the future? Peyton is ready to win now and if you can get a couple first rounders for giving up Andrew Luck, then get a superbowl(s) now and figure out the QB thing later. Look at the Dan Marino situation. No one expects even Andrew Luck to come out of college and be as phenomenal as Marino was as a Rookie and Marino couldn’t pull off a Superbowl with an arguably better cast than the Colts have now.
Keeping a healthy Peyton Manning and trading away #1 for more picks gives the Colts the best chance to win Superbowls now. That’s all the Colts should be worried about. This planning for the future thing has burned a lot more teams than it has made.

"It's about the journey--mine and yours--and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better."
— Tony Dungy

by Mark Olson on Dec 6, 2011 9:48 PM EST reply actions

Either that or Manning realizes this team is really awful without him and is planting the seeds to get out of Indy. I mean really it could go either way here. After facing NFL mortality this year and if he can play again he’ll want to go to a team committed to winning now. Do you really see that with the Colts right now?

I don’t.

If you were Manning or Luck for that matter why would you want to join this team who can’t win without their star QB?

by CF4L on Dec 6, 2011 10:02 PM EST up reply actions

“If you were Manning or Luck for that matter why would you want to join this team who can’t win without their star QB?”

Because you get paid to do so… I believe every quarterback that has been the 1st overall pick has ended up on a team that isn’t championship caliber. That’s how this game works…

NeXt Man Up

by Dann Giszewski on Dec 6, 2011 10:13 PM EST up reply actions

Its one thing to not be championship caliber its another where the FO has shown to be completely inept. Also some guys want more than to just be paid they want to be put in a position to win. Otherwise why else would Eli and Elway go elsewhere they knew some franchises are just completely inept unless major changes are marde.

I mean Matt Stafford is the only guy to go to a 0-16 team but they made changes by firing their FO and coaching staff before he got there.

For me it comes down to whether Irsay will get rid of Caldwell and the Polians if he does then yes Luck would be in a good place here.

Otherwise? Its Elway 2

by CF4L on Dec 6, 2011 10:18 PM EST up reply actions

If you really believe that the FO is

“completely inept,” then you really need to get some new sources of news and analysis.

by James Broschat on Dec 6, 2011 11:07 PM EST up reply actions

It's hard not to believe that,

when a team is looking likely to literally go 0-16 after the loss of a QB.

Peyton is a living legend but in the end he is still 1 player.

Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan

by Fearless Frog on Dec 7, 2011 2:39 AM EST up reply actions

It's easy for a SEA fan to say that,

considering the QBs you’ve had to put up with, but this system was built on the shoulders of Peyton Manning. With him, it’s one of the most successful runs ever, without him it crumbles.

by James Broschat on Dec 7, 2011 11:12 AM EST up reply actions

Come on James

0-12
Bad drafts from 07-10
Bad personnel decisions (cutting superior players, starting inferior ones)
Head coach with no actual decision-making power

You can argue the definition of “completely”. To say the front office has made zero good moves the last few years is overstating things. The 2011 draft class, assuming they can be healthy going forward, looks very good. But there is plenty of evidence that the front office has built the team poorly since the 2006 SB win.

by FatDT on Dec 7, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

To say that 07-10 were bad drafts is your opinion, and not well based.

Head coach was a bad choice, but it was off the recommendation of Dungy and for continuity with Manning. Failed experiment.

Personnel: Tryon… and who else? Tryon was a clusterf*ck. I have no idea what went on there, but it seemed like a coach debacle to me.

I’m not saying the last four years have been peachy. But to say they’re completely inept is inaccurate.

by James Broschat on Dec 7, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

I don't see Peyton winning a ring anywhere but Indy

Who do you see that would pick up Peyton? He’s a system guy that takes years to build around. Yes he would be good on other teams, but he thrives on chemistry with his WR and it would take a year at the very least to get comfortable with a new team. I don’t think he wants to play anywhere else. I would be surprised if he ever played for another team. If it comes to him going somewhere else, my money is on him retiring before that happens.

"It's about the journey--mine and yours--and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better."
— Tony Dungy

by Mark Olson on Dec 6, 2011 10:58 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think this is true...

Peyton thrived with Collie and Garcon their rookie years, had no problems with Tamme and White their first times into the system…

I don’t see that Peyton is a “systems” player

by icedude on Dec 6, 2011 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs

This.

by James Broschat on Dec 6, 2011 11:26 PM EST up reply actions

Seattle will gladly take him off your hands :3

Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan

by Fearless Frog on Dec 7, 2011 2:39 AM EST up reply actions

I thought Charlie Whitehurst aka touchdown Jesus was your future?

What if Peyton was fightin' dogs instead of Mike Vick?
-Jadakiss

by melvin shot out of a gun bullit on Dec 7, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

He's varied from looking okay to terrible.

I’m on board with giving him another shot but it seems like the FO will move on and let him walk in free agency.

Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan

by Fearless Frog on Dec 10, 2011 10:52 PM EST up reply actions

You think you'll take a quarterback in the first round?

What if Peyton was fightin' dogs instead of Mike Vick?
-Jadakiss

by melvin shot out of a gun bullit on Dec 11, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions

This whole situation has become a bigger debate than a run for presidential office. Whatever is going happen will so no matter what people said about it and outcome won’t change because of us. I’m to the point were I believe if we end up choosing between one or the other, than roll the dice with the young gun. Manning is a god, but he deserves to have a chance with a Superbowl contender. This team needs to rebuild and starting over with Luck is a great start. My only thing is, if we don’t get something in return for Manning I’ll be pissed. If the Colts just allow him to walk and he wins a couple more championships, how dumb will we look for not receiving any compensation from him.

NeXt Man Up

by Dann Giszewski on Dec 6, 2011 10:02 PM EST reply actions

What contender is going to sign him?

Contenders generally have QBs in place.

"It's about the journey--mine and yours--and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better."
— Tony Dungy

by Mark Olson on Dec 6, 2011 10:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Seahawks, LOLSKINS, Jets, Broncos, a couple other teams that are fairly competent but direly need a QB.

Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan

by Fearless Frog on Dec 7, 2011 2:40 AM EST up reply actions

I found it intersting

Rex Ryan said Sanchez will be the QB as long as he is coaching the Jets
Who knows if he meant it or was just trying to encourage Mark but honestly i hope he means it I hate the Jets

by C.Settles on Dec 7, 2011 2:43 AM EST up reply actions

Ryan says a lot of things

Like “we’re the best team in football” or “I guarantee we’ll win the SB”. If the opportunity to get a better QB came along Ryan would take it.

by FatDT on Dec 7, 2011 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

Im not so sure

He says those things because he is over confident and actually believe in it
To take Manning would be calling himself a liar that they arent the best and need a new QB also i think Rex is too head strong to succumb to Manning and admit they wont win without him

Now the Jets owners on the other hand would not have a problem taking Manning but i think Rex has too much pride in himself to admit it especially after he made such a big dal about beating the Colts after we beat them. If he takes Manning he will never be able to beat Manning again

by C.Settles on Dec 7, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions

i think plenty of teams would want to sign him

He’s shown he can take a soon to be 0-16 group of scrubs and turn them into playoff materials year after year.

Think about this… There are quite a few teams who are arguably a great QB away from superbowl contention.
1. Broncos. (what better way to get rid of tebow without fan backlash?)
2. Jets.
3. Ravens (yep… news flash Flacco is not elite and that is why he still hasn’t gotten an extension).
4. Texans (booyah… they would dump Schaub in a heartbeat for Manning… could you imagine Manning with that WR core and newly found #1 rated D?).
5. Arizona. (Manning and Fitz could be a sick pair along with several other options, a serviceable defense, and a terrible division).
6. 49ers. (Jim Harbaugh would probably want to wipe Peyton’s blood on his face as well… sicko)

I think any one of those teams would LOVE to sign Manning, especially as a free agent. Would you argue that any of those teams wouldn’t be at least capable of a Superbowl run with him? The main thing holding those guys back is QB play.

For my 2 cents, the Broncos would probably be the best option. They have shown to have a great team full of superstars at skill positions, and quality depth (which is what we do not have in Indy).

by coltsfanbeforemanning on Dec 7, 2011 9:51 AM EST up reply actions

And the Broncos are a horse-related team as well.

Perfect match!

by Peter Storgaard on Dec 7, 2011 12:33 PM EST up reply actions

Arizona over Seattle?

C’mon man.

Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan

by Fearless Frog on Dec 10, 2011 10:53 PM EST up reply actions

This

If they go Luck, which I like, I would love for.the colts to get back into the first couple rounds. Would be huge. And yeah I know money and many other factors make this scenario somewhat unlikely. Still, it would be awesome.

If Luck is a top 5 QB throughout his career, it will have been the best move for the colts franchise.

by mlc2656 on Dec 6, 2011 11:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

two can play this game

by MDTitansFan2 on Dec 6, 2011 10:15 PM EST reply actions

by MDTitansFan2 on Dec 6, 2011 10:16 PM EST reply actions

LOL

That actually was funny. I mean, scary to us Colts fans. But well done. You could insert about 20% of the team’s faces in place of Peyton’s and still be accurate.

by buymymonkey on Dec 6, 2011 10:30 PM EST up reply actions

Nice pic but

he could still beat the Titans in that condition and probably half the NFL

by C.Settles on Dec 7, 2011 2:45 AM EST up reply actions

^this.

by Ayrshire on Dec 7, 2011 8:17 AM EST up reply actions

Luck

isn’t the only QB who may have the ability to win a Super Bowl. Big Ben, Eli and Rivers all came from the same draft. Ben and Eli have both won a Super Bowl and Rivers (arguably the more talented QB) has not. As long as we get a TALENTED QB and surround him with a great team, we’ll have a shot. The problem is that we are trying to get a QB just like Peyton. The kind that does it all himself and doesn’t need a good team. Well, we’ve been down that road, haven’t we?

by GrizzColt on Dec 6, 2011 11:44 PM EST reply actions

there is something to this...

has some truth to it. we have been spoiled for a long time to have the best QB play in the league.

by coltsfanbeforemanning on Dec 7, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

true

i settle for a quality QB with a good TEAM around him than clone of Manning with the same team. I mean Dilfer… Trent Freaking Dilfer has as many SB’s as Manning. Crazy.

by Straight Out The Burbs on Dec 7, 2011 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

It's kind of been mentioned before but

This is how I see things playing out. Come April, manning will be evaluated. If he is 75% or better the colts will deal the first pick…luck may be good but he isn’t a guaranteed success no matter what people say. What we get for a trade probably won’t be as much as what most people think. Other owners will also keep an eye on mannings health and they will know that the colts won’t keep a healthy manning and Luck. I can’t speculate who what picks we will get but we will probably pick up a qb no matter what in the first few rounds. This in my mind would be best case scenario giving us a more well rounded team. However….

If manning isn’t 75% or better then the team IMO has to part ways with manning. This neck issue self admittingly made manning not be able get anything on his throws…and the difference between an interception or incomplete pass and a catch relies on pinpoint accuracy. If he is not throwing well…I am not suggesting he won’t play again…but it could take 1-3 years to get back to form….and frankly he doesnt have that time to rehab. So if this happens and he isn’t looking good or doesn’t pass physicals then we will draft luck and work on rebuilding this team with the first second round pick…which most people forget we will have.
Regardless though I hope we make some changes either in upper management or in coaching. It’s flat out idiotic to think we don’t have problems beyond the players. I have never thought the majority of our players are bad…I lean toward poor coaching and not putting our talent in good positions to excel. I just hope Irsay doesn’t wuss out and make some tough changes!

by nighttrain551 on Dec 7, 2011 12:06 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I agree completely on the coaching. How can you possibly know which players lack talent and which are capable of great things under the right guidance. This should be touched upon in a topic of our overall player evaluations. That would be an article I think viewers would be interested in discussing. I think there’s enough talented individuals on the roster to win a Superbowl. If you think about it, its not like the roster has been overhauled since we last won the big one. The one key difference, Manning. The only thing this season has taught us is how obviously bad the coaching has been.

NeXt Man Up

by Dann Giszewski on Dec 7, 2011 1:42 AM EST up reply actions