GarageGabs

Cowboys’ Defensive Flurry Hands Colts First Loss

I’ve always had a lot of respect for Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning. That doesn’t mean I have to like either of them. In case you were wondering, I don’t. They each made comments in reference to yesterdays loss to Dallas that only added fuel to my fire.

On 3rd and goal from the 4 yard line, Peyton Manning tried to connect with Dallas Clark at the goal line. Just as Manning was about to release the ball, Dallas safety Roy Williams made contact with Clark, causing him to fall to the ground. Manning was too far into his release to hang on to the ball and hit Williams square in the chest for an interception.

NFL rules clearly state a receiver can be touched within 5 yards as long as the ball is not in the air.

Here is what Manning had to say about the play: “When the ball was released, he was definately on his feet.”

Said Coach Tony Dungy: “I find it hard to believe my quarterback would throw to a guy who’s on the ground and throw it right to someone on defense, I question that.”

What Manning and Dungy are insinuating is that the wrong call was made. They are both saying it in a way that won’t get them in trouble with the league but still makes their point clear.

Well Coach Dungy, believe it. I DVR’d the game yesterday, and had the opportunity to go back and look at the play again this morning. The ball had not left Manning’s hand when the contact was made, thus it was a legal play.

Rather than complain about calls that the officials got right, maybe Manning and Coach Dungy should talk about why Dungy didn’t throw a red flag when it appeared Kevin Burnett made contact with Marvin Harrison, which would have ruled him down, rather than scoring a game tying touchdown. Maybe the two of them could talk about developing some sort of run game? Peyton flatly denied that he was rattled yesterday. Uhhh, Archie’s boy, you were rattled. You were constantly under pressure and turned the ball over 3 times. Maybe you remember, it’s the same formula the Chargers beat you with last year. In fact, it’s the same formula the Steelers beat you with as well. Is it any coincidence that the Chargers, Steelers, and Cowboys all run a 3-4 scheme? It would be nice if players and coaches were afforded the opportunity to watch replays before making some of their comments. Also, why give credit to the other team over and over again, and then make statements like the above? Manning constantly finds ways to slide in short little jabs that make it seem as if the Colts aren’t responsible for losses. Yeah, he’ll credit the other team with playing well, BUT he always has something to add that sort of takes some luster off the opponents victory. Sorry Peyton, but I’m gonna have to call you out on it this time. Not only were you wrong, but you made a poor pass as well. Clark was clearly falling down as you threw the football and was obviously not a threat to catch the ball. Why don’t you just admit that you felt intense pressure coming from your backside in the form of DeMarcus Ware? Instead of forcing the football (which he does over and over again, it always catches up with im in the playoffs) you should have tucked the ball and either taken a sack or a short gain. In doing so, you would have left your team in position for a field goal, rather than the zero points you ended up with.
Well, that’s my Peyton Manning rant. I put together a short video replay of the interception, including some analysis by me.