Is Peyton Manning a Great QB?

Peyton Manning is a funny one, isn't he? This weekend, for the millionth time, Manning lost the big game. To be honest, it's a bit depressing for me. And I'm not even a Colts fan.

For years and years, I've hoped that Peyton would play his best and win the big one. For years I've thought that he was under-rated and that many people just didn't realize how great he was, how important a player he is and that yes, someday, he would win the Super Bowl in convincing fashion. I was a Manning apologist. I made the "cold-weather excuse", the "poor-defense excuse", the "Ty Law was mugging Marvin excuse"... all of them.

After watching Sunday's loss to the Steelers, I'm sure there are other Manning apologists that are dedicating themselves to the, "his O-line sucks excuse", but I am not among them. It is true that Tarik Glenn (who publicly took the blame for the loss) and Co. did a sub-par job of protecting Manning, but I'm done making excuses. In fact, starting with last year's playoff loss to New England, I began to believe what the nay-sayers have been saying for years.

Let's look at the facts. When Manning was at Tennessee, he was dubbed a great leader, a compulsive video nut and a future hall-of-famer. His pedigree was unprecedented and he had just enough success for those who WANTED to see him do well to justify saying that he was going to be the an unbelievable success. The problem is, Manning's job wasn't to be really, really good. His job was to win when it mattered, which is what great QB's do. Manning didn't do this! He lost every year to arch-rival Florida and Tennessee won the national championship without Manning immediately after he graduated! That early in his career, it would have been somewhat unfair to Manning to assume this trend would continue, but it is worth noting that the trend existed.

To compound this pro-Manning sentiment, Ryan Leaf (who was also supposed to be a great QB from the same draft class) failed miserably in the NFL. Meanwhile, Manning saw early success in his career, setting records and showing poise in his first few years.

Since then, it seems as though Manning has done everything he has always done. He has won the majority of his games. He has passed for a record number of yards, TDs and completions. He has led a no-huddle offense the likes of which the NFL has never seen (even more thorough than Jim Kelly's offense) and has helped put Indianapolis on the map. In short, he has been very, very, very good.

Problem is, he lost in the 2000 playoffs to Tennessee, in 2001 to Miami (in OT), didn't make the 2002 playoffs after Edgerrin James got hurt (curiously losing 7 of 8 after his injury) finishing with a 6-10 record, lost 41-0 to the Jets in 2003, lost 24-14 to New England in 2004, 20-3 to the Pats again in 2005 and then this Sunday, they lost to 6th seed Pittsburgh 21-18 in a game that wasn't nearly that close (no thanks to the officiating crew). Peyton Manning has lost every game that really mattered to his team since he got under center.

Now, I'm the first to recognize that even the best QBs have often had luck/chance/good fortune/etc. on their side and that these same QBs are only 1 man on a team of 53. I'll also be the first to admit that Peyton has had some less than perfect conditions to deal with. But like I said before, I'm done making excuses for him. Manning simply doesn't win when it matters most. And it stands to reason that because of the control over the play-calling, adjustments, etc. that he has, he should be held even more responsible than any 'normal' QB. How many times, for instance, did Peyton try to move the pocket to account for the Pittsburgh blitz?

Teams simply find a way to beat him and he is unable to find answers in times of crisis. As invincible as he has seemed lately, in the regular season, he seems equally beatable in the post-season, when he could wipe the slate clean forever. He looks, at times, like the pressure brings out the worst in him. We've all seen the 'Peyton Manning Face', the one he makes that looks as hopeless as possible. As someone who wants to see Manning succeed, this is a terribly frustrating trend.

To be honest, I still think he'll win the Super Bowl, eventually. He's good enough that I feel like EVENTUALLY, the cards will fall in his favor. But at this point, Manning has made a name for himself as a choker. To reverse his reputation, Manning would have to win the Super Bowl in a come-from-behind, only man for the job, ice water in his veins way. Anything less than a spectacular and heroic performance will leave doubt in the minds of everyone who has ever watched him play. Including me.

Until that happens, Peyton Manning is NOT one of the best 15 or so QBs of all-time. All those haters who think Manning is a better QB than Brady are idiots. Those that say he is an all-time great are simply wrong and care more about stats and games against the Texans than they should. He has been over-rated for years and I'm done waiting for him to fulfill the optimistic forecast we all had for him in college.

This is what I think. Take it or leave it. Think differently? Email me at campguy@sportscamper.com

The Camp Guy Answers Camp Questions!

Q: Hello, I got your e-mail when I was looking for a basketball league in the areas of Pleasanton or Dublin ( California). Can you help me with that? I really don't like the league thru our Community Center. There is no competition. I have a 11 and 8 year old they been playing since they were 4 years old. I hope you can help us. Thank you!- Jorgelina

A: Hi Jorgelina! Thanks for writing. There are some great youth basketball camps in your area. Please check out this link with information on several camps in your area - http://www.sfgokids.com/pages/basket.htm

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Q: Hi! Last year my daughter went to volleyball camp at Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln Illinois. I can't find any information about this camp on the internet. Please let me know if you have any information regarding this camp. Thanks! Terri Devlin

A: Terri, I found some information on the camps provided by Lincoln Christian College. Looks like they offer MANY different camps, including 3 volleyball camps. I hope this link helps your daughter find the camping experience she is looking for - http://www.lccs.edu/athletics/

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Q: My name is Anthony and I am 21 years old. I just relocated here in Austin from New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina, and am trying to find a good Speed Camp here, in Austin. Any help you can provide is deeply appreciated.

A: Hi Anthony. Glad to hear you are alive and safe in Austin, TX. It's a beautiful city with a lot to enjoy. Check out this link to gather more information on the U. of Texas speed camp. http://www.texassports.com/index.php?s=&change_well_id=2&url_article_id=176

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Q: I'm looking for any softball camps/clinics in Wisconsin... Please send me any info that you may have. Thank you! -Marla Duerwachter

A: Hi Marla! The University of Wisconsin offers a great variety of softball camps on their campus. Go to http://www.uwbadgers.com/camps/sb/index.aspx for more information. I believe they have 6 camps... some for pitchers and catchers, some for teams, some for individual skill improvement. Happy Camping!

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Q: We are interested in a Cross Country camp in Texas if you have one. Our son is 16 and has been running on the team for 4 years. He is wanting to go to a camp in Texas if one is available. Please contact us if anything is available. Thank-you! - Cyndie Betz

A: Cyndie, I think your best bet is The Baylor Cross Country camp. They don't have the information for their 2006 camp up on their site yet, but if you contact them soon, they will be able to keep you updated on their sign up information. http://baylorbears.collegesports.com/camps/camps-c-xc.html

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Q: Hi Camp Guy:I am searching for affordable basketball and football summer camp(s). Ihave a niece that is 10 years old that I want to send to basketball camp. In addition, I have two nephews, one is 8 years old, and the other is 9 years old that I want to send to football camp. If youcould, please provide me with as many camps that are available in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area, or a camp that they could stay overnight. Thank you in advance for your help!! Sincerely, Amanda Meazell

A: Amanda, I think you should take a look at The University of North Texas sports camps. They have 3 separate girls basketball camps and a football camp for ages 8 and up. http://www.unt.edu/athletics.htm

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Q: Hello,I am emailing you to get some information on basketball camps in the Georgia/Alabama area for my 16 yr old son. I am using his email address so that you can email him back with any info that you may have directly. His name is Johnathan and he is looking for a camp or a league type of activity for the upcoming summer. Any information that you may have pretaining to dates, times, and pricing, please let us know. We would greatly appreciate your assistance. Mrs. Turk and Johnathan too :) Have a Blessed Day! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A: Thanks for writing! I would recommend looking at the University of Alabama basketball camp for a 16 year old. Here is a direct link to a great deal of information on this camp. Good Luck, Jonathan! http://www.rolltide.com/Mens%20Basketball/4521.asp

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Q: Hey camp guy, My name is Jim Jordan. I live in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. I have a 14 year old son who is very interested in developing his football skills. We are looking for camps over the winter months and into spring. We found lots of summer camps, but we want to start immediately if possible. Do you know of any camps available in the MD, WV, VA, or PA areas? Any info would be greatly appreciated. We would even consider personal tudors if any exist. Thank you for your time and consideration. -Jim Jordan

A: Hi Jim. Unfortunately, I don't know of any winter or spring football clinics in those areas, but rest assured, I will keep my eyes open for camps of this nature. What position does your son play? I'm available for ad-hoc, weekend, one on one clinics for quarterbacks and receivers anywhere in the United States.


Hope you all found this information useful. Send YOUR questions to campguy@sportscamper.com!

Coaching Decisions, the National Championship and Statistics...


About the game itself -

I've been thinking about that National Championship game since it ended. There is SO much to think about. First of all, let's all just take a minute to realize how great Vince Young is. He's the type of player that is so good, that on almost every play, I thought the USC defense was in slow motion. See, with a guy like Michael Vick, you know you're watching someone who is super fast. But with Vince Young, he's moving SO much faster AND smoother than those around him that he simply makes everyone else look really slow/clumsy. He's unreal. The jury is out on how good he'll be in the Pro's, but for now, he just might be the best player in the country. This was the first time I saw a Texas game from start to finish, and what a game. I for one hope he enters the draft, but that's a whole different column.

As for Reggie Bush, I thought he wasn't used as well as he could have been, which is on Pete Carroll (he was on the BENCH during that 4th & 2), but good grief, what was that attempted lateral all about?? That was stupid. Probably some cockiness mixed in there, too. Now, I love Reggie, but that bone headed move may have cost his team some points (at least 3). He did have 177 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown (which, in any other game, would have been excellent), but his mistake and the great play of Vince Young are what will be remembered from this game.

Now, about the 4th & 2 conversion decision. Let me go on record as supporting Pete Carroll's decision. I think, taking everything into account, I would have done the same thing. There is certainly part of me that think, "Hey, you punt it down to the 10, they have to go 90 yards in 2 minutes, let's see if they can do it." But I think, in THIS case, the right decision was to go for it, especially considering how White had been churning out yards all night and considering how good the Texas punt block team is. There have been a lot of people in many media sources claiming that it was a terrible decision. I think they are idiots. There have also been lots of people saying that no matter what, Texas was gonna score, so you had to get the first down. I think they are idiots, too. The simple fact is, the value of an estimated 85 yard drive was slightly lower for USC than the expected value of the possible 4th down conversion (game over), weighed against a possible 56 yard drive. Now, that may not be why Carroll made that decision, but that's why it was a good decision. I have no problem with those that say they would have punted. 4th and 2 is a alot more daunting than 4th & 1. The Texas defense had already stuffed them on a 4th and 1 earlier in the game. So yeah, I can understand someone punting. In hindsight, we can all realize it MIGHT have given them the win. But then again, hindsight is always 20/20.

In discussing this 4th and 2 topic today, my friends and I got into some pretty heated debates (as we always do). Mostly they surrounded statistics/probability and coaching decisions. Some of my buddies think that Texas would have scored no matter what, so USC had to go for it. I already told you what I think of this opinion. But it got us on the topic of good in-game coaching.

My buddy S.H. is a pretty analytical guy. One of the smartest guys I know. He thinks that there are a whole ton of coaching errors being made in college and in the pros. I agree with some of them, but not all. Here's a list of coaching decisions that my friend said need to change NOW:

1) "Attempting field goals on 4th & inches up to 4th and goal from the 3, especially early in games, especially with good offensive teams, especially in bad conditions, is done way too often." - I agree with him on this, under those conditions, especially. I think going for the TD in that case, in bad weather (hard to kick), where you're probably gonna pin them deep in their territory anyhow if you don't score, is a good decision.

2) "Punting from around the 50 yard line and "relying on your defense" rather than going for a short 4th down, is done way too often." - This is a silly claim. I think this is totally dependant on the situation, the defense, the time of game, how short the distance to go is (2 is much longer than 1 in some games), your punters abilities, their punt block team, their QB's apparent late-game ability, etc. Totally conditional.. 2 minute drives of over 80 yards, for a TD, are VERY rare. Which is why those clutch few QBs that lead such drives often are held in such high esteem (Montana, Elway, Brady, Marino...) For this reason, I must say that my friend is making an unfounded, vast generalization.

3) "Scoring too quickly at the end of the game when you could have run some clock. Sure, you put your points at slight risk, but the risk of the other team using that time left to score is way greater in many cases." - I think this can only apply in some cases. Sure I think it's a great idea if you're already up, or if your defense is terrible, or if the offense you're playing against simply can't be stopped, but again, there are many factors to take into account. I certainly don't think this is a good "MOST of the time" football principle.

4) "Giving up yards or not making tackles for the sake of trying to strip the ball out is the right play way more often then those orders seem to be given." - Actually, I think the strip is becoming much more commonplace and, if done right, can be part of a pretty solid, fundamental tackle. Stripping the ball is practiced by every team in America, multiple times a week. However, it IS very important for your players to be focused on actually tackling while they strip the ball, because arm tackles can very quickly become touchdowns for the other team. Happens all the time. Also, I can tell you from being a coach, that a team that is TOO focused on stripping the ball often loses sight of just playing agressive, hard hitting defense, which can just as easily force a fumble and is far more effective, especially against mature opponents.

5) "Deep 4th down interceptions aren't condemned enough." - I totally agree about this. Man is that a bone-headed move. However, I must say that I think this is more about stupid players than it is about coaches making that decision. I would venture to say that no player is coached to make deep, 4th down interceptions.

6) "Going down on one of those end of the game plays rather than intentionally fumbling is not condemned enough." - This is pretty rare, but yes, I agree wholeheartedly. Why on earth would you let the game die if you had the chance to fumble it back to life?

7) "Scoring a touchdown to go up 8, when if you just went down after getting the first down, the game would have been over there is no excuse for." - I agree with this, too. It's no different than a QB taking a knee, and RBs/WRs need to be coached to do this.

(this next one is the big kahuna)

8) "And there are times when running backs should throw the ball away like quarterbacks do instead of taking a big loss." - This is a worthless and bad point. If in 0.00000000000000000000000000000000125 percent of the instances it might make sense to have them do it to save 5-7 yards, it still matters very little and is so worthless a coaching point that wasting anyone's time with it (especially RBs who just don't need to be thinking about crap like this, and for the most part, can't think through complex situations in the middle of a broken play) may actually be more harmful to your team's success in the long run than the measely 5 yards every once in a blue moon. That's how rare a good situation for this type of thing really is. It's not a terrible point if you can be sure it would work out. But you would have to use this PERFECTLY, and there is no assurance that it would be used perfectly, and that is really the sticking point for me. If you had an RB who you could be SURE would not screw it up, ok, go for it in that rarest of rare occasion. The problem is, you really just don't know for sure, and the things that could go wrong (slippery hands, didn't see the other tackler coming as he was pulling the ball out, slips and fumbles, accidently gets hit as he throws or the ball slips from his hands and goes backwards/straight up, etc.) are numerous and deadly. The expected value of this coaching point is DEFINITELY negative, and therefore, it is a terrible claim by my friend.


Well, that's what I think, take it or leave it. If you have any thoughts about this or any other post of mine, feel free to comment below...