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01-20-2006, 03:20 PM
Just days after he heaped blame on Indianapolis’s offensive line for the Colts divisional round playoff loss to the Steelers on Sunday, Peyton Manning appeared on an Indianapolis sports radio show this morning to apologize for his statements and express regret that he didn’t also blame his receivers.
“It was wrong of me to suggest that all the fault for our loss lay at the feet of my lineman,” said Manning. “My receivers blew it for me, too, and they deserve just as much of the blame. They have to be where I throw the ball, no matter how off-target it is. I’m Peyton freaking Manning. I deserve that much.”
Manning has taken hits from some in the media since Sunday for his comments that were seen as classless and disrespectful of his teammates, especially considering he also didn’t play well, repeatedly called plays that weren’t appropriate to counteract a blitz, and refused to check down to intermediate receivers.
“My comments were taken out of context,” he said. “You have to realize that we only have a set amount of time in front of the press, and they ask a lot of questions. Had I had more time, I would have blamed everyone: my receivers, backs, the defense, special teams, my coaches, ownership, the fans, everyone. But I only had time to get to my lineman, and I’m sorry for singling them out.”
The All-Pro quarterback said he plans to address his team face-to-face about his controversial comments.
“Basically, I’m going to sit them all down and remind them of the bigger picture – that I’m Peyton Manning, they’re not, and that they should be grateful to be on the same team as me,” he said. “As such, there are some responsibilities that go with that honor, and that’s getting me a Super Bowl and protecting my image, no matter the cost. I don’t know, sometimes I just don’t think they realize that I’m a Manning, son of Archie, brother of Eli – football freaking royalty. I am better than them. The least they can do is give a little effort.”
“It was wrong of me to suggest that all the fault for our loss lay at the feet of my lineman,” said Manning. “My receivers blew it for me, too, and they deserve just as much of the blame. They have to be where I throw the ball, no matter how off-target it is. I’m Peyton freaking Manning. I deserve that much.”
Manning has taken hits from some in the media since Sunday for his comments that were seen as classless and disrespectful of his teammates, especially considering he also didn’t play well, repeatedly called plays that weren’t appropriate to counteract a blitz, and refused to check down to intermediate receivers.
“My comments were taken out of context,” he said. “You have to realize that we only have a set amount of time in front of the press, and they ask a lot of questions. Had I had more time, I would have blamed everyone: my receivers, backs, the defense, special teams, my coaches, ownership, the fans, everyone. But I only had time to get to my lineman, and I’m sorry for singling them out.”
The All-Pro quarterback said he plans to address his team face-to-face about his controversial comments.
“Basically, I’m going to sit them all down and remind them of the bigger picture – that I’m Peyton Manning, they’re not, and that they should be grateful to be on the same team as me,” he said. “As such, there are some responsibilities that go with that honor, and that’s getting me a Super Bowl and protecting my image, no matter the cost. I don’t know, sometimes I just don’t think they realize that I’m a Manning, son of Archie, brother of Eli – football freaking royalty. I am better than them. The least they can do is give a little effort.”