Inside Peyton's Head

People are talking about many things involving the very fascinating Jets-Colts game yesterday. But the play that actually won the game for the Colts is getting little attention.

It caught my eye in real time, from high above the field in the press box. And it placed in sharp relief all of the qualities that make Peyton Manning a great QB (and the word "great" is so often misused in sports).

First, let's set the stage. Fourth quarter, Jet lead 28-24. Colts have the ball on the Jets 35 and it's third and six after a Manning overthrow to Wayne that was tipped and almost intercepted by Vilma. There's 1:26 left and the Colts have no timeouts. These quotes from Manning are from my convesation with him after the game in a suprisingly uncrowded Colts locker room.

"When I came to the line of scrimmage and read the defense, I was certain that I'd be able to run for the first down if I needed to. It seemed sure to be open, so that was my plan on that play."

Manning took the snap from the shotgun five yards back. The Jets rush three, with OLB Brian Thomas seemingly in man coverage against tight end Bryan Fletcher. Manning takes two steps back and, without even looking at a wide reciever and facing no pressure, dashes up the middle. But Thomas has peeled off of Fletcher and is the fourth rusher, forcing Manning to the middle of the field.

"I saw a flash of color in front of me and determined that I couldn't run."

What was this? Was it thinking? Had he calculated something consciously and come to a reasonable decision based on his view of probability at that time?

"It's not thinking," Manning said. "There's no time to think after the ball is snapped. When I come to the line of scrimmage and read the defense, that's when I'm thinking. Post-snap, it's pure reaction."

The Colts blocking scheme hadn't accounted for Thomas. But Manning instinctively runs to the back of his nearest lineman, creating a blocker for himself. But his lineman loses Thomas in the confusion and the Jet defender has a clear path to Manning. He's five feet away and Manning doesn't even have his arm cocked to throw. But Thomas hesitates for a split second, the split second that separates defeat and victory. He doesn't know whether to make the tackle or get his arms up to deflect the pass. He ends up doing neither as Manning, in a mere six frames of videotape, goes from runner to thrower and zips a perfect out to a wide-open Marvin Harrison at the Jets 16. First down. Game, essentially, over.

The ability to read defenses, studious preparation that allows for improvisational genius without the need for conscious thought, a lightening quick release, heightened awareness due to perfect arousal without fear despite large men bearing down on him with malicious intent and, finally, textbook mechanics and accuracy even while on the move on essentially a broken play. A magnificent play defining a magnificent player.

Some other notes. Manning said that the Jets blitzed him "maybe five times" all day after blitzing the Bills on about 50 percent of passing plays the week before. He also said the Jets were sitting back in deep zones and if teams do that against him, he's determined to run the football until they come out of it. Why would anyone ever play Peyton Manning any other way?