Peyton will be looking to the future in the 2012 offseason. Source: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Peyton Manning and The Indianapolis Colts split up this afternoon in a press conference that streamed live across the internet.

Manning played with the Colts since being drafted first overall in 1998.  He has been respected as one of the top, if not the top, quarterback during his time behind center in Indy.  Only the Saints’ version of Drew Brees and New England’s Tom Brady can even compare to the brilliance of Peyton Manning.

Unfortunately, Manning had four neck surgeries over the past year, did not play in the 2011 season and is still shrouded in mystery as to whether he can throw at the same level that he used to be able to.  No matter how he looks, Peyton Manning will be an upgrade at quarterback for many teams.

Manning and owner Jim Irsay both said that the decision to split was not based on the $28 million Manning would have been owed on March 8th, a mere twelve hours from the press conference announcing his release.

Manning is entering uncharted waters, having only played for the Colts his entire career.  The interest that he will receive from other teams will be tremendous and will guarantee a busy free agency period for the former league MVP.

While it would be daunting to have Manning starting with another AFC South team, playing against the Jags twice a year, I wish Peyton all the best in his career re-start with whichever team signs him.  He showed his high character again, thanking the Colts, numerous players, and a large number of support staff for the blessings he has received in Indianapolis.

The league is better with Peyton Manning playing.

- Luke N. Sims

Jan. 1, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) talks with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (right) after the game at EverBank Field. Jacksonville defeated Indianapolis 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

The cool thing to do on the internet these days is to start rumors that make no sense or have no chance of happening, so I will give my best college try here and start and then end this rumor. Okay so maybe I won’t be starting the Peyton Manning-to-Jacksonville rumors, but I certainly would like to end them. I have prepared three arguments that I feel should effectively eliminate Jacksonville from possible Manning destinations, check them out after the jump!

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You Read that Right Jim, You're fired. Source: fannation.com

Jim Caldwell was fired by new Colts general manager Ryan Grigson and owner Jim Irsay on Tuesday January 17th.

To be honest, I’m not shocked.  This year the Colts went from perennial super bowl contender to the joke of the league faster than anybody could have realized.  It was painful to watch them take the field, and not just because of the loss of Peyton Manning (a subject of discussion for another article).  The defense was inept, the special teams looked horrendously bland, and the coaches looked about as lost as the players – perhaps they were wondering along with the rest of us how they made it to the NFL level.

Ok, maybe that was harsh.

But the glint of success wasn’t in anybody’s eyes.  Nobody was hungry for a win.  Sure, Peyton’s offseason neck surgeries put a sour note to the season before it even began, but the team was embarrassingly flat.  That is due to poor coaching.

There are numerous different philosophies for coaching, some are players’ coaches, some remain distant from the team, others are brash, and still some rule with a cool dominance that demands respect.  None of those philosophies were reflected in Jim Caldwell and his staff. (more…)