An Ever-Maturing Manning Continues To Make His Mark

In an Aug. 17 preseason visit to Cincinnati's Cinergy Field, rookie quarterback Peyton Manning made his second appearance in an Indianapolis Colts uniform. He threw for 112 yards and one touchdown in a 30-27 victory.

Sunday, in a regular-season rematch at the RCA Dome, Manning threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns as the Colts steamrolled the Bengals 39-26.

"He's harder to rattle," Randolph said after experiencing a second dose of Manning. "You bring blitzes and things and he's back there calm and making his calls.

"He's definitely matured."

Thrust into the spotlight as the Colts' starter shortly after being taken with the first pick in the April draft, Manning, as expected, experienced growing pains. He had 11 interceptions and was sacked 11 times his first four games.

But as the season has progressed, so has Manning.

Consider the mountain of league and team rookie records he's already claimed. Consider the fact that with 3,179 passing yards, he's on pace to break Johnny Unitas' 35-year-old single-season team record (3,481).

Not a stats guy? Neither is Manning.

When asked how he assesses his season-long progress, Manning talked of awareness, poise and comfort.

"I really didn't know where I would be at this point," Manning said Monday. "My main goal all season has been to improve each week and realize that this thing could be like a roller coaster. I think my improvement has been a steady incline."

Despite the hiccups that continue to occur from week to week and even possession to possession, the Colts aren't worried about having a 22-year-old representing such a vital ingredient in their future.

Team president Bill Polian debated at length in February, March and April whether Ryan Leaf or Manning was a better fit for the Colts. Today, Leaf is spending time on the bench in San Diego while Manning is the most prolific rookie QB in league history.

"The improvement is phenomenal," Polian said on his radio show Monday night. "I've never seen improvement like this from a rookie in all my years."

Against the Bengals, Manning was simply efficient. He got the ball to the proper receiver -- four players caught at least two passes -- and didn't force the ball into congested areas.

Manning's performance was the latest in an eight-game stretch during which he has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes -- the league average is 56.8 percent -- and offset 11 interceptions with 18 touchdowns.

"I think I'm making better decisions," Manning said. "I feel more comfortable in the offense and I have a better feel of where to go with the ball sooner."

Coach Jim Mora has a reminder for those who are impressed with Manning's progress.

"Peyton is just a neophyte," he said. "He's a babe in the woods.

"He's got so much potential ahead of him it's unbelievable."

Notes

Running back Marshall Faulk continues to lead the league in total yards from scrimmage (2,090) and first downs (101), and has moved up to fifth in rushing with 1,228 yards. His career-high 78 receptions rank second in the league to Miami's O.J. McDuffie (79).

Manning ranks second in the NFL in attempts (502) and completions (286), first in the AFC and fourth in the NFL in touchdowns (24) and fifth in yards (3,179).

Offensive tackle Adam Meadows (shoulder) and linebacker Andre Royal (knee) could miss Sunday's trip to Seattle.

Faulk is the Colts' representative for Sprint/NFL Man of the Year, given to a player who serves his community and helps those in need. The winner will be announced during Super Bowl week.