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(December 17, 1998) -- Manning's week-to-week improvement proves draft-day decision was solid one If there's an NFL record concerning rookie quarterbacks, Peyton Manning probably holds it. Most completions, check. Most attempts, check. Most yards, check. Most touchdowns, check. Most consecutive games with a touchdown pass, check. Most maturity, no need to check. "He has handled things as good as you can handle them, just absolutely as good as you can handle them," said Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Mora, sounding more like a proud papa than the grizzled 63-year-old coach he is. Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? Heh, heh, heh. Good one. When Mora and Colts president Bill Polian decided to invest last spring's top draft choice in a quarterback, they went with the polish of Manning over the swagger of Leaf. Each possessed excellent size, top-notch college credentials and a strong arm. Only Manning had demonstrated commensurate poise and polish. "These are all the things you consider because you know the immense amount of pressure that is going to be on a guy like that in the situation we were going to put him in," Mora said. Eight months after the draft, the Colts are ecstatic over their decision. In San Diego, Leaf is on the bench and the Chargers are looking for their third head coach in eight weeks. Manning and Leaf suffered through horrendous starts, but only one possessed the maturity and dedication to stay the course. "I knew it was going to be a learning experience and it had the potential to be a tough season," Manning said. "It's a marathon, not a sprint." In that case, Manning is playing Abebe Bikila to Leaf's Rosie Ruiz. The Seattle Seahawks, whose slim playoff hopes depend upon beating the Colts in the Kingdome on Sunday, have taken notice. They're fully aware Manning, who learned the game from his famous father, Archie, won't implode the way Craig Whelihan and Leaf did last week. "I look at him in interviews and he's been well-groomed - by his dad, by that coaching staff and by the people that are in his life," Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Sinclair said. "You look at him and he's a mature rookie. It's not going to be easy pickings this Sunday because he's a very smart kid." After throwing four touchdown passes with 12 interceptions in the Colts' first five games, Manning has come alive with 20 TD passes and a manageable 13 picks over the subsequent nine games. With considerable help from Pro Bowl running back Marshall Faulk and an overachieving offensive line, Manning has completed 57 percent of his passes while amassing three 300-yard games. His passer rating of 71.1 belies his considerable progress, which includes at least one TD pass in each of the Colts' past 10 games. "I've never seen improvement like this from a rookie in all my years," said Polian, a four-time Sporting News NFL executive of the year. The Colts are just 3-10, but despair isn't an option because Manning's continued progress foreshadows better years ahead. "One thing you find out is how one play, or one series, can really affect the outcome of a game," Manning said. "In college, sometimes you can overcome a mistake and it never really gets written about or never really comes up. "But here in the NFL, you have to do the little things right in order to win the close games." * Adams honored - Seahawks defensive tackle Sam Adams was named the Seahawks' man of the year, making him a candidate for the league-wide honor. Adams was presented the award by Staci Ansotigue, a 10-year-old from Pacific Christian School in Seattle. Ansotigue was chosen on the strength of a sportsmanship essay written on Adams' behalf. Adams is involved in numerous charitable efforts, including Junior Achievement and the Sam Adams Earthquake Foundation, which helps kids develop skills in computing and reading. * Injury update - Cornerback Willie Williams is still bothered by an arch injury that causes severe pain near his right heel. He worked with the scout team Wednesday and intends to play if the foot isn't too sore today. ... Middle linebacker Dean Wells tried to practice, but struggled with his lateral movement. Look for rookie DeShone Myles to remain the starter. ... Defensive tackle Dan Saleaumua did some running and said he's lobbying the trainers to get back onto the field. He was listed as doubtful with a knee injury. ... Safety Mark Collins hasn't practiced in weeks and probably won't play unless the Seahawks are in the playoff chase heading into the Dec. 27 regular-season finale at Denver. Collins is recovering from a broken shoulder blade. ... Sinclair did not practice and is questionable with a pinched nerve in his neck. He's expected to play. |