Manning Overlooked In Rookie Debate

But this looks like a case that was closed before all the evidence was introduced.

Moss has had a great year, leading the NFC in touchdowns (16, an NFL rookie record), ranking second in receiving yards (1,281) and ninth in receptions (64).

But the numbers add up to at least as strong an argument for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

He has obliterated every NFL rookie record, owns franchise single-season marks for yards, attempts and completions, is tied for first in the AFC with 25 touchdown passes and ranks second with 3,514 yards.

In the process, he has managed to achieve something even more improbable -- he has surpassed the daunting expectations that come with being the league's top draft pick.

"I didn't expect him to do as well as he's done," said Colts coach Jim Mora. "He continues to amaze me in practice. I sit there sometimes and watch him and it's like, 'Whoo, man. This guy is special.'

"In the games, the way he's handled himself, the poise and maturity and productivity, I think he's been a lot better than I thought he would be."

Nationally, there has been virtually no debate about the Rookie of the Year, and what little discussion there has been hasn't included Manning.

During the Colts-Seahawks broadcast last Sunday, CBS displayed a poll for its Internet site asking viewers to cast their votes for Rookie of the Year. The only choices offered by the network were Moss and Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor.

Moss has benefited from a number of factors: he started quickly while Manning struggled early; he enjoyed big games on national television, while most of Manning's games have only been seen regionally; his veteran-laden team has been dominant, going 14-1, while the young Colts are 3-12 and rebuilding; and, as the No. 21 pick, Moss entered the league with limited expectations and therefore little chance to disappoint, in contrast to Manning's situation.

"He (Manning) has surpassed, statistically, every rookie that's ever come in the league and played the position. That's self-evident," said Colts president Bill Polian. "He's done everything we expected of him and more -- far more. But so has Moss."

The Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America produce the two most prominent postseason awards lists, and both are voted on by media representatives. The PFWA selects a single Rookie of the Year, while AP honors one each on offense and defense. Neither distinguishes the top rookies by conference.

"If they have conference rookies of the year, which some people do give, clearly he's the AFC winner," Polian said. "I couldn't argue with Moss. He's done a great job. . . . If I had a vote, I'd probably split it. They're both deserving."

Manning, who has downplayed most of his other accomplishments, isn't losing sleep over who wins the award.

"Randy Moss has had an outstanding year, and they're a better football team than we are," he said. "I've never been into that. MVP of the league, that's something you'll put in your trophy case and talk about with pride. But Rookie of the Year? I don't know who won it last year, I don't know who won it two years ago, nobody's going to remember next year who won it this year.

"Not to take anything away from the award, but I'd trade any honors or awards that I've ever won for more victories any day, so it doesn't mean a whole lot to me."

He has a point. Who was last year's winner?

Notes

Manning's bruised right thumb healed sufficiently to allow him to practice Wednesday, and he wasn't listed on the team's injury report. . . . Linebacker Andre Royal (knee) is out, and running back Keith Elias (ankle) is listed as doubtful, although he practiced. Wide receiver Aaron Bailey (knee), safety Robert Blackmon (thigh) and right tackle Adam Meadows (shoulder) are all questionable. . . . Carolina has four players listed as out for Sunday's regular-season finale, including guard Corbin Lacina (knee) and defensive end Jason Peter (knee). Tight end Wesley Walls (foot) is doubtful. The Panthers already have 12 players on injured reserve. . . . Last year's Rookie of the Year was Tampa Bay running back Warrick Dunn.