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INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 19, 1998) -- As far as Peyton Manning is concerned, the reward for directing a productive closing drive against the New York Jets last Sunday was the Indianapolis Colts' 24-23 victory. A byproduct was the Colts' rookie quarterback being named Wednesday as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. "I'm excited about the win we had on Sunday," said Manning. "As far as individual awards, I guess they go in the media guide next year. But that's not really what I'm about. "It's a nice honor, but I would rather focus on the team right now." Manning played a huge role in the Colts' upset of the Jets. He threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns, and secured the team's second win of the year by engineering a 15-play, 80-yard drive in the closing minutes. Manning's 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Marcus Pollard clinched the victory. In an odd twist, Charlie Batch, Detroit's rookie quarterback, was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Batch and Manning are just the fifth and sixth rookie quarterbacks to earn the weekly awards since 1984. Heyward update Colts fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward has been upgraded to fair condition and moved from ICU to a private room at Methodist Hospital, according to a hospital spokesman. Heyward is recovering after undergoing 12 hours of surgery last Thursday to remove most of a benign tumor from the base of his skull. It is uncertain how long Heyward will remain in the hospital. Notes The Colts could field new starters at two positions when they travel to Buffalo on Sunday. Right guard Tony Mandarich is being bothered by a back injury that could result in Tom Myslinski making his first start of the season. A hamstring injury is expected to keep middle linebacker Michael Barber out of action for at least one game. Steve Morrison, a seven-game starter at outside linebacker, will start in the middle against the Bills. He will be backed up by Jeff Herrod.
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