2004- Year Of The Peyton

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Peyton Manning is the word touchdown. The 6 foot 5, 230 pound perennial superstar has racked up 356 fantasy points this year on yahoo fantasy football, the most points in fantasy football history.Peyton Manning is the best thing that has happened to fantasy football, ever. I have had Manning this year as well as last year, and I have won the championship both of the two years.

This year was unlike others for Manning. I knew it was going to be special when he had accumulated 102 fantasy points after just five weeks. The Colts had a bye week six, and Peyton took full advantage of it.

As week seven dawned on Peyton and the Colts, they were well rested, and with a 5-1 record they were confident that they could get a win at home against the Jaguars. They thought wrong. Despite losing by three, Peyton still managed to throw for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The story was the same week 8 at Kansas City. The Colts lost by 10, But Manning had his best week yet, passing for 472 yards and 5 touchdowns, picking up 37 fantasy points on the way. This was his second-best showing so far this year.

There was a lot of hype around Daunte Culpepper this pre-season, but he will remain “second best” for the time being. However, if you take some time to look at Daunte’s stats you will come to the realization that if there were no Peyton Manning, Mr. Culpepper would not only be the best Quarterback in the league, he would also be having his best year of his career. It’s unfortunate for all the Vikings fans out there that Dauntes’s 37 touchdowns, 4,418 yards, and 112.2 quarterback rating are being overlooked because of Peyton Manning’s record-breaking year.

It is week 9 and the Colts are back in Indy to face no other then the Minnesota Vikings and Daunte Culpepper. Peyton got off with 4 touchdowns on 268 yards and a win. At this time it was officially time to proclaim the Colts passing game, The Peyton Show.

The Colts haven’t looked back since going un-defeated since week 8, and coming to a season record of 12-3 with one game left in the regular season. Note to the opponent’s defense: Peyton will score on you.

There is a lot of talk about Peyton choking in the playoffs, as in the past. Not this year. I believe that if the Colt’s defense can take the heat in a tough AFC they will take it all.

Dear, Mr. Manning
Thank you for all the fantasy points this season. You have led me to my second consecutive fantasy football championship. Good luck in the playoffs.

Sincerely,
Tim Moore

Peyton deserves a big thank you from all those people who used their first pre-ranking on him. It takes a lot to keep composure through such a great season, and Peyton came across as anything but arrogant. Peyton is one humble guy.

In light of all this talk of Peyton throwing touchdowns, Lets not forget about those three receivers that are making this whole thing possible. Marvin Harrison is playing better than ever; he is in a three-way tie for the most touchdown receptions, with Muhsin Muhammad and Terrell Owens, all with 14.

Reggie Wayne is seventh on the touchdown reception list with 11. And lets not forget about local favorite Brandon Stokley who has been been under the radar until this season, he WAS only known for his half-decent kickoff returns, but now has become a master at his position. Stokley has compiled 10 touchdown receptions this year. When was the last time you saw a number three receiver with 10 touchdowns?

This is the first time in history that all three receivers have caught ten or more touchdown passes. Clearly, this is Peyton Manning’s year of excellence. Can he improve any more? Will he come back swinging next season? Only time will tell. But the one thing we all know is that 2004 is the year of the Peyton.