Peyton Manning is overrated

Yes, you read that title right.

Peyton Manning is overrated.

I don't care that the Indianapolis Colts are now 11-0. I don't care that he owns the single season record for touchdowns with 49. That is all irrelevant, what matters is championships.

And this year, it looks like the Colts will walk away the Super Bowl champions. But don't credit Manning. Not for one moment. Credit the part of the Colts that matters. The defense.

Every year the Colts make the playoffs because they can outscore most teams. But put them up against the New England Patriots, who know what defense is all about, and Manning is nothing more than second-rate quarterback.

Yes, Manning defeated the Patriots this year. Well, at least he beat 11 men on defense that have Patriots uniforms. New England has been plagued with injuries, and not even they can have enough answers for Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Stokley, Dallas Clark, Edgerrin James, and a stud offensive line.

That right there is enough to win plenty of games. Manning is nothing more than an added bonus.

It is the Colts' defense this year that has made the difference. Dwight Freeney. Corey Simon. Mike Doss. It has been them that has shut down powerhouses like Pittsburg and New England, and did just enough against Cincinnati. It is a defense that no longer gives up chunks of yards, just like the Colts' offense picks up, as it has in years past.

That is why the Colts will win the Super Bowl. Not Peyton Manning.

What is sad is that Manning makes millions more than most of the defense combined. That is not right, because he doesn't deserve it. Manning is still prone to be shut down against a good defense, just look at the 16 points he put up against Romeo Crennel's Cleveland defense earlier this year. The Browns would have won that game if they had an adequate quarterback.

So who can stop Peyton Manning from getting his undeserved Super Bowl ring? The list is few and the chances are bleak. There are three offenses that can go toe-to-toe with the Colts - the Bengals, San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. Out of the three, the Chargers are the only one with a consistent defense. They also have LaDainian Tomlinson, who might be able to single-handedly carry the Chargers over the Colts.

But only two of those teams may make the playoffs, and who says that the Peyton Manning will have to deal with both, or either of them, since the Colts will more than likely have a bye to start the playoffs? Plus, home field advantage should be enough for Manning to get lucky and overcome any AFC challenge.

That leaves the Super Bowl in Detroit, where the Colts will face some second-rate NFC team. My two choices are either the Falcons or the Bears.

I throw out the Seahawks on account that they have this tendency to choke in the playoffs. If you need reminding, look up the phrase, "We want the ball, and we're going to score." Yeah right, Mr. Hasselback.

The Bears have the defense this year. But they have an offense that pales in comparison to most college football teams. I can see them holding Manning to 20 points. But they won't score more than nine. So throw them out.

The Falcons are the best running team in the NFL. They have a defense that can be great when it wants to be. Michael Vick is the greatest X-factor in the game today. But is that enough? Although I love the Falcons, I can't see it happening. The lack of a No. 1, let alone a No. 2 receiver prevents the Falcons from keeping up with the Colts’ offense.

So will we all witness history? 19-0? The road looks too easy. The Charges at home, and going to Seattle might be the only chances to stop Manning. If LT, Drew Brees and Antonio Gates get two chances against the Colts, maybe fans will see justice be served.

But right now, it doesn’t look like it will happen. Colts are Super Bowl champs. Manning will get that ring that he so does NOT deserve.

Unless of course the injury bug hits... knock on wood.