By Dutch Wydo

It just occurred to me that I am sick and tired of hearing about the great job that Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning has done despite his young receiving corps!

This is just ridiculous.Doesn't he still have Reggie Wayne? And isn't Wayne one of the top five receivers in the NFL? Doesn't he still have Dallas Clark?

 After hearing former New England Patriots Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison talk about how covering Clark is the big “key” to a defensive game plan, my appreciation for Clark went through the roof. I really wish I'd stop hearing about how poor Peyton has an inexperienced receiving corps.

Actually, this is the first time in like eight years that Manning doesn't have the exact same corps. Very few quarterbacks have the same corps three years in a row! But it's not like Manning doesn't have anyone. Troy Aikman had Michael Irvin and Jay Novacek in Dallas. Manning has Wayne and Clark. What is so bad about that?

How about the great job Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger  did with Antwaan Randal El in 2005, who was replacing the much taller Plaxico Burress as a starter? Or the Rookie tight end Heath Miller that same year? Wasn't there an undrafted free agent running back that started that year as well?

Isn't that two new starting receivers, a new tight end, and a new running back?  And didn't Big Ben destroy three teams in the playoffs with passer ratings that Manning could only dream of come postseason play?

The Colts' upper management gave Manning the same receivers and tight ends from virtually the beginning of his career. They gave him an air-controlled environment in which to throw. They promoted the idea of continuing to pass the ball while up two scores with under five minutes remaining?

Yet, people are amazed Peyton did well for himself. Good grief.

Dutch Wydo can be reached by e-mail at smartmonies@gmail.com