Manning Throws 4 Interceptions in Colts Loss to Cowboys
Peyton Manning is getting worse and worse.
Meager decisions. Miscommunications. Wayward throws.
The game was full of them in the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the Dallas Cowboys in overtime, 38-35.
It was just another bad day for Indy and their star QB.
"It isn't good when you're having to ask which one is it," Manning joked in the postgame news conference. "I don't make any excuses. I'm continuing to throw, I'll keep throwing. I hope I throw it to our guys."
Manning threw four interceptions in the game alone, two of which were returned for touchdowns and one which set up Dallas’ game-winning field goal.
For the first time in his career, Manning has thrown 11 interceptions in three games. Four of them were returned for scores and has thrown four interceptions in two straight games. He threw three in each of his first two NFL games
way back in 1998. In the first seven regular season games, Manning threw a total of only three interceptions.
Now can you see how bad his performance has become?
Although his 36 completions out of 48 attempts for 365 yards and two TDs seem more like the old Manning, the growing rate of attempts to interceptions is causing alarm.
Losing their third straight game has but Indy at 6-6, one place behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are leading the AFC South. However, they might have a chance against a struggling Tennessee Titans team in Week 14.
"We certainly have put ourselves in a hole," Manning said. "Unfortunately, we have to scoreboard watch a little bit and that's not a situation you want to be in. I'm disappointed that I've put our team in a hole, but we do have
some division games left."
Even with Manning connecting with four-time Pro Bowler Reggie Wayne, the team still lost. Wayne had 144 receptions for 200 yards, both of which are career highs. He also scored one TD and almost won until Manning threw his last
interception (for now) in overtime.
Manning’s first interception led to a field goal for the Cowboys. The second was returned 40 yards by Orlando Scandrick for a TD, with the third being returned by Sean Lee 31 yards for another TD.
Lee also came through in overtime, intercepting a pass intended for Jacob Tamme on third and 1. The pass was deflected by Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins and caught by Lee who ran it 13 yards to the Colts 36 yard line. David Buehler
came through six plays later and kicked the game winning field goal.
"You get challenged in the NFL every week and really get challenged every play," said Dallas interim head coach Jason Garrett. "Certainly when you come to this place, against that team and that quarterback and those [pass] rushers,
it's going to be an all-day sucker for us. It didn't surprise me that their team battled back and overcame some adversities, and we had to do the same to win this game.”
Scandrick left the game with a concussion and did not return. Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers hurt his right arm and also did not return. Receiver Dez Bryant fractured his right ankle, ending his rookie season.
Manning tied for second place with Brett Favre, now of the Minnesota Vikings, for most 300+ yard games with 62. Only Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins had has more with 63.
The 4-8 Cowboys will play their next game at home against the 8-4 NFC East leading Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday December 12.
The Colts will play against the 5-7 Titans next week at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans have lost their last five games in a row and seem to be the only team struggling more than the Colts.
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