If Indianapolis Colts star QB Peyton Manning is not ready to go once the NFL regular season starts up in about two weeks' time, then it is officially time to feel bad for his replacement QB, Kerry Collins.
Collins, a long time NFL QB was signed by the Colts last Wednesday. The team decided it needed a backup plan in case Manning is not medically cleared to rejoin the team.
Collins isn't exactly a rookie in the league, he has 17 years of professional experience, three years more then Manning does, but unless something nearly miraculous goes down in the next month or so, Collins likely won't be the guy to take over for the one pro athlete who has been dubbed 'a student of the game' probably more often than anyone else in sports.
There is also at least one Colts player who opened up to the media about his take on the idea of Collins replacing Peyton Manning.
Reggie Wayne, one of the Colts top receivers and heading into his 11th year with Indianapolis, was not about to roll out the welcome mat for the man who may be his new field general.
In fact the things he said about Collins, I already feel bad for the newcomer.
Apparently Collins has an abundance of experience, unfortunately not much else.
Here is what Wayne had to say as noted on a www.canoe.ca story this past Friday:
"We don't even know him, we ain't vanilla, man, we ain't no simple offence," offered Wayne when asked his thoughts on the acquisition of Kerry Collins.
"So for him to come in here and be the starter, I don't see it. I think that's a step back."
For anybody on God's green earth to step in and adequately replace Peyton Manning, that's probably not going to happen, unless maybe your name is Tom Brady, nobody is going to replace Manning.
If Manning, who is still nursing the effects of neck surgery, still can't go on opening day (Sept. 11), then the Colts' depth at QB is already pretty thin. Neither Curtis Painter (University of Purdue), Dan Orlovsky (Connecticut) or Mike Hartline have shown a whole lot, or much of anything for anyone who has been watching the pre-season.
Wayne however, did mention something about Painter would be the best choice to fill a void left by Manning.
It might be a good idea for someone who has some experience to try and help the team stay above .500 for the length of time that Manning happens to be out.
If the Colts knew what was coming, that Manning knew there's almost no chance he will start the season, the Colts should have signed Collins (or anyone) a long time ago.
Apparently Collins has never taken any reps with the Colts first or second string offence.
Wayne goes on to explain that he doesn't believe that Collins will be the immediate starter, even if Manning is out long term.
"Just because we bring him in doesn't mean he's the starter. He's got to learn too, right?"
Wayne also suggests that maybe Collins had been given a copy of the Colts playbook a long time ago, saying that would be a necessity order for a QB that was just signed a week ago.
The story posted on the canoe. ca website gets pretty funny.
Wayne goes on to explain that not just anyone can put on the Colts jersey and quarterback the team the way Manning can.
Manning has started 227 consecutive games, including playoff games. That is the second longest streak in NFL history for quarterbacks.
He trails only Brett Favre. Manning said Monday he is healthy enough to take a snap or two, or maybe a series.
Anyone who knows the way he plays knows full well that's not what he intends to do.
If there's anything you'd like to see covered by Game 7, please forward your suggestions to the YTW sportsdesk by phone (306) 782-2465, or email jeff@yorkton this week.com.
