INDIANAPOLIS — Let this be a lesson to all those draft prospects out there.
Darrius Heyward-Bey was the first receiver taken in the 2009 NFL draft, No. 7 overall. Austin Collie was selected in the fourth round, No. 127 overall.
Heyward-Bey got big money, but also has JaMarcus Russell for his quarterback and made nine catches for the season. Collie has Peyton Manning for his quarterback and has 11 catches in two playoff games.
Does Collie, who had 60 receptions during the regular season, ever take for granted that Manning is his quarterback?
“Definitely not,” he said.
With the Jets taking the Colts’ top two receivers, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, away from most of the AFC championship game Sunday, Manning went to some of his other receivers, Collie and Pierre Garcon.
Collie (seven catches, 123 yards, touchdown) and Garcon (11 catches, 151 yards, touchdown) combined for 18 catches, 274 yards and two touchdowns in the Colts’ 30-17 victory.
“Peyton is like another coach,” Garcon said. “Whenever he’s talking, you’re listening.”
Cinderella sentenced to New Jersey.
That ought to shut up Rex Ryan and the Jets.
Or at least cancel the Super Bowl parade Ryan scheduled. And while they’re at it, the Jets’ team store can send back those unopened boxes of “AFC Champions” T-shirts and caps.
“I was moving my hand like this at them all game,” Colts linebacker Clint Session said while putting his hand in the shape of a mouth that was flapping up and down. “I know personally that talking can’t win a game. You have to go out and perform no matter what they say.”
Get ready, Orton!
Manning can’t play because of his reservation to Super Bowl XLIV. Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers say they’re too achy and have withdrawn from playing in the Pro Bowl.
Matt Schaub and Vince Young have accepted invites, but the AFC needs one more quarterback.
Jacksonville’s David Garrard finished seventh among AFC quarterback votes. And if Garrard for some reason can’t play, the No. 8 choice would be the Broncos’ Kyle Orton, Baltimore’s Joe Flacco or Cincinnati’s Carson Palmer.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
