Manning's Legacy

Much has been made of the fourth quarter interception thrown by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. There has been a rising tide of fans questioning the legacy of Manning, which was hyped up entering the Super Bowl. People say he had his chance of entering the ever-exclusive club of elite quarterbacks and with one throw, threw it away.

I won't argue that a Montana or a Bradshaw or a Aikman would not have thrown such a costly interception in the clutch like that. Honestly, I was more shocked than anything when Terry Porter under-cut Reggie Wayne and sealed the Saints' fate. No one saw that coming. And why should we? Manning was built up before the game to be possibly the greatest quarterback to play the game. When he got the ball back with plenty of time to work with on the clock, everyone's mind was already shifting to the coin flip in overtime.

This, to me, is where the argument ends. Although personally I feel a healthy portion of the blame deserves to be heaped on Wayne's timid break out of his route, the greatest quarterback of all-time does not get intercepted and spoil his team's chances for a Super Bowl. No excuses. Manning isn't there yet. Is he still a first-ballot Hall of Famer? Without a doubt. Can he still reach that pinnacle of greatness? Absolutely. (Did you see the way he laid that pass out for Dallas Clark?)

But not right now.

I just don't understand why fans/media are labeling him as a choker again after one throw.