peyton_manning_bill_polian_as_jesus_and_mary

It took four days for Indianapolis Colts GM Bill Polian to absolve Peyton Manning for what was essentially a game-ending interception in Sunday’s Super Bowl, and his remarks were eerily similar to Manning’s own “problems with protection” quip after the team’s 2005 playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Our offensive line, by our standards, did not have a good game,” Polian said of Sunday’s performance. “They were outplayed by the Saints’ defensive line.”

So the Colts O-line–who were largely responsible for 99 yards rushing on 19 carries and didn’t allow a sack–was outplayed?

“… There were certain situations throughout the game where we didn’t execute — most notably, the failure to get the first down and run the clock out at the end of the first half after a magnificent goal-line stand and then, of course, the failure to handle the onside kick,” Polian said. “We had four things we could have done positively on that play. We didn’t do any of them. That absolutely changed the game. It went from our getting the ball on their 40-yard line to having them march down for a touchdown. Then, our inability to punch it in from first-and-goal on the 3. Those situations, we did not execute.” –NFL.com

So the Colts’ loss had nothing to do with the fact that Peyton Manning was driving down the field with a chance to tie the game…and didn’t tie the game? That was just a big footnote on the evening as a whole? Sure, Peyton threw a pick, but really the room service at the hotel that night was even worse! Just chill, Bill. At least you have that undefeated regular season to fall back on…Oh, right…