As he enters his 14th season, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning stands secure in his position as a sure-fire future Hall-of-Famer. A 10-time Pro Bowler and 5-time First-Team All-Pro, Manning has continued a steady assault on a host of NFL passing records, cementing his legacy as one of the top performers at his position. In fact, if you ask many so-called experts and media personalities, he might just be the best to ever throw a spiral.

 

A popular player in and out of football, the charismatic, Manning has starred in Saturday Night Live and a hoard of commercial endorsements. This visibility combined with a down-home, awe-shucks persona seems to have insulated the player from the same types of criticism others at his position have been forced to endure. What's more, his seemingly universal popularity has blinded many to a stone-cold, certain fact: that he isn't really that great a player due to at least three critical reasons.

 

Selfishness

 

Though many may scoff at the suggestion that Peyton Manning is a selfish player, anyone with a clear, unbiased perspective can see that the quarterback cares more about his passing statistics than the team's success. Year in and year out, the Colts rank near the bottom of the League in rushing yardage and attempts--this despite the fact that the team's average per rush tends to rank near the top. Instead of running the ball to ensure consistent offensive production and provide the tiring, smallish Indianapolis defense with rest, Manning continuously audibles out of running plays, so he can throw the ball to pile up stats. The Colts usually rank near the top of the NFL in field goal attempts, because Manning opts to throw the ball on 1st-and-goal situations, when even a short, two-yard run would gain them six points.

 

Lack of Discipline

 

Though Tony Dungy and first-years coach, Jim Caldwell have received heaps of praise from members of the media, the truth is neither has demonstrated the courage to challenge the true head coach of the Colts, Peyton Manning. If you're looking for proof that Manning holds the reigns in Indianapolis, look no further than the team's 2004 game against San Diego in which the quarterback overruled Dungy's decision to punt the ball in a critical late-game situation. Everyone knows Manning wants to win; however, when an arrogant player thinks he knows more than the coach, he can't be considered anything but a loose cannon.

 

Dismal Playoff Performances

 

When the Colts lost to the New York Jets in the first round of last year's NFL playoffs, Peyton Manning's overall playoff winning percentage dropped below .500 (9-1). When compared to former greats, such as Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Terry Bradshaw and Manning's current nemesis, Tom Brady, the Indianapolis quarterback doesn't even come close. Take away his 2006 playoff run in which the Colts finally broke through and won the Super Bowl on a rain-soaked field that featured very few contributions from Manning; and, the overrated Colts quarterback has had an abysmal career in the NFL postseason.

 

The Numbers:

 

A look at his postseason record:

 

• 2010, 0-1, lost 17-16 to Jets in wild-card round

• 2009 2-1, lost in Super Bowl XLIV to Saints. Manning threw game-icing INT returned for TD

• 2008 0-1, lost 23-17 in OT to 8-8 Chargers on the road. Colts were 12-4 wild-card team.

• 2007 0-1, lost 28-24 to San Diego in divisional round after bye

• 2006 4-0, won Super Bowl XLI and named Super Bowl MVP

• 2005 0-1, lost 21-18 in divisional round to Steelers after bye

• 2004 1-1, lost 20-3 in divisional round at New England

• 2003 2-1, lost 24-14 in AFC title game at New England

• 2002 0-1, lost 41-0 in wild-card round at New York Jets

• 2000 0-1, lost 23-17 in OT at Miami in wild-card round

• 1999 0-1, lost 19-16 to Titans in divisional round after bye

 

- Ryan Lawrence