One of the key ingredients to winning a game in the NFL is controlling the time of possession. If you hold the ball 30 minutes longer than your opponents like the Dolphins did Monday night then you're probably going to win. That is unless Peyton Manning is on the other team.
On Monday night football Peyton Manning showed the world once again why he is maybe one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Now of course there could be a heated debate over who really is the best quarterback in NFL history, but you definitely can't leave Manning out of the top ten all-time.
It only took one play for Manning to get the Colts on the scoreboard by hitting Dallas Clark down the middle of the field for an 80-yard touchdown strike. Manning would only need 15 minutes on the field to get his team 27 points and, more importantly, the win.
It's not really fair to say the running game didn't show up because they only had 10 opportunities collectively between Joseph Addai and Donald Brown.
This is obviously a tough loss for the Dolphins who now start 0-2 for the second straight year. They dominated this game in every way. Take Peyton Manning out of that game and the Dolphins win convincingly. But of course wishful thinking won't get you wins in the NFL, or any sport for that matter.
I guess the only thing left for opposing defenses to do when planning for Peyton Manning is hoping he doesn't step foot on that football field because Monday night proved that time of possession doesn't mean a thing against Peyton Manning and the Colts.
The Numbers-Colts vs. Dolphins
First Downs: Indy 14, Miami 27
Time of Possession: Indy 14:53, Miami 45:07
Total Plays: Indy 35, Miami 84
Rush Yards: Indy 61, Miami 239
First Downs: Indy 14, Miami 27
Time of Possession: Indy 14:53, Miami 45:07
Total Plays: Indy 35, Miami 84
Rush Yards: Indy 61, Miami 239
Unbelievable! There are few stats that are more reliable at picking the winner of a football game than time of possession, but this one was totally off. The only thing you can do is to tip your cap to Peyton Manning and recognize just how great he really is. Maybe even THE greatest by the time he hangs 'em up.
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