It’s hard to imagine the Colts offense without Peyton Manning. Heck, Manning is the Colts offense. Or at least he was the Colts offense, until further notice.
With Manning very likely out for the opener, his teammates have to step up. The offensive line has to do a better job protecting because Kerry Collins won’t get rid of the ball as quickly. They have to block better for a running game that hasn’t been average in years.
The receivers, who are so reliant on their timing with Manning, have to stand out.
“It will be different, obviously, but I don’t think guys are going to be tentative or anything like that,” wideout Anthony Gonzalez said via the Indianapolis Star. “The bottom line is if we as receivers are getting open, that’s probably most important no matter who is playing quarterback. Nobody can throw to guys who are covered.”
It would be nice if all of the Colts receivers were available. Austin Collie, Gonzalez, and Blair White all returned to practice Monday. Collie and Gonzalez missed much of the preseason.
Gonzalez may not play much because the Colts don’t figure to use as many three or four receiver looks in Indianapolis until Manning is back.
We’re not sure what things will look like without Manning, but they are going to be uncomfortably different for Colts fans.
UPDATE: Here’s Florio with more on Manning from Tuesday’s PFT Live.
