Saturday: Manning vs. Colts ‘didn’t help’ Super Bowl week
Published: February 3rd, 2012 | Tags: Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning, Super Bowl XLVI
As far as Jeff Saturday is concerned, the term “debacle” is as good as any to describe the current state of the Colts, and the he-said, he-said public back-and-forth between QB Peyton Manning and owner Jim Irsay.
Saturday, the Colts’ longtime center who has been with the organization his entire 13-year career, would presumably have as much insight into Manning, Irsay and the Colts as anyone. Saturday did avoid criticizing either side while suggesting that the outcome — unintended or otherwise — doesn’t benefit the first Super Bowl held in Indianapolis.
“It’s tough that it’s happening this week,” Saturday told NFL Network on Friday. “You have two of the best teams in the NFL and about to have the biggest game of the NFL year. Peyton Manning and with Jim Irsay and all this stuff that’s happening, I think that kind of overshadows this game a little bit. I know Peyton well enough to know that he doesn’t want that. Jim Irsay doesn’t want that. That didn’t help.
“Really, it’s all premature anyways. Nothing is going to happen for another month no matter what anybody else says. They’re going to continue his progress, continue his work, then ultimately sit down and make the decision.”
Remember, the week started with Irsay vowing he wouldn’t discuss Manning during Super Bowl week. That, obviously, did not happen. It ended with another curious (but expected) statement from the Colts proclaiming unity.
In between, no one grasped the concept of “no comment.” Some would suggest much of that was premeditated and calculated.
Much like teammate Reggie Wayne, Saturday’s future with the Colts has also been overshadowed by the unfolding drama. Saturday said he’s going to sit back and wait to make a decision, but what happens with Manning won’t impact where he chooses to play next.
Follow the NFL Network on Twitter @nflnetwork