Why didn’t get go after his own fumble? He just watched it roll away without trying.
He didn’t want to get hurt and end up with concussion?
He didn’t watch it roll away. He jumped away from it like it might come toward him.
That wouldn’t work if - somehow - he knew a lot of money was riding on a Panther loss. A lot of money.
He didn't only not go after it, he visibly backed away. He seemed to realize his opportunity was at hand, so he acted.
Follow the Benjamins. It's as good an explanation as any. The NFL was hell bent on crowning Manning this year by hook or by crook.