Manning reacted stoically Sunday night after wide receiver Reggie Wayne dropped his team’s last gasp — a fourth-down pass in the end zone late in the fourth quarter. With hands on hips and his helmet still on, Manning returned to the sideline and stared at a video-board replay. He then headed toward the locker room before the final seconds expired in New Orleans’ 31-17 win.
Was it poor sportsmanship for not shaking hands with Saints players? Sure. But after what had just transpired in Super Bowl XLIV, I wouldn’t want to look back either.
At his postgame news conference, Manning used the word “disappointing” 18 times in an 11-minute span. He sounded like someone who felt Indianapolis lost this game more than New Orleans won it. He lamented the Colts’ dropped throws, poor special teams and struggles by a defense that couldn’t stop Saints quarterback Drew Brees. When asked what New Orleans did to disrupt Indianapolis’ offensive rhythm, Manning said, “I think I’d have a hard time saying that … We stopped ourselves for the most part.”
Odd...I would have thought he lamented that Pick 6.
There is not one thing in that article that claims he was ranting or raving against his team. He was disappointed and his team did play poorly - and it was disappointing. He didn’t point out specific plays or people who dropped passes - he walked toward the locker room before the final seconds - big deal - he was probably angry with himself for the interception.