NFL 2010 Preview: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning continues to etch his name in the NFL's record books.

Manning's success has been attributed to his preparation, focus, dedication, durability and passion for the game of football.

"He's definitely one of the best, in my mind," says Colts wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE, who serves as one of Manning's main weapons. "He puts in so much heart, hard work and preparation. He just wants to be a winner and whenever you have a quarterback that wants to win and do whatever it takes to win, you want him on your team."

Colts All-Pro center JEFF SATURDAY has built great chemistry with Manning over the years. Saturday and Manning have started 154 games together, the second-most for a quarterback-center combination since the 1970 merger, trailing only Buffalo's JIM KELLY and KENT HULL (157).

"Peyton is the guy you can always count on to push you to be your best," says Saturday. "That attitude is infectious in our locker room. He's the epitome of a teammate. I've been extremely blessed and fortunate in my career to be with a quarterback like Peyton. To be able to line up in front of him, week in and week out, it's been a pleasure."

Last year, Manning was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player by The Associated Press for an unprecedented fourth time and led the Colts to Super Bowl XLIV.

In 2010, the Colts' leader can become the first quarterback in league history to throw 25 touchdown passes in 13 consecutive seasons as well as become the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in 11 different seasons.

Manning, who is entering his 13th NFL season, ranks fourth all-time in career passing yards (50,128) and needs 1,348 yards to surpass JOHN ELWAY (51,475) for third place. He is third in NFL annals with 4,232 completions and 366 touchdown passes.

"He is very mentally tough and has seen it all," says New Orleans Saints All-Star safety DARREN SHARPER. "He's been around so long and played in so many big games and he's a tough football player. He knows when we are blitzing a lot of the times and has the ability to get rid of the football, so you can't really sack him."

Colts head coach JIM CALDWELL, who has been with the club since 2002 -- first serving as Manning's quarterback coach -- has been a witness to the four-time MVP's formula for success.

"Having a chance to work with him closely by coaching the quarterback position prior to my duties as they are presently, we developed a pretty tight bond," says Caldwell. "He epitomizes everything good in professional athletics. He's sharp, hardworking, and very diligent about his preparation. He does a fine job during the offseason in terms of taking care of his arm, taking care of his legs. He eats right and gets enough sleep. He takes everything seriously. Every single snap, every single meeting. He's a guy that is a real joy to coach."

Consecutive Seasons With 25+ TD Passes

Quarterback Seasons Streak
*Active streak (Source: NFL)
Peyton Manning1998-200912*
Dan Marino1984-19885
Brett Favre1994-19985
Brett Favre2001-20044
Drew Brees2006-20094*

 

4,000-YARD PASSING SEASONS

Quarterback Seasons
*Active (Source: NFL)
Peyton Manning10*
Dan Marino6
Brett Favre6*
Warren Moon4
Drew Brees4*

 

Quarterbacks: Career All-time Leaders

MOST PASSING YARDS
*Active (Source: NFL)
Brett Favre69,329*
Dan Marino61,361
John Elway51,475
Peyton Manning50,128*
Warren Moon49,325

 

MOST ATTEMPTS
*Active (Source: NFL)
Brett Favre9,811*
Dan Marino8,358
John Elway7,250
Warren Moon6,823
Drew Bledsoe6,717

 

MOST COMPLETIONS
*Active (Source: NFL)
Brett Favre6,083*
Dan Marino4,967
Peyton Manning4,232*
John Elway4,123
Warren Moon3,988

 

MOST TD PASSES
*Active (Source: NFL)
Brett Favre497*
Dan Marino420
Peyton Manning366*
Fran Tarkenton342
John Elway300

 

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

Peyton needs 4,000 passing yards to become the first player in NFL history with 11 4,000-yard seasons. Manning is the only quarterback to accomplish the feat in 10 seasons.

Manning has led the league in touchdown passes three times in his career and can tie Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas, Len Dawson and Steve Young (4) for the most seasons leading the league in touchdown passes.

Manning has passed for 400 yards in a game seven times in his career. Manning needs one 400-yard passing game to surpass Joe Montana and Warren Moon (7) for the second-most games with 400 yards passing in NFL history (Dan Marino, 13).

Manning needs 34 touchdown passes to become the third player in NFL history with 400 touchdown passes. Manning would join Brett Favre (497) and Dan Marino (420) as the only players to accomplish the feat. In 12 seasons, Manning has thrown 366 touchdown passes.

Manning needs 1,348 passing yards to surpass John Elway (51,475) to move into third place all-time. In 12 seasons, Manning has passed for 50,128 yards.

Manning has 21 games with four or more touchdown passes and needs three such games to surpass Brett Favre (23) for the most games with four touchdown passes in NFL history (see Favre note).

Manning needs 25 touchdown passes to become the first player in NFL history to throw 25 touchdown passes in 13 consecutive seasons. Manning is the only player to have 12 consecutive seasons with 25 touchdown passes.

Manning has passed for 3,000 yards in each of the past 12 seasons and owns the second-longest streak of consecutive 3,000-yard seasons (Brett Favre, 18). Manning is the only player in NFL history to start a career with 12 consecutive 3,000-yard seasons.

 

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