NFL Football 2011

NFL 2011 - Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning

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.

"Peyton isn't just a quarterback," says CBS analyst and former NFL quarterback BOOMER ESIASON. "He's an offensive coordinator, he runs meetings, he runs practices, he shows up first and he's the last to leave. It's his leadership in the locker room, in the meeting rooms, on the practice field and then on game day."

Colts head coach JIM CALDWELL, who served as Manning's quarterback coach for seven years (2002-08), 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."

Manning, who is entering his 14th NFL season, ranks third all-time in career passing yards (54,828), completions (4,682) and touchdown passes (399). Manning needs 286 completions and 22 touchdown passes in 2011 to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (4,967 completions, 420 TDs) for second place all-time in each category.

Most Passing Yards

Player Yards
*Active (Source: NFL)
Brett Favre71,838
Dan Marino61,361
Peyton Manning54,828*
John Elway51,475
Warren Moon49,325

 

Most Completions

Player Yards
*Active (Source: NFL)
Brett Favre6,300
Dan Marino4,967
Peyton Manning4,682*
John Elway4,123
Warren Moon3,988

 

Most TD Passes

Player Yards
*Active (Source: NFL)
Brett Favre508
Dan Marino420
Peyton Manning399*
Fran Tarkenton342
John Elway300

 

In 2011, the Colts' unquestioned leader can become the first quarterback in league history to throw 25 touchdown passes in 14 consecutive seasons as well as become the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in 12 different seasons.

Consecutive Seasons With 25+ TD Passes

Player Seasons Number
*Active (Source: NFL)
Peyton Manning1998-201013*
Dan Marino1984-19885
Brett Favre1994-19985
Drew Brees2006-20105*
Brett Favre2001-20044

 

Most 4,000-Yard Passing Seasons

Player Number
*Active (Source: NFL)
Peyton Manning11*
Dan Marino6
Brett Favre6
Drew Brees5*
Warren Moon4

 

"Playing with Peyton Manning has made it a lot easier," says Colts wide receiver PIERRE GARCON, who enters his fourth season. "He tells you what to do, you listen to it. He's been around for a long time. He's the leader that you want to follow. He's been doing it for a long time, and he's been doing it well for a long time. It's easy to follow him and take what he says."

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback RON JAWORSKI says a great deal of Manning's success can be attributed to his high level of football intelligence against complex NFL defenses.

"The thing that always amazes me about Peyton Manning is the speed at which he processes what he sees on the field," says Jaworski. "It's not just all that preparation that he's famous for, it's also how quickly he puts it to use. The speed of processing. It's been years since Peyton has been surprised by a defense. He is second to none in the pre-snap phase of seeing the defenses. He knows where he's going with the ball before it's snapped. He is simply amazing in preparation and speed of processing. There is no one like him and that gives his team confidence, no matter who they're facing, or what the situation is."

NFL 2011 Best Quarterbacks - Peyton Manning