Peyton Manning: Reports of Colts QB's Demise Are Getting Absurd

Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts are not starting to fade, despite what you may have heard. In fact, the 2010 season may be their finest yet to date. 

No, this is not Manning's best statistical season—not by a long shot. Remember that epic 2004 campaign, which included 49 touchdowns and more than 4,500 yards? While the Colts aren't in the running for another No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, they're still very much in the mix in the AFC South. 

Manning's value to the Indianapolis Colts this season isn't in his record-breaking passer rating or bucket loads of touchdown passes. The quarterback's value to his team this year has come in handling adversity and keeping the Colts relevant in the AFC South race. 

From the get-go, Indianapolis has endured a flurry of injuries. At some point in the season, Joseph Addai, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Dallas Clark, Mike Hart, Anthony Gonzalez and Reggie Wayne have all been out with injury, leaving Manning behind to deal with the inconsistent receiving corps week in and week out. For a quarterback like Manning, who spreads the ball around better than most, the rash of injuries has been tough to get through. 

Still, Manning has persevered. And despite the injury bug and two consecutive losses to the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers, the Colts remain in the playoff race. Given the strength of the AFC East and North, a wild-card is all but out of the question for the 6-5 Colts, but they're very much in the running with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the AFC South title. 

Indianapolis' season is sure to come down to Week 13's Thursday night bout with the Jaguars. 

Much of uproar surrounding Manning's productivity and the Colts' legitimacy as a continual power in the AFC has come into question because of the embarrassing loss Indianapolis suffered to the Chargers last week.

In the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately NFL, Manning's excellence is getting lost in the mix. Although Manning's stats roll-ups aren't the most impressive of his career, he's still having quite a year. 

Of course, his 90.8 passer rating is a significant dip in his career level and 11 interceptions are a cause for concern, but both are certainly representative of the Colts' revolving door at the wide receiver position and Manning's need to take chances.

However, he leads the league in passes completed (317) and is third in passing yards (3,335). His 22 touchdown passes are second most in the league. 

Manning is one of the best quarterbacks at making adjustments week-to-week, so don't be surprised when he leads the Colts to five straight wins to close the season.