Peyton Manning is in the midst of a historically great season with the Denver Broncos, and his head coach John Fox is defending him against criticism of his past work as an Indianapolis Colt.
Recently, Colts owner Jim Irsay said he was "disappointed" the Colts only managed one Super Bowl win with Manning at the helm.
"Tom Brady never had consistent numbers, but he has three of these [rings]," Irsay told USA Today. "Pittsburgh had two, the Giants had two, Baltimore had two and we had one. That leaves you frustrated," Irsay said. "You make the playoffs 11 times, and you're out in the first round seven out of 11 times. You love to have the 'Star Wars' numbers from Peyton and Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Mostly, you love this [ring]."
Fox was upset at the remarks, and accused Irsay of being ungrateful for Manning's Hall of Fame run. "I saw the comments. And to be honest with you, I thought it was a bit of a cheap shot," Fox said on Sirius radio.
"Peyton would never say anything. He's too classy to do that. They sounded a little ungrateful and unappreciative to me. For a guy who has set a standard, won a Super Bowl, won four MVP awards ... be thankful of that one Super Bowl ring, because a lot of people don't have one."
Irsay took to Twitter to dispel any thoughts of a chasm developing between he and the Colts legend following the controversy.
The noise doesn't bother me,to quote the most loved Ind Colt of all time"I wanted to stay,Jim wanted me to stay,circumstances forced r hand"
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 16, 2013
The Broncos and Colts are matching up Sunday night, and Manning enters the game putting up astronomical numbers yet again. Through six games he has 2,179 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
The Colts aren't complaining though. After bottoming out following Manning's neck injury that cost him the 2011 season, they were able to draft quarterback Andrew Luck. Since picking up Luck, the Colts are 15-7, went to the playoffs last year with 11 victories, and are currently tops in the AFC South division.
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