Leaving behind an era of failing to lead the New York Giants with inconsistency, poor decision-making, and fumbles, to making unprecedented records with the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Daniel Jones has come a long way. His inspiring journey under Colts head coach Shane Steichen has finally made an impact, leading the team wth a 3-0 record. And Rich Eisen couldn’t stop gushing about the quarterback. And understandably so. But some of his words may have hurt the sentiments of the fans.
The reason is that as Jones started a new era with the Colts, he has also been measuring up to some of the game’s greats, such as Peyton Manning. Jones is the first QB with three passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns, zero turnovers, and a flawless win record this season. Eisen took to his show to praise the quarterback by claiming that no Colts QB has ever done what Jones has achieved in his new era with the team.
“What he’s (Jones) doing for the Indianapolis Colts is quite simply something we’ve never seen from the Colts at the quarterback position before. And I know what I’m saying right now,” Eisen said. “Because just to name a couple of quarterbacks that have worn the blue horseshoe on the side of the helmet, there. Peyton Manning is one. All you got to do is just, you know, stroll up the front steps at Lucas Oil and you see the statue. Johnny Unitas is another. Just to name two. Andrew Luck could be another one,” he further explained.
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However, some fans were upset over the reference to Manning and what the other legendary QBs have done. “They had Peyton freaking Manning!” one fan reminded the host. The reaction shouldn’t be surprising given what Manning means to the Colts fans. For them, that era with the five-time MVP holds special emotions. His impact was even felt by those who joined the franchise later.
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Andrew Luck, for one, shared in 2021, “Peyton added new depth and definition to the word ‘quarterback.” He added, “I grew up rooting for him and stayed rooting for him — except, of course, when we were on opposite sidelines. He brought a one-of-a-kind personality and style to the game and changed how the position is played.”
That influence was clear both on the field and in the remarkable records he set for the team. Manning holds the franchise’s seasonal and career records in completions, attempts, and touchdowns. Between 2000 and 2009, Manning guided the Colts to 115 regular-season wins, which is the most by any NFL team in a single decade at the time.
What most fans found impressive about him is his leadership, which also propelled Indianapolis to franchise-record 14-win seasons in 2005 and 2009. Former Colts owner, late Jim Irsay, compared Manning to a pilot in a storm or a leader in war to speak of his skills and composure. “There is no one you could compare that to — what he did at the line of scrimmage and how noticeable it was. That’s why, in 100 years, there will only be one Peyton Manning,” he said.
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This explains why fans felt upset over Eisen’s comment.
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Fans are upset over Rich Eisen’s comment
“Tell that to the d-mmy co-host,” a netizen wrote in the comments section of the post. Eisen didn’t forget the legend. But he excitedly explained that Jones did something which no one has ever done for the Colts. The Colts have had a scorching start with a 3-0 record, leading the league with 103 points through the first three weeks. That is more than any Manning-led Colts team ever scored in the same span.
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This is impressive. But the comparison didn’t sit right with some players. “So Luck & Manning don’t count in that never proclamation? I swear to god ESPN & whomever does the posting is for them is getting d-mber by the second with that take. How can you take 3 games & try this never line. Just dumb.” This fan dragged in ESPN as they argued.
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Now, the team’s efficiency has been just as eye-catching. The Colts have punted only once in three games, the fewest by any team through three weeks in the Super Bowl era. The only other squad to have done so isn’t from the recent past. Think 2007 New England Patriots.
“Guy’s a clown. Ever see Manning or Luck,” another wrote. It seems many focused on how Eisen stressed on Jones’ record and felt that he didn’t acknowledge the Colts’ legends and their massive impact on the team and the football culture of the place. Jones has been impressive after his stint with the Giants. Although it wasn’t easy.
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He threw for an average of 9.1 yards per attempt in the Colts’ third consecutive win, their strongest season start since Peyton Manning’s 2009 campaign. So, while many see it as a comparison, others might also see it as what the fans can expect from the Colts’ QB in the future.
Another fan questioned, “Really, Ask Peyton.” Whether criticism or appreciation, Jones has raised the bar for himself, and with that comes scrutiny. It’s early, of course, like many hinted, but the Colts are showing they can dominate in multiple ways. With Jones at the helm, the team must keep up with the hype or risk turning the tables.