Updated: October 16, 2013, 9:00 AM ET
By Ed Werder | ESPN
Tony Dungy believes that Jim Irsay’s perceived criticism of Peyton Manning just days before the four-time MVP returns to Indianapolis to play the Colts was probably strategically motivated.
But Dungy, who was hired by Irsay to coach the Colts and won a Super Bowl with Manning, struggles to reconcile why Irsay would disparage Manning after touting the team’s plan for a pregame tribute to the Denver Broncos quarterback.
“Jim is making this personal,” Dungy said in a text message to ESPN. “I’m surprised.”
The Colts will host the undefeated Broncos on Sunday night in Manning’s heavily anticipated return to Indianapolis.
In a recent interview with USA Today Sports, Irsay said he was “frustrated” that the Colts won only one Super Bowl despite reaching the playoffs 11 times with Manning. Irsay explained the Colts’ decision to release Manning and draft Andrew Luck prior to last season, telling USA Today, “We’ve changed our model a little bit, because we wanted more than one [Super Bowl ring].”
Dungy thinks Irsay was deliberately trying to provoke the highly competitive Manning.
“I think that’s what he’s trying to do,” Dungy told ESPN in a text message. “I think that’s what he’s trying to do. Have him make it such a big game he doesn’t perform well. I can’t figure any other reason to go this way.”
Manning’s situation is familiar to Brett Favre, who has experience winning a Super Bowl with one franchise and then enduring the unique challenge of returning to play his former team in the same stadium where he was worshiped most of his career.
After retiring and then attempting to force his return to the Green Bay Packers to win his release, Favre eventually returned to Lambeau Field with the Minnesota Vikings and can relate to the conflicting emotions Manning might be feeling.
“Not that he needs any advice,” Favre told ESPN. “But for me, I had never been more nervous and anxious before a game as I was then. So being able to think clearly, as my emotions were running high, was a monumental feat. But he will do fine.”
In a far more hostile environment than Manning should expect for his homecoming, Favre delivered one of the greatest performances of his career in his return to Lambeau Field, throwing four touchdown passes without an interception in Minnesota’s 38-26 victory on Nov. 1, 2009.
That followed an Minnesota’s victory over Green Bay four weeks earlier in The Metrodome, where Favre threw for three touchdowns in a 30-23 triumph.
The 37-year-old Manning has flourished since signing with Denver and is on a record-setting pace this season. He leads the NFL with 2,179 passing yards and 22 touchdowns — a league record through six games.
Broncos coach John Fox defended Manning in an interview Tuesday with SiriusXM NFL Radio, calling Irsay’s comments “disappointing and inappropriate” and “a cheap shot.”
Dungy also came to Manning’s defense, arguing that the quarterback’s popularity and success helped prevent the Colts from leaving Indianapolis.
“Without Peyton, there would be no Lucas Oil Stadium,” Dungy told ESPN. “This team would be playing in LA right now. I don’t understand Jim saying this.”
The Colts have gone 15-7 since drafting Luck with the top overall pick in 2012. Irsay, in his interview with USA Today Sports, lamented that the Colts had only one title to show for all their success with Manning.
“[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.
“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.”
Irsay took to Twitter late Tuesday night to address his critics.
Those expressing negatIvity about the concept of building well rounded teams around great QBs 2 achieve Championships have negative agendas
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 16, 2013
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
So Colt Fans,we’re gonna have a fantastic tribute for Peyton..an incredible,historic football game!! Hopefully a memorable,close ball game!
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 16, 2013
Dungy: Irsay getting "personal" with Manning
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