LEFTOVERS: ‘Papa John’s’ can’t derail Manning
For as long as Peyton Manning has been shredding defenses with his audibles at the line of scrimmage, opposing teams have been trying to confuse him at the line.
He’s heard it all, and nothing works on Manning. He is unflappable.
Well, at least until the playoffs.
The Eagles were the latest in a long line of teams that thought they were clever enough to come up with something to rattle Manning last week.
Apparently, several players on Philadelphia’s defensive front were yelling “Papa John’s” when Manning would try to signal presnap audibles to his teammates at the line.
The Denver quarterback has appeared in several commercials for the pizza giant and maintains a business relationship with “Papa” John Schnatter.
Anyone who watched the game or saw the score knew the Eagles’ attempts were futile.
Future opponents will have to seek a new way to throw Manning off his game, like perhaps pressuring him in the pocket or covering his receivers.
Let’s just hope we never hear what opponents are yelling at wide receiver Riley Cooper while the Eagles are on offense.
■ GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT — There is a growing school of thought that the Jacksonville Jaguars might be one of the worst teams to ever compete in the NFL.
Maybe one of the worst in all of major professional sports in American history.
So why would anyone continue to bet that they will win their game each week?
That question must be asked of a superfan named Jaxson DeVille. Yes, the goofy Jaguars mascot continues to maintain the faith and bet the opposing mascots that his hapless side will get the victory.
Last week, the Colts were the opponent. DeVille made a bet with Blue that the losing side’s mascot would have to take as many paintball shots as total points were scored in the game.
The Colts won 37-3, so Jaxson had to take a barrage of 40 paintballs. He paid the wager and posted the video online.
Next time, he should stipulate that the shots are fired by Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Of the 40 shots, it’s likely only about three or four would find their mark.
■ I’VE GOT A HEADACHE THIS BIG — Low ratings and lack of exposure on ESPN have led to difficult times for the NHL.
The game seems to be back on a slight uptick, however, and the league landed a major corporate sponsor this week as evidence of that.
The NHL announced that Advil has become the official pain reliever of the NHL and its 30 team athletic trainers.
A news release trumpeted the benefits of the deal.
“As an official partner of the NHL, Advil will receive significant media exposure, including prominent in-ice brand position, camera-visible dasherboards and placement at accompanying fan festivals of League tent-pole events. Advil will also benefit from custom integration throughout all NHL-controlled media properties including NHL.com, NHL Network and NHL Social, in addition to the League’s U.S. national broadcast partner, NBC Sports Group.”
The move makes sense for Advil. Anyone who sits through an entire NHL game on TV undoubtedly will be looking for some type of medication.
COMPILED BY ADAM HILL LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
