Peyton Manning usually dodges criticism as skillfully as he avoids hits.
But the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback is having trouble avoiding one nagging issue.
Despite the staggering numbers, his model status on and off the field and a propensity for winning, Manning is wrapping up his sixth season hearing an all-too-familiar question: Can he win a playoff game?
"Usually, the player wants the same things the fans want," Manning said. "We want to win championships, no question. But it's not easy."
It's a strange predicament for Manning, for whom success has seemingly followed like a shadow.
His name and face have become synonymous with NFL products, and by virtually every measuring stick he has had the most successful start of any quarterback in NFL history. He is the league's only player with five consecutive 4,000-yard seasons. Nobody else has more than three. His 53 career victories rank second among Colts quarterbacks, trailing only Hall of Famer John Unitas (116).
Compared with eight other quarterbacks selected No. 1 since 1970, Manning's six-year totals are the best.
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