Joey vs. Peyton

All right. Before anyone starts the wild accusations, I'm not saying that Harrington is as good as Manning. That's not the point of what I'm going to throw out there. Just bear with me.

It's obvious Joey Harrington is having struggles recently. Struggles being an understatement. Also, the injury card gets used too often, and I'm tired of it as well, but I do think there is some validity to it. Just consider this.....

Tell Peyton Manning to be as successful as he is this season in the following scenario:

*Edgerrin James had ankle injuries and is not at full speed (Kevin Jones)
*Marvin Harrison is done for the season on the 3rd play of the year (Charles Rogers)
*Reggie Wayne has an ankle sprain that severely hampers his ability to run routes, and miss considerable time (Roy Williams)
*Brandon Stokely is out with a hamstring injury (Tai Streets)

Am I saying that Peyton would look as awful as Joey? Of course not. What I am saying is that without weapons, Peyton would not have the incredible numbers he does.

Pick any team that is successful, and what is the common ingredient? Playmakers that help the quarterback. Steelers? Burress, Ward, Staley & Bettis. Does anyone REALLY think Roethlisberger would be as hot as he is if there were injuries? Patriots? Their receivers and now Dillon. Yes they had success before Dillon, but those receivers were still there. How about the Eagles? McNabb was very over rated until he had someone to throw to in Owens. Look at the Vikings. Culpepper was on fire until Moss went down. It's amazing what injuries can do. They are a part of the game.

What's the point of all this? Joey Harrington has played horribly the last two weeks. Can he play better? Yes. Will he? I hope so, and I do think he will.