“It’s the name!!!!” That’s what Apollo Creed said before choosing Rocky Balboa in their first fight. He loved his nickname “The Italian Stallion.” So why do I bring this up? Currently, the football world is dealing with the last name “Manning” in the sense of Arch Manning. The Texas Longhorn quarterback is related to both Peyton and Eli Manning. Just how exactly?
“Arch Manning is the nephew of NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning. Their father, Archie Manning, is the grandfather of Arch. Peyton and Eli are the younger brothers of Arch’s father, Cooper Manning. Therefore, Arch is the son of Cooper Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning.”
In Arch’s first game against Ohio State, he certainly underwhelmed in a 14-7 loss. Manning went 17-30 for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He struggled with his progressions, his reads and just didn’t look like well…a Manning should.
So, why does this matter?
Well, if you’re an Ohio State fan, you’re simply happy with the fact that they beat the #1-ranked Longhorns in game one. Now, let’s leave the college game to itself and talk about what matters most on this site here in these parts.
The Cleveland Browns.
Many had the Browns getting the top pick this next season and actually selecting Arch Manning as the quarterback. This was, of course, with the expectation that he was going to be absolutely amazing this season and prove his worth at the position.
So, is time to hit the panic button?
Eh, it’s simply been one game. I would have to give the quarterback more time to progress and be able to thrive throughout the season and whatnot. Luckily, the Browns don’t have a draft selection today or anything. A lot of time for Manning to make himself into a Manning.
Also, what else is nice is if Manning does end up proving to be a bust, the Browns haven’t signed him to a five-year deal already.
Get it?
See what I did there with the Deshaun Watson jokes?
As this season begins on Sunday, we’ll have to see how the current quarterbacks end up performing in Cleveland. Guys such as veteran Joe Flacco and Shedeur Sanders are always throwing up some type of storm throughout the year. Again, let’s point out what that last name can do for you, this one being “Sanders.”
Had Manning completely balled out, beat the crap out of the Buckeyes, well, the Columbus area would be really upset, of course. On the flip side, Browns fans would be ready to draft him and start the future already today.
Even so, Manning has an entire college career to prove himself and that excitement could come with a better future than game one in Texas.
Yes, it was underwhelming to start. Let’s see how the rest of his career ends up before Draft Day.
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