Peyton Manning blames Eagles' asset over cancelled yearly practice

Peyton Manning, the Sheriff himself, holding court. He dissects defenses like a sommelier tastes wine, his quarterbacks rankings as anticipated as the Thanksgiving Day game.

For fans raised on Manning vs. Brady duels, his top-five lists felt like gospel. Think of it like the perfect bracket busted early – surprising, maybe even a little unsettling. Manning’s opinion carried weight, like a Hail Mary pass hanging in the frigid Lambeau air. Something shifted this offseason, though.

Suddenly, the oracle fell silent. No list emerged. Fans scratched their heads, wondering if the offseason was playing tricks. Had the meticulous Manning lost his fastball? Was he saving his takes for Omaha Productions?

The absence was palpable, a missing piece in the NFL’s summer narrative puzzle. Little did anyone know, the catalyst wore Eagles green. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia's stoic leader, had quietly altered the script.

"I'm a quarterback defender. I'm a quarterback fan. I know how hard it is to play... So, no list this year," Manning said.

Essentially, Hurts called out the legend with a simple text, and Manning, respecting the fraternity, holstered his rankings. That’s influence. But this isn't just a funny anecdote.

It underscores Hurts' burning drive. Remember Super Bowl 57? He dueled Mahomes blow-for-blow, finishing with 304 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns – a performance Manning himself acknowledged was championship-caliber, lamenting he was "one pass interference" away from winning. That near-miss fueled his desire to win it two years later. Being omitted from Manning’s elite circle?

Merely another log on the competitive fire. For the Eagles, this mentality is pure gold. Hurts transforms perceived slights into rocket fuel.

His response is pure Philadelphia: gritty, determined, never satisfied. Think of it like a linebacker stuffing a fourth and one – pure will. This mindset permeates the Eagles' locker room. When your franchise quarterback demands recognition among the absolute best, it raises everyone's game. Consequently, opponents face not just a talented player but an insatiable competitor. Hurts isn't waiting for permission to sit at the table; he’s pulling up his chair.

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