Peyton Manning: Edgerrin James critical to decade-long run of success

Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning has been crucial to one of the most successful eras in recent NFL history. But Manning said Wednesday afternoon the importance of another player -- one who will make his first appearance in Indianapolis Sunday in more than three years -- shouldn't be overlooked.

That player?

Former Colts running back Edgerrin James.

James, the No. 4 overall selection by the Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft, played seven seasons with Indianapolis, leading the NFL in rushing in 1999 and 2000 and making the Pro Bowl in 1999-2000 and 2004-2005. He spent 2006-2008 with Arizona and signed with Seattle shortly before the season. When the Colts play host to the Seahawks Sunday, it will be the first time since a 21-18 playoff loss to Pittsburgh in January 2006 that James has played in Indianapolis.

It also will be James' first game against the Colts since his departure. 

“It's always different when you're playing against a guy,” said Manning, who along with James and former Colts WR Marvin Harrison formed Indianapolis' version of the Triplets from 1999-2005. "Everybody's very competitive. I'm happy the fans will get to see him. When we've had some former players come back, our fans always have given them a warm reception. . . . I have to believe it will be one of the most memorable ex-Colts coming back to play here in recent times.

“I know the fans will be excited to see him. It will be good to have him back in Indianapolis.”

Manning said James' addition was critical not only to the Colts' offensive development, but its success this decade. The team went 3-13 in 1998, then 13-3 in his rookie season.

“Edgerrin was the key to our running game, and really our offense kind of becoming what it was,” Manning said. “They had to play the run every single play. All of a sudden the buzzword kind of got out about our play action. We had these great fakes and all these plays down the field.

“It was because No. 32 was back there. It wasn't just because 'some guy' was back there. . . . He was really one of the pillars to getting the Colts turned around and helping us become a winning franchise and having teams respect the Colts more.”



(examiner.com)