Reggie Wayne is understandably frustrated

For an idea of just how far and fast the Colts have fallen since losing Peyton Manning before the season, consider that Reggie Wayne has been out of the news since, well, September. This is what happens when you go from one of the NFL's most productive wide receivers to the situation Wayne currently finds himself: a weekly non-factor thanks to a suddenly inept Colts offense.

Manning's replacement, Curtis Painter, has completed just 55 percent of his passes (5 TDs, 7 INTs), and as a consequence, Wayne has just 42 receptions for 530 yards and a lone touchdown. He's on pace for his lowest totals in catches, yards and touchdowns since 2003. Understandably, he's frustrated.

"I always feel 'this week' I'm going to have a big game," Wayne said, according to the Indianapolis Star's Mike Chappell. "So, (today) is going to be my big game of the year. Won't be hard, you know what I mean?"

Wayne's best game came in the opener, a seven-catch, 106-yard effort in a beatdown at the hands of the Texans. In the nine games since, Wayne has had four receptions or fewer seven times and his longest catch of the season is just 36 yards.

"The only way I go without snapping (with) the media is every game when I come in, first thing I do is put my helmet and stuff down and grab my phone," Wayne said. "Always got a text message from my wife and it's a picture of my kids.

"I don't think she's doing it on purpose, but when I see my kids, that calms the storm. They bring everything back."

It was less than four months ago that Wayne was hoping for a new contract. His value has taken a hit this season and he's certainly in line for less than that he could've expected back in August. The drastic drop in productivity isn't his fault, although we suspect that won't much matter when he negotiates his next deal.


(cbssports.com)