NFL Passion: Painter Fever Hits Indy

After spending two years mastering the art of warming Peyton Mannings seat, Curtis Painter, Indianapolis Colts 2009 6^th round draft pick finally gets his opportunity to lead his team for four quarters when they head to Tampa this Monday night for a date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The winless Colts really have nothing to lose (Peyton Manning’s injury was their worst nightmare come true) and can use a spark to try to bring life to their currently discouraging season. All eyes are on Painter as he sets out to prove that he is the next Tom Brady. Ok not quite, but remember Brady was also picked in the 6^th round by the New England Patriots at pick 33, even lower than Painters 28. Of course it's too early and foolish to even contemplate him to be Brady like at this point.

Regardless of the issues of how ready he is to play a full game under center, there are a lot of people that have been eager to see Painter get his chance, with his main campaigner being Colts star Receiver Reggie Wayne, who has felt from the beginning that Curtis should have been the starter in Indy given his length of time with the team and his knowledge of its playbook. But Management had other plans, as they signed Super Veteran quarterback Kerry Collins to replace the injured Manning. This guy has been in intense battles with Steve Young, yes, already in the Hall of Fame Steve young. So you tell me how old the guy is. But when the Steelers ferocious defense forced Collins from the game last Sunday night, Painters name was called upon. And although at first he did come out throwing as if he was a punter playing emergency quarterback, he did settle himself down, made a few good throws down the stretch, and almost gave the Colts what they needed to upset Pittsburgh. He obviously did something right if the Indianapolis sideline has enough confidence in him to give him the ball in what could be a do or die game for the Colts. And the best receiver on a team doesn’t just go around endorsing quarterbacks for no reason. There are a few bright spots for Curtis Painter, including the fact that he should be feeling absolutely no pressure. No matter if he throws seven interceptions Monday night, things couldn’t be any worse for the Colts than they are right now. And though the game is in Tampa, most NFL fans around the country will be rooting for the little guy, because we all know he can use all the support he can get.