In a recent episode of the ManningCast, Peyton and Eli Manning brought legendary New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the show. And during their conversation, they made Belichick relive a painful memory from 20 years ago.
It was a play from 2004 when Peyton Manning, playing for the Indianapolis Colts, faced off against the Patriots. The play in question was a fourth-and-1 situation on New England’s 41-yard line. Manning executed a fake handoff to Edgerrin James, then took off on a bootleg to gain a first down with his legs, running at a comically slow speed down the sidelines for 19 yards.
The producers of the show put the replay on the screen, and Belichick couldn’t help but cringe at the sight of his defense being duped by Manning once again. The play was a stark reminder of the strategic prowess of the Manning brothers.
“That’s just brutal,” remarked one viewer watching the replay.
Despite the memorable play, the Patriots managed to pull off a 27-24 victory in that game. They went on to have a stellar season with a 14-2 record, defeating the Colts in the divisional round of the playoffs, and ultimately winning Super Bowl XXXIX.
The Mannings have a way of bringing out the best (or worst) in their opponents, as demonstrated by Belichick’s reaction to that fateful play from 2004. It goes to show that even two decades later, Peyton Manning isn’t above rubbing something in. And for Belichick, it was a reminder of a painful memory that will likely linger in his mind for years to come.