We are nearing the end of this already tiresome Peyton Manning-Jim Irsay news cycle. Denver Broncos coach John Fox threw gasoline on the fire by calling Irsay's recent comments a "cheap shot," even if the quotes weren't so bad.
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Irsay responded on Twitter, Manning did his best not to respond at all, and now Irsay is hoping to tell his former quarterback that he meant no harm when he spoke about the team's one Super Bowl title with Manning.
NFL Media's Albert Breer said Wednesday on NFL Network's "Around the League Primetime" that Irsay called Manning to clarify his comments but hasn't heard back yet. (Don't wait up late this week, Jim.)
Irsay also tried to clean up his message in a one-on-one interview with Breer.
"I think if anything it was a compliment toward Peyton, saying that he didn't have the luxury of special teams, defense being extremely consistent," the Colts owner said. "But at the same time, offensively, it was really exciting because again we had the 49-touchdown season and we go to New England and play in that cold weather and can't get the win. ...
"Offensively we just obviously were one of the greatest, most exciting offenses to watch. I think the bottom line is you're trying to create more balance because if we can be a little bit more balanced, and particularly going in that cold weather -- this year obviously the Super Bowl will be played in cold weather -- so you try to be more balanced so you can win more than one championship. And I think there's no way that that could be construed as a negative comment."
Here's to hoping that's the last words we have on the subject.
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