NFL: Manning hits 4,500 yards passing before sitting
Associated Press
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Peyton Manning hit 4,500 yards passing for only the second time in his career, playing only three series before taking to the bench in the Colts’ season finale on a cold, snow-filled day.
In making his 192nd straight start, Manning went 14 of 18 for 95 yards and an interception before taking a seat on a heated bench on the sideline against the Bills on Sunday. He was replaced by rookie Curtis Painter with 9:13 left in the second quarter and the game tied at 7.
His final pass was a screen to Dallas Clark that lost 7 yards. If he doesn’t return, Manning will finish with 4,500 yards passing, 57 short of matching his career high in 2004.
The Colts (14-1), the AFC’s top-seeded team, have a first-round bye in the playoffs.