On Fire
Peyton Manning, Colts QB
Not many players usually outpace Tom Brady in the ""hot"" category, but Peyton Manning got the better end of their duel Sunday evening. Manning finally came through in the clutch in the AFC Championship showdown with the Patriots, completing 27 passes for 349 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also calmly led the Colts on an 80-yard drive late in the fourth quarter to help Indy make the Super Bowl. Manning has temporarily dispelled the criticisms that he disappears during big games, and finally incurred the wrath of an extremely insincere Bill Belichick handshake after the game.
Cold as Ice
Drew Brees, Saints QB
Brees didn't have a terrible game with 27 completions for 354 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but he stumbled at critical times. His turnovers and intentional grounding penalty that led to a safety allowed the Bears to steal the momentum and completely run away with the game.
Reche Caldwell, NE receiver
Caldwell could not hold onto the ball at extremely key times of Sunday's 38-34 loss to Indianapolis. Caldwell dropped two huge catches, both of which had touchdown possibilities late in Sunday's game. His wide-eyed enthusiasm unfortunately hurt the Pats on their second-to-last drive, as he went out for a pass completely uncovered, but couldn't handle the Brady pass. New England then had to settle for a field goal, and subsequently lost by four.
