Cause for concern as Colts panic over Peyton

Toronto, ON – It seems that there has been a lot more focus season than in years past, and surprisingly, it's been for all the wrong reasons.

After the NFL owners and players union came to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement, the first order of business in Indianapolis was on negotiating a contract extension with Manning that would have him finish his career in Indiana.

Though it seemed negotiations were slow at first, the Colts locked up the 35- year-old to a lucrative $90 million contract over five years.

Looking at the construction of the contract, it suggests the Colts didn't feel Manning would remain elite towards the back-end years of the deal, as the contract pays Manning $69 million through three years and only $21 million over the final two. It seemed to be a perfect plan with both sides coming away with what they want - the star quarterback getting his big payday and the franchise receiving some flexibility in his waning years.

Considering last year was arguably one of the worst of Manning's illustrious career - despite completing an NFL record 450 passes - it's interesting the Colts felt he was still worth the contract he was awarded. The 11-time Pro Bowler posted his fifth-lowest quarterback rating (91.9) and threw the fourth most interceptions (17) in his 13-year career.

Despite taking more punishment than in recent years, the four-time MVP made every start and had his sights set on the most consecutive games played streak, by a quarterback, which is currently held by Brett Favre. The signs he was starting to slow down were usually explained through his team's unfortunate rash of injuries, or the unheralded crop of young receivers he was left to work with.

Regardless, when Indianapolis inked Manning to the deal, there was little uproar or backlash against the decision, even in light of the hard cap the new CBA presents.

But following off-season neck surgery - for the second time - recovery hasn't been as speedy as most figured it would be. Even with admissions from former Colts head coach Tony Dungy, claiming it would take death to keep Manning out of the lineup, there remained an air of uncertainty. And any underlining concerns were brought to everyone's attention after a recent, and unlikely, signing by the Colts.

Indianapolis coaxed quarterback Kerry Collins out of retirement and what this suggests is that even management is worried that its franchise player may not be available come opening day, sounding off a wave of alarms from fans and football insiders.

For those who bleed Blue and White, losing the star QB for a prolonged amount of time could spell doom in an AFC South division going through a transition period. Not having Manning under center would end his consecutive games streak at 208 and though it's a mark he desperately wishes to keep going, if he's not healthy on opening day, what do the Colts do - play him to appease his personal goal, or sit him to save him for the playoff race that's sure to ensue?

The talking heads will stop at no end on what the signing possibly suggests but one thing is sure, Indianapolis may be kicking itself for handing out such a lucrative extension with so much uncertainty surrounding its star player's health.

Though there is no way to assure that the signing of Collins is anything more than just an insurance policy in the event Manning may have to sit a few games, or just a few snaps for that matter, the widespread pandemonium has already set in.

Whether the panic is warranted or not will be answered on opening day. And even if he does play, this season may revolve around his availability, as it may be in question week-to-week until he displays he's completely healthy.