Colts Owner Jim Irsay takes a shot at Peyton Manning

There's already a ton of hype surrounding next Sunday Nights game where the Broncos head to Peyton Manning's old stomping grounds to take on Andrew Luck, and the Indianapolis Colts. Well It seems like Jim Irsay who's known to be a loud mouth has added more hype to the game. Here's what Irsay had to say about Manning to USA Today...

"We've changed our model a little bit, because we wanted more than one of these," Irsay says, flicking up his right hand to show his Super Bowl XLI championship ring. "(Tom) Brady never had consistent numbers, but he has three of these," Irsay adds. "Pittsburgh had two, the Giants had two, Baltimore had two and we had one. That leaves you frustrated."You make the playoffs 11 times, and you're out in the first round seven out of 11 times. You love to have the Star Wars numbers from Peyton and Marvin (Harrison) and Reggie (Wayne). Mostly, you love this." Then Irsay flicks up his right hand again.

To me it sounds like Irsay Is a little butt hurt that Manning and company did not get him another Super Bowl ring.

Broncos head coach John Fox saw these comments, and responded with this...

"I saw the comments, and to be honest with you I thought it was a bit of a cheap shot," Fox told the hosts. "To me, in my opinion, they were disappointing and inappropriate. Peyton would never say anything, he's too classy to do that, but they sounded a little ungrateful and unappreciative to me, for a guy that's set a standard, won a Super Bowl, won division titles, won four MVP awards. I'd be thankful of that one Super Bowl ring, because a lot of people don't have one."

It's good to see our Head Coach stick up for our Quarterback. I do agree with Fox here as well. Irsay should be grateful he has one Super Bowl ring. Sure everyone want's more, but be grateful, and appreciative for what he has.

Coach Fox doesn't believe Manning will be caught up by these comments, or the hype surrounding the game itself...

"He's the most prepared player I think I've ever been around," the head coach said. "He's a guy that raises all boats in that locker room. Nobody cares more about winning than Peyton Manning. I think his teammates feel that, and it doesn't even just mean offense -- I'm talking about offense, defense, kicking game, everybody down there. "So he's going to stay focused. He's not going to get involved in the circus. All his focus will be on the preparation that's going to take us to beat the Indianapolis Colts."

I'm sure Peyton has heard or read these comments, and he will say it's a non-story to the public, but deep down these comments must at least disappoint Manning. So hey Jim Irsay, thank you for motivating an already motivated Peyton Manning to kick your ass on Sunday Night!

Go Broncos!