Either the perceived level of talent is not what we collectively believe or this team underachieved. I honestly think with this senior laden offensive line, this was a disappointing season. We didn't "prove it". Special teams are deficient in strategy and our highly ranked kicker can't even put the ball into the endzone on kickoffs, not to mention our return game is an after thought.
My criticism of Manning is he thinks he needs to out scheme everyone. It sometimes works and creates easy touchdowns, but at other times he just looks stupid trying to be cute with the short yardage play calls.
Until this offensive line can run block more consistently, this team will hover around the 7 win mark and lose close games more often then not, especially if you factor in below average special teams play.