In between the Budweisers and Gatorade they drank while watching DirecTV this week, the Manning family got a chance to watch game film. Postgame film, that is.
While the Mannings celebrated (or looked confused like Eli), Cam Newton was storming out of his post-game press conference.
Archie Manning discussed Newton with reporters in Mississippi Wednesday, via Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer.
"It's really hard, really, really hard," Manning said. "I like Cam. I'm not going to blast Cam. As a parent you say, 'I wish he'd have handled it a little different.' But it hurts."
Newton was obliterated by traditional media-types after his abrupt press conference exit. Newton's supporters noted how Peyton Manning left the field after Super Bowl XLIV without shaking hands with the Saints (the Colts lost, 31-17).
Archie pointed out that Peyton did receive some criticism for that move, though Newton's treatment has been much worse.
"He did catch flak about it," Archie said of Peyton. "I don't think until that game I ever had enough sympathy for the losing team in a Super Bowl. You're really probably the second-best team out of 32 that year, but you come away from that game and feel like you're 32nd instead of second.
"I can remember that. I remember how hurt [Peyton] was."
Peyton did reportedly text Saints coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees from the Colts locker room. But they had a celebration to worry about.
Archie never made it to a Super Bowl, but he understands the high emotions it causes.
"It's a hard time, winning the Super Bowl or losing the Super Bowl," Archie said. "Cam, he'll learn from it."
