Here's one explanation and I have not seen this discussed before but it may well be the basis behind all that we're seeing. It's called MONEY. We all know the NFL is a multi-billion dollar business. There are 6 networks that have shelled out big bucks to just broadcast the games. The only other major source of revenue is ticket sales. The TV networks then sell advertising time to regain their expenditure and these commercials are not cheap to create and cost big bucks to broadcast. Now the interesting part. Who is the #1 spokesperson featured in these commercials? How many times have you seen Manning featured in multiple commercials in a row? I know that I almost puke when I see that. Manning is featured because he is perceived to be the All-American boy(just like Jack Armstrong) and that is what sells the product/service being advertised. But think about just how effective those commercials featuring the All-American boy will be if his team loses or if he throws 6 picks in one game. There's too much commercial dollars invested to let that happen. The Media knows this, Goodell knows this and Polian knows this. And each has set out in their own way to prop up the Colts and Manning so it doesn't happen.
But it did!!! And now its damage control time - Polian crying and complaining, League officials denying biased officiating, NFL Replay not showing controversial plays, media talking heads and scribes ignoring the reality of poor officiating and poor Colts play on the field, etc., etc.
Overall, if this basis is true (or even close to true), I don't see a very pretty picture. This could lead to Pro football being on a par with Pro wrestling!!
But, I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone likes a winner and the bigger the winner, the more MONEY flocks to it. The Pats getting booked out in prime time is an indicator of that. And I bet the commercials shown on those prime time games do not feature Manning. And once the MONEY starts flowing towards the Pats, there won't be a need to prop up the Colts and Manning anymore(at least this season)(sinking ship concept).
So, what does anyone else think? Sorry if this tended to be longwinded but I had to get it off my chest.