Why We Get Riled About Peyton Manning

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With a fat salary and that "laser-rocket arm" he winks at in a Sprint commercial, Peyton Manning will never be like us. But his championship failure delivers some connection. "It gives us an entry into his humanity, his vulnerability," says Coakley. "He isn't perfect, despite the fact he's so damn good." Peyton's brother Cooper naturally disagrees with any such rationale for cheering on the Bears, who--despite featuring a frighteningly inconsistent quarterback, Rex Grossman--have the type of defense that can shut down Peyton. "Average Joes want heroes," Cooper says. "Average Joes want guys that are better than them." We already know that Peyton is better than we are, Cooper. But does he have to have it all?