Letters

Some quarterbacks are labeled as beneficiaries of the system they play in, but that is certainly not the case with Peyton Manning—simply due to the fact that he is the system.

Mike Wasserson, Washington Crossing, Pa.

I was impressed by Peyton Manning's relationships with his teammates and the Colts' administrative personnel (Manning at His Best, Nov. 16). It seems that you are describing a quarterback who, if you are lucky enough to end up with the Colts' organization, will guarantee that you develop into a star receiver.

Susan Ott, Virginia Beach

Seasonal Stews

When naming the top defensive rookie (Peter King's Midseason All-Pro Team, Nov. 16), I would have chosen Bills free safety Jarius Byrd over Texans linebacker Brian Cushing. Byrd's three-game multiple-interception streak, and his seven interceptions over four weeks, are incredible feats, the likes of which haven't been seen in 50 years. It is even more amazing when you consider that Byrd started the season as a backup.

Todd Marshall, Amherst, N.Y.

Josh McDaniels for coaching honors? Although he did start 6--0 and defused the Brandon Marshall bomb, it appears that teams have now figured out the Broncos. What about Minnesota's Brad Childress? He sidestepped the potential for a divided locker room when the Vikings signed Brett Favre and benched Tarvaris Jackson. Also, he rolled the dice on Percy Harvin, who is developing into a star.

James C. Ciampa

Basking Ridge, N.J.

Choice Option

Having watched coach Paul Johnson elevate Navy's program from dismal to great, I am not surprised that he is doing the same at Georgia Tech (Options All Around, Nov. 16). Johnson is arguably the smartest on-the-fly play-caller in football. The main reason his flexbone offense works so well is because of his genius.

Jay Roahen, Annapolis, Md.

Georgia Tech is winning with the triple option for the same reason Princeton football in the 1950s and '60s and more recent Princeton basketball teams beat opponents they had no business beating—they are playing a different game from everyone else, and no one can learn it fast enough to defend against it.

Jonathan S. Holman

San Francisco

Ouch! Zinger!

CC Sabathia, the current Yankees and former Indians pitcher, can tell LeBron James that when you win in New York, "there is nothing like it" (SCORECARD, Nov. 16). In Cleveland we were never able to show CC what winning here would be like. All we can tell him is what it feels like when your ace has an 8.80 ERA in the playoffs. Thanks again, CC.

Dan Scalabrino

Rocky River, Ohio

Freddie Roach

Kudos to Freddie Roach (Freddie Roach Goes the Distance, Nov. 16) for his fortitude, courage and singular focus when it comes to reconciling his struggle with a debilitating disease, Parkinson's, and his gift for training some of the world's greatest fighters. I hope, though, that a man of his depth would not be so tone-deaf as to think paying last respects to his deceased brother had more to do with him than the comfort of his family. One can only imagine the reassurance, strength and confidence his late brother's other relatives and friends would have gained from Freddie's presence that difficult day, just as Freddie's fighters gain from his ringside presence.

Patrick O'Connor, Indianapolis

I had the pleasure of witnessing several of Roach's fights when he was a young pro. His level of passion then was the same as it is now as a trainer. Freddie illustrates the pain that years in the ring can inflict on one's body, but it would be more painful for him to have played it safe and not fought.

Andy McClure, Erie, Colo.

I am a former president of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. I don't know where you found Pablo S. Torre, but his piece on Freddie Roach is the most intelligent and insightful thing written about boxing since the heyday of W.C. Heinz.

William O'Neill, Riverside, Calif.

Right to Have Left

Last year, when I heard about Elena Delle Donne's leaving UConn (POINT AFTER, Nov. 16), I thought about how I'd give anything to have a daughter blessed with her amount of talent, and what a waste this was. Having read your story, I stand corrected. I'd give anything to have a daughter with the amount of heart she's been blessed with. Thank you, Elena, for reminding us that family always comes first.

Nick Reitenour, Blaine, Minn.

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