Looking for controversy, Manning

Unlike the Baltimore Ravens, it doesn't look like the New England Patriots will provide the kind of trash talk that makes headlines leading up to their playoff showdown with the Colts. In fact, this preliminary dance has been so lacking controversy, the biggest one was the absence of Peyton Manning in the interview room on Wednesday.

Manning always addresses the media on Wednesdays, even when he doesn't feel like it. He's the only Colts player who never ducks out. And, while he gets paid to be a spokesman of sorts, he deserves credit for always being available. But, he was a no-show Wednesday. The reason: The NFL insisted that he be available on Friday, in order for NFL Network to air his news conference and for him to be available for the largest number of reporters who will be in town. So the Colts decided Manning's one day of availability would be Friday. There's a chance he might make himself available in the locker room today, but that would be "questionable" if it were listed like the injury report.

Whenever Manning speaks, he's unlikely to say anything we haven't heard before. I mean, the man has answered questions about all these topics before: Patriots, Belichick, Brady, playoff problems, etc. However, it seems a little silly that the Colts' most visible performer doesn't talk about the game until two days before kickoff.

In retrospect, the Colts should have asked (told) Manning to speak to the media twice this week. It is, after all, the AFC Championship game. The number of interviews left this season is down to a few until -- the Colts hope -- the Super Bowl buildup.

Side note: Patriots defensive back Rodney Harrison is listed as doubtful for the game. But, are the Pats just being coy, only to bring him out as a Willis Reed-type inspiration on Sunday? Intriguing.