Is Manning Pulling a Heel Turn?

Has winning allowed Peyton Manning to shed his "Aw, shucks," Gomer image? When asked about his thumb injury, Manning was able to get off a shot at his old rival, Bill Belichick.

"It's like I said earlier, I attended the Bill Belichick school (about) discussing injuries,'' Manning said, referring to the Patriots coach who seldom gets specific his team's about injuries. "There's my answer.''

Maybe being at the end of all of those Steve Spurrier zingers finally paid off for Manning. Or maybe winning has allowed Manning to take on a heel persona. When Manning shows up in Miami with a goatee (a sure sign) with Jessica Biel and Paris Hilton on each arm, you know that the transformation will be complete. (Hell, if the picture is to be believed, Manning has already dumped Chesney for Tommy Lee.) And you know what's funny? Some more shots like this at Hoodie and others would be enough to convince us that Manning is going to win the Super Bowl. In fact, look an account-balance wager on the Colts if Manning shows up to media day (Tuesday) with a cutoff sweatshirt.