Just listened to assistant DB coach Marquand Manuel on KJR and I have to say it was one of the coolest interviews I've heard in a long time. A lot of time spent looking back at the 2005 Super Bowl, and the impact. His injury had on the game. He has no doubt that had he played the whole game we would've won. Says he was prepared and that there is no way Willie Parker would've scored or that he would've bitten on the Randle El pass. The most frustrating part was sitting on the sideline watching a guy who wasn't prepared to play blow it on the field.
The most interesting part was how that game impacted his future coaching career. Even in 2005 the team called him "coach" and he was known for being the most mentally prepared played on the field. That game convinced him that every player on the roster has to be prepared equally. Even if they don't get the practice reps, they need the extra film room time and study time so that if they get called it won't be mental mistakes that cost the game. Fits in perfectly with Pete's always compete mantra, and Wilson's separation/preparation line.
I believe in the not too distant future, Kris Richard is going to be our DC and Manual is being prepped to coach the secondary. He's a bright dude and has a long future in this league.